Features
Core Model	Merchant services provider focused on small businesses; Clover POS + custom processing + EBT + cash discount	Cloud POS + Lightspeed Payments for retail, restaurants, and golf, with advanced inventory and analytics
Primary Strengths	EBT/SNAP, card fee reduction, Clover hardware, done‑for‑you setup & support	Customization, inventory, omnichannel retail & restaurant workflows
Processing Fees	Custom merchant pricing + Cash Discount Program that can eliminate most card fees (“no % rate or per‑transaction fee on ANY card you take”)	Lightspeed Payments at 2.6% + $0.10 in‑person and 2.9% + $0.30 online across Retail plans; penalties if you don’t use their processor
EBT / SNAP	Deep EBT expertise, SNAP retailer application help, EBT‑ready Clover POS, compliant equipment and training	POS cannot process EBT directly; you need a separate EBT terminal and treat it as an external tender
POS Hardware	Clover Kiosk, Duo, Mini, Flex, Compact, Go, KDS — “best value for money” POS per TechRadar	iPad‑based retail & restaurant POS with proprietary readers, terminals, and KDS, praised for customization and analytics
Ideal Fit	Grocery, convenience, markets, restaurants, salons, smoke shops, auto, and any small/mid biz that cares about EBT + fees	Multi‑location retailers and restaurants who want deep inventory & omnichannel and are fine with fixed card rates

Pricing Factor
Software Fees	Typically lower “platform overhead”; Clover app fees vary by config	$69–$399+/month per location depending on plan and vertical
Processing Fees	Custom pricing + cash discount/dual pricing to offset most fees	2.6% + $0.10 in‑person, 2.9% + $0.30 online via Lightspeed Payments
Using Outside Processor	N/A – VMS is your processor	Allowed, but can trigger extra monthly fees (up to ~$400)
Best For	Businesses that want to drive their effective rate down and stop donating margin to card fees	Businesses that prioritize POS features over fee flexibility and don’t mind higher all‑in costs

Device
Core Focus	All‑purpose small‑business POS (restaurant + retail + grocery + service)	Deep retail & restaurant POS with heavy customization
Hardware Options	Full Clover lineup (countertop, kiosks, handhelds, KDS) tuned per industry	iPad‑based hardware kits for retail & restaurant; Lightspeed KDS and terminals
Inventory & Analytics	Strong enough for most SMBs; app‑driven extensions	Excellent for complex retail & hospitality inventory and multi‑location analytics
EBT & Payments Integration	EBT + credit/debit on the same Clover system via VMS	EBT requires external terminal; Lightspeed POS doesn’t process EBT itself

EBT Factor
SNAP Retailer Application Help	Yes – dedicated EBT specialists handle application, docs, and follow‑up	No – you handle USDA FNS application yourself
Native EBT Acceptance on Main POS	Yes – Clover devices configured to run SNAP directly alongside credit/debit	No – POS cannot process EBT; must use external EBT terminal
Equipment Guidance	Full “EBT equipment powered by VMS” stack; emphasis on compliant POS hardware	You’re on your own to pick and configure separate EBT terminals

See Why Small Businesses Choose VMS over Lightspeed for Long-Term Success

Payment Processing That Puts Small Business First.