Toast Go 2 Review

About Toast 

Toast, Inc. is a cloud-based restaurant management software company founded in 2011 and based in Boston, Massachusetts. The company provides an all-in-one point of sale system built on the Android operating system. 

The Toast Go 2 card reader is designed specifically for restaurants, bars, bakeries, cafes and food service environments. The foundations of the company lie in their dedication to producing a restaurant point of sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience.

First launched in March 2020, Toast’s restaurant management system operated on the Android operating system and multiple devices in addition to the Toast Go 2 including the Flex (a terminal available in single-screen, guest-facing and kitchen displays), Tap (a three-in-one payment processing device that supports contactless payments) and Toast Hub, and receipt printer.

Toast Go 2: Pricing and Commissions

Toast has restructured its pricing plans and the good news is that a free plan is now available that may be a good option for smaller restaurants. 

Toast three monthly software tiers include:

	Price	Features
Starter	$0/month	Cloud-based POSPayment processingCustomer careReal-time fraud monitoring
Point of Sale	$69/month	Custom configurationChoose your own hardwareOptional mobile order add-on
Essentials	$165/month	Online ordering and deliveryToast TakeOut appCustom hardware configuration

There is also a separate Custom plan that is quote-based and can include everything from the Essentials plan, plus Gift cards, Loyalty, Marketing and access to Integrations. 

Toast is also running a promotional deal for new restaurants for $110/month that includes cloud-based point of sale, lite payroll, lite scheduling, and basic employee management tools.

Add-ons are available for your plan for an extra cost. Add-on software modules include Toast Payroll & Team Management, Toast Online Ordering, Toast Marketing, Toast Loyalty, Kitchen Display System, Kiosk, Toast Inventory, Multi-Location Management, etc.

The general Toast package includes secure, flat-rate credit card processing and it is mandatory. If you want to use Toast software as your POS solution, you must also use Toast as your payment processor. 

Toast’s payment processing costs include:

• 2.99% + 15 cents per transaction, if you choose pay-as-you-go option on hardware
• 2.49% + 15 cents for card-present transactions, if you pay for hardware upfront
• 3.50% + 15 cents for card-not-present transactions, if you pay for hardware upfront

Toast optional extras and fees

Toast does offer starter kits at no upfront cost (you pay for it via a higher payment processing rate over two years) whilst other hardware options include the:

• Toast Countertop Starter Kit: $799
• Toast Handheld Starter Kit: $609
• Toast Guest Self-Service Kit: $999.

Additional options include extra handheld devices, printers and kitchen display systems.

Note: Toast requires a two-year contract for payment processing as part of its starter kits.

The Toast Go 2 reader in detail

Toast’s handheld POS is known as the Toast Go 2. The device is robust, allowing servers to access the entire POS ecosystem. Here, servers can take orders, receive payments, and notify when orders are ready.

Similar to a conventional payment terminal, this mini-terminal allows businesses to: 

• Read and accept bank card payments
• Accept contactless payments
• Accept NFC payments by digital wallet (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay) 

In terms of ergonomics, you will appreciate its small size compared to traditional payment terminals, which can be rather large and heavy. The reader weighs in at just over one pound so you can stay light on your feet whilst its 6.4 inch touchscreen makes it easy to view indoors and out.  

In addition, the hardware is restaurant-grade, offers fast processing, and lasts up to 24 hours on a full charge. Toast also notes that it is spill proof, drop proof and dust proof, certainly useful in a restaurant environment and that the processing speed up to 3X faster than its predecessor, the Toast Go.

Cards accepted by Toast Go 2

Card type	Accepted?
Debit cards	Yes
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover etc)	Yes
Digital wallets (Apple Pay/Google Pay)	Yes

Toast makes it possible to accept almost all cards, including international cards and this is one of its many advantages. For your customers who require it, Toast Go 2 also allows you to accept mobile payments (Google Pay and Apple Pay). 

Mastercard and Visa typically allow tap limits of up to $250, introduced post pandemic ensuring fewer consumers need to touch payment machines. This can vary depending on the card provider. The practice, which saves time for each transaction, has seen its use soar since the pandemic. 

Who is Toast Go 2 for?

The Toast Go 2 is mainly designed to work for restaurants, bars and food operating environments however it can be used for other small businesses also. 

The intuitive point of sale (POS) allows you to track orders, manage inventory, grow sales, run your restaurant efficiently, and more. Whether you’re a food truck, coffee shop, ghost kitchen, or still building your concept, Toast will be a big help. 

Most of Toast Go 2’s target audience are smaller businesses, as noted above. Some activities are not accepted however by Toast. These mainly include industries that are restricted including gambling or unlicensed professions. 

Toast Go 2 order process

Registration for the service can be completed online on the official Toast website. Customers can also avail of a demo from a Toast representative. Sending the terminal is free and can take up to 5 days after validation of the opening of the account.

We recommend that you plan to purchase your Toast Go 2 payment terminal at least 7 working days before you need it.

Toast Go 2 setup

Customers will receive your pre-configured Toast Go 2, typically arriving pre-charged with 50% battery. There is no need for a technician, so you can carry out the setup by yourself in approximately 10-15 minutes. 

Toast claims it holds its charge 3x longer than Clover Flex and 2x longer than an iPad. 

To get started:

Unpack your Handheld Kit (Toast Go 2) and follow the instructions included in the box to activate your devices. Create your Toast account by visiting the unique URL in your box and accepting the $69/month software fee and credit card processing terms. Your Toast account will be created with Toast supporting you every step of the way. 

• 1. Ensure the device is fully charged before use. 
• 2. Press and hold the power button briefly to turn the device on. 
• 3. Connect the Toast Go 2 to our “YOUR_RESTAURANT_NAME_Secured” Wi-Fi network; upon passcode into the app, the device will automatically migrate to the “YOUR_RESTAURANT_NAME_Toast” network.
• 4. Login to Toast using the email and password that is associated with your Toast account. 
• 5. Enable EMV to accept dip and tap (contactless) payments:
  • a. On the lower left corner of the passcode screen, select the credit card icon. 
  • b. Enter your pin to log in. 
  • c. From the main menu, go to Setup and select Device Setup. 
  • d. Scroll down and select EMV enabled. 
  • e. Select Yes. You may be prompted to update the card reader in the process. 

After fully charging, the device should last for up to 8 hours for the average SMB.

How to receive funds from your Toast Go 2 transactions

Apart from that, you just need to have a bank account connected to Toast. Credit card batches created before 9:30 p.m. EST will be deposited into your bank account the next business day. 

For most restaurants, it’s 9:30 p.m. EST batch deadline is not met because service hours are often past 9:30 p.m. EST. In most cases, credit card batches are created after a restaurant closes for the day. This results in an additional business day before the deposit is made into your bank account. 

On your bank statement, you will see a line item from Fifth Third Bank showing “CITIZENS NET SETLMT BANKCARD SYSCCD #############“.

At this time, all changes to your banking information must be made by a member of the Toast team. To initiate bank account change, you’ll need to submit a ticket to the Toast Customer Care team via your account portal.  

How to take payment from customers with the Toast Go 2

Simply enter the amount, and the customer will do the rest as on a conventional terminal: insert their card, type their pin code and validate. A green tick confirms the success of the transaction and it is also possible to print the credit card receipt with compatible printers.

To charge the terminal, use the included cable and plug it into a computer or electrical outlet. Plug it into a computer or electrical outlet. It can be put to charge on or off or whilst in use which is convenient. Once charged, you’ll be able to enjoy up to 500 transactions on a single charge. 

Finally, you will be notified if the payment terminal software is updated. Updates are quite simple to perform and an update check is even performed by default when your device is connected to the application. 

Toast Go 2 features

Toast Go 2 is similar to a mobile OS, but one which replaces phone calls with payment processing. The Toast Go 2 runs the full Toast POS and is compatible with the Toast Flex (a terminal available in single-screen, guest-facing and kitchen displays), Tap (a three-in-one payment processing device that supports contactless payments) and Toast Hub, and receipt printer.

Ordering and Delivery Online

Customers may place purchases online and follow the status of their deliveries in real time. This function is ideal for companies who wish to provide delivery but do not have their dedicated drivers. Toast will even contact its driver network to locate someone to accept your delivery in your region. However, online ordering is not possible with its free version, therefore you must switch to a premium subscription to use this service.

Ordering and checkout at the table

You may handle orders and receive payment at the table using Toast’s smart ordering and checkout features. This function is ideal for busy eateries that require rapid table turnover. It isn’t ideal, though, because its offline mode does not enable you to accept transactions, which might be an issue if your internet access goes down or you have seating that isn’t close to a Wi-Fi connection.

Reporting function

Toast has excellent reporting tools, letting you to track sales, labor costs, and stock levels in instantaneously. You may gain vital insights into your company, make rapid choices, and be informed at all times with bespoke reports.

Contactless payment

Like any good mobile payment terminal, Toast Go 2 allows you to accept:

• Contactless payments
• Payments by digital wallet (Google Pay, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay)

This feature is highly appreciated by small traders because it saves a lot of time and avoids lines.

Menu additions

You can quickly and simply alter your menu using Toast. This is ideal for businesses that require seasonal or daily menu adjustments. The program also makes it simple to track pricing and materials, allowing you to keep your costs under control.

Its disadvantage is that it lacks a nutrition information function unless you utilize its Nightly Menu JSON exporting, a technical matter that most users may find bewildering.

Customized tipping

Adding gratuities should be a simple process. The customized tip percentage option in the Toast POS system automatically prompts diners to add a tip. If your restaurant splits tips among staff, Toast includes distribution calculations for quick server payout information.

Voids and comps

Toast provides an easy voiding process, and includes detailed reporting on both voids and comps. Information is available for why the void or comp was processed, who did it, and who authorized it.

Integrated CRM and Loyalty Program

Toast’s integrated CRM lets you record your customer’s contact information and order history, allowing you to view detailed information including average check total and frequently ordered items. 

Additionally, you can collect customer’s contact information and allow them to join a loyalty program for your restaurant. The loyalty program lets customers easily reorder past orders, earn points for purchases, and more.

Equipment

If you need equipment, Toast provides options for tablets, printers, stands, and accessories such as cash drawers, scanners, scales, and customer-facing pole displays. Wireless and stationary models are available. 

Toast POS software runs on Android platforms, so you will not be able to use it with an Apple iPad. Toast sells equipment directly, including a hardware bundle for $1,300 that includes an Android tablet, stand, cash drawer, card reader, and receipt printers. Kitchen printers, routers, and other accessories are available for purchase at additional cost. 

Security

Toast upholds Payment Card Industry security standards for encrypting payment data as people make purchases and its online ordering tools include real-time fraud detection systems.

Real time network monitoring to help keep your restaurant secure and frequent firmware updates are made to maintain the security of the device.

Support and Customer Service

Toast offers 24/7 customer service with its POS plans. There is also an online knowledge base nicknamed Toast University. Toast has invested in a level of support rarely seen in other POS companies. Many of these services are free, included in the monthly service fee.

The firm provides the following tools and services for customer support:

• Platform Configuration: After you pull the trigger and buy a subscription, a Toast expert will start collaborating with you to customize your entire platform. They will also “advise you on ways to optimize your menu and streamline processes at your location.” In most instances, you will be able to pull your system out of the box with all your preferences preprogrammed and ready to go upon installation.
• Installation: Toast offers on-site and remote POS installation for every customer. Depending on the size and scale of your restaurant, one or more experts will come to your physical location and set up the entire system for you. If you want to set things up yourself, Toast will ship you everything you need with detailed instructions and 24/7 phone support.
• 24/7 Support: The monthly fee includes 24/7 support from a US-based technical support team via call, email, or live chat. Each time I called, I spoke to a representative in mere moments.
• Support Tickets: Support tickets are easy to create and can be submitted quickly without leaving the app.

Toast Go 2: Customer Reviews

Toast has a strong Trustpilot rating of 3.9.5 from over 660 ratings with customers’ negative reviews focused on some bugs and the lengthy 2 year payment processing contract with some customers feeling stuck in contracts they’re not happy with. 

The positive reviews are numerous with customers appreciative of the relative freedom and flexibility that come with reliance on Android devices, the user-friendly device and interface, and the simplicity of its loyalty cards. 

Other positives called out include its integrated online ordering, which is rare in restaurant management software. Its previous shortcomings with customer support also seem to have been addressed.

Toast Go 2: Overall verdict

All in all, if you’re launching a new coffee shop or food serving establishment, the Toast Go 2 may well be the card reader for your business. Whilst it may not be the cheapest out there and we hope the contract length will change in future, it’s certainly worth it in terms of its ease of use and integrations for restaurants. 

Toast particularly benefits restaurants that want to accept orders in a variety of ways, including at an in-store kiosk, on an app at home or on their own phones while in the restaurant. It also allows you to coordinate among multiple locations and its kitchen display system, which syncs with POS systems in front, helps with prioritizing tickets.

The software contains all the important features that are required for the seamless operation of your restaurant. With the easy user interface, the team can spend more time with the guests, speed up the checkout, and ensure timely service. While the product is still excellent overall, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve read your contract closely and know exactly what you’re signing up for.