Explore the Best Clover POS Alternatives: Find the Perfect Fit for Your Business
Switching up your point of sale (POS) system can feel like a huge leap of faith, especially when it’s the lifeline for your restaurant’s sales and payments. But sometimes, jumping to a system that’s a better fit for your business is worth it in the long run.
Clover is a popular POS system that works for all kinds of businesses, including the food and beverage industry. It handles things like payment processing, allowing you to accept credit card payments, and syncing with a third-party payment processor. But not everyone’s thrilled with Clover’s customer support, pricing structure, or additional transaction fees.
Because of that, some restaurant owners are checking out Clover alternatives.
So, if you're on Clover now or just hunting for your first POS system, it’s time to explore your options. Check out what Clover’s rivals can offer and figure out if it’s time for a change.
Limitations of Clover POS App
When it comes to Clover POS, some recurring issues pop up in third-party reviews that are worth knowing if you’re considering Clover alternatives.
- Monthly fees and charges can add up: A lot of users find Clover’s monthly fees to be a hassle. Former Clover user Reginna said in her GetApp review, “Having to pay a monthly fee is what made me quit using it altogether. I’d rather just pay a fee per card than paying to use it per month.” Another user on Capterra noted, “You do not get a choice in your credit card processor. For us, we happen to already use this processor and have a great deal set up with them, but others will likely end up paying more than expected when they get their credit card processing bill. There are several charges for having this type of system that they neglect to tell you about, so it ends up much more expensive than you expect.”
- Limited transaction capabilities: Clover’s transaction capabilities aren’t always up to snuff, especially in busy spots. Clover user Sarah mentioned in her G2 review, “Not user friendly for bars or making tabs. It is great for one-time transactions, single use.”
- Transparency—or lack thereof: If you’re expecting clear, straightforward info, you might be in for a bit of a wild ride. According to a Forbes review, the quality and responsiveness of Clover’s support team have also gotten mixed reviews. Some people say it’s like pulling teeth to get help, while others have had better luck. So, if you’re thinking about jumping on the Clover train, just keep these potential hiccups in mind.
Why Businesses are Looking for Clover Alternatives
So, why are so many businesses eyeing Clover alternatives these days? Let’s break it down.
First off, those monthly fees can be a real pain in the wallet. Who enjoys paying extra every month? Former users are fed up with coughing up cash just for the privilege of using the system. They’d rather pay per transaction if it means fewer surprises in their monthly bill.
Then there’s the whole issue of hidden charges. Some people find out the hard way that Clover isn’t as transparent as they’d hoped. If you don’t get to choose your credit card processor or if you’re hit with unexpected charges, it can make a big dent in your budget.
Clover also falls short in certain areas. For instance, bars and busy restaurants have found Clover’s transaction capabilities lacking. And let’s not forget the frustration of trying to manage orders and clock out at the same time. It’s like Clover’s idea of efficiency is a bit outdated.
All these issues are pushing businesses to explore Clover alternatives that offer better features, clearer pricing, and fewer headaches. If you’re tired of Clover’s quirks, you might just find a system that suits your needs better—one that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out every time you see the bill.
Top Clover POS Alternatives
Thinking of ditching Clover? No worries—there are plenty of awesome alternatives out there! Check out these top picks that might just be a better fit for what you need. From cool features to easy setups, these options could make your life a whole lot easier.
Epos Now
First up on our best clover alternatives list is Epos Now. It's quickly becoming the top pick in the world of cloud-based POS systems. It's loaded with features to cover all your business needs, from loyalty programs and online ordering to staff management and inventory tracking. The best part is that it’s super easy to set up—you can get it going in just a few minutes. Plus, with its strong security measures, your data stays protected.
Started in 2011 by Jacyn Heavens, Epos Now was created out of a need for a simple and affordable POS system. After struggling to find a decent, budget-friendly POS while working in a bar, Jacyn decided to build one himself. Now, Epos Now helps thousands of businesses in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and beyond, making operations smoother everywhere.
- Integrated payment processing system: One of Epos Now’s standout features is its integrated payment processing. You can handle all payment types through a single terminal, which speeds up transactions and cuts down on mistakes. Everything is managed from one portal, making life easier for both you and your customers. Plus, you get fixed-rate payment processing with no sneaky fees, so managing costs is a breeze.
- Inventory management: Epos Now shines when it comes to real-time inventory tracking. You’ll always know exactly what you have in stock with features like item tracking, reordering alerts, and automated ordering. These tools help you keep inventory levels just right while saving time and cutting costs.
- Employee management: Managing your team is simple with Epos Now’s employee management tools. You can easily schedule shifts and track time to ensure everyone’s hours are on point. Sales goal alerts help keep staff motivated, and customizable permissions ensure that only authorized employees can access sensitive information.
- App store: The Epos Now AppStore has a ton of apps to further personalize and enhance your system. Whether you need a loyalty program, delivery management, or integration with QuickBooks and Mailchimp, there’s an app for that. Popular options include:
- Epos Now Loyalty: Create and manage customer loyalty programs.
- Epos Now Delivery: Simplify your delivery orders.
- Order & Pay: Let customers order and pay from their own devices.
- QuickBooks: Sync your sales and financial data seamlessly.
- Mailchimp: Automate your email marketing campaigns.
Epos Now is a fantastic choice for small business owners looking for a secure, user-friendly POS system. With its integrated payment processing, real-time inventory management, and solid staff management features, it’s everything you need to get your business running smoothly. And if you need support, their customer service team is always ready to assist.
Lightspeed Retail
Clover alternative number two is Lightspeed. This is a robust POS system that’s been around for over a decade and is trusted by major names like Five Guys and Goodwill. It's versatile, serving retail, restaurants, bars, and e-commerce businesses. You can access it via the cloud, your web browser, or an iOS app. Here’s what Forbes has to say about Lightspeed:
Pros:
- 24/7 Support: You can get help any time of day or night.
- Dedicated account manager: You have a specific manager assigned to your account.
- Inventory management: Keeps your stock in check and up to date.
Cons:
- Pricey: It’s on the higher end price-wise compared to other options.
- Long contracts: You’ll be tied into lengthy agreements.
- Difficult to cancel: Getting out of the contract can be a real hassle.
Square POS
Next up is the Square register, a cloud-based system designed to make running your business easier. It offers mobile payment processing, simple hardware setup, and tools for managing both your employees and customers. Plus, it provides detailed reports and integrates with major accounting systems, so you can get started smoothly. Here’s what a Forbes review has to say about Square POS:
Pros:
- Free to start: Square POS has no initial cost, which is perfect for small businesses trying to keep expenses low.
- No monthly fees on basic plan: The basic plan doesn’t come with monthly fees, making it a budget-friendly choice.
- Wide range of hardware: You can pick from various hardware options to find what works best for your setup.
Cons:
- Account freezing: Square accounts can be frozen due to unusual activity, which can be a real pain if it happens unexpectedly.
- Not ideal for high-volume transactions: If you’re processing a lot of transactions, Square might not be the most cost-effective option because of its fee structure.
- No phone support: Square doesn’t offer phone support, which can be inconvenient if you prefer speaking to someone directly when you need help.
Toast POS
Toast is designed to help restaurant owners run their operations smoothly. It’s packed with features for handling payments, managing inventory, tracking staff, and offering extras like promo codes and gift cards. Here’s the scoop from Forbes Reviews:
Pros:
- Multiple payment methods: You can accept credit card payments as well as a variety of other payment types.
- Restaurant-specific: Built specifically for the needs of restaurants.
- 24/7 customer service: Support is available at any time, no matter your plan.
- Easy multi-location use: Handles multiple locations without a hitch.
Cons:
- Unclear costs: Pricing can be hard to pin down due to its flexible plans and pay-as-you-go model.
- Expensive to cancel or switch: Changing your plan or canceling can cost you.
- Poor BBB rating: It has a not-so-great rating on the BBB and a limited online presence for customer support.
TouchBistro POS
TouchBistro is a local-cloud hybrid system, meaning it’s installed right at your restaurant but sends data to the cloud. It’s a solid choice for mobile or on-the-go setups like food trucks, catering businesses, and delis. Check out the perks and flaws Forbes Review said the company has:
Pros:
- 24/7 customer support: Help is available anytime you need it.
- Restaurant-specific design: Made with restaurants in mind, so it’s tailored to your needs.
- Real-time menu updates: Change and update your menu on the fly.
TouchBistro Cons:
- No offline ordering: Can’t process orders without an internet connection.
- Not fully cloud-based: It’s not 100% cloud, so it relies on local installation too.
- Hospitality-specific business types: More geared towards hospitality businesses, so it might not be ideal for other types of businesses (like retail stores or ecommerce companies)
Benefits of switching to Epos Now
Switching to Epos Now comes with some fantastic perks that can simplify running your business. Unlike other POS systems that rely on third-party payment processors or add extra fees, Epos Now offers an all-in-one solution. This means you won’t have to juggle multiple services or deal with hidden charges—everything you need is integrated into one system. Here's the perks:
First, Epos Now's POS system comes with its own built-in payment processing system called Epos Now Payments. This means you don’t need to hunt for a separate processor or deal with extra fees. Everything’s integrated, so payments are processed quickly and smoothly, making life easier for both you and your customers.
When it comes to app integration, Epos Now really stands out. It connects effortlessly with a wide range of business apps, whether you need to handle accounting, manage inventory, or keep track of customer relationships. This means you can sync all your tools in one place, simplifying tasks like tracking stock, managing payroll, generating sales reports, and running marketing campaigns. Having everything on a single platform helps streamline your operations and cut down on manual work.
Epos Now also offers specialized POS systems tailored for different industries. For retail businesses, their retail POS includes features like advanced inventory management tools, customer loyalty programs, and detailed reporting with advanced customer data to keep tabs on stock and multiple locations. For those in the hospitality sector, the Hospitality POS is equipped with features like table management, split billing, and online ordering, making it perfect for restaurants, cafes, and bars. These industry-specific tools ensure you have everything you need to run your business efficiently, no matter what field you’re in.
Switching Steps from Clover
Made your decision to switch from Clover? Awesome! Here’s a simple guide to help you make the transition to a new point of sale system smoothly:
- Identify your needs: Figure out what Clover POS is lacking and what you need from a new system. Do you want better inventory management, more payment options, or enhanced reporting?
- Choose your new POS: Explore different POS systems and pick one that matches your needs. Compare features and costs, and read user reviews.
- Export your data: Get your data out of Clover. Export customer info (like customer engagement and customer behavior data), inventory data, and sales records, typically in CSV format.
- Set up the new system: Install your new POS system and follow the setup instructions provided. This may involve configuring new hardware and software.
- Import your data: Upload your old data into the new system. Most POS systems offer straightforward import processes—just follow their instructions.
- Connect your tools: Link the new POS with any other tools you use, like accounting software or your online store. Ensure everything syncs properly.
- Train your team: Show your staff how to use the new system. Make sure they’re comfortable with the new setup before going live.
- Test everything: Run tests to ensure payments process correctly, inventory updates, and reports look right. Spot any glitches before going live.
- Go live: Switch over to the new POS system. Keep an eye on things to address any issues that come up quickly.
And that’s it! Follow these steps to switch from Clover to your new POS system with ease.
Check out our additional alternative comparison guides: