If you're trying to connect Lightspeed Retail X-Series (formerly Vend) to Klaviyo, you might know that Lightspeed and Klaviyo now have a native integration. However, it's basic and limited. Let's break down the best ways to sync Lightspeed X to Klaviyo and why Gather is the better choice.
The Problem: Basic Native Integration
While Lightspeed and Klaviyo now have a native integration, it's a basic one-way sync with limited features. For agencies and retailers who need more control, better filtering, two-way sync, and real support, the native integration falls short. This is why many agencies choose Gather instead.
Option 1: Manual Export/Import (Not Recommended)
You could manually export customer data from Lightspeed and import it to Klaviyo. This is tedious, error-prone, and doesn't scale. You'd need to do this regularly to keep data current, which defeats the purpose of automation.
Option 2: Zapier (Works, But Has Limitations)
Zapier officially supports Lightspeed X-Series triggers. You can set up a Zap like "New Lightspeed X-Series Customer → Add to Klaviyo." However, this approach has several drawbacks:
- Manual setup required for each workflow
- Polling delays (not real-time)
- Per-task pricing that scales with usage
- No automatic duplicate prevention
- Requires monitoring and maintenance
Option 3: Gather (Recommended)
Gather is purpose-built for Lightspeed to Klaviyo integration. Here's how to set it up:
- Sign up for Gather (no credit card required)
- Connect your Lightspeed X-Series account via OAuth
- Connect your Klaviyo account
- Configure sync preferences (Gather's smart defaults handle most cases)
- Done! Data syncs in real-time automatically
Gather syncs in real-time (within seconds), prevents duplicates automatically, and offers retail-specific features like filtering out wholesale sales. It's designed to "just work" without constant monitoring.
Which Option Should You Choose?
If you're managing one store and don't mind manual maintenance, Zapier might work. But if you're an agency managing multiple clients, or you want real-time sync and reliable automation, Gather is the better choice. It's built specifically for this use case, and it shows in the setup time and reliability.