Live vs Square
Free and Plus plans, processing fees, support hours and Square Shifts.
Read the comparisonPOS buyer’s guide
12 questions to ask before you choose a POS
Take this list to every demo, whichever system you’re looking at. Each question explains why it matters, then how Live answers it, so you can compare like with like.
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Who answers when something goes wrong on a Saturday night?
Why it matters. Your busiest hours are when you can least afford to wait. Ask which hours support is available on your plan, and how you reach it.
How Live answers. Support is 24/7 by phone and chat right inside the app, or through the form on this site, answered within a few minutes. It’s included on every plan.
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What does setup cost, and who does it?
Why it matters. Building a menu with every option and modifier takes hours. Ask whether the vendor does it for you or sends you a guide.
How Live answers. Setup is free on every plan and done by us: menu, categories, options and modifiers, floor plan and tables, and rollout on your devices.
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Can I keep my EFTPOS provider?
Why it matters. Some systems only take payments through their own processing, which sets your card rates for you. Ask whether you can choose.
How Live answers. Yes. Live works with the EFTPOS terminal you already have, whether Tyro, Zeller, Square or your bank’s, and card takings reconcile at till close.
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Do the prices include GST?
Why it matters. GST adds 10% to any price quoted without it. Ask for prices including GST so you compare like with like.
How Live answers. Yes. Every Live price includes GST: $41, $80 or $125 per venue a month billed yearly, or $49, $95 or $149 billed monthly.
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Is there a minimum term?
Why it matters. A long contract makes it costly to change your mind. Ask how long you’re committed for and what leaving involves.
How Live answers. There’s no minimum term. Monthly plans run month to month, and yearly plans come with 2 months free.
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How many registers are included, and what does another cost?
Why it matters. A venue with a bar, a floor and a bistro may need several registers. Ask what’s included and the price of each extra one.
How Live answers. Floor includes 1 register, Standard up to 4 at one venue, and Multi-venue is priced per venue, with registers confirmed in your demo.
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What hardware do I have to buy?
Why it matters. New terminals, stands and printers add to what you spend up front. Ask whether the system runs on devices you already own.
How Live answers. None, if you have a tablet or computer. Live runs in the browser, and we connect your receipt printer during setup.
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How are voids, discounts and cash tracked?
Why it matters. Voids, discounts and cash variances tell you how a shift really went. Ask how each one is recorded and who can see it.
How Live answers. Every staff member has their own PIN, voids need a reason and can email the owner, paid orders are locked, discounts are logged, and the till closes against expected cash and your EFTPOS settlement.
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Can it run happy hour and specials by itself?
Why it matters. Specials applied by hand rely on staff remembering the times and the rules. Ask whether the till applies them on a schedule.
How Live answers. Yes, from Standard. Set the days, times, scope and one of four offer types, including buy one get one free, and the till applies it.
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Does it handle members without another app?
Why it matters. A separate loyalty app is another bill and another login. Ask whether members, tiers and discounts are built in.
How Live answers. Yes, from Standard. Create your own tiers, set automatic tier rules and link a discount to each tier, with members found by barcode at the till.
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Are rostering and timesheets included?
Why it matters. Rostering in a separate app means copying hours between systems. Ask whether staff can clock on at the till.
How Live answers. Yes, from Standard: a roster by position, clock on and off at the till, timesheet approval and a payroll CSV.
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Can I get my data out?
Why it matters. Your accountant, bookkeeper and future self all need your sales history. Ask what exports are available and in what format.
How Live answers. Yes. Live has 20 CSV exports, including Z-reads, sales, payments and product margins, and they’re ready for Xero.
Compare
How do the big names answer these questions?
We’ve put Live side by side with three well-known systems, using only what their own pricing pages say.
Live vs Lightspeed
Three plans with 1 register each, add-ons and the GST question.
Read the comparisonLive vs Toast
Starter and Essentials, Toast hardware and integrated payments.
Read the comparisonAsk us all 12 questions in a demo.
Book a demo, upload your menu, and bring this list. We’ll answer every question on your own menu.
- Free full setup
- 24/7 Australian support
- No minimum term