Comparing Shopify vs Clover for your business? Discover which POS system offers the best features, pricing, and benefits for your needs.
When it comes to choosing a point-of-sale (POS) system for your business, two of the most popular options are Shopify POS and Clover POS. Both offer powerful features that can help businesses manage inventory, process payments, and streamline operations. However, deciding between Shopify vs Clover can be challenging. In this article, we’ll compare both systems in detail to help you make an informed decision.
What is Shopify POS?
Shopify POS is a cloud-based point-of-sale system developed by Shopify, a leading eCommerce platform. It allows businesses to sell in physical locations while syncing inventory and sales data with their online store. Shopify POS is especially popular among eCommerce businesses that also have brick-and-mortar stores.
What is Clover POS?
Clover POS is a robust point-of-sale system developed by Fiserv, designed for small to medium-sized businesses. It offers a variety of hardware options like Clover Flex, Clover Mini, and Clover Station Duo, making it suitable for different business types, including retail stores, restaurants, and service businesses.
Shopify vs Clover: Key Differences
Here’s a detailed comparison between Shopify POS and Clover POS to help you determine which one suits your business better.
1. Pricing
| Feature | Shopify POS | Clover POS |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | Starts at $29/month | Varies by provider |
| Transaction Fee | 2.7% per transaction | 2.3% – 3.5% |
| Hardware Cost | $49 – $299 per device | $500 – $1,500 |
Winner: Shopify POS for lower monthly fees and straightforward pricing.
2. Hardware Options
| Hardware | Shopify POS | Clover POS |
| Mobile Device | Shopify Tap & Chip | Clover Flex |
| Compact Device | Shopify POS Go | Clover Mini |
| Full Station | Shopify POS Stand | Clover Station Duo |
Winner: Clover POS offers more powerful hardware solutions.
3. Ease of Use
- Shopify POS is incredibly easy to set up, especially if you already have a Shopify eCommerce store.
- Clover POS requires working with a merchant service provider, which may have a longer setup process.
Winner: Shopify POS for quick and seamless setup.
4. Payment Processing
- Shopify POS processes payments through Shopify Payments.
- Clover POS works with various merchant service providers like Process Rite or Fiserv.
Winner: Clover POS for flexibility in choosing merchant service providers.
5. Inventory Management
- Shopify POS allows real-time inventory management that syncs with your online store.
- Clover POS offers built-in inventory management with low-stock alerts and reporting.
Winner: Shopify POS for seamless inventory synchronization.
Pros and Cons of Shopify POS
Pros
- Seamlessly integrates with Shopify online store
- Simple and affordable pricing
- Easy to set up and use
Cons
- Limited hardware options
- Higher transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
Pros and Cons of Clover POS
Pros
- Wide range of hardware options
- Powerful inventory and employee management tools
- Works with multiple payment processors
Cons
- Higher upfront cost for hardware
- Dependent on merchant service providers
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Shopify POS If:
- You already have or plan to have an online store.
- You want simple pricing and easy setup.
- You prefer a cloud-based solution with seamless integration.
Choose Clover POS If:
- You need advanced hardware options.
- You prefer working with third-party merchant service providers.
- You run a restaurant or retail store that requires robust in-person POS functionality.
FAQs
1. Can I Use Shopify POS Without an Online Store?
Yes, you can use Shopify POS without an online store, but its full potential is unlocked when integrated with Shopify’s eCommerce platform.
2. Is Clover POS Better for Restaurants?
Yes, Clover POS is ideal for restaurants because of its dual-screen options and table management features.
3. Which System Is Cheaper to Operate?
Shopify POS generally has lower upfront costs and more predictable monthly fees.
4. Can I Get a Free Clover POS System?
Yes, some merchant service providers like Process Rite offer free Clover POS systems when you sign up for their credit card processing services.
5. Does Shopify POS Offer Customizable Receipts?
Yes, Shopify POS allows you to customize receipts with your logo and business details.
6. Can I Switch from Clover to Shopify POS?
Yes, but you may need to migrate your inventory and customer data manually.
Conclusion
Both Shopify POS and Clover POS offer powerful solutions for businesses, but the best choice depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize online and in-store integration, Shopify POS is the way to go. However, if you need advanced hardware and customizable payment processing, Clover POS stands out.
