Picture this: A bustling cafe during the morning rush. Orders flowing in, payments being processed, and inventory updating in real-time. Behind this seamless operation lies a powerful Point-of-Sale (POS) system – the backbone of modern retail and restaurant operations. But with numerous options available, how do you choose between industry leaders like Square and Clover?

Understanding PoS systems: more than just a cash register

Today’s POS systems are light-years ahead of traditional cash registers. They’re comprehensive business management platforms that handle everything from payment processing and inventory management to employee scheduling and customer relationship management. In our digital age, a POS system is essentially your business’s command centre.

Meet the contenders: Square and Clover

Square

Born from simplicity, Square revolutionised the payment industry by introducing a simple card reader that could turn any smartphone into a payment terminal. Today, it’s evolved into a robust ecosystem of business tools, known for its user-friendly interface and transparent pricing.

Clover

Backed by Fiserv, Clover entered the market with a mission to provide sophisticated POS solutions for businesses of all sizes. It offers purpose-built hardware and a rich app marketplace, making it highly customizable for specific business needs.

Square vs Clover: Quick glance on Pros and Cons

Feature	Square	Clover
PROS	Free plans include full POS system setups and card readers. Seamless integration with additional services like payroll. No long-term contracts or cancellation fees. Offers a free online store with all plans. Free plans are available for mobile card readers. Competitive in-person transaction rates starting at 2.3% + 10¢. Flexibility to buy POS hardware from third-party vendors. Round-the-clock phone support available.	Free plans are available for mobile card readers. Competitive in-person transaction rates starting at 2.3% + 10¢. Flexibility to buy POS hardware from third-party vendors. Round-the-clock phone support available.
CONS	Incompatible with Windows-based devices. May not meet the needs of industries requiring advanced, specialized systems. 24/7 phone support is limited to select plans. Higher fees for online payment processing compared to Square.	Promotional pricing tied to a 3-year contract commitment. Some accounting integrations may come with extra costs.

Detailed comparison: square vs clover

Pricing structure

Square:

• Free basic POS software plan

• Payment Processing fees: 2.6% + 10¢ for in-person transactions

• For online transactions, it is 2.9% + 30¢

• Volume discounts available for businesses processing over $250,000 annually

• No long-term contracts or termination fees

• Free online store included with all plans

Clover:

• Monthly software costs range from $0 to $129.85 depending on plan

• Transaction fees start at 2.3% + 10¢ for in-person transactions

• For Online transactions, it costs 3.5% + 10¢

• May require a 3-year contract for promotional pricing

• Online store integration requires additional fees (except for restaurant plans)

Hardware options and costs

Square:

• Free magstripe reader ($10 for additional readers)

• Square Reader for contactless/chip: $59

• Square Stand (iPad POS): $149

• Square Terminal: $299

• Square Register (two-screen system): $799

• Monthly financing available for most hardware

Clover:

• Clover Go card reader: $199

• Clover Flex/Flex Pocket: $599

• Clover Mini POS: $799

• Clover Station Solo: $1,699

• Clover Station Duo: $1,799

• Self-ordering kiosk: $3,499 + $34.95/month

Integration capabilities

Square:

• Extensive API documentation

• Seamless integration with digital solutions

• Integration with digital menu boards like Pickcel’s digital signage solution

• Strong e-commerce capabilities

• Free online store

• Fast funding: Transfers into your bank account typically happen within 24 to 48 hours

Clover:

• Rich app marketplace

• Custom app development options

• Good third-party integrations

• More focused on in-store operations

• Flexible payment processing options

Key advantages

Square shines with:

• Transparent, straightforward pricing

• Quick setup with no merchant account needed

• More affordable hardware options

• Free online store

• Seamless digital integration (including Pickcel digital menu boards)

• Fast funding (24-48 hours)

• Simple plug-and-play software for iOS and Android

Clover excels in:

• Payment processing flexibility

• Lower transaction fees for high-volume businesses

• Merchant account options

• Industry-specific solutions

• 24/7 phone support

• Extensive customization options

• Wide range of specialized hardware

Customer support

Square: Phone, email, live chat, and social media support available weekdays (6 AM to 6 PM Pacific time).

Clover: 24/7 phone support available

Digital menu board integration: A game-changer

The integration of POS systems with digital menu boards represents a significant advancement in restaurant management technology. By combining the visual appeal of digital menus with streamlined sales and inventory systems, businesses can enhance both customer experience and operational efficiency. This integration enables real-time menu and pricing updates, smart inventory management, and dynamic promotional capabilities that can boost sales and engagement.

Square’s integration with Pickcel’s digital menu boards exemplifies this modern approach, offering businesses a unified platform for managing sales and digital content. The integration automatically synchronises menu updates, enables strategic promotions based on inventory levels, and ensures pricing consistency across all displays. This seamless connection not only saves significant staff hours but also reduces errors and enables businesses to create more engaging, dynamic dining experiences for their customers.

Reach out to the Pickcel support team to check if your POS solution is supported by Pickcel. If not - don’t worry, we can build a custom integration solution just for you.

Making the right choice for your business

The decision between Square and Clover comes down to your business’s specific needs:

Choose Square if you:

• Want a simple, all-in-one solution

• Need quick setup without a merchant account

• Prefer transparent pricing

• Plan to integrate with digital solutions like Pickcel’s menu boards

• Want lower upfront hardware costs

• Need a free online store

Choose Clover if you:

• Already have a merchant account

• Process high transaction volumes

• Need 24/7 support

• Want highly specialized hardware

• Require extensive customization

• Prefer working with third-party processors

Conclusion

For most small to medium-sized businesses, especially those looking to create a modern, digitally integrated environment, Square offers the more straightforward and cost-effective solution. Its seamless integration with digital signage solutions like Pickcel makes it particularly attractive for businesses looking to modernise their customer experience. However, Clover’s flexibility and specialized features make it a strong contender for established businesses with specific needs or those processing high transaction volumes who can benefit from its lower processing rates.

Remember, the best choice isn’t just about current needs – consider your business’s growth trajectory and technology integration plans when making your decision. With Square’s integration capabilities with digital menu boards through Pickcel, businesses can create a more cohesive and modern customer experience, streamlining operations and enhancing visual appeal in one comprehensive solution.