Lightspeed U-Series: Serves Merchants in 100+ Countries

Company Overview

Upserve, first called Swipely, began as a social network where members could share their purchases with friends. In 2011, the company evolved, becoming a loyalty platform that helped merchants reward loyal customers. In 2016, the company acquired Breadcrumb POS from Groupon and rebranded themselves as Upserve. 

The company has now been acquired by Lightspeed under the name Lightspeed U-series and serves restaurants in over 100 countries, processing over $87.1 billion in payments in 2023 alone.

U-Series boasts over 15 years of expertise in the POS industry and promises flexibility and scalability in their easy-to-use software. They allow you to unite all your locations, improve visibility, and receive the support you need to use their POS system effectively. 

The provider ensures industry security compliance with SSL-extended verification encryption and third-party reviews to ensure their security measures remain compliant. However, they’re not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Features & Services Overview

U-Series seeks to set themselves apart from competitors by making their POS systems scalable to help merchants evolve their businesses without switching providers. The provider offers the following features:

• POS software: U-Series wants to help you manage multiple locations without being on the premises, allowing you to view reports and make quick decisions. The software lets you track inventory and employees, view real-time reports, and automate marketing. U-Series states their software integrates with many third-party applications, so merchants will not have to worry about losing their current apps
• POS hardware: The company offers hardware solutions for small business owners and works seamlessly with printers and other equipment. With help from the sales support team, you can choose iPad or desktop hardware packages that fit your needs. At the most basic level, merchants will need an iPad or laptop, a receipt printer, a payment terminal, a cash drawer, and a barcode scanner
• Installation and training: The company offers a step-by-step guide for installation, and the POS system comes with a sandbox training module that allows you to practice using the various features before you take the system live. Technical support agents offer help with installation and answer questions to ensure merchants begin using their new POS systems without issue
• Inventory management: U-Series offers a comprehensive inventory management system that helps merchants keep track of every item in their inventory across multiple business locations. The inventory management suite offers merchants built-in purchase orders, special order capability, and bulk pricing options for improved management and less waste
• Real-time reporting: HQ reports keep merchants in control of their operations by giving them quick access to real-time reports and analytics on inventory, employees, sales, and revenue. You can change the filter settings for dates and other qualifiers and seek subscriptions to receive reports in your inbox according to a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule
• Payroll: Although the company does not offer a built-in payroll interface, they work seamlessly with third-party applications like Gusto. You can sync your employees' hours from U-Series to Gusto for fast and accurate payroll functions

Pricing & Plans

Lightspeed U-series offers various price plans that are available for multiple budget needs. From basic to tailored, the provider wants every merchant to have a plan that addresses their needs and budgets. 

Their prices and plans are quote-based. You'll need to fill out a form on their website, and a sales representative will contact you. When that happens, we recommend that you ask them all the necessary questions about their basic features and any additional fees.

Advantages & Disadvantages

Advantages

• Multiple location management: With U-Series, people who own multiple business locations can unite them on one platform, view reports, and make intelligent decisions based on the provided facts. Chain accounts give owners centralized control over the vital processes of each location and control over who has access
• Range of plans: U-Series offers customization options that allow merchants to tailor the POS software to meet their needs. The company also provides customer support for those needing guidance in selecting the right business plan and serves many budget needs
• Ease of use: Navigating the company's software interface is easy, and the system offers training modules that help new merchants understand how to use the features. You can use the software on iOS, Android, and Mac, allowing you to access the features and tools from anywhere. Ease of use is essential for new business owners who have never used a POS system
• Third-party integration: Merchants need not worry about their current software applications working seamlessly with U-Series because most do, according to the provider. QuickBooks, Grubhub, OpenTable, and Gusto all work well with U-Series, offering uninterrupted service
• Enhanced reporting: U-Series aims to offer integrative reporting that helps small business owners better understand their day-to-day operations so they can make intuitive decisions. You can click on many report options, including sales insights, labor cost insights, server insights, loyalty reports, menu insights, and guest books

Disadvantages

• Lack of transparency: Although U-Series offers customizable plans, they do not provide any details about their plans, prices, or additional fees. This can make it challenging for potential customers to learn more about them or compare them against other providers
• Lack of support: There are reports from multiple customers who have complained about a lack of support response since Lightspeed acquired Upserve. Some merchants say U-Series sales representatives never respond to support requests or that they had to spend hours on the phone without getting the help they needed. A lack of support can become frustrating when system crashes occur during peak hours
• System crashes: Some merchants reported frequent system crashes that slow operations down. Our researchers discovered that most crashes begin after system updates, though the company offers 24/7 live support to help get systems back online. Merchants may find these crashes and lack of support make the POS system less user-friendly

User Reviews & Testimonials

It appears that there are no customer reviews specifically about the Lightspeed U-series. However, Userve has their own reviews on many trusted platforms. These reviews might provide insight into their offerings, as Userve was operating as one of the Lightspeed restaurant POS systems before they changed their name to what it i4s today.

Upserve has a D+ rating on the BBB, with 1.25 stars out of 5 and 43 customer complaints. Trustpilot gives the company an excellent rating of 4.4 stars out of 5, and TrustRadius gives the POS provider 8.8 stars out of 10.

Positive feedback

Many customers liked the easy-to-use interface, browser, and helpful tools that assist them in keeping track of their business operations. Customers praised Upserve for their customer service team, stating the team is patient, trustworthy, and helpful. Other customers like the customization options that allow them to make the POS system their own.

Critical feedback

Merchants were unhappy with the crashes and glitches that sometimes prevented them from using the POS software. One customer reported that the system kept glitching and changing the guest count, causing him to lose customers because of improper reservations and wait times. Other merchants give critical feedback on Upserve's pricing structure, stating that their plans are more expensive than those of some other providers.

Proactive approach

Although Upserve has received customer complaints, the company works to provide assistance and remediate the issues as quickly as possible. Upserve responded to each complaint on the BBB and offered further help through one-on-one contact. The provider handled most of the customer complaints with a mutually beneficial resolution.

How to Reach Their Customer Support?

Lightspeed U-Series offers various support services to help merchants with issues regarding their accounts or POS systems. The provider offers live 24/7 support via chat, where merchants can ask questions and get remote help for their POS systems. 

The provider has an FAQ page on their site. Finally, you can access a helpful video section where Lightspeed U-Series instructs merchants on various topics and answers common questions.

Are They the Provider for You?

When they started, Upserve set out to transform the POS industry, and with Lightspeed now their parent company, they have broadened their horizons and provided services in over 100 countries. Today, Lightspeed U-Series caters to restaurants and small retailers with a lot of benefits and features, such as gift cards and innovative technology. 

The POS system is flexible, easy to use, and scalable, making them ideal for beginners and seasoned merchants. Customers like the options for third-party integration that save them money, and the company offers a demo video to show the features and how they work. The company seeks to outshine competitors by listening to their customers and providing proactive support solutions. 

Although they have received complaints about system crashes, expensive pricing, and poor customer service, this provider works to resolve issues promptly and attempts to put their customers first.

With so many unique businesses worldwide, there is no one-size-fits-all POS system. Your business and goals will determine whether U-Series fits your needs and budget well. We invite you to read other POS system reviews on our website to learn about the available options. We also have a comparison page that stacks up the most popular POS systems against one another so you can compare the offerings. Finally, you can read our helpful blog, which keeps you informed about the latest advancements in the world of POS systems.

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