OwnStore vs GimBooks: Best Free GST Billing & Retail POS
Why spend ₹2,999–₹7,999 every year on mobile-only billing apps? Switch to OwnStore: 100% free multi-device cloud billing, dynamic UPI QR receipts, fast barcode POS, and a free online shop.
Executive Summary: Mobile Billing Paywalls vs True Omnichannel Cloud POS
GimBooks is a widely recognized mobile invoicing app in India with good GST invoice templates. However, GimBooks locks desktop PC access, multi-user permissions, and multi-branch management behind annual subscriptions ranging from ₹2,999/year to over ₹7,999/year. Crucially, GimBooks lacks an integrated customer-facing digital storefront, leaving merchants without an easy way to capture online and WhatsApp orders.
OwnStore delivers a complete omnichannel retail operating system. For ₹0 forever (up to 100 invoices/mo), retailers get instant access to PC, Mac, and mobile billing, barcode scanning, thermal receipt printing, dynamic UPI payment QR codes, and their own commission-free online web store (yourshop.ownstore.app). Upgrade to unlimited billing anytime for just ₹1,999/year with zero device restrictions.
| Feature & Capability | OwnStore | GimBooks | Vyapar | TallyPrime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Plan Availability | 100 Invoices/Mo Free Forever | 7-Day Trial Only (Paid App) | Mobile-only with Watermark | Educational Demo Only |
| Annual Subscription Cost | ₹0 Free / ₹1,999 Unlimited | ₹2,999 – ₹7,999 / year | ₹2,999 – ₹6,999 / year | ₹22,500 + ₹5,400/yr TSS |
| Multi-Device PC + Mobile Sync | Included in Free Tier | Requires High-Tier Plan | Paid Add-on per Desktop | LAN Only / Remote Fee |
| Dynamic UPI QR on Receipts | Yes (Auto-encodes Bill Total) | Static QR Only | Limited | Requires Custom TDL |
| Customer Online Store Included | Yes (Free WhatsApp Storefront) | No (Invoicing Only) | Basic Order Catalog | No |
| Barcode Scanner POS Checkout | Yes (Camera & USB Scanners) | Mobile Camera Only | Desktop Only | Requires Custom TDL |
| Digital Customer Credit Khata | Yes with WhatsApp Reminders | Included | Included | Standard Ledger |
| Thermal Receipt Printing (2" & 3") | Yes (Bluetooth & USB ESC/POS) | Mobile Bluetooth | Supported | A4 Focused |
| Platform Independence | Any Browser (PC/Mac/iOS/Android) | Android App Focused | Windows & Android Apps | Windows OS Locked |
⚡ 45-Second Fast Counter POS
Scan barcodes with a wireless scanner or mobile camera. Add items, apply line-item discounts, calculate GST splits, and print receipts in under 45 seconds.
📱 Dynamic UPI Payment QR
Display or print dynamic QR codes that auto-encode the exact total bill. Customers pay with PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm—zero manual entry errors.
🌐 Free Online Storefront
Every OwnStore merchant gets a branded web store (yourshop.ownstore.app). Customers browse inventory, order via WhatsApp, and pay online with 0% commissions.
📦 Real-Time Inventory & Expiry Alerts
Track stock levels automatically across sales channels. Receive proactive alerts when items reach reorder levels or approach expiry dates.
📒 Digital Customer Credit Ledger (Khata)
Record udhar sales directly at the billing counter. Send automated payment reminder notifications over WhatsApp with one-click UPI links.
📊 GSTR-1, 2 & 3B Tax Reports
Generate clean, CA-ready GST reports with HSN-wise breakdowns, tax rate summaries, and B2B vs B2C segregation ready for portal filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between OwnStore and GimBooks?
While GimBooks is primarily a mobile invoicing app that locks desktop PC sync, multi-user access, and advanced inventory behind ₹2,999–₹7,999 annual subscriptions, OwnStore provides a full cloud-based GST billing and retail POS system that works seamlessly across laptops, desktops, and mobile phones. OwnStore also includes a permanent 100% free tier (100 bills/mo) with zero watermarks and a free online ordering website for your shop.
Can I use OwnStore on my desktop computer without paying extra fees?
Yes! GimBooks charges extra fees or requires premium desktop licenses to manage invoices on a laptop or PC. OwnStore is completely cloud-native: log in via any web browser on your Windows PC, Mac, or tablet and bill instantly with barcode scanners and thermal printers at zero extra cost.
Does GimBooks offer a free online customer ordering storefront?
No. GimBooks focuses exclusively on back-office accounting, invoicing, and e-way bills. It does not provide an integrated customer-facing digital store. OwnStore automatically generates an online store (yourshop.ownstore.app) synchronized with your live inventory, allowing local retail customers to browse products, order over WhatsApp, and pay via UPI with 0% commissions.
Does OwnStore print dynamic UPI payment QR codes on receipts?
Yes. Every invoice and thermal receipt generated by OwnStore includes a dynamic UPI QR code encoded with the exact bill amount and your merchant VPA. Customers can scan the code using PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, or BHIM to pay instantly, eliminating cash change disputes at the counter.
Is OwnStore really free without watermarks on printed bills?
Yes. OwnStore provides a permanent 100% free tier offering up to 100 invoices per month with zero watermarks, zero brand advertisements, and full access to GST tax invoicing, inventory management, customer credit ledger (khata), and online store creation.
Can I import my existing product catalogue and customer contacts from GimBooks into OwnStore?
Yes. You can export your items, stock counts, and party contacts from GimBooks into an Excel or CSV spreadsheet and upload them into OwnStore in under 2 minutes using our standard bulk CSV import utility.
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