Why Sauce Is the Most Affordable POS-Integrated Solution for Restaurants

Restaurant owners are constantly looking for the cheapest POS systems for restaurants that still deliver on functionality. Running a restaurant on thin margins means you need reliable point-of-sale (POS) and online ordering tools that don’t break the bank.

The good news is that modern technology can streamline operations and boost sales without costing a fortune. In this article, we’ll explore why the right tech (POS + online ordering) shouldn’t come with compromises or hidden fees, and how Sauce offers a uniquely affordable, POS-integrated solution for budget-conscious eateries.

Cost vs. Quality – No Compromise Needed

Traditionally, opting for a budget POS or delivery solution meant sacrificing features or paying extra fees elsewhere. Cost shouldn’t come with compromise. A practical, restaurant-savvy POS system can be both low-cost and high-quality. The key is to identify hidden costs in supposedly “cheap” systems and find a solution that delivers value without surprise expenses. The right technology stack should help your restaurant increase sales and efficiency while keeping expenses predictable.

Hidden Costs in “Affordable” POS Systems

Many POS providers advertise low upfront prices or even “free” plans, but restaurateurs often discover extra charges later. Let’s contrast Sauce with other popular affordable POS options and uncover their hidden costs:

Square (For Restaurants) 

Square offers a free POS plan with no monthly fee, which is attractive to small restaurants on a budget. However, “free” comes with transaction processing fees on every sale (around 2.6% + $0.10 per swipe for in-person payments). Over time, these fees add up, especially as your volume grows. Advanced features (like marketing or loyalty programs) also cost extra, and you may need to buy an iPad or Square Stand for a full setup. In short, Square’s base system is inexpensive upfront but takes a cut of each sale.

Clover Starter 

Clover’s entry-level plans require purchasing proprietary Clover hardware or entering a long-term lease. For example, a quick-service restaurant Starter package can cost about $105 per month on a 36-month plan (or $799 upfront plus monthly fees). While Clover’s card rates can be slightly lower than Square’s (as low as ~2.3% + $0.10), you’re locked into Clover’s ecosystem. Upgrading often means buying more Clover terminals, and switching providers could render that hardware investment sunk. The advertised low monthly cost hides the fact you’re tied into a multi-year commitment and specific equipment (a hardware lock-in that limits flexibility).

Toast “Starter Kit”

Toast POS markets a Starter Kit with no monthly software fee, targeting small restaurants. But cost savings are deceptive: to use Toast you must use Toast’s payment processing (roughly 2.99% + $0.15 per transaction, notably higher than some competitors) and purchase Toast’s proprietary hardware. In fact, one analysis found that getting started with Toast’s “free” plan required roughly $3,700 upfront in hardware, installation, and onboarding fees. That includes terminals, network equipment, and setup fees that hit your budget immediately. On top of that, Toast has experimented with adding order commissions – for instance, it briefly added a $0.99 per-order processing fee to all online orders (which sparked backlash and was later removed). The takeaway: what seems affordable at first can carry hidden fees like hardware costs, high processing rates, or even extra order charges.

Other “Cheap” Options

Some restaurants try to save money by using third-party delivery apps as an ordering system, but those apps charge steep commissions (often 15–30% per order). Even “white-label” online ordering providers might charge per-order fees or require you to buy tablets for each delivery channel. In all cases, it’s important to look beyond the sticker price and understand the total cost of ownership.

As we see, the cheapest POS system isn’t truly cheap if it’s eating into your sales or forcing costly commitments. This is where Sauce stands apart – offering a budget-friendly solution without those trade-offs.

Meet Sauce: A Truly Affordable All-in-One Solution

Sauce is an online ordering and delivery platform that integrates with your POS, designed to be cost-effective without compromise. Unlike the options above, Sauce’s model avoids commissions and surprise fees, while delivering robust functionality. Here’s why Sauce is the most affordable POS-integrated solution for restaurants:

Commission-Free Online Ordering & Delivery

With Sauce, you pay no commissions on orders – meaning your restaurant keeps 100% of the revenue from every sale. This is a game-changer for your bottom line. Third-party apps often take a huge cut (around 20–30% per order), but Sauce lets you accept direct online orders without handing over a percentage. Over time, those savings can amount to thousands of dollars that stay in your business. Sauce achieves this by using a flat subscription pricing model (with a predictable monthly fee) instead of per-order commissions. In practice, your customers’ online orders flow through Sauce’s system and Sauce dispatches a delivery driver for you, but you aren’t paying a commission on the sale. You get to offer delivery and pickup to your guests at a lower cost to you, preserving your already thin margins.

Equally important, Sauce helps avoid hidden delivery fees for customers. Restaurants often inflate menu prices or add service fees on third-party platforms to offset commissions. With Sauce’s commission-free approach, you can keep menu prices fair and competitive, giving diners a better deal while you still profit. It’s a win-win that proves technology can be affordable for both the business and its patrons.

Integrates with Your Existing POS (No New Hardware Needed)

One of Sauce’s biggest advantages is that it works with the tools you already have. Sauce is a POS-integrated platform – it connects to major restaurant POS systems so that online orders are automatically sent to your POS and kitchen. For example, Sauce directly integrates with Toast POS: online orders placed via Sauce channels flow straight into the Toast POS in real time, with no need for staff to re-enter them. This eliminates errors and streamlines operations. In addition to Toast, Sauce can sync with other popular POS solutions (including Square, Clover, and more) through its integration partners. This broad compatibility means you don’t have to replace your POS to use Sauce – it plays nicely within your existing workflow .

Because Sauce integrates with your current POS and devices, there’s no expensive hardware to buy. You won’t need to purchase proprietary tablets or terminals just to handle online orders. Many Sauce users simply use their existing POS terminal or an iPad/laptop to manage Sauce’s incoming orders. This approach contrasts sharply with some POS vendors that require their own hardware (e.g., Toast’s Android terminals or Clover’s devices). By avoiding hardware lock-in, Sauce saves you potentially thousands of dollars and lets you remain flexible. If you already invested in a POS system, Sauce augments it rather than replacing it. And if you’re a new restaurant without a POS, Sauce can still serve as an all-in-one online ordering solution without forcing you into costly gear – you can always add a lightweight POS later and integrate it.

All-in-One Functionality Without Extra Fees

Sauce isn’t just affordable; it’s also feature-rich, combining multiple tools that restaurants usually pay separately for. With one platform and one low cost, Sauce provides:

• Online Ordering System: A branded, white-label online ordering website and mobile ordering interfaces for your restaurant. Customers can order directly from your website or through social media channels (like an “Order Online” button on your Google profile or Instagram/Facebook ordering) that Sauce powers. You maintain your restaurant’s branding and customer relationship – unlike marketplaces that intermediate the process. This drives repeat business and loyalty, as you own the customer experience.

• Delivery Management & Dispatch: Sauce acts as your delivery dispatcher, automatically connecting orders to a network of couriers. You don’t have to manage drivers yourself or pay a delivery service commission. Sauce’s dispatch algorithm finds fast, reliable drivers for each order, ensuring quick deliveries. There’s no limit on drivers – Sauce gives you access to an unlimited pool of couriers so your deliveries aren’t delayed due to driver shortages. This means even small restaurants can offer delivery coverage like a big chain, without the overhead. Additionally, Sauce provides real-time delivery tracking for you and your customers via a live map, enhancing the guest experience at no extra charge.

• Commission-Free Pickup Orders: Sauce supports pickup ordering as well, commission-free. Customers can place pickup orders directly with you online, and those orders also flow to your POS. Unlike some POS or delivery apps that might charge a fee even on pickup, Sauce lets you handle pickup orders with zero commissions or service fees, just as with delivery.

• Marketing and Growth Tools: Sauce extends into marketing by leveraging channels like Google and social media. For instance, it can integrate an order chatbot into Facebook Messenger or enable ordering via Instagram, capturing customers where they already spend time. It also provides tools for automated re-targeting and capturing customer data for repeat marketing. These are built-in features that help grow your online sales without needing separate marketing software. Essentially, Sauce provides a digital storefront and promotional tools included in the platform.

• Real-Time Support and Operations Help: Unlike some budget tech solutions that leave you on your own, Sauce offers premium support to its restaurant partners. They have a 24/7 support network to handle delivery issues or customer inquiries on your behalf. For example, if a courier has trouble or a customer needs help with an order, Sauce’s team steps in to resolve it, so you and your staff can focus on the in-house guests. This level of operational support is usually unheard of in low-cost solutions – it’s like having an extra team member ensuring your deliveries run smoothly. Sauce also manages things like refund handling for delivery mistakes (saving you time and money dealing with third-party errors). All these services are included, whereas other platforms might charge extra for dedicated support or leave you dealing with each third-party delivery issue on your own.

In short, Sauce rolls POS integration, online ordering, delivery dispatch, and support into one affordable platform. You get the functionality of several systems (ordering, delivery, marketing integration, support) without paying for each separately. There are no surprise add-on fees for things like integrating with DoorDash or enabling a loyalty program – Sauce’s flat pricing covers your whole online ordering and delivery operation.

Value and Scalability for Small Restaurants and Growing Brands

For small independent restaurants, every dollar and every minute counts. Sauce’s value-driven approach means you can implement advanced online ordering and delivery with minimal upfront cost and low ongoing expense. A tiny takeout joint or family-run café can use Sauce to enable direct online orders and delivery without investing in an expensive POS upgrade or costly delivery service contracts. The flat monthly fee becomes highly affordable compared to losing 20–30% per order to third-party apps or hiring in-house drivers. Many budget-conscious owners find that Sauce pays for itself quickly in the commissions saved and increased direct orders.

As your restaurant grows, Sauce scales with you. Since it’s POS-integrated and cloud-based, you can add more locations or more sales channels easily. For example, if you expand from one location to three, you can keep using Sauce across all sites – integrating with the POS at each and funneling all online orders through the same system for consistency. Your customer data remains unified, and you maintain control as you expand. Sauce is designed to support multi-location restaurants just as well as single stores, so it’s suitable for growing brands that plan to open new units or franchises down the line. You won’t outgrow the platform; instead, Sauce helps multiply your revenue channels (web, mobile, social media, Google, etc.) as you scale up, all without multiplying your costs.

Crucially, Sauce’s model keeps your business agile. You’re not locked into a long-term hardware lease or tied to one delivery provider. If you decide to change your POS system or add a new tech tool, Sauce’s open integrations and support ensure you can adapt. This flexibility protects you from future costs – a value in itself for any savvy restaurant owner.

For restaurant owners watching every dollar, finding an affordable yet effective POS and online ordering solution is crucial. You shouldn’t have to choose between a cheap POS and a feature-rich platform – with Sauce, you get the best of both. Sauce stands out as the most affordable POS-integrated solution because it removes the usual compromises: there are no exorbitant commissions, no costly hardware requirements, and no missing features. Instead, you gain an all-in-one system that grows revenue and streamlines operations, all for a predictable low cost. By avoiding hidden fees and leveraging your existing setup, Sauce empowers even the smallest restaurant to compete in the digital ordering arena.

If you’re tired of sacrificing profits to third-party apps or struggling with “budget” POS systems that surprise you with add-ons, it’s time to consider Sauce. Sauce proves that advanced online ordering and delivery tech can be budget-friendly and value-driven. Upgrade your restaurant’s capabilities without overspending – and let your technology earn its keep by boosting your bottom line.

Ready to take control of your online orders and save on fees? Visit Sauce’s website to learn more or book a free demo to see how commission-free delivery and POS integration can transform your restaurant’s business. Embrace the solution that delivers both affordability and performance – your team and your balance sheet will thank you.

FAQ: Affordable POS Integration with Sauce

1: What is Sauce’s pricing model?

Sauce uses a flat-rate pricing model with a monthly subscription for the platform. The exact fee may depend on your restaurant’s size or order volume, but unlike many competitors, there are no per-order commissions or percentage fees taken from your sales. This means you pay a predictable amount each month for Sauce’s service, and you keep 100% of the revenue from every order. In other words, Sauce makes money through a subscription (and a small customer-paid service fee or menu markup in some cases), not by charging your restaurant a cut of each order. This transparent pricing ensures you won’t be surprised by bills that scale up with your sales – a big relief for budgeting. To get specific pricing for your business, you can contact Sauce for a demo or quote (they’ll tailor a plan that fits your needs). The key point is that Sauce’s pricing is designed to be affordable and to save you money versus paying big commissions to third-party apps.

 Do I need special hardware to use Sauce?

No. One of Sauce’s advantages is that it does not require proprietary hardware. You do not have to buy specific terminals or tablets from Sauce. Instead, Sauce integrates with your existing POS hardware and devices. If you have a modern POS (like Toast, Square, Clover, etc.) or even just an iPad/computer, Sauce will work with that. Online orders from Sauce can be sent directly to your POS system or to any web-connected device you already use for managing orders. This means you avoid expensive hardware purchases or leases – a stark contrast to some POS providers that force you to use their equipment. For example, if you’re running Toast, Sauce will feed orders into the Toast terminal you have. If you’re using Square on an iPad, Sauce can integrate without additional gear. And if you currently have no POS, you can still use Sauce’s dashboard on a standard device to receive and manage orders. In summary, Sauce works with the hardware you have, keeping your setup costs minimal.

How does Sauce integrate with my POS and what are the setup steps?

 Integrating Sauce with your POS is designed to be straightforward. After you sign up with Sauce, their team will walk you through connecting the platform to your POS system. In general, the steps involve: (1) verifying which POS you use and checking it’s one of the supported systems, (2) installing any needed integration software or enabling an integration partner (for instance, Sauce has direct integrations and also works with middleware like Chowly or Ordermark for certain POS), and (3) syncing your menu and order flow. For a POS like Toast, Sauce’s integration is native – your Sauce account is linked via the Toast partner API, and orders then appear in your Toast interface automatically. If you use another POS, Sauce will either plug in through an API or provide an intermediary solution to push orders to your POS printer/KDS. Setup typically only takes a short time – often a quick call or visit where Sauce’s support helps configure the connection. Once set up, any online order from your website or Sauce-enabled channel will print in your kitchen or show up on your POS like a normal order, with no extra manual input. Sauce’s onboarding team provides resources and support during this process, so even non-tech-savvy owners can get integrated quickly. In addition, Sauce doesn’t require lengthy training – it’s meant to slot into your operations with minimal disruption.

Which POS systems does Sauce support?

Sauce is compatible with a wide range of popular restaurant POS systems. It is built to be POS-agnostic, meaning it can work with many different brands. Specifically, Sauce directly supports integration with Toast POS (as an official integration partner), and it also works with Square POS, Clover, and other major solutions. Many restaurants have successfully linked Sauce with POS systems like Upserve (Lightspeed), Oracle MICROS, Revel, NCR Aloha, and more, often through integration partners or APIs. If your POS system is cloud-based or has an API, chances are Sauce can connect to it. And if a direct integration isn’t available for a less common POS, Sauce can still be used in a “standalone” mode (for example, receiving orders on a tablet or email and then manually inputting to your POS). However, most mainstream systems are supported. Sauce’s team continually expands integration capabilities, so new POS integrations may be added over time. When you inquire with Sauce, you can confirm if your specific POS is supported – but the platform was designed to integrate seamlessly with top POS solutions rather than forcing you to switch systems.

How does Sauce save me money on commissions and fees?

Sauce saves your restaurant money in multiple ways. First and foremost, it eliminates the commission fees that third-party delivery services normally charge. With Sauce, you’re not paying 15–30% per order to companies like Uber Eats or DoorDash. Over the course of a month, that could mean thousands in savings, depending on your volume. Instead of commissions, Sauce charges you only a flat monthly rate, which often turns out to be much cheaper than paying a percentage of every sale. Secondly, Sauce helps you avoid other hidden fees: for example, there are no service fees or order fees charged to your restaurant for online orders. Some POS or ordering systems tack on fees for things like credit card processing or for using their online ordering feature – with Sauce, credit card processing is handled through integrated Stripe at standard low rates, and Sauce itself doesn’t add surcharges to each order. Even customers are likely to pay less in fees; with third-party apps, customers might see inflated menu prices or service fees that can discourage ordering, whereas Sauce allows you to keep pricing in check, which can increase order frequency. Additionally, by integrating with your POS, Sauce reduces labor (no staff re-entering orders or managing multiple tablets), which indirectly saves money and time. Summing up: Sauce’s commission-free model and integration into your workflow cut out the typical “middleman” costs, letting you fulfill online orders more profitably. Restaurants using Sauce often find their profit margin per delivery order is much higher compared to orders from aggregator apps, and they don’t have to sacrifice sales volume to marketing fees or promotions required by those apps. Essentially, Sauce lets you own your online ordering revenue completely – a huge financial advantage for any restaurant.