Replacement Guide

How to Build Your Own Square

Replace Square with a custom build. Everything you need to grow your business

Weekend Project
41 features28 integrationsOne weekend

Estimated Timeline

Based on 41 features at Weekend Project difficulty, expect about One weekend with AI-assisted development.

1
Setup & scaffolding
2 hours
2
Core features
4-6 hours
3
Polish & deploy
2 hours

Recommended Tech Stack

Next.js 14

Full-stack React framework with API routes and server components

Supabase

PostgreSQL database, auth, and real-time subscriptions

Tailwind CSS

Utility-first styling for rapid UI development

Key Features to Replicate

Top features across 8 categories. See all 41 features

POS(7 features)

Customizable Menu

Create detailed menus with modifiers, pricing tiers, and preparation notes.

Kitchen Display SystemPremium

Send orders directly to kitchen screens for efficient food preparation management.

Point of Sale System

Comprehensive POS software for retail and restaurant management.

Receipt Printing

Print custom receipts with company branding and promotional messages.

Refunds & Returns

Process full or partial refunds and manage return transactions easily.

+2 more in this category

Payment Processing(6 features)

Gift Cards

Issue and manage digital and physical gift cards for increased customer spending.

Payment Links

Send custom payment links to customers via email or text for quick checkout.

QR Code Payments

Accept contactless payments via QR codes for quick and safe transactions.

Split Payment

Allow customers to pay with multiple payment methods in one transaction.

Square Reader

Accept card payments anywhere using mobile card reader hardware.

+1 more in this category

Inventory(3 features)

Inventory Management

Track stock levels, set reorder points, and manage SKUs across locations.

Supplier ManagementPremium

Track suppliers, manage purchase orders, and monitor inventory levels.

Wholesale ManagementPremium

Manage wholesale orders and bulk sales with special pricing.

HR(2 features)

Employee Management

Track shifts, manage schedules, and monitor employee performance.

PayrollPremium

Process payroll, manage tax payments, and handle employee withholding.

Invoicing(2 features)

Estimates

Generate and send job estimates to clients with approval tracking.

Invoicing

Create and send professional invoices with automatic payment reminders.

Marketing(2 features)

Loyalty ProgramPremium

Build customer loyalty with rewards programs and repeat purchase incentives.

Marketing ToolsAIPremium

Send email and SMS campaigns to reach customers and drive repeat business.

Order Management(2 features)

Contactless Ordering

Enable customers to browse and order from their phones without physical contact.

Delivery ManagementPremium

Manage delivery orders, tracking, and driver assignments for food businesses.

Scheduling(2 features)

Appointment Booking

Allow customers to schedule and manage appointments with automatic reminders.

Class Management

Manage class schedules, enrollment, and payments for fitness and education businesses.

Cost Calculator

Keep Paying Square

Monthly$60/mo
Yearly$720/yr
5-Year Total$3.6k

Build It Yourself

Est. Build Time~3 hrs
Hosting$20/mo
DifficultyVery Easy

Total Cost Comparison

1 YearSave $480
SaaS
$720
DIY
$240
3 YearsSave $1.4k
SaaS
$2.2k
DIY
$720
5 YearsSave $2.4k
SaaS
$3.6k
DIY
$1.2k

DIY hosting estimate based on Vercel + Supabase free/pro tiers (~$20/mo). Build time estimated from 41 features at very easy complexity.

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