There are tons of POS solutions available in the market, and it can be overwhelming to choose one that perfectly suits your business. In your search for the best POS system for your business, you must have come across the name Clover.
The Clover POS system is a very popular choice among businesses. It’s also one of the most sought-after POS systems. In this article, you’ll see a detailed review of the Clover POS system, and you can determine if it’s the right choice for your business.
What is the Clover POS system?
First Data acquired the Clover POS system in 2012. First Data is one of the biggest merchant services providers in the world. When you sign up with the Clover POS system, you must use First Data as to your merchant enquirer. This means that your merchant account will e provided by First Data.
The Clover POS system has a two-dimensional nature. When you purchase the POS system, you also have to choose from the POS hardware and software options. This allows you to match your POS system hardware and software with your business’ unique needs. Clover also provides POS solutions to restaurants, general service businesses, and retails.
What are the Clover POS Hardware Solutions?
1. CloverGo
Cost: $69
Setup: Mobile smart device attachment
Capabilities: It can process magstripe only cards, chip cards, and contactless payments.
The CloverGo POS system is the most portable POS system among the three Clover hardware systems. The CloverGo POS hardware is enabled by Bluetooth. It’s a smart device that allows your business to process payments with magstripe only cards, contactless payments, and chip cards.
However, unlike other Clover POS hardware options, the CloverGo will require additional devices like a phone or tablet. The POS system can only process payments when it is attached to a mobile device.
It’s the perfect solution for iPad POS systems or other tablet-based systems. The CloverGo POS system is $69, and it’s the most affordable hardware option.
2. Clover Flex
Cost: $499
Setup: Self-sufficient handheld POS system
Capabilities: It can process chip cards, contactless payments, and magstripe only cards. It can also scan barcodes and print receipts using its mini countertop display.
The CloverFlex is a handheld system that has several features and capabilities irrespective of its small size. This device can process all payments, print receipts, scan barcodes, and capture customer’s signatures. It does all this on the go, and you don’t need any additional device.
Such features would undoubtedly cost more money. If you want to enjoy the benefits of this POS system, you’ll have to spend more money as the CloverFlex costs $499.
3. Clover Mini
This device is the first and only countertop POS system designed by Clover. The CloverMini gives you the benefits of a countertop POS hub without the additional cost. The CloverMini costs $749.
This system enables you to process and receive payments, print receipts, and scan barcodes. The advantage of this system is that you get all these processes done faster than the other hardware options.
4. CloverStation
Cost: Price starts at $1,349
Setup: It has a powerful countertop POS system
Capabilities: It can process magstripe only payments, contactless payments, and chip cards; it scans barcodes and prints receipts; it also comes with a mini countertop display, receipt printer, and card drawer.
The CloverStation is the most powerful POS system hardware that Clover has to offer. This system offers the same amazing benefits as the CloverMini however, it provides the greatest speed and security that any POS system can give.
The CloverStation also comes with a cash drawer and receipt printer making it the ideal all-in-one POS hardware solution. If you don’t have a cash register for your business, the CloverStation is a great option for you.
You can also access another customer-facing display with the CloverStation system. This will ensure that your customers enjoy a better experience. However, all these benefits come at a price. The CloverStation POS system costs $1349.
What are the Clover POS system Software Solutions?
1. Register Lite
Cost: $14 monthly fee, plus 2.7% + $0.10 per in-person transaction, and 3.5% + $0.10 for keyed-in transactions
Capabilities: It accepts all forms of payment, sets employee permissions and shifts, tracks sales and reports, processes payments offline, accesses Clover App market, etc.
The first category of the Clover Pos software solution is the Register Lite. It costs $14 per month and you will be required to pay an additional 2.7% + $0.10 per transaction for in-person transactions, and 3.5% + $0.10 for each keyed-in transactions.
Here are the benefits you’ll gain from the Register Lite:
- You can accept all forms of payments, including credit cards, debit cards, chips, and contactless cards.
- You can process payments offline
- It helps you keep track of cash payments
- You can ring up items, taxes, and discounts
- You can keep track of your sales and reports
- It enables you to process refunds
- It gives you access to the Clover App market
- You get constant customer support
- It allows you to monitor the activities in your business from a remote location
- You can set employee permissions and shifts
- You can also capture electronic signatures and tips
2. Register
Cost: $29 monthly fee + $0.10 with additional 2.3% + $0.10 per in-person transactions and 3.5%.
Capabilities: It has all the capabilities of the Register Lite and also offers inventory management. It also gives you the ability to access customer feedback, add gratuity to checks, and many more.
This software plan is more efficient and powerful than in the first category. However, the cost of your POS system will be doubled. The Register software costs $29 per month.
However, due to the extra costs, you will get to enjoy more benefits. The Register combines the capabilities of the Register Lite and additional benefits.
In addition to the benefits of the Register, you’ll also enjoy these additional perks:
- Inventory management
- Ability to add gratuity to checks
- You’ll get to create your customer loyalty program
- It enables you to build a mailing list
- You can read customer feedback and reply to them with coupons.
If you own a quick-service restaurant, and you need a good restaurant POS system, you can enjoy these extra benefits from the Register software:
- You can edit orders easily
- It enables you to send orders to a remote printer or display in the kitchen
- It can help you manage tables
- If you have a bar, you can pre-authorize credit cards for bar tabs and reservations.
- You can also connect a weight scale to your Clover POS system.
For those who run a retail business, here are some benefits you’ll enjoy from the Clover Register Software:
- You can add variants and item-level costs to your inventory
- It helps you track item-level profitability
- It allows exchanging items
There are a few things you need to consider. First of all, not every software capability mentioned here will work with all Clover Hardware Solutions.
Some features like building an email list, creating customer loyalty programs, and reading customer feedback will only work on the Clover Flex, Clover Mini, and CloverStation POS systems.
Conclusion
A Clover POS system is an excellent investment for any restaurant owner. Now that you’ve seen the various hardware and software options available, you must choose the right match for your business’s unique needs.
