Clover POS is one of the most popular point-of-sale solutions for businesses of all sizes, known for its flexibility, range of features, and ease of use. If you’re considering investing in a Clover POS system, understanding the costs involved is crucial. Pricing for Clover POS depends on various factors, including the type of hardware, software plan, and additional services you select. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect to pay for Clover POS.
Clover POS Hardware Pricing
Clover offers several hardware options to suit different business needs. Whether you’re looking for a full-featured terminal or a compact, portable solution, the price of Clover hardware varies accordingly. Here are the most common options:
- Clover Station: This is the full-featured POS system ideal for retail stores and restaurants. It includes a larger touchscreen, receipt printer, cash drawer, and barcode scanner. The cost of the Clover Station is typically $1,349 for the complete system, although prices may vary depending on accessories or promotions.
- Clover Mini: A more compact POS system, the Clover Mini is perfect for businesses with limited counter space. The Clover Mini usually costs around $649 for the device alone, but this does not include additional accessories such as printers or scanners, which can add to the total cost.
- Clover Flex: A portable, mobile POS system, the Clover Flex is designed for businesses that need to process payments on the go. It costs about $499 for the device itself. Additional accessories, like a receipt printer, can increase the total cost.
- Clover Go: This is the most affordable option and turns your smartphone or tablet into a mobile POS. Clover Go is priced at $69, making it an ideal choice for small businesses or individuals who need basic point-of-sale functionality.
Prices for hardware may vary depending on the retailer, available promotions, or specific bundles that include additional accessories like a cash drawer, printer, or barcode scanner.
Clover Software Subscription Plans
Clover POS systems require a software subscription to access all the features necessary to run your business. These subscriptions typically come with a monthly fee, and the pricing depends on the plan and features you select. Here are the most common plans available:
- Clover Register Plan: The basic plan designed for businesses that need simple POS features like sales tracking and order management. This plan costs $14.95 per month.
- Clover Station Plan: This plan is intended for businesses with more complex needs, such as employee management, advanced reporting, and integrations with other tools. The Clover Station plan costs $39.95 per month.
- Clover Express Plan: This plan offers more advanced features, including loyalty programs, customer management, and additional integrations. The monthly cost for this plan is $69.
- Clover Online Store Plan: For businesses looking to expand into e-commerce, this plan enables online store integration with your POS system. It costs $19.95 per month.
These monthly fees cover the essential software features, but you can also opt for additional apps and services that may increase the monthly cost.
Payment Processing Fees with Clover POS
One of the significant ongoing costs of using Clover POS is the payment processing fees. Clover offers its own payment processing solution, but it also allows third-party processors in some cases. The processing fees typically break down as follows:
- Swiped or Chip Card Transactions: Expect to pay about 2.3% + $0.10 per transaction when customers swipe or insert their cards.
- Keyed-in Transactions: If a card is manually entered (as opposed to swiping or inserting), the fee is generally higher, around 3.5% + $0.10 per transaction.
These fees can vary slightly depending on the volume of transactions and whether you opt for Clover’s integrated payment processor or use a third-party provider.
Additional Costs and Fees
Beyond the hardware, software, and transaction fees, there are other costs associated with using Clover POS:
- Accessories: Many businesses will need additional hardware such as receipt printers, barcode scanners, or cash drawers. These accessories typically range from $100 to $500 depending on the type of equipment.
- Apps and Integrations: Clover has a wide range of apps available for purchase through its App Market. Some apps are free, but others can cost anywhere from $5 to $50 per month depending on the functionality you need, such as advanced reporting, loyalty programs, or inventory management.
- Customer Support and Premium Services: While Clover provides basic customer support, some businesses may need premium support, which can cost an additional $19.95 to $99 per month, depending on the level of assistance required.
Total Cost of Ownership for Clover POS
The total cost of owning a Clover POS system depends on the combination of hardware, software, and processing fees, along with any additional accessories or apps you choose. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $200 per month for a complete Clover POS setup, not including the cost of transactions.
For example, a small business might purchase the Clover Mini for $649 and subscribe to the Clover Register Plan at $14.95 per month. Payment processing fees would be based on the volume of transactions.
On the other hand, a larger business with the Clover Station might pay $1,349 for the hardware, subscribe to the Clover Station Plan at $39.95 per month, and incur higher transaction fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cheapest Clover POS option? The most affordable Clover POS system is the Clover Go, priced at $69. This option is great for small businesses or mobile operations.
- Can I change my Clover subscription plan later? Yes, Clover allows businesses to change their subscription plan as their needs evolve. You can upgrade or downgrade your plan at any time.
- Are there any hidden fees with Clover POS? Clover’s pricing is fairly transparent, but keep in mind that transaction fees, additional apps, and accessories may add extra costs. Always review the full pricing details before committing.
- Can I use Clover POS with my existing equipment? Clover systems work best with their proprietary hardware, but certain accessories (like receipt printers and barcode scanners) may be compatible with third-party devices. Check with Clover for compatibility before purchasing.
- Are there financing options for Clover POS? Yes, Clover offers financing options for businesses that wish to spread out the cost of the hardware over time. Speak with a Clover representative for more details on financing plans.
Clover POS provides a flexible pricing structure to accommodate businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re a small mobile business or a large retailer, the costs can be adjusted based on the hardware and software plan you select. Understanding these costs will help you make an informed decision about whether Clover POS is the right fit for your business.