Clover POS is a popular point-of-sale solution for small and medium-sized businesses, offering flexible hardware, customizable software, and a range of features. However, before deciding to invest in a Clover POS system, it’s important to understand the pricing structure, which can vary depending on the plan, hardware, and additional services you choose. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in setting up and running a Clover POS system for your business.
1. Clover POS Hardware Costs
Clover POS offers a variety of hardware options, allowing businesses to choose the devices that best suit their needs. The most common hardware options include:
- Clover Station: This is the most powerful and feature-rich POS terminal, designed for businesses that need a full-featured POS system. It costs around $1,349 for the complete system, which includes the station, cash drawer, receipt printer, and barcode scanner.
- Clover Mini: A smaller, more compact POS system, ideal for businesses with limited counter space. The Clover Mini typically costs around $649 for the device, though prices can vary based on your package or features.
- Clover Flex: This is a portable POS system that is ideal for businesses that need mobility, like food trucks or salons. The Clover Flex is priced at around $499 for the device itself, but additional accessories (like a card reader or receipt printer) may add to the total cost.
- Clover Go: A simple mobile POS system that works with smartphones or tablets. This device is typically priced at $69 for the hardware, though you will also need a compatible mobile device.
Each of these devices can be purchased outright or leased through Clover’s financing options, depending on your preference. Be sure to check for any deals or promotions that may offer discounts on the hardware.
2. Software Costs and Subscription Plans
Clover’s pricing also includes monthly subscription fees for the software that powers the POS system. The software enables all the point-of-sale functions, including sales tracking, inventory management, reporting, and customer relationship management (CRM). Here’s a breakdown of the software plans:
- Clover Register Plan: This is the most basic subscription plan, ideal for businesses that don’t need advanced features. It costs $14.95 per month and includes essential POS features, including basic reporting and order management.
- Clover Station Plan: For businesses that require a more robust system with advanced reporting, employee management, and integrations with other tools, the Clover Station plan costs $39.95 per month.
- Clover Express Plan: The Clover Express plan is designed for businesses that need more advanced features such as loyalty programs, advanced reporting, and deeper integrations. It costs $69 per month.
- Clover Online Store Plan: If you plan on integrating an online store with your Clover POS, this plan costs $19.95 per month and provides e-commerce integration.
Each plan offers varying levels of functionality, so you should consider your business needs when selecting the best software plan. Additionally, you can add optional features like employee management, payroll integration, or customer loyalty programs, which may come with additional costs.
3. Payment Processing Fees
Another significant cost to consider when using Clover POS is payment processing fees. Clover uses its own payment processor, but you can also integrate with third-party processors. The fees depend on the type of transactions you process, but generally, you can expect to pay:
- Swiped or Chip Card Transactions: Typically around 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction.
- Keyed-in Transactions: These usually come with higher fees, typically around 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
These processing fees can add up over time, especially if your business processes a high volume of transactions. It’s important to factor in these fees when calculating the total cost of using a Clover POS system.
4. Additional Costs for Clover POS
While the hardware and software costs are the primary expenses, there are additional costs that you may incur, including:
- Accessories: Clover POS hardware often requires accessories such as receipt printers, barcode scanners, cash drawers, or kitchen printers. These accessories can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost, depending on your business needs.
- App Store Purchases: Clover offers an app marketplace with a wide range of apps to extend the functionality of your POS system. Some of these apps are free, while others come with additional monthly fees. For example, apps for advanced reporting, loyalty programs, or employee management may cost anywhere from $5 to $50 per month.
- Customer Support: While basic customer support is typically included, you may also need to purchase premium support packages if you require more dedicated assistance. These packages can range from $19.95 to $99 per month.
5. Total Cost of Owning a Clover POS System
The total cost of owning a Clover POS system will vary greatly depending on the hardware, software plan, and any additional services or accessories you require. On average, businesses can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $200 per month for a complete POS system, including hardware, software, and payment processing fees.
For example:
- A small retail business might spend $649 on a Clover Mini plus $39.95 per month for the Clover Station plan and 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction in processing fees.
- A larger restaurant with the Clover Station and full-featured apps could spend $1,349 on hardware, $69 per month for the software plan, and higher processing fees due to more transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get Clover POS for free? While the hardware and software are not free, Clover does offer financing options to spread out the cost over time. Additionally, you may be able to find promotions or discounts on the hardware.
- Does Clover charge transaction fees? Yes, Clover charges transaction fees for credit card and debit card payments. The fees vary depending on how the card is processed (swiped, inserted, or keyed in).
- Can I change my Clover POS subscription plan later? Yes, Clover allows you to change your subscription plan as your business needs evolve. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time.
- Is Clover POS compatible with other payment processors? Clover primarily uses its own payment processing system, but it can integrate with third-party processors in some cases. Keep in mind that switching processors may affect transaction fees.
- Are there any hidden fees with Clover POS? While Clover is transparent about its costs, it’s important to consider any additional fees for accessories, apps, and payment processing. Always review the full pricing breakdown before committing to a plan.
Clover POS offers a range of pricing options to fit different business sizes and needs. Whether you’re a small business or a larger enterprise, understanding the costs involved will help you make an informed decision about whether Clover is the right POS system for you.
