Clover vs Square: Which is Better for Your Business?

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.

Square Stand

It is a complete POS system that includes a cash drawer, receipt printer, and iPad.

Square Register

It is a more robust POS system that includes a built-in customer display and receipt printer.

Square Terminal

It is a mobile card reader that can be used with a smartphone or tablet.

Clover vs Square: Ease of Use

Clover

Clover is widely regarded as a very user-friendly POS system.

From the software’s primary interface, you may access essential business functions such as modifying menus, checking inventories, and adjusting schedules.

When you join up for Clover, CompuCom, a provider with which Clover collaborates, can assist you with system installation.

Square

Square is very easy to use, just like Clover. Their software has clean, simple interfaces, and the simplicity of their software makes it elegant.

On weekdays, you can call for help between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., and emails are usually answered within 24 hours. If you need information quickly, Square has a Support Center with helpful guides and how-tos.

Benefits of Using Square

Some of the reasons why you might want to choose Square over Clover’s POS system are:

Cheap

Square is great for new and small businesses on a budget because it is cheaper. Since there are no monthly fees, the price is less.

Also, the hardware systems from this company are cheaper, and new business owners can even start with the free swipe reader while they wait for their business to grow.

Merchant Account Inclusion

Square comes with a merchant account, so it’s good for new businesses that might also want to open a merchant account.

You don’t have to look around for merchant service providers if you choose this POS System.

Clear pricing

Square’s pricing model is clear since all POS cards cost the same. Also, there are no different transactions or monthly fees for the different types of hardware.

E-commerce Support

If your business already has an online store, you can add Square’s online checkout for free to your site. You can also use Square’s free online store maker to set up your E-commerce site.

Benefits of Using Clover

Here are the reasons why you should choose Clover’s POS solution over Square’s.

Flexible

When it comes to processing credit cards, Clover gives you more options than Square.

With Clover, you can use any merchant account you want, as long as it works with the software Clover gives you. Square, on the other hand, uses its merchant account to handle payments.

Scalable and customizable features

Clover is perfect for businesses that want features that can be scaled up or down and changed to fit their needs.
For example, the company has apps that businesses can use to make the services fit their needs.

These apps include employee management, sales reports, dining table management, and inventory management.

Also, most of these add-ons are free on the Clover App, while Square often charges extra for its add-ons.

Customer service

Clovers’ customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which is great for businesses that are open at all hours.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a POS system, there are many factors you need to consider.

The type of business you have will dictate the features you need.

You also need to decide if you want a complete POS system or just an app.

And finally, you need to consider your budget. Clover is the best option for businesses that are looking for a complete POS system with hardware and software features.

Even though the two providers are a good match, they are different in important ways that influence use cases. Here are some of our recommendations:

Clover is best for businesses that already have a merchant account or for businesses that want a traditional dedicated merchant account.

Square is best for small businesses on a tight budget that wants a flexible POS system that works well on mobile devices.