Switching from Toast: What Restaurant Owners Should Know

First, Let's Be Clear

Toast is a solid POS system. Many restaurants run successfully on it. This isn't about Toast being bad - it's about whether DirectOrders might be better for your specific situation.

What Toast Does Well

• Integrated POS and payment processing
• Hardware ecosystem (terminals, KDS, handhelds)
• Large market presence and stability
• Restaurant-specific features built over years

Where Restaurants Struggle with Toast

Based on conversations with hundreds of restaurant owners:

1. Online Ordering Costs Add Up

Toast's online ordering fees are published in their pricing documentation. They charge 2.99% + $0.15 per online order. On $30K monthly online orders, that's $1,050/month - $12,600/year.

2. Processing Rate Lock-In

Toast's payment processing is bundled. Rates start reasonable but can creep up, and switching processors isn't simple.

3. Limited AI Features

Toast's phone ordering and AI capabilities lag behind specialized platforms.

4. Payout Timing

Standard payouts take 2-3 business days. Faster payouts cost extra.

According to G2 reviews, Toast users frequently cite payment processing and online ordering costs as common concerns.

What DirectOrders Offers Instead

Can You Use Both?

Yes. Many restaurants use Toast for POS and in-restaurant operations, while using DirectOrders for:

• Online ordering (to avoid Toast's fees)
• AI phone ordering
• Multi-channel presence (Google, ChatGPT, Instagram)

Orders from DirectOrders can integrate with Toast's kitchen display system.

The Migration Process

If you decide to switch online ordering to DirectOrders:

Week 1: Setup

• Import your menu
• Configure your branded site
• Set up payment processing

Week 2: Integration

• Connect to kitchen systems
• Test order flow
• Train staff

Week 3: Launch

• Redirect online ordering traffic
• Update Google Business profile
• Begin customer migration

Cost Comparison Example

Restaurant doing $50K/month in online orders:

Toast Online Ordering:

• Per-order fees (2.99% + $0.15): ~$1,570/month
• Annual cost: $18,840

DirectOrders Pro + Voice:

• Monthly fee: $349/month
• Annual cost: $4,188

Annual savings: $14,652

When to Stay with Toast

Toast might still be right for you if:

• You're happy with their online ordering rates
• You don't need advanced AI features
• You prefer everything from one vendor
• Your online order volume is very low

When to Consider DirectOrders

DirectOrders might be better if:

• Online ordering fees are eating your margins
• You want AI phone ordering
• You want to be found on ChatGPT/AI search
• Same-day payouts matter
• You want month-to-month flexibility

Want to see the numbers for your restaurant? [Book a demo](https://www.directorders.com/demo) and we'll calculate your potential savings.