Many businesses are faced with the choice between implementing a point-of-sale system from Clover Networks or Square, Inc. These companies offer similar hardware builds and transaction rates with a few significant differences in terms of design, features, compatible peripherals, supported third-party applications. This comparison of the Clover Flex and Square Terminal systems can help you decide on the best hardware and automotive POS software.
The Features of Clover Flex
Clover Flex is a popular portable POS system used in many auto repair shops, parts stores and other sales or service-based businesses. This handheld device has a five-inch wide, high-definition touchscreen display and a built-in barcode reader, card reader, near-field communication reader and receipt printer.
Both the Clover Flex and Square Terminal wireless credit card readers empower businesses to take payments anywhere, with support for mobile data, Wi-Fi or ethernet connections. Clover Flex can accept payments offline for seven days, whereas the Square Terminal only supports offline payments for up to 72 hours or three days.
The Benefits of Square Terminal
Square offers a full range of POS devices from ultra-portable card readers for magstripes, EMV chips or NFC payment methods up to the Terminal, Stand and countertop Register hardware. The Square Terminal is closest in size and functionality to the Clover Flex, with a slightly larger 5.5-inch touchscreen display. Both systems come with built-in receipt printers.
An auto service that does not need to be able to scan barcodes may be satisfied with the baseline functionality of the Terminal. Like the Clover Flex, this system comes with built-in support for NFC payment methods. In terms of payment processing, some businesses appreciate that Square has no contract commitment.
Deciding On Clover or Square
Clover and Square make similarly sized POS hardware. Just as the Clover Flex and Square Terminal are similar in size, the Clover Station compares to the Square Register. Consider the functionality you need in terms of customer checkout and other operational workflows. Keep in mind that it is possible to download and test Square software on a mobile device, whereas Clover software is proprietary and built into the company’s hardware, though the cloud-based user dashboard can be accessed on any internet-connected device.
The Clover and Square systems may also have similar rates for processing payments. While Square systems can only be set up through the POS system manufacturer and have locked-in rates, some payment processing services may be able to offer lower fees for certain Clover systems.
Check to see which platform will minimize the cost of being able to accept more forms of payment. You may be able to find offers that cut down equipment prices, ongoing monthly service fees or transaction rates to levels that make a Clover system a more appealing choice for a budget-conscious operation.
Clover and Square POS systems go beyond basic payment processing to support a wide range of operational functions. From managing inventory and employee schedules to tracking sales reports, look for the platform that offers the services you need most within the operating budget of an automotive service business.
