OwnStore vs ProfitBooks:
Free GST Billing & Fast Retail POS Compared
Looking for a ProfitBooks alternative? Avoid expensive ₹4,999/yr fees and slow accounting workflows. Switch to OwnStore for 15-second counter POS checkout, Bluetooth thermal slips, dynamic UPI QR, and a permanent watermark-free free tier.
Executive Summary: Why Retailers Prefer OwnStore
ProfitBooks is primarily an accounting and bookkeeping platform engineered for service providers and back-office accountants. It excels at complex journal entries, bank reconciliations, and P&L ledgers, but charges ₹4,999 to ₹15,000+ per year. For busy Indian retailers, medical shops, supermarkets, and kirana stores, its complex screens make checkout slow, and it lacks native Bluetooth thermal slip printing.
OwnStore is purpose-built for high-speed retail checkout and store growth. With our 15-second rapid POS mode, barcode scanning, 58mm/80mm thermal receipt printing, dynamic UPI payment QR codes, customer khata management, and automated online storefront, you can manage your shop from any smartphone, tablet, or PC for free.
ProfitBooks (Accounting First)
• Subscription costs ₹4,999 to ₹15,000/yr.
• Designed for back-office CAs, not retail counters.
• Slow 2-minute checkout per customer.
• Built for A4/A5 laser printers, not thermal rolls.
• No customer-facing digital online store.
OwnStore (Retail & POS First)
• Permanent Free Plan (100% watermark-free).
• 15-second lightning counter checkout mode.
• Wireless Bluetooth 58mm & 80mm thermal receipts.
• Dynamic UPI QR code printed on every slip.
• Free online store with WhatsApp ordering.
Side-by-Side Comparison: OwnStore vs ProfitBooks vs Vyapar vs Tally
Detailed feature breakdown across Indian billing, retail POS, and inventory software.
| Feature / Capability | OwnStore | ProfitBooks | Vyapar | TallyPrime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Free Tier | Permanent Free Plan (No Watermarks) | ₹4,999 – ₹15,000/yr (14-day trial only) | ₹2,399 – ₹4,999/yr (Watermarked free) | ₹18,000 – ₹54,000 + GST |
| Retail POS Checkout Speed | 15 Seconds (Barcode + Quick-Add) | Slow (1–2 minutes, accounting form) | Moderate (30–45 seconds) | Keyboard intensive (Complex) |
| Thermal Slip Printing | 58mm & 80mm Bluetooth / USB | No native Bluetooth thermal | Yes (Single device) | Requires Windows spool driver |
| Dynamic UPI Payment QR | Yes (Exact total pre-embedded) | Basic payment link | Static QR code | Requires costly Tally add-on |
| Free Digital Web Store | Included Free (Online Store) | No online storefront | Paid add-on | No |
| WhatsApp Bill Sharing | 1-Click Instant Send | Manual email / PDF download | Yes | Requires third-party plugin |
| Multi-Device Cloud Sync | Mobile, Tablet, PC (Simultaneous) | Web only | Paid multi-device sync | Local PC / Tally Virtual User |
| Customer Credit Khata | Built-in with Reminders | Standard ledger only | Yes | Accounting ledger only |
Essential Retail Tools Built Right Into OwnStore
Everything you need to run, manage, and scale an Indian retail business.
15-Second Counter Billing
Scan barcodes with any phone camera or USB scanner. Generate GST tax invoices and printed thermal receipts in seconds, preventing long checkout lines.
Watermark-Free GST Invoices
Issue professional GST-compliant tax invoices, bills of supply, and delivery challans with your custom shop logo, bank details, and GSTIN branding.
Bluetooth Thermal Printing
Print sharp receipts directly on portable 2-inch and 3-inch Bluetooth thermal printers from your smartphone or tablet without needing PC cables.
Dynamic UPI QR Code Receipts
Print a dynamic UPI QR code on every slip with the exact bill amount encoded. Customers scan and pay instantly with GPay, PhonePe, or Paytm.
Free Digital Online Storefront
Launch your shop's online ordering website in 30 seconds. Neighborhood customers can browse your catalog and order directly on WhatsApp.
Smart Low-Stock Alerts & Khata
Track fast-moving inventory items, get real-time low-stock alerts, and maintain a digital customer credit khata with automatic WhatsApp payment reminders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from shop owners switching from ProfitBooks to OwnStore.
What is the main difference between OwnStore and ProfitBooks?
ProfitBooks is complex cloud accounting software costing ₹4,999 to ₹15,000+ per year designed for bookkeepers. OwnStore is built specifically for retail shopkeepers, offering a permanent free tier, 15-second POS counter checkout, Bluetooth thermal printing, and a free online store.
Is OwnStore really free compared to ProfitBooks' ₹4,999/year subscription?
Yes. OwnStore provides a permanent free plan with 100 invoices/month, full GST compliance, inventory tracking, and zero watermarks with no credit card required.
Can I use OwnStore across mobile, tablet, and PC?
Yes. OwnStore works seamlessly across Android smartphones, tablets, iPads, and Windows or Mac desktop browsers with real-time cloud data sync.
Does OwnStore support thermal receipt printers?
Yes. OwnStore supports both 58mm and 80mm wireless Bluetooth thermal printers as well as standard USB and network receipt printers.
Can customers order online from my shop?
Yes. Your OwnStore account includes a free digital web store where customers can browse your product catalog and submit orders directly via WhatsApp.
How do dynamic UPI QR codes work on OwnStore?
Every receipt generated features a dynamic UPI QR code with the exact total bill amount pre-filled, allowing customers to pay in one tap using PhonePe, Google Pay, or Paytm.