Attention, small business owners!
In the vast landscape of payment processing solutions tailored for businesses like yours, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options — especially if you’re operating a multi-store business. You’ve likely encountered targeted advertisements promising the perfect fit for your needs. But fear not, for we have undertaken extensive research to present you with the ultimate showdown between the top two POS providers: Clover POS vs Square.
Brace yourselves as we delve into the heart of the matter. Which of these leading POS systems will offer you the best features and claim the throne as the best retail POS system for your business? Let’s find out!
Would you like to know more about Clover POS or Square for your business? Call Cornerstone Credit Services today!
POS Features
Regarding point-of-sale (POS) systems for small business owners, you have several options to choose from, but the industry leaders have long been between Clover POS and Square.
Both Clover POS and Square offer a range of features designed to streamline business operations including state-of-the-art hardware and POS software. However, since our last comparison in 2019, both systems have undergone significant updates.
Clover POS
In 2023, Clover has continued enhancing its system, offering diverse features tailored to different industries. The system provides robust inventory management capabilities, allowing businesses to easily track stock levels, manage inventory, generate purchase orders, and receive notifications for low inventory. Additionally, Clover offers customizable employee permissions, enabling business owners to control access to sensitive information and monitor staff performance.
With its extensive app marketplace, Clover also allows users to enhance their system with various integrations, such as customer loyalty programs, cash discounts, gift cards, online ordering, and accounting tools.
Square
Square has expanded its offerings beyond the traditional POS system in the past few years. Alongside its POS hardware and software, Square provides a suite of business tools, including payroll management, customer relationship management (CRM), and marketing solutions. Square’s ecosystem has also grown to encompass various integrated hardware options, such as contactless payment readers and countertop terminals.
Furthermore, Square has made significant improvements to its inventory management features, allowing businesses to easily organize and track their products across multiple locations.
Pricing
Pricing is a crucial factor when choosing a POS system — as are payment processing fees. And these are perhaps the most important factors you’re considering. Rightfully so! Let’s examine POS system cost and the pricing structures of Clover POS and Square in 2023.
Clover POS
Clover offers several hardware options, ranging from basic countertop terminals to more advanced systems with built-in printers and customer displays. The cost of the hardware varies depending on the specific model. Additionally, Clover charges a monthly software fee, which includes access to essential features and software updates. And the software fee ranges from $9.95 to $39.95 per month, depending on the package chosen.
*Businesses may also incur additional costs for integrations and add-ons from the Clover app marketplace.
Square
Square adopts a transparent pricing structure which is beneficial for small businesses with budget constraints. The basic Square Point of Sale software is available for free, and users only pay transaction fees for card payments. Square’s transaction fees range from 2.6% to 2.9% + 10 cents per transaction, depending on the card type.
For businesses with high transaction volumes, Square also offers custom pricing plans tailored to their needs. Square also provides optional add-ons and hardware at an additional cost.
Determining the Overall Value
Determining the overall value and the best POS systems for retail businesses largely depends on the unique requirements and priorities of your business. Basically, the more you know your own business and your customer base, the easier it will be to deduce the overall value of your preferred POS system.
Clover POS
Clover’s strength lies in its flexibility and customization options, making it suitable for a wide range of industries. The extensive app marketplace allows businesses to tailor the system to their specific needs, although this may result in additional costs. Clover also provides robust inventory management and employee control features, which can be invaluable for businesses with complex operations.
Square
Square’s ecosystem has evolved to offer more than just a POS system, making it a comprehensive solution for small and medium-sized businesses. Square simplifies various business aspects with its integrated business tools and user-friendly interface.
Additionally, the transparent pricing structure and affordable transaction fees make Square an attractive choice for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
Clover POS vs Square: What’s the Verdict?
At the end of the day, in 2023, both Clover POS and Square continue to offer robust solutions for businesses of all sizes. Clover provides flexibility, customization options, and an extensive app marketplace, while Square offers a comprehensive ecosystem of business tools at an affordable price.
When choosing the best POS system, knowing your business and the needs and expectations of your customers will always direct you toward the best solution. And your decision will also have a lot to do with how most POS systems perform, online ordering attributes, as well as employee management and training on each system. As always, if you need any assistance in choosing, we’re always here for you at Cornerstone.
Are you interested in getting a new POS system? Contact CCS to find out if your business’s volume qualifies you.