OwnStore vs HostBooks:
The Faster, Watermark-Free Retail Alternative
Why modern Indian retailers, supermarkets, and local businesses are switching from expensive corporate CA accounting subscriptions to OwnStore's 15-second POS counter billing, thermal receipts, and free online storefront.
✓ 100% Watermark-Free • ✓ No Credit Card Required • ✓ Dynamic UPI QR • ✓ Free Online Store
Direct Comparison: OwnStore vs HostBooks & Legacy Tools
See why Indian shopkeepers prefer OwnStore over HostBooks, Vyapar, and Tally Prime for daily sales and store management.
| Feature / Capability | OwnStore | HostBooks | Vyapar | Tally Prime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Permanent Free Tier (100 inv/mo) | Paid Only (₹4,999–₹12,000/yr) | Paid Desktop (₹2,799–₹4,499/yr) | ₹18,000–₹54,000 One-time + AMC |
| Watermark Policy | ✓ 100% Watermark-Free | ✗ Locked on trial | ✗ Large watermark on free tier | N/A (Desktop software) |
| Checkout Speed | 15 Seconds (Fast POS Mode) | 2 to 3 Minutes (Complex ledger steps) | 45 to 60 Seconds | 30 to 45 Seconds (Voucher entry) |
| Integrated Customer Online Store | ✓ Yes (Free e-commerce website) | ✗ No storefront included | ✗ Basic catalog link only | ✗ No online store |
| Bluetooth Thermal Slip Printing | ✓ Yes (2-inch & 3-inch ESC/POS) | ✗ Limited / Primarily A4 PDF | ✓ Yes | ✗ Requires complex driver tweaks |
| Dynamic UPI QR on Printed Bills | ✓ Yes (Auto-encodes bill amount) | ✗ Static QR / Bank details only | ✓ Yes (Paid tier) | ✗ Requires third-party TDL add-on |
| Mobile Barcode Camera Scanner | ✓ Yes (Built-in ML Kit scanner) | ✗ Slow / Hardware scanner required | ✓ Yes | ✗ No native camera scanner |
| WhatsApp Bill & Order Sharing | ✓ Yes (One-click PDF dispatch) | ✗ Email focused / CA workflows | ✓ Yes | ✗ Requires third-party plugin |
| Credit Ledger (Udhar Khata) | ✓ Yes (Integrated customer khata) | ✓ Yes (Complex ledger) | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (Accounting ledger) |
| Ease of Use for Store Staff | Zero Training Required | Requires accounting background | Moderate learning curve | Requires trained Tally accountant |
Why Retailers Choose OwnStore Over HostBooks
Everything your retail shop, wholesale business, or supermarket needs to sell faster, eliminate queues, and grow online.
Lightning-Fast Counter POS
Scan barcodes using your phone camera or USB barcode gun. Add items, apply discounts, and generate a GST bill in under 15 seconds. Say goodbye to long checkout lines.
Dynamic UPI QR Code Payments
Every printed thermal slip automatically prints a dynamic UPI payment QR code with the exact total pre-filled. Customers scan and pay instantly via Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
Free Built-in Online Store
Don't let Swiggy Instamart or Zepto steal your neighborhood customers. Get your own branded online store (ownstore.app/store/yourshop) with WhatsApp ordering enabled.
Bluetooth Thermal Printing
Connect any affordable 58mm or 80mm wireless Bluetooth or USB thermal receipt printer. Print professional shop receipts without expensive ink cartridges.
Automated GST Filing Reports
Download GSTR-1 (B2B, B2C, HSN summary) and GSTR-3B tax summaries in official Excel/JSON formats. Share clean reports directly with your CA with one tap.
Digital Udhar Khata Ledger
Track customer credit balances, record partial payments, and send automatic WhatsApp payment reminder links to recover outstanding customer dues faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about switching from HostBooks to OwnStore.
Is OwnStore really free compared to HostBooks?
Yes! While HostBooks requires mandatory annual subscriptions costing between ₹4,999 and ₹12,000+ per year, OwnStore provides a permanent 100% free plan. You get 100 GST invoices every month, up to 50 product catalog items, thermal receipt printing, and a free online store with zero credit card required.
Why is HostBooks considered too complex for retail shops?
HostBooks is built primarily as an enterprise tax and accounting compliance platform for Chartered Accountants and large corporate back-offices. Its multi-screen ledger journal entries and complex voucher flows make counter billing extremely slow. OwnStore is built specifically for retail shop counters where speed and simplicity are paramount.
Can I use OwnStore on my existing mobile phone, tablet, and PC?
Yes. OwnStore runs on any modern browser across Android smartphones, iPads, Windows laptops, and Mac desktops. All your billing data, stock inventory, and khata records synchronize across all your devices in real time.
How do I import my inventory from HostBooks to OwnStore?
Export your item list from HostBooks as an Excel or CSV file. Then, in OwnStore, go to Inventory → Import and upload the file. In under two minutes, all your product names, barcodes, purchase/selling prices, and GST rates are live in OwnStore.
Does OwnStore support thermal printers and barcode scanners?
Yes. OwnStore natively pairs with standard Bluetooth thermal receipt printers (58mm and 80mm) and USB POS printers. You can scan barcodes with any wireless or USB barcode scanner, or simply use your smartphone camera via our built-in high-speed ML barcode scanner.