Looking for a versatile and budget-friendly POS system that’s simple to use? Square POS fits the bill, becoming a popular choice for small businesses like retailers, service providers, and coffee shops.
Let’s explore our Square POS reviews to discover how it transforms and empowers various businesses. In particular, we’ll focus on these aspects:
- Square POS pricing
- Square POS setup
- Square POS features
- Square POS add-ons
- Square POS customer services
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What is Square POS?
Before delving into our detailed Square point of sale reviews, let’s learn what Square POS is.
Square POS, made by Square, Inc., is a simple and flexible cash register system for all kinds of businesses. It makes taking payments easy, including cards and contactless payments.
The system comes with easy tools and free software. It helps businesses keep track of inventory, analyze data, and create reports. With Square POS, businesses can handle in-person and online sales easily. There are also extra features like making invoices, managing employees, and tools for dealing with customers.
In general, small to medium-sized businesses like Square POS because it’s cheap, easy to use, and has a lot of useful features.
Square POS Pros and Cons
Now, let’s go over Square POS’s benefits and drawbacks before diving into in-depth Square POS reviews.
Choosing a POS system is crucial for businesses, and Square POS is a prominent player in this landscape. To make an informed decision, it’s important to know the good and not-so-good aspects of Square POS. This part will highlight its key features for small businesses and point out things to consider.
Pros of Square POS
In our first part of Square POS review, let’s explore the perks that come with Square POS, from its transparent pricing to versatile hardware options.
- No monthly fees: Square’s pricing structure is transparent, with no monthly fees, making it cost-effective for businesses, especially those just starting.
- Free software: The free version of Square POS is feature-packed, providing robust functionality without additional costs, making it an attractive option for small businesses.
- Various hardware options: Square offers a broad array of hardware options, and as your business grows, you can easily upgrade devices with compatible accessories.
- Android and iOS compatible: Square POS supports Android and iOS, ensuring compatibility across a wide array of devices for your convenience.
- Uninterrupted transactions anywhere: With the ability to operate offline, Square POS ensures that your business can keep processing transactions even when the internet is unavailable.
- No chargeback fees: Unlike many competitors, Square does not issue a chargeback fee, a notable advantage for merchants in case of customer disputes.
Cons of Square POS
In our Square POS system reviews, there are some limitations associated with using Square POS in your business operations.
- Possibility of account suspensions: Some users have faced account freezes or suspensions, potentially creating hurdles for businesses heavily reliant on Square POS.
- High fees for bigger businesses: Medium-sized businesses could be affected by increased processing fees because Square POS charges fees based on transaction volumes.
- Limited 24/7 phone support with a free plan: The absence of 24/7 phone support in the free plan might be a factor to weigh, especially for businesses with urgent support needs or complex payment processes.
In a nutshell, Square POS works well for small business owners and mobile vendors, but it’s not the best choice for organizations with high transaction volumes.
If you’re still wondering if Square is worth it, read our comprehensive Square reviews for sellers.
Detailed Square POS Reviews
This part gives you comprehensive reviews of the Square POS system. We’ll cover everything from Square POS pricing and setup to its features, add-ons, and customer support.
Square POS pricing
Let’s start with the pricing. Square POS pricing is clear, with no hidden fees. It uses flat-rate, pay-as-you-go transaction fees, and monthly billing for software. There are no contracts, and you can add, change, or cancel subscriptions anytime without extra fees.
Here’s the detailed Square POS system cost:
Monthly fees | - $0: Square POS, Appointments POS, Retail POS, and Restaurant POS Free plans - $29: Square Appointments POS Plus plan$60: Square Restaurant POS Plus plan - $153: Square Restuarant Essentials Bundle plan - $69: Square Appointments POS Premium plan - $89: Square Retail POS Plus plan |
Payment processing fees | - 2.6% + $10 for in-person transactions - 2.9% + $30 for online transactions3.5% + $15 for manually keyed transactions - 3.3% + $30 for invoices * |
Hardware cost | - $0: Square magstripe-only card reader (additional readers at $10 each) or Tap to Pay for iPhone (iPhone not included). - $49+: Square Reader contactless and chip card reader. - $149: Square Stand iPad POS or Square Stand Mount (iPad not included). - $299: Square Terminal mobile card reader with built-in printer. - $799: Square Register two-screen system. |
*Note: There is a small difference fee between Invoices Free and Invoice Plus. Check out this article for more details.
With straightforward payment processing fees and various hardware options at different price points, Square provides flexibility for businesses of all sizes. From the budget-friendly $0 monthly fee to personalized pricing, Square adapts to your business needs.
For more details, check out our in-depth Square POS pricing article.
Square POS setup
This part of the Square POS system review shows you how to set it up.
Embarking on your Square POS journey is a breeze, taking just a few simple steps. Square POS’s user-friendly setup makes it the perfect choice for businesses eager to start accepting payments promptly. Here’s a quick guide to getting your Square system ready:
- Download the Square app: Begin by downloading the Square app on your Android or iOS mobile device.
- Create your account: Open the app and start signing up and creating your Square account. Square will send you a free card reader to kickstart your payment acceptance journey.
- Enter your banking info: Provide your banking details, and Square will make two tiny deposits to your account. It’s a security measure to ensure your transactions are safe and secure.
- Verify your information: Once those deposits show up, log in to your Square account to confirm your details and the deposit amounts. It’s a straightforward process to make sure everything is in order.
- Activate your card reader: When your free card reader arrives, plug it into your mobile device, and voila! You’re all set to start accepting payments from wherever your business takes you.
Square POS features
The next section in our comprehensive Square POS reviews is breaking down its features. Square POS systems offer various features to suit different business types and needs, from hardware to POS for retail, restaurants, and more.
Hardware
Square also offers various hardware options so businesses can pick what suits them best. The following Square POS reviews give you some highlights of Square hardware:
- Square Register: It’s an all-in-one system with a special display for customers. Plus, it comes with protection against certain chargebacks and a two-year warranty.
- Square Stand: Turn your iPad into a Point of Sale (POS) system with Square Stand. It has an easy checkout for customers and a card reader built-in.
- Square Terminal: This machine does it all – accepts payments and prints receipts. Customers can use it to tap, swipe, or dip their cards.
- Square Reader: Perfect for chip cards and contactless payments.
- Square Reader for Magstripe: Plug it into your phone to accept payments with magstripe cards. Square’s got you covered with hardware options to fit your business needs!
Square for Retail POS
Square is great for selling online or in a physical store. It helps with payments and inventory, making operations smoother. Plus, you can use Square for a free eCommerce store or integrate it with your existing one.
Square for Restaurants POS
Square isn’t just for retail; it’s excellent for restaurants too. Manage everything from the front to the back of your restaurant, handle menus, and speed up orders with free delivery or pickup. Square’s mobile features even let you accept payments right at the table, making things faster.
You can read our detailed Square for Retail vs Square POS comparison to decide which is better for your business.
Square for Appointments POS
Square impressed us with its built-in appointment scheduling – not something many others offer. You can control your availability through the app, and customers can easily book appointments or classes online. This makes Square a top choice for service providers.
Those are essential features that Square POS offers. In the next Square POS system reviews, let’s explore some additional functions this system brings to your business.
Square POS add-ons
Another exciting part of our Square POS reviews is some extra features that you can only find in Square POS. It offers add-ons to customize your system, attracting new customers and helping your business grow and manage money easily.
Commerce
- Square Invoices: Send unlimited digital invoices, accept payments, and track paid invoices.
- Square Virtual Terminal: Turn your computer into a credit card terminal for remote billing and phone payments.
- Square Online: Sell, take bookings, and showcase services online, reaching customers on Instagram and Facebook.
- Afterpay: Allow customers to pay in parts while you receive full payment, providing more choices and increasing sales.
- Subscriptions: Make subscription plans that customers can sign up for or stop anytime, all for free.
Customers
- Square Email Marketing: Grow your contact list, create email campaigns, and reach more customers effortlessly.
- Square Text Message Marketing: Text customers about sales and new products, send coupons, and use tools to keep them updated on your business.
- Square Loyalty: Retain customers with an easy-to-use loyalty program rewarding their purchases.
- Square Messages: Centralize communication by sending and receiving texts and emails in one place.
Staff
- Square Team Management: Seamlessly set schedules, track time, and manage your team with Square POS.
- Square Shifts: Efficiently plan schedules, handle wages, track time, and cut down on labor costs.
- Square Payroll: Keep track of hours, pay employees quickly, and automate tax filings all in one place for a hassle-free payday.
Banking
- Square Checking: Get your money right away with a free business debit card. No need for recurring fees or a minimum deposit.
- Square Savings: Automatically save money from your sales for different needs, like taxes or unexpected expenses.
- Square Loans: Qualify for a loan up to $250K by processing payments on Square, with a simple flat fee and no ongoing interest.
Now, let’s move on to the last factor in our detailed Square POS reviews to decide if it’s suitable for your business.
Square POS customer services
If you value excellent customer service, Square POS might not be the best choice. Some users are unhappy with its limited service hours.
Square POS’s live chat and phone support are only available on:
- Weekdays from 9 a.m to 9 p.m EST
- Weekends from 11 a.m to 8 p.m EST
If you send an email, it takes 24 to 48 hours to get a response.
Square POS Alternatives
With our in-depth Square POS reviews above, you may find Square made waves with its first card reader, but now other services are competing in mobile payments.
Zettle by PayPal:
Like Square, PayPal Zettle provides free software. Their POS handles all payments – cards, digital wallets, manual entries, and QR codes. Zettle also offers standard POS features, including inventory management, reporting, and third-party integrations for accounting and eCommerce.
Clover:
Clover’s processing fees match Square’s flat rate. While it lacks a free POS plan, its starting price is reasonable. Clover’s hardware costs more but is known for quality. Furthermore, the retail POS system offers many features, making it suitable for various businesses.
Quickbooks POS
Intuit GoPayment app by Quickbooks is free on Android and iOS. They give you a free card reader, similar to Square. But it’s recommended to spend $49 on Intuit’s All-in-One reader, which accepts contactless, swipe, and chip payments.
Square POS Review – FAQs
Absolutely, Square is an excellent POS system, especially for small businesses. It has lots of features and hardware choices for different businesses. The pricing is clear, and the free plan is one of the best no-cost POS systems available. Starting with Square Point of Sale is free – no setup or monthly fees. You only pay when you accept a payment or use extra hardware. Payment processing fees vary, from 2.6% + $10 to 3.3% + $30, depending on the payment method. Hardware costs range from $0 to $799, depending on the type you choose.
Is Square POS Worth It?
Through our detailed Square POS reviews, you can see that Square is an affordable choice, especially for startups and mobile vendors. It also offers a wide range of hardware options catering to your business needs. Yet, if your business has high transactions or needs 24/7 support, consider alternatives.
Overall, Square POS stands out for simplifying transactions for small businesses, making it a strong contender in the world of POS systems.
If you need further information about Square POS or Square integration, feel free to contact us anytime.
