As a business owner, you want a Point-of-Sale or POS system that is going to make your life easier.
You want a system that is going to take care of all of your needs and help you run your business smoothly.
A simple point-of-sale (POS) system is a must-have for a business that needs to be able to sell goods quickly.
A POS system should be able to accept all forms of payment, like cash and credit cards, as well as track inventory and be easy for employees to learn.
Since there are so many POS companies out there, it can be hard to choose the right one. Two of the most popular options on the market are Clover and Square.
Both of these POS systems are easy to use, flexible, and reliable.
But which one is the best for your business?
Factors to Consider in Choosing POS System
When it comes to choosing a POS system for your business, there are many factors you need to consider.
The type of business you have will dictate the features you need.
For example, a retail business will need different features than a restaurant.
You also need to decide if you want a complete POS system or just an app. And finally, you need to consider your budget.
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a POS system:
What type of business do you have?
The type of business you have will dictate the features you need.
For example, a retail business, such as a clothing store, will need different features than a restaurant.
Do you need a complete POS system or just an app?
If you have a small business, you may only need an app. But if you have a larger business, you may need a complete POS system that includes hardware like a cash drawer and receipt printer.
What is your budget?
POS systems can range in price from free to several thousand dollars. You need to consider your budget when choosing a POS system.
What features do you need?
The features you need will depend on the type of business you have.
A retail business will need different features than a restaurant.
Some common features include the following:
- inventory management
- employee management
- customer loyalty programs
- gift cards
Let’s take a look at Clover vs Square to see which one comes out on top.
What is Clover?
Clover has been around since 2010 and is a subsidiary of First Data.
Clover offers a complete POS system that includes the following:
- card reader
- cash drawer
- receipt printer
- barcode scanner
Clover also offers software features such as inventory management, employee management, and customer loyalty programs.
What is Square?
Square is a newer company founded in 2009. Square offers a point-of-sale app that can be used with a mobile device or tablet.
Square also has hardware options such as receipt printers and cash drawers.
Square’s software features include inventory management, online ordering, and appointment scheduling.
Clover vs Square: Features
Clover
Clover offers a complete POS system that includes hardware and software features.
Clover’s hardware options include a card reader, cash drawer, receipt printer, and barcode scanner.
The software features offered by Clover include inventory management, employee management, and customer loyalty programs.
Square
Square’s hardware options include a mobile device or tablet with the Square point-of-sale app installed.
Square also has hardware options such as receipt printers and cash drawers. The software features offered by Square include inventory management, online ordering, and appointment scheduling.
Clover vs Square: Pricing
Clover
You can mix and match Clover’s hardware and software to make a solution that works for you.
Here’s a quick list of what it will cost:
- Clover Go: $59
- Clover Flex: $449
- Clover Mini: $599 (starting from)
- Clover Station for full-service restaurants: $999,
- Clover Station for full-service restaurants plus dining software: $1,068
- Clover Station for other businesses: $1,199 (starting from)
- Register Lite: $14 (each month)
- Register: $29 (each month)
Square
The Square POS app is entirely free. However, you must purchase the appropriate hardware for it to function. Except for the free Square magstripe reader.
The following list shows how much Square’s equipment costs:
- Square Register: $999
- Square Stand: $169
- Square Terminal: $399
- Square Contactless and Chip Reader: $49
- Square Chip and Magstripe Reader: $35
Clover vs. Square: Transaction Costs
Both Clover and Square charge transaction costs.
Clover
Clover’s transaction costs are the following:
- Clover Payments
- Swipe, dip, and tap: 2.6% + $0.10
- Manual keyed-in: 3.5% + $0.10
- No monthly fee
Clover Essentials
- Swipe, dip, and tap: 2.6% + $0.10
- Manual keyed-in: 3.5% + $0.10
- $14.95/month software fee
Clover Register
- Swipe, dip, and tap: 2.3% + $0.10
- Manual keyed-in: 3.5% + $0.10
- $44.95/month software fee
Square
Square’s transaction costs are the following:
- Swipe, chip, and tap transactions: 2.6% + $0.10
- Online transactions: 2.9% + $0.30
- Keyed-in & card-on-file: 3.5% + $0.15
- No monthly fee
Clover vs Square: POS Hardware
Clover
Clover offers four main types of POS hardware: Clover Station, Clover Mini, Clover Flex, and Clover Go.
Clover Station
It is a complete POS system that includes a cash drawer, receipt printer, and barcode scanner.
Clover Mini
It can be used as a standalone device, or it can be connected to the Clover Station.
Clover Flex
It is a portable Wi-Fi-connected device. The same payment options as Clover Go are accepted. In addition, it is possible to store customer signatures, scan barcodes, and generate receipts.
Clover Go
The Clover Go is a mobile card reader that can be used with a smartphone or tablet.
Square
Square offers three main types of POS hardware: the Square Stand, Square Register, and Square Terminal.