Picking a Point of Sale (POS) system is a big decision for any business. Whether you’re running a coffee shop, a boutique, or a food truck, your POS is your best friend. Today, we’re looking at two of the biggest names in the game: Clover and Square. Let’s find out which one fits your business best!
TLDR: Which POS is better?
Square is perfect for small businesses and startups. It’s simple, easy, and low-cost to get started. Clover is more flexible and powerful for growing businesses, especially if you want more advanced features and hardware options. The choice depends on your size, needs, and budget.
Getting to Know Clover and Square
Let’s start with a quick intro to both systems.
- Clover is known for its sleek hardware and customizable software. It’s owned by Fiserv.
- Square was designed with mobile businesses in mind. It’s made by Block, Inc. and has become super popular for its ease of use.
So, how do they stack up? Let’s dive into the details.
1. Hardware Options
This is where the systems really start to look different.
- Clover offers multiple devices:
- Clover Go – a little card reader for mobile sales.
- Clover Flex – a handheld device with a printer.
- Clover Mini – a compact desktop POS.
- Clover Station – their full-sized system with all the bells and whistles.
- Square has these options:
- Square Reader – a small card swiper (often free).
- Square Stand – turn your iPad into a POS.
- Square Terminal – an all-in-one handheld POS.
- Square Register – a sleek, full register system.
Verdict: Clover wins if you want hardware variety. Square is better for simplicity and mobility.
2. Pricing
Let’s talk money. Price matters, especially for small businesses.
- Square
- Free app with basic features
- No monthly fees for the basic plan
- 2.6% + 10¢ per swipe
- Hardware starts as low as $0 (yep, free readers!)
- Clover
- Different prices from different resellers (it’s confusing!)
- Usually there’s a monthly fee
- Transaction fees start at around 2.3% + 10¢
- Devices cost more upfront
Verdict: Square takes the cake if you want to start out cheap. Clover can cost more, but you may get more power.
3. Software & Features
What can these systems do? More than just take money. A lot more.
- Square has built-in tools like:
- Employee management
- Inventory tracking
- Customer feedback and loyalty programs
- Online store builder
- Clover has a huge app market where you can add:
- Advanced scheduling
- Marketing tools
- Payroll and employee tracking
- Third-party integrations
Verdict: Square has great built-in tools, especially for small biz. Clover’s app market gives you serious customization options.
4. Ease of Use
Don’t want to spend hours learning how it works? You’re not alone.
- Square is known for:
- Being super user-friendly
- Quick setup
- Simple interfaces
- Clover is:
- Still very easy
- More powerful, so more settings to learn
- Great if you’re good with tech
Verdict: Square is ideal for beginners. Clover is great if you’re ready for more.
5. Payment Processing
Both systems handle all kinds of payments—credit cards, tap to pay, mobile wallets. But there are small differences.
- Square handles its own processing. It’s fast, reliable, and simple.
- Clover comes through Fiserv and resellers. Rates and service can vary by provider.
Verdict: Square is streamlined. Clover can offer lower rates, but it’s more complicated.
6. Support & Customer Service
When things go glitchy (and they will), you’ll want help fast.
- Square Support: Phone, email, live chat, and a huge online help center.
- Clover Support: Also offers phone, email, and chat. But your experience may vary depending on your reseller.
Verdict: Tie. Just know who you’re buying Clover from—it matters!
Real Business Scenarios
Let’s make this more real. Here are a few types of businesses and which POS might fit them best.
- Food Truck? Get Square. It’s mobile and quick. No big hardware needed.
- Retail Boutique? Try Clover. It handles inventory like a boss and grows with you.
- Pop-up Stall at Farmers Market? Square reader fits right in your pocket.
- Multi-location Restaurant? Clover’s advanced options and employee tools help you stay in control.
Cool Extras
- Square: Also offers banking tools, loans, and even payroll services.
- Clover: Connects with many apps, and can be deeply tailored to your industry.
Basically, Square is like a plug-and-play system. Clover asks, “How deep do you want to go?”
Conclusion: Which One Should You Pick?
Still stuck? Let’s wrap it up in a neat bow:
- Choose Square if…
- You want low (or no) upfront costs
- You are just starting out
- You prefer easy setup and use
- Choose Clover if…
- You need powerful tools and lots of customization
- You’re ready to invest in a premium setup
- You want variety in hardware
Both systems rock. It just depends on what kind of business you’re running and where you’re headed.
Final Thought
Think of Square like roller skates: fun, fast, easy to start. Think of Clover like a full-blown sports car: powerful, sleek, but takes a little more know-how.
Either way, your business is about to level up. Choose wisely, and happy selling!