Clover POS Review: When Luck Meets Business Brilliance

Company Overview

Clover is a well-known name in the POS industry, developed by First Data, and now a part of Fiserv. The company is known for their innovative and adaptable approach and offers a range of POS solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Their commitment to providing cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interfaces makes them a preferred choice for small and large enterprises alike. Additionally, Clover's flexibility allows businesses to upgrade their POS systems as they grow.

The Clover point-of-sale system is designed to offer a variety of features to enhance functionality, including barcode scanners, virtual terminals, and inventory management. They’re particularly well-suited for use in table-service restaurants, retail businesses, cafes, personal services, and professional service industries. The highly customizable system allows businesses to personalize it to their specific requirements, while transparent pricing plans offer flexibility and clarity regarding monthly fees.

The extensive app market of Clover POS offers various applications to enhance business operations, ensuring seamless integration with Clover hardware and software for a comprehensive and efficient point-of-sale experience.

They have implemented various security measures to safeguard customer data and transactions, including end-to-end encryption, tokenization, EMV compliance, regular security updates, and PCI compliance. However, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) does not accredit them.   

Features & Services

The system is designed to simplify point-of-sale operations, from intuitive interfaces to robust hardware. Some standout features are:

• POS hardware: Businesses can choose Clover hardware for their point-of-sale needs. These options include the compact Clover Go, Clover Flex, and Mini card readers for mobile transactions and the more comprehensive Clover Station Solo and Duo, which come equipped with a large touch screen, a receipt printer, and additional accessories. Some hardware options come with the option to purchase a Wireless Manager that allows you to stay connected to the internet even when other connections fail
• Software: Their cloud-based Clover software can be changed in many ways so that businesses can make it work for them. This includes configuring menu items, setting up promotions, and adjusting employee permissions. The intuitive interface ensures a user-friendly experience for both staff and customers
• Team management: Their system simplifies team management by providing tools to track employee performance, manage schedules, assess activity, and set user permissions. This feature streamlines the administrative aspects of staffing, ensuring smooth operations and accountability 
• Setup support and training: Clover offers setup support and training resources to help businesses get started seamlessly. Whether through online tutorials, webinars, or in-person training sessions, companies can access the guidance needed to optimize their use of the system
• Virtual terminal:  The virtual terminal feature enables businesses to process payments through a computer, turning it into a secure payment terminal. This is particularly useful for online or phone transactions, providing a versatile solution for businesses that operate beyond physical storefronts. Their web-based interface is an independent feature that is add on
• Third-party integration:  Whether integrating with accounting software, e-commerce platforms, payroll apps, or marketing tools, businesses can create a comprehensive ecosystem that helps them succeed. This integration allows for phone and online ordering
• Inventory management: Efficient inventory management is a cornerstone of this system, offering features such as real-time stock tracking, low-stock alerts, and managing the product catalog online. This ensures that companies can keep the right amount of stock on hand and never run out
• Kitchen Display System (KDS): For businesses in the hospitality industry, their KDS enhances order management in the kitchen. Orders are displayed on a screen, reducing the reliance on paper tickets and improving communication between the kitchen and front of the house
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM): The customer engagement component in customer relationship management (CRM) helps companies establish and sustain customer relationships. The Clover Customer Engagement App, targeted marketing, tailored promotions, gift cards, and the ability to track customer preferences are all part of this, helping to provide a more engaging and personalized experience for customers
• Reporting and analytics: Businesses can learn about sales patterns, peak times, income, and best-selling goods through analytics and reporting. Businesses can also use these insights to their advantage when making growth-driving strategic choices. Both the dashboard and the Clover Go mobile app provide access to this function
• Payment processing: By accepting various payment methods, including credit cards, mobile payments, and contactless transactions, businesses can provide customers with the convenience and flexibility they expect in the modern marketplace. Fast and secure payment processing is a fundamental feature of Clover POS
• Equipment Protection Program (EPP): Their subscription has an Extended Warranty to protect your hardware from defects and accidental damage. If you buy their POS hardware without a subscription, you will be offered their Limited Warranty, which covers manufacturer defects for one year. It's important to note that the EPP isn’t available in New York or Oregon, but the extended warranty is

Clover POS Pricing & Plans

As a customer, you'll find that your monthly expenses include a software and hardware fee plus a payment processing fee per transaction. Their credit card processing rates consist of a flat rate plus a transaction fee, depending on the payment type: in-person or typed-in. You can pay as little as 2.3% plus 10 cents per transaction.

They provide several plans: Starter plan, Standard, and Advanced. The different options have a unique starting price that varies depending on your business type. For example, if you’re in the full-service restaurant industry, you’ll be expected to pay $160 monthly for 36 months if you want a yearly subscription, or $1,699 plus 84.95 per month. You can visit their page and customize your hardware, software, accessories, and credit card processing package to get a quote for your business.

You can sign up for a yearly or monthly subscription (the monthly subscription includes software, hardware, a warranty, and a system upgrade without the payment processing). Customers should expect to pay a monthly fee for their payment processing services. It is important to note that if you purchase their hardware, you cannot use a CCP from a different provider other than their partners, such as Citi, PNC, Restaurant Depot, and 3,000 others. Contact the provider and request a list of their partners prior to making a purchase.

Advantages 

• Customization options: From configuring menu items and promotions to setting up employee permissions, businesses can create a personalized POS environment. This level of customization ensures that this system can seamlessly integrate with various business models and workflows, providing a tailored solution that enhances efficiency
• Scalability: The range of products, from Clover Go for mobile vendors to the comprehensive Clover Station for large businesses, ensures that the POS system can adapt to varying transaction volumes and business complexities. This scalability makes this provider a long-term solution that can evolve alongside your business growth
• Payment flexibility: Their adaptability is crucial in today's dynamic market, where consumers expect seamless and convenient payment options. Clover's commitment to payment flexibility ensures that businesses can accommodate a broad spectrum of customers
• Versatility: The product range, including handheld devices like Clover Flex for on-the-go transactions and countertop terminals like Clover Mini and Clover Station for fixed locations, provides businesses with versatile solutions. This adaptability enables enterprises to choose the product that aligns perfectly with their operational requirements
• User-friendly Interface: This is particularly advantageous for companies with high employee turnover or those looking to implement a POS solution without extensive training periods. The user-friendly interface enhances operational efficiency, allowing staff to focus on providing excellent customer service rather than grappling with complex POS processes

Disadvantages

Carefully assessing these potential drawbacks allows businesses to make smart decisions that align with their operational requirements and financial considerations.

• Some of the hardware is an add-on: While they offer a comprehensive range of hardware options, it's essential to note that some components may be considered add-ons. Businesses might need hardware beyond the base system to meet specific operational requirements. While this modular approach allows for flexibility and customization, companies should carefully assess their hardware needs and budget accordingly
• Contractual commitments: One consideration to bear in mind with this provider is the existence of contractual obligations. Businesses opting for Clover POS plans may commit to a specific contract duration. This commitment may limit the flexibility for businesses that prefer more agility in their POS solution. It's important to note that customers cannot cancel or receive a refund once they stop working with them. It's crucial for businesses to thoroughly review the terms and conditions of the contract before committing to a plan with this service provider

Customer Reviews

On the Better Business Bureau's (BBB) website, Fiserv's business account has an A+ rating, but customers have given them a poor rating of 1 out of 5 stars. On G2, they received a 4 out of 5 rating, while on Trustpilot, they received a 3.8 out of 5 rating.  

Positive reviews

Many users find that their user-friendly interface makes staff training easy. Small business owners particularly appreciate the system's ease of use, allowing them to focus on serving customers rather than dealing with complex POS processes.

Various businesses have praised Clover for their consistent performance, with users reporting seamless transactions, fast processing times, and minimal system downtime. This has contributed to an overall positive user experience.  

Customers praise Clover's effective and knowledgeable customer support team, which promptly assisted with technical issues and customization. They also comment on how easy it is to run a PCI compliance scan and generate reports using the system. 

Negative reviews

Some businesses express concerns about Clover POS's upfront costs, especially those on a tight budget. While acknowledging their services, they stress the need for a more affordable entry point.

Some businesses have faced difficulties incorporating Clover into their current systems or software. This can be a major disadvantage for companies that depend on certain tools for their day-to-day operations, and the perceived limitations in integration may hurt their overall experience.

Businesses operating in areas with unreliable internet connectivity express frustration with Clover's dependency on a stable internet connection. While the offline mode helps to some extent, users emphasize the importance of a more robust solution for scenarios where internet access is sporadic.

Customer Service

To contact their sales team, call them at (844) 497-7373. Their operating hours are Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 10 PM EST and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 6 PM EST.

Clover also offers business training resources to ensure their staff is well-acquainted with the system. Whether through webinars, video tutorials, or in-person training sessions, businesses can access educational materials to optimize their use of this system.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, Clover POS is an adaptable and simple point-of-sale system that many businesses have found useful. All kinds of companies, from mom-and-pop shops to large corporations, may find what they need in their extensive product catalog. Firms may improve their operations and increase the client experience with Clover's features, including configurable software, flexible payments, and robust inventory management.

There are benefits to the system, such as dependable performance and an easy-to-navigate interface, but there are also fees and integration hurdles that companies must consider. Many users have complimented Clover's customer care for helping them get the most out of their point-of-sale system.

Your company's specific needs and objectives should guide your decision to use Clover POS. Making a well-informed decision that drives your organization toward efficiency and success requires meticulous evaluation of features, pricing strategies, and client feedback. Read our reviews, blog posts, and comparison pages to better understand all your options.

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