Guide

Clover for retail stores in Canada.

On Clover, the plan decides more than the device does. Sizes, proper returns, a weight scale and an online store all sit on one plan and not the other. Pick that first, then pick the hardware.

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Reviewed by the CleverPays payments team · Last reviewed

A retail counter part-way through a sale.

The short answer

  • Simple stock, one till: the Basic setup, a Mini on the Essentials plan.
  • Sizes, colours or returns: the Standard setup, a Station Duo on Retail Growth. Essentials doesn't list variants or itemized returns.
  • Selling by weight: Clover lists scale integration on Retail Growth only.
  • Helping people on the floor: the Advanced setup adds a handheld Flex.
  • In Quebec: Clover's Gift Cards app isn't available, and a separate price accuracy rule may apply to your scanner.

Which setup suits your store

These are our starting points, based on what Clover lists in each plan.

Your storePlan to look atDevice to look atWhyCheck first
Gift shop or small boutique, simple stockEssentialsMiniItems, stock counts and a customer listEssentials has no variants, so each size would be its own item
Clothing or shoesRetail GrowthStation DuoVariants and itemized returns and exchangesHow your size and colour list imports
Butcher, bulk food or produceRetail GrowthStation DuoScale integration is on this plan onlyWhich scale models work
Convenience or liquor storeAsk for bothMini or Station DuoBarcode scanning matters most, and Clover's tables disagree on the planWhich plan includes the scanner, and how large a catalogue it handles
Bike shop or furniture storeRetail GrowthStation Duo and FlexA handheld lets staff finish the sale where the customer isWi-Fi at the back of the store
Pop-up or market stallPayments or EssentialsFlex or Clover GoPortable, runs on LTE or a phoneSignal, and whether you need stock counts at all

Essentials or Retail Growth

This is the real decision. From Clover Canada's retail and Mini pricing tables:

FeatureEssentialsRetail Growth
Items and stock countsYesYes
Itemized orders, detailed and tax reportsYesYes
Customer databaseYesYes
Connecting an online store you already haveYesYes
Variants, such as size and colourNoYes
Itemized returns and exchangesNoYes
Weight scaleNoYes
Branded website and online storeNoYes
Cost tracking by itemNoYes
Handheld barcode scannerClover's tables disagreeYes

On the scanner: Clover's retail table shows it on Retail Growth only, and its Mini table shows it from Essentials up. Get the answer in writing if you depend on it.

You aren't locked in. Clover's help says a plan upgrade or downgrade takes effect right away, with billing changing on the next cycle. If you bought through a dealer, your provider handles it.

If you already sell online

Clover says you can connect an existing online store from Essentials up. A store built on Clover itself needs Retail Growth, and it gives you one dashboard for online and in-store.

To keep stock in step across both, Clover points to app partners. SKU IQ is one: it's a paid subscription, and you finish setup on SKU IQ's own site. Clover's app list also includes Pointy from Google, which shows your in-store products on your Google Business Profile.

If your store runs on Shopify or WooCommerce, ask which route you'd use and who is responsible for it. Clover's help says the vendor of a payment plugin handles certain security rules for scripts on your payment page, while a custom build makes those your job.

See Clover's online options

What staff should practise

A return without the original sale

Itemized returns are a Retail Growth feature. On Essentials, agree how staff will record a return so your stock count stays right.

An Interac refund

Clover's developer page says Interac refunds need the card inserted, and Interac cards can't be saved for later. Decide what staff do when a customer comes back without the card.

Tap on the device you bought

Clover's restaurant table lists tap and mobile wallets for the Flex and Station Duo, not the Station Solo. If a quote includes a Solo, ask how customers tap.

A dropped connection

Clover's retail page says payments can work offline and process later. Its help page sets limits and leaves the risk of a later decline with you, and its developer page says Canadian merchants can't take offline payments. Test it before you rely on it.

In Quebec

  • Gift cards. Clover says its Gift Cards app is unavailable in French and in Quebec. Ask what you'd use instead.
  • Scanner pricing. Quebec's consumer protection office says stores that don't label each item, show prices nearby and use a scanner at the till fall under the Price Accuracy Policy. If the till rings higher than the advertised price, an item at $15 or less is free, and a dearer item gets $15 off. Keep your Clover prices and shelf tags in step.
  • Tips. If your terminal suggests tips, the office says percentages must be worked out before GST and QST, with a choose-your-own option. That applies to any merchant, not just restaurants.

What to ask before you sign

  1. Which plan do I need for the features I'll use, and what is its monthly price?
  2. What is the monthly price of each device, or the price to buy it?
  3. Which plan includes the barcode scanner, and which scanners work?
  4. If I sell by weight, which scales work?
  5. How do I get my current product list and stock counts in?
  6. Which apps do I need to keep online and in-store stock in step, and what do they cost?
  7. What are the card fees for tapped, keyed and online sales?
  8. How long is the term, what does it cost to leave, and who do I call for help?
See the full cost guide

Common questions

Is Clover good for retail?

It suits a store that wants payments, stock and reports in one system. Clover says more than 140,000 retailers use it. It's a weaker fit if you want a big catalogue with deep purchasing tools, or want to shop around for card processing, because Clover says its devices don't work with other processors.

What are the fees for Clover in Canada?

Clover doesn't publish a price list. You'll have a plan fee, card processing fees, and the cost of hardware and any paid apps. Our cost guide breaks down each one.

Can Clover handle sizes and colours?

Yes, on Retail Growth. Clover calls them variants. Essentials doesn't list them.

Does Clover track inventory?

Yes, from Essentials up. Retail Growth adds cost tracking by item, and Clover's reports can sort by period, order type, SKU and employee.

Does Clover work with Shopify or WooCommerce?

Clover's help mentions payment plugins for Shopify, WooCommerce and Adobe Commerce. Stock syncing is a separate question, usually answered by an app. Ask about your exact platform.

Can Clover charge the right sales tax?

Clover lists automatic tax rates on its retail page. Check your setup with your accountant, especially if you sell across provinces.

Sources

Setting up a store?

Tell us what you sell, how you count stock and what you use now. We'll check which plan and device fit, and what to ask for in a quote.

Talk to us about CloverCheck my setup

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