Point-of-sale (POS) systems are more than just cash registers. With the help of this operating system, businesses can manage retail payments and track inventory in real-time. Utilizing a POS system can also provide a smoother shopping experience to customers.
Nowadays, businesses looking for the best POS system have many options to choose from. Clover and Square are among the most widely-used point-of-sale system providers because of their valuable features.
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Before the widespread use of POS systems, customers and businesses relied on cash registers to track sales manually, which took time. Services are also limited because customers need to be physically present during the transaction. With the help of POS systems and payment service providers, businesses can now transact with customers no matter where they are.
Aside from accepting payments and tracking deals, some POS systems also include features to record your inventory and manage your staff. The right POS software and hardware can help your business grow by boosting sales and improving transactions.
In order to choose the best POS system for your business, it’s essential to analyze your company’s needs, operations, and system shortcomings. Considering these factors will help you make an informed decision in finding a suitable POS system.
Clover and Square offer distinctive features and advantages for businesses. Both provide integrated hardware and software, online payment processing, and contactless payment tools at different price points. They also offer a free trial version for startup businesses.
We rounded up the different features and capabilities of Clover and Square to help you choose what's right for your business.
| Features | Clover | Square |
| Monthly Fees | Non-hardware user subscription fees: $9.95Hardware user subscription fees: $69.95 | Free PlanSquare Plus Plan: $60 (comes with additional features) |
| Transaction Costs | In-person transaction: 2.6% - 2.3% + 10 cents (depends on the hardware used)Online/Keyed transaction: 3.5% + 10 cents(Charges may differ with a different merchant provider) | In-person transaction: 2.6% + 10 centsKeyed-in transactions: 2.9% + 30 centsOnline transactions: 3.5% + 15 cents |
| Hardware Costs | Wireless reader - $99Handheld card reader - $499Stationary registers - $749, $1349, $1649 | Magstripe reader - FreeWireless reader - $49Swivel iPad Stand - $169Terminal - $299Register - $799 |
| Payment Processors | CloverWells FargoPNCCitiRestaurant DepotSam’s ClubOthers | Square merchant account |
| Customer Service | 24/7 email & phone support | Free account 6 AM - 6 PM PST (Phone, email, live chat, social)Plus & Premium (24/7) |
While Clover requires a hefty investment up front, businesses can take advantage of its own merchant services account. Here are more features that make Clover stand out against Square.
Clover has numerous valuable features such as inventory management, application of discounts and taxes, item-level reporting, and more. Businesses with plans of expansion will find these features very useful.
Clover offers flexible merchant processing for businesses that prefer other merchant providers. It has over 3,000 merchant retailers of Clover products and various merchant accounts. Keep in mind that getting merchant accounts outside your POS provider also comes with pros and cons.
For businesses that are only starting up, getting their own merchant services account complicates things. However, during expansions, it saves money on transaction fees in the long run. Businesses can use Clover in combination with payment service equipment that doesn't take a cut of credit card processing fees, allowing you to cut costs.
Clover has three software options that businesses can choose from. Depending on their needs, business owners can choose which Clover system best fits their operation.
Square is often recommended for small businesses for its straightforward pricing. Square’s integrated point-of-sale system also offers seamless transactions.
Square is one of the most versatile POS systems available in the market. It’s user-friendly and designed specifically for businesses with many transactions. Its flexible point-of-sale systems allow startup businesses to save on hardware costs since companies can install the system on their iPads or Android devices.
Another feature users like most about Square is its reasonable pricing. Unlike other systems that charge per month, Square charges its users for every transaction. This pricing is desirable for startup businesses who want flexible POS service fees.
Square also offers its users an end-to-end payment process, which means they no longer need to open an account because they are sub-merchants. These are all included in Square’s POS purchases.
Square has a free software version. For businesses just starting up or companies looking to transition to a different POS system, the free and accessible version of Square allows them to try the features first before upgrading to a paid plan.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions for business owners choosing between Square and Clover.
While both Square and Clover offer point-of-sale systems, they have different features and price points.
For in-person transactions, Clover charge 2.6% + 10 cents per transactions and 3.5% + 10 cents for keyed-in transactions.
Square is excellent for startup businesses because it offers flexible payment terms, as well as free software versions.
While both systems have unique features and advantages, Square leads in terms of reasonable pricing. This feature is an enticing offer for startup businesses. On the other hand, Clover can help you save more money in the long run while enjoying more features.
At the end of the day, analyze what your business needs first before choosing a POS system. If you want to learn more about payment processors for your business, head over to Processing Card.
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