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Restaurant POS review

Lavu

iPad restaurant POS for bars, quick service and food trucks, sold on a 36-month contract that renews for the same length. Lavu quotes its monthly price and doesn't publish its card rates or what it costs to leave early; the signer is a personal guarantor.

By LavuParent company: Lavu (private company)
  • Lowest cost to get started (tied). Among 12 POS systems whose upfront prices are published, for our reference restaurant.
  • Longest equipment warranty (tied). Among 17 POS systems with a published warranty on the main terminal.

RTC SCORE

5.8

#3 of 13 with enough data

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Not enough verified data yet

We've verified 2 of 10 key facts for this POS. Until we reach 80%, this page shows what we have, with sources, and it isn't a full review.

What we like

  • Its current offer prices the terminal at $9.99 a month with zero upfront fees and setup included, on a 36-month contract; the software plan is quoted on top.
  • 24/7 support, per Lavu's help center.
  • Its offer page says your equipment is under warranty for as long as you're with Lavu; its terms bill that replacement coverage (LavuCare) at $199 a year by default, plus shipping on each replacement, and exclude loss, theft and natural disasters.

What to watch

  • The monthly price, card rates and the fee to leave early are not published.
  • A 36-month contract that renews for another 36 months unless you cancel before the renewal date, and the signer is a personal guarantor.

How the score breaks down

How the score of Lavu is built: 5.8 out of 10#3 of 13 with enough data. We could verify 79% of the scoring data. Cost to get started (reference restaurant): 25 of 25; Switching or signing bonus you qualify for (reference restaurant): 0 of 25; 36-month total cost (reference restaurant): No data; Own online ordering: 11 of 11; Hardware warranty included: 8 of 8; Support 24/7 (as the vendor publishes it): 5 of 5; 6 criteria in one bar: 1.9 of 6; Initial term: Weight 2%; Early termination fee: No data · Weight 2%; Exclusive processing commitment: Weight 1%; Trial or money-back period: Weight 1%; Length of automatic renewals: Weight 1%; Notice to avoid renewal: Weight 0%. No data: lowers completeness, never counts as zero. Methodology v0.5.0.5.8RTC Score,out of 10Lavu#3 of 13 with enough dataData completeness79%We could verify 79% of thescoring dataMethodology v0.5.0How this score is builtEach bar is as long as the weight of its criterion.The filled part is what Lavu earned.70% of the RTC ScoreCost to get started (reference restaurant)25 of 25Strongest · $0 to get startedSwitching or signing bonus you qualify for(reference restaurant)0 of 25Weakest36-month total cost (reference restaurant)No data20 points not verified24% of the RTC ScoreOwn online ordering11 of 11StrongestHardware warranty included8 of 8StrongestSupport 24/7 (as the vendor publishes it)5 of 56% of the RTC Score6 criteria in one bar1.9 of 6The 6 criteria, enlarged1234561Initial termWeight 2%2Early termination feeNo data · Weight 2%3Exclusive processing commitmentWeight 1%4Trial or money-back periodWeight 1%5Length of automatic renewalsWeight 1%6Notice to avoid renewalWeight 0%Points earnedPoints possibleNo data: lowers completeness, never counts as zero
How the score of Lavu is built: 5.8 out of 10#3 of 13 with enough data. We could verify 79% of the scoring data. Cost to get started (reference restaurant): 25 of 25; Switching or signing bonus you qualify for (reference restaurant): 0 of 25; 36-month total cost (reference restaurant): No data; Own online ordering: 11 of 11; Hardware warranty included: 8 of 8; Support 24/7 (as the vendor publishes it): 5 of 5; 6 criteria in one bar: 1.9 of 6; Initial term: Weight 2%; Early termination fee: No data · Weight 2%; Exclusive processing commitment: Weight 1%; Trial or money-back period: Weight 1%; Length of automatic renewals: Weight 1%; Notice to avoid renewal: Weight 0%. No data: lowers completeness, never counts as zero. Methodology v0.5.0.05105.8RTC Score, out of 10Lavu#3 of 13 with enough dataData completeness79%We could verify 79% of the scoring dataMethodology v0.5.0How this score is builtEach bar is as long as the weight of its criterion. The filled part is what Lavu earned.0510152025points70% of the RTC ScoreCost to get started (reference restaurant)Strongest · $0 to get started25 of 25Switching or signing bonus you qualify for(reference restaurant)Weakest0 of 2536-month total cost (reference restaurant)20 points not verifiedNo data24% of the RTC ScoreOwn online orderingStrongest11 of 11Hardware warranty includedStrongest8 of 8Support 24/7 (as the vendor publishes it)5 of 56% of the RTC Score6 criteria in one bar1.9 of 6The 6 criteria, enlargedInitial termWeight 2%Early termination feeNo data · Weight 2%Exclusive processing commitmentWeight 1%Trial or money-back periodWeight 1%Length of automatic renewalsWeight 1%Notice to avoid renewalWeight 0%Points earnedPoints possibleNo data: lowers completeness, never counts as zero
Verified Oct 1, 2026Each data point and its source are under “All the data, with sources”, further down this page.How we score

Points by criterion

#3 of 13 with enough data

  • 70% of the RTC Score
    • Cost to get started (reference restaurant): 25 of 25 · Strongest · $0 to get started
    • Switching or signing bonus you qualify for (reference restaurant): 0 of 25 · Weakest
    • 36-month total cost (reference restaurant): No data · 20 points not verified
  • 24% of the RTC Score
    • Own online ordering: 11 of 11 · Strongest
    • Hardware warranty included: 8 of 8 · Strongest
    • Support 24/7 (as the vendor publishes it): 5 of 5
  • 6% of the RTC Score
    • 6 criteria in one bar: 1.9 of 6
    • Initial term: Weight 2%
    • Early termination fee: No data · Weight 2% · 1.5 points not verified
    • Exclusive processing commitment: Weight 1%
    • Trial or money-back period: Weight 1%
    • Length of automatic renewals: Weight 1%
    • Notice to avoid renewal: Weight 0%

No data: lowers completeness, never counts as zero

Methodology v0.5.0

RTC Score5.8out of 10

Methodology v0.5.0

Data completeness79%

We could verify 79% of the scoring data

Strongest points
Cost to get started (reference restaurant), Own online ordering, Hardware warranty included
Weakest point
Switching or signing bonus you qualify for (reference restaurant)

Score by criterion

  • Cost to get started (reference restaurant)Weight 25%Strongest10.0 out of 10

    $0 to get started

  • Switching or signing bonus you qualify for (reference restaurant)Weight 25%Weakest0.0 out of 10

    $0 in promotions our reference restaurant qualifies for

  • 36-month total cost (reference restaurant)Weight 20%No data
  • Own online orderingWeight 11%Strongest10.0 out of 10
  • Hardware warranty includedWeight 8%Strongest10.0 out of 10
  • Support 24/7 (as the vendor publishes it)Weight 5%10.0 out of 10
  • Initial termWeight 2%3.0 out of 10
  • Early termination feeWeight 2%No data
  • Exclusive processing commitmentWeight 1%10.0 out of 10
  • Trial or money-back periodWeight 1%0.0 out of 10
  • Length of automatic renewalsWeight 1%3.0 out of 10
  • Notice to avoid renewalWeight 0%10.0 out of 10

Cost to get started

The cash your restaurant puts in before it opens on the new POS, in our reference scenario ($30k/month in card sales, $35 average ticket, 2 terminals, 1 location, 36 months): equipment you buy up front plus one-time setup or installation fees. Same rows for every POS.

25% of the RTC Score

Terminals, upfront: All-In-One Lavu POS Terminal (limited-time offer) (×2)$0
Total to get started$0

$0 up front: the equipment is loaned, rented or included with no upfront payment.

Left out and why

  • Monthly and yearly charges (rent, software, yearly fees per device) are part of the 36-month cost, not of the entry cost.

Switching or signing bonus

What the vendor's current promotions are worth to our reference restaurant ($30k/month in card sales, $35 average ticket, 2 terminals, 1 location, 36 months), an established restaurant switching from another company's POS.

25% of the RTC Score

Counted in the RTC Score

$0

No current switching or signing promotion. It counts $0.

Promotions end and change, so we re-check them: one with no end date comes down if we can't re-check it within 30 days, and an expired one stops counting the day after it ends.

Hardware warranty

The same rows for every POS: how long the main terminal is covered against defects when you get it a standard way (buying, leasing, renting, a subscription or a loan), the conditions, including what it leaves out and what keeping it costs, and the price to replace that terminal outside the coverage.

Hardware warranty includedLifetime, while your agreement is activeSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)The offer page says your equipment is covered for the entire contract, "for as long as you're with us". That is the same rule we apply to every vendor whose coverage lasts while you keep the agreement that carries it. The promise is on a limited-time offer page with a 36-month contract. Lavu's Terms of Service give no warranty length and bill its LavuCare replacement coverage at $199 a year by default, so the coverage comes with that yearly charge.
Warranty conditionsLavuCare is included by default on every Lavu deal at $199 a year, billed in your contract's anniversary month, with shipping and handling charged on each replacement. Replacement ships the same business day for requests made Monday to Friday before 5 p.m. ET. Replacements may be new, refurbished or used, and they don't extend the original warranty; replaced units must be returned under Lavu's return rules. Not covered: alterations, abuse, misuse, fire, lack of maintenance, natural disasters, lost or stolen units, cosmetic damage and mass loss. These are Lavu's Terms of Service updated December 1, 2025, read from an archived copy of May 19, 2026 because lavu.com blocks automated reading.()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)
Price to replace the main terminalNot publishedSee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)()Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu runs on iPads and says you can buy replacement hardware anywhere, so replacing the main screen costs whatever an iPad costs at retail. Lavu's own terminal bundles are offered only through a demo or quote.

The RTC Score only counts how long defects are covered. What the coverage leaves out (accidents, theft, loss) and what it costs to keep are in the conditions. A protection plan sold separately doesn't count; if the vendor offers one, it's in the conditions. The replacement price isn't added to the 36-month cost, because there's no public data on how often equipment fails.

Trial or money-back period

Whether you can try the POS and leave, and what it costs you if you do. Same rows for every POS.

Trial or money-back periodNone published()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (Wayback Machine copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu's terms say some Lavu products may offer a trial, with details on that product's site; we found none for the POS. lavu.com blocks automated reads, so we used an archived copy of the terms.
Trial periodN/A()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu publishes no trial for the POS.
Charges during the trialN/A()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu publishes no trial for the POS.
Trial conditionsNo trial is published for the POS. The terms refuse refunds for software, subscriptions, services and leased or financed products, and you can't cancel before the end of the subscription term. Unopened hardware can be returned within 15 days of the order, with a 20% restocking fee and shipping not refunded.()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (Wayback Machine copy) (opens in a new tab)

In the RTC Score the trial is part of the contract block, the lowest weight in the model: full points when you can try it with no software charges or get your money back, half when you can cancel without the early termination fee but the charges during the trial are yours.

All the data, with sources

Each value links to its source. "Not published" means the vendor doesn't disclose it; "Unconfirmed" means we looked and couldn't confirm it. Data points we have for fewer than four vendors are left out until we can compare them.

Software
Data pointValue
Software fromQuote onlySee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)()Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu prices the POS by quote and lavu.com blocks automated reading, so we used an archived copy from September 26, 2026. A Lavu comparison page archived in June 2026 said core plans start around $99 a month per terminal, and Merchant Maverick reported plans from $59 a month in December 2025; neither is current enough to use as the price.
Software billed perTerminal or device()Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu's own comparison page (archived June 16, 2026) described its plans as priced per terminal.
Kitchen display (KDS) feeNot publishedSee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)()Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu sells kitchen display screens through a demo or quote and doesn't publish the monthly price.
Payment processing
Data pointValue
Who processes your cardsVendor's processing by default; another processor carries an extra fee()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu Pay is Lavu's own processing, and its help center also covers restaurants that process elsewhere. Without Lavu Pay, MenuDrive online ordering carries a 2% fee on every transaction, and Merchant Maverick (December 2025) reported that skipping Lavu Pay costs extra.
Pricing model for card feesNot publishedSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Asked "What is my processing rate?", Lavu answers with its dual pricing program and doesn't publish Lavu Pay's card rates for any channel.
In-person card rateNot publishedSee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)Source: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Asked "What is my processing rate?", Lavu answers with its dual pricing program and doesn't publish Lavu Pay's card rates for any channel.
In-person fee per transactionNot publishedSee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)Source: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Asked "What is my processing rate?", Lavu answers with its dual pricing program and doesn't publish Lavu Pay's card rates for any channel.
Online card rateNot publishedSee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)Source: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Asked "What is my processing rate?", Lavu answers with its dual pricing program and doesn't publish Lavu Pay's card rates for any channel.
Online fee per transactionNot publishedSee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)Source: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Asked "What is my processing rate?", Lavu answers with its dual pricing program and doesn't publish Lavu Pay's card rates for any channel.
Keyed-in card rateNot publishedSee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)Source: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Asked "What is my processing rate?", Lavu answers with its dual pricing program and doesn't publish Lavu Pay's card rates for any channel.
Keyed-in fee per transactionNot publishedSee my price for Lavu (opens the provider's site in a new tab)Source: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Asked "What is my processing rate?", Lavu answers with its dual pricing program and doesn't publish Lavu Pay's card rates for any channel.
Annual fees per deviceUnconfirmed()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu's terms charge LavuCare at $199 a year per deal, not per device, and publish no yearly per-device, PCI or compliance fee. They also let Lavu add new recurring fees with notice.
Dual pricing or surcharge programYesSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Lavu's Cash Discount Program and dual pricing, only in the US and only with Lavu Pay: menu prices go up 5% and customers paying cash get that 5% back. With it, card processing costs your restaurant $0 in our estimate and your customers pay the difference. Card network rules and state laws apply, and some states limit or ban surcharges.
Cards the program coversEvery card, debit and credit (dual pricing or cash discount)Source: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)
Other fees in the contractBeing re-verified()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)
Hardware
Data pointValue
HardwareBuy or lease()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)You can buy the hardware (it runs on iPads) or lease, rent or finance it through Lavu or an approved financing partner; leased units are returned when the agreement ends.
Hardware works with another processorYesSource: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)Lavu runs on iPads and its help center covers restaurants that process outside Lavu Pay. Lavu doesn't say whether the readers it supplies for Lavu Pay work with another processor.
Contract and exit
Data pointValue
Initial term36 monthsSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)From the FAQ of Lavu's current offer page. Merchant Maverick (December 2025) also reported 3-year contracts on every plan.
Automatic renewal36 months()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Each renewal lasts as long as the initial term (36 months on the current offer), at Lavu's then-current prices.
Notice to avoid renewal0 days()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)No minimum notice: you call Customer Care any time before the renewal date. Lavu doesn't renew on its own if you do.
How the early termination fee is calculatedNot publishedSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Lavu says a convenience fee applies to leave the 36-month contract early but doesn't publish how it is calculated. Its terms say you can't cancel before the end of the subscription term and get no prorated refunds.
Early termination feeNot publishedSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Lavu doesn't publish the convenience fee for leaving early. Its terms say you can't cancel before the end of the subscription term, there are no prorated refunds, and anything you owe a financing partner survives.
Exclusive processing commitmentNo()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)Lavu's terms have no exclusive-processing clause and its help center covers restaurants that process outside Lavu Pay, though MenuDrive charges 2% without it. The order form for Lavu's 36-month deals isn't public.
Right to raise prices during the termLavu can change fees for later subscription periods with notice; if you don't accept, you must cancel before the renewal date. It can also add new recurring fees with notice, and your continued use counts as acceptance. Renewals are at Lavu's then-current prices.()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)
Personal guarantee by the signerYes()(due for a re-check)Source: Lavu (archived copy) (opens in a new tab)
Online ordering and delivery
Data pointValue
Own online orderingIncluded in the base planSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Lavu's MenuDrive page says its online ordering is free forever with a new Lavu POS system, as a promotion valid only with Lavu Pay in the US (the same Lavu Pay our 36-month cost assumes for the dual pricing program). Without a Lavu POS it's a 3-month trial. Merchant Maverick reported in December 2025 that MenuDrive came with the Growth plan and above; Lavu's own page, read on October 1, 2026, names no plan.
No per-order commission on own online orderingYesSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)Lavu advertises "No Commission Online Ordering". Its terms add a 2% fee on MenuDrive transactions when you don't process with Lavu Pay.
Delivery app integrationsDoorDash, Uber Eats, GrubhubSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)DoorDash orders reach the POS through MenuDrive, per Lavu's help center article "Lavu, Menu Drive, and DoorDash".
Features
Data pointValue
Kitchen display system (KDS)Being re-verified()(due for a re-check)Source: Merchant Maverick (opens in a new tab)Reported by Merchant Maverick (December 2025): the kitchen display system is listed only in the top Optimize plan, not in Starter or Growth. Lavu sells kitchen display screens through a demo or quote.
Loyalty programBeing re-verified()(due for a re-check)Source: Merchant Maverick (opens in a new tab)Reported by Merchant Maverick (December 2025): the Lavu Loyalty app is in the Starter plan's feature list. Lavu doesn't publish its plan contents.
Support
Data pointValue
Support 24/7YesSource: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)
Language
Data pointValue
POS screen in SpanishYes, set per device()Source: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)The language is chosen in the POS app's settings on each device (globe icon). The help article's screenshot of the language list shows "Español (Mexico)", "Español (Castellano)" and "Español2". Menu items and anything you type are not translated.
Back office in SpanishUnconfirmedSource: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)We read Lavu's help center: only the POS app's language setting is documented. Nothing says whether the Control Panel, the kitchen display, kitchen tickets or receipts can be in Spanish, and the help center's "Español - México" version has no articles.
Kitchen display in SpanishUnconfirmedSource: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)We read Lavu's help center: only the POS app's language setting is documented. Nothing says whether the Control Panel, the kitchen display, kitchen tickets or receipts can be in Spanish, and the help center's "Español - México" version has no articles.
Language of kitchen ticketsUnconfirmedSource: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)We read Lavu's help center: only the POS app's language setting is documented. Nothing says whether the Control Panel, the kitchen display, kitchen tickets or receipts can be in Spanish, and the help center's "Español - México" version has no articles.
Language of customer receiptsUnconfirmedSource: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)We read Lavu's help center: only the POS app's language setting is documented. Nothing says whether the Control Panel, the kitchen display, kitchen tickets or receipts can be in Spanish, and the help center's "Español - México" version has no articles.
Support in Spanish (as declared by the vendor)Not publishedSource: Lavu Support (opens in a new tab)Lavu advertises 24/7 support but doesn't document support in Spanish; its help center's Spanish version is an empty shell. Lavu runs a separate site for Mexico (lavu.com.mx).
Website in Spanish for the USUnconfirmedSource: Lavu (opens in a new tab)lavu.com/es exists but shows a bot check to automated readers, and its archived copies (October 2025) captured only that check. lavu.com.mx is Lavu's site for Mexico, not the US.

More about Lavu

How we score