Running a successful business today necessitates the integration of reliable, versatile, and cost-effective payment processing solutions. This ensures businesses can cater to the evolving demands of customers, providing convenience and flexibility in transactions. Among the plethora of options available, two platforms continue to rise above the rest in the UK market: Clover vs Square.
This article delves into the detailed comparison of these two significant payment processing providers, exploring their offerings, benefits, and potential drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
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Clover vs Square
| Features/Service | Clover | Square |
|---|---|---|
| POS Hardware Options | Clover Go, Flex, Mini, Station | Square Reader, Stand, Terminal, Register |
| Customisable Software | Yes | Yes |
| App Market | Over 300 apps | Range of third-party integrations |
| Card-present Transaction Fee | Quote-based | 1.75% |
| Card-not-present Transaction Fee | Quote-based | 2.5% |
| Monthly Software Fee | Yes | No |
| Hardware Cost | Generally more expensive | Generally less expensive |
| 24/7 Customer Support | Yes | No |
| Built-in Barcode Scanner | Yes (on some models) | No |
| Customer-facing Display | Yes (on some models) | No |
This table is designed to provide a snapshot of some of the primary features and costs associated with Clover and Square. However, for a more in-depth understanding of what each provider can offer to your specific business, it would be beneficial to reach out directly to both Clover and Square for detailed, personalised quotes.
Understanding the providers
Clover, a subsidiary of Fiserv (previously First Data), is a comprehensive payment solution provider that offers hardware, software and payment processing in one package. Its services cater to both small businesses and larger enterprises, with a range of point-of-sale (POS) systems that offer scalability and customisation.
Square, on the other hand, is a mobile payment company founded in 2009. It has rapidly established itself as a global leader in payment processing. Square’s appeal lies in its simplicity and accessibility, offering user-friendly interfaces, no monthly fees, and straightforward transaction rates.
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Comparing services and features – Clover vs Square
The POS hardware
When it comes to hardware, both Clover and Square offer various point-of-sale options to suit different business needs. Clover provides a suite of devices, from compact and portable card readers (Clover Go) to larger, more robust systems like Clover Station and Clover Mini.
Square offers comparable options. Its Square Reader is a compact, low-cost device that plugs into a smartphone or tablet, while the Square Terminal and Square Register serve as more comprehensive standalone systems. Square Stand, a tablet-based POS system, adds another versatile option to the mix.
Both providers offer equipment that caters to mobile, countertop, and integrated POS setups, giving businesses plenty of flexibility. However, Clover’s devices are generally more advanced, often including built-in features like barcode scanners and customer-facing displays.
Software capabilities
Both Clover and Square offer a range of in-house apps that can enhance the functionality of their systems. For example, Clover’s App Market features over 300 apps covering areas such as employee management, customer loyalty, and inventory tracking. Square’s comparable App Marketplace also offers a wide range of third-party integrations.
Square’s POS software is known for its simplicity and ease-of-use, making it a popular choice for small businesses. On the other hand, Clover’s software is more advanced and customisable, but this can also make it more complex to navigate, particularly for businesses new to POS systems.
Cost comparison
Cost is a crucial factor for businesses when choosing a payment processing provider. Square is often lauded for its transparency and simplicity in pricing. It offers a flat fee of 1.75% for card-present transactions and 2.5% for card-not-present transactions, with no additional monthly fees for its basic services.
Clover, on the other hand, uses a quote-based pricing model. This means that the fees can vary based on a business’s individual needs and negotiation with the provider. Additionally, Clover charges a monthly software fee, which can add to the overall costs.
In terms of hardware, Clover’s equipment is generally more expensive than Square’s, reflecting its more advanced features.
Customer service
Both Clover and Square offer customer service via phone and email, and both have extensive online resources to assist businesses. However, the availability and quality of customer support can vary.
Square’s customer service is often critiqued for being less accessible, with some businesses reporting difficulty reaching a representative. Conversely, Clover offers 24/7 customer support and is generally praised for its timely and effective service.
Which one to choose?
Choosing between Clover and Square will depend largely on the unique needs of your business.
If you run a small business and prefer simplicity, transparency in pricing, and ease of use, Square might be a better choice. Its offerings are straightforward, and its flat-rate pricing model can make financial planning simpler.
If, on the other hand, your business is more complex or you value advanced features and customisability, Clover could be the better option. Its robust hardware and software capabilities are well-suited to larger businesses or those with more specific needs.
Conclusion – Clover vs Square
The landscape of payment processing is vast and diverse, with Clover and Square being two of the most popular providers in the UK.
It’s vital for businesses to evaluate their specific needs, budget, and technical capacity when choosing between these platforms.
Whether you’re a start-up or an established enterprise, taking the time to understand the advantages and potential drawbacks of each provider will enable you to make the most strategic decision for your business.
FAQ
Both Square and Clover cater to a wide range of businesses, from small start-ups to large enterprises. They’re particularly well-suited to businesses in retail, food and beverage, and services sectors.
Both Square and Clover facilitate online payments through their payment gateways. These allow businesses to accept payments through their websites or mobile apps.
Both Square and Clover provide customer support via phone and email. Clover offers 24/7 support, whereas Square’s phone support availability is more limited.
Both Square and Clover are designed for easy setup. They offer plug-and-play devices and user-friendly software. However, Clover’s advanced features may require more setup time.
The costs vary based on the specific hardware model chosen. Generally, Clover’s hardware is more expensive than Square’s.
Yes, both providers offer a marketplace of apps that allow integration with various third-party software solutions.
Both Square and Clover offer fast transaction processing, typically within a few seconds.
Square offers flat transaction fees (1.75% for card-present and 2.5% for card-not-present). Clover, on the other hand, uses a quote-based pricing model.
Both providers offer easy refund processing through their respective systems. However, the refunded amount may still be subject to transaction fees.
Technically, you can. However, using two systems might complicate operations and bookkeeping.
Both providers offer robust inventory management tools, including stock level tracking and product categorisation.
Both platforms provide customer relationship management (CRM) tools. These allow businesses to track customer details, purchase history, and create loyalty schemes.
Both Square and Clover provide comprehensive reporting features, offering insights into sales trends, employee performance, and more.
Both providers prioritise security, offering end-to-end encryption and meeting all Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) requirements.
Yes, both Square and Clover offer the ability to sell and redeem digital and physical gift cards.
The key differences lie in pricing models, hardware sophistication, and customer service accessibility. Square offers simpler solutions and transparent pricing, while Clover offers more advanced features and 24/7 support.
Yes, both Square and Clover operate in multiple countries. However, international usage may require additional setup and potentially different transaction fees.
Both Square and Clover regularly update their software, typically rolled out automatically without disrupting service.
Both providers offer a wealth of online resources, including user guides, tutorial videos, and community forums to help new users get acquainted with their systems.
The choice depends on your business’s specific needs. If you prioritise simplicity and fixed costs, Square may be best. If you’re after advanced features and customisation, Clover could be the better choice.