Editorial Team, Author at Clover Blog

Showing 1 - 10 of 733

Transylvania Moving Company

If you were to conjure an image of a mover, the first thing that might spring to mind is that

The more the merrier: How to attract more holiday shoppers to your retail store

The holiday season can feel never-ending–what with frazzled parents searching for a gift that their child must have to long

Insights

“Pawsitive” impact: Lessons from entrepreneurs fueling the pet-friendly business

We all know the joy and love our pets bring to our personal lives, and businesses increasingly have begun to

Coffee shops and cafes

11 types of restaurant categories & dining experiences

There is a wide variety of restaurant categories, each providing a different kind of experience. Types of restaurants can range from the

Meet the Merchant

Fox Design and Staging

Andron Fox’s path to entrepreneurship happened by chance. An animal science and horse management student at Michigan State University, he

Clover app partners

Build a customer loyalty program–and your business–with Loyalzoo

It’s that time of the year again. Soon, the pumpkin season will be upon us and families will be making

Inspiration

Celebrating Latinx inventors and entrepreneurs during Hispanic Heritage Month

The Latinx community has brought an impressive array of science, technology, art, and business to the world. And it’s no

Ecommerce

Which retail format is right for your business?

So, you want to start a business. You’ve got products to sell, you’ve done market research, and you’ve got a

By state

How to get a small business license in California

For many entrepreneurs, coming up with a business idea is the fun part. The real challenges come when you try

Meet the Merchant

3B’s Flowers

“It turns out when you’re raised by entrepreneurs, no matter what job you do, you take it home at the

Accounting

6 tips for writing an effective invoice reminder to clients

In a recent survey, one-third of merchants said that delays in receiving payments were putting their business at risk of

Insights

What the Inflation Reduction Act means for small business

On August 16th, 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act — a sweeping bill aimed at reducing inflation

Coffee shops and cafes

How to create a restaurant menu

Restaurant menu design plays a crucial role in underscoring your restaurant’s theme and branding. And, it’s also one of the smartest ways

Meet the Merchant

ChoZen 4 U Boutique

Imagine filling your closet with chic clothing selected with help from a trusted friend. That’s the core idea behind ChoZen

Insights

5 simple ways small business owners can invest in their own education

For kids, parents, and teachers, it’s back-to-school season: new classes, new notebooks, new outfits, new lesson plans. But education doesn’t

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

5 lessons from Hulu’s ‘The Bear’ on how to run a small business

Hulu’s original series The Bear was a smash hit that gave audiences a gritty, unflinching look at the inside of

Insights

5 things you wish you would’ve know before opening your retail store

As the old saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. There are probably some decisions in life you wish you could go

Meet the Merchant

Rose City Balloons

Balloon designer extraordinaire, Betsy Vega, discovered her love of balloons and talent for balloon design while prepping for her daughter’s

Resources

20+ resources every veteran small business owner should know

Military veterans often have what it takes to find success as business owners. A 2021 report from SCORE found that

Customer service

3 local bookstores on harnessing the power of community

A local bookstore can be so much more than a place to pick up the latest beach read. Far from

Coffee shops and cafes

How to open a restaurant

There were 1 million-plus restaurants in the United States in 2021. If you’re looking to join those ranks, you’ll need

Meet the Merchant

5 merchants share lessons they’ve learned as we celebrate Black Business Month

This August marks the 18th anniversary of National Black Business Month, offering a chance to shine a light on the

Health & beauty

How small business owners can help banish imposter syndrome

As a small business owner, you know your business cold–whether it’s making cupcakes or cutting hair. But the job of

Accounting

Your small business checklist: 25 things to do before the year ends

With the summer winding down, it’s time to start thinking about closing the book on another year for your business.

By state

How to start a business in Arizona

Arizona ranks among the top 10 states in which to launch a business. With its lower tax policies, year-round sunshine,

Clover app partners

The power of inventory management: 3 ways restaurant owners are saving money with MarketMan

Running a restaurant is a fickle business: If everything doesn’t run perfectly, things can go badly, quickly. Restaurant owners have

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to make a high-performing kids’ menu for your restaurant

A menu designed especially for the kiddos can hold a certain appeal for busy parents. If the smaller portions and

Inspiration

“Parentrepreneurs” share what it’s like having a baby and running a business

Starting a business is a bit like having a baby. For the first few years, both can be all-encompassing jobs

Inspiration

Corporate social responsibility: 3 ways to change the world with your small business

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and formalized programs for social good have often been viewed as strategies implemented by global companies. Rarely is

Meet the Merchant

Country Friends of Ohio

Tami Cox tackled many challenges while raising her family and nurturing a small business. Initially a woodworker, Cox expanded into

Payments & processing

How to make payments as easy as possible for your customers and for you

At a time of rising inflation, with recession fears looming on the horizon, your customers are likely starting to think

Inspiration

What food truck owners can teach any small business

Americans love food trucks, and for good reason. Aside from being quick and convenient, food trucks offer customers a novel

Marketing

7 tips for marketing to Generation Z

One of the challenges of growing a small business is knowing how to speak to the wants and needs of

Meet the Merchant

Elite Practitioner

After enduring both the tragic death of her father and a grueling schedule on the frontlines as a hospital nurse

Money management

Federal funding for small businesses: Understanding the state small business credit initiative

Many COVID-spawn economic relief programs for small businesses have come and gone. However, there are still programs out there that

By state

How to start a business in Maryland

With 171,000 businesses in operation, Maryland attracts entrepreneurs from many industries looking to launch startups. If you live in the

Gift cards

7 reasons these real-world merchants use (and love) gift cards

Wondering if offering gift cards makes sense for your business? Check out why these real-world merchants use (and love) gift

Payments & processing

Why business owners should pay themselves first

Many small business owners take a pragmatic approach to their business, carefully balancing their budget and paying all business expenses

Insights

How 5 entrepreneurs turn browsers into buyers at farm and artisan markets

Summer can be a highly fruitful time for small businesses: More people out and about in your local community means

Insights

What are fileless attacks? [Plus: 6 prevention strategies]

Meet the Merchant

Milk Jar Cookies

In 2013, Courtney Cowan left her job in television to open a cookie shop and elevate the classic experience by

Clover app partners

Apps that make back of house operations run more smoothly for restaurants

Creating a great experience for restaurant guests and operating efficiently means keeping the front of house and back of house

Insights

Green-thumbed entrepreneurs share their wisdom on growing a business

The pet-loving millennial has become a pop-culture archetype. But the 18-to-34-year-old set is equally passionate about quieter, greener companions.

Resources

10 blogs for small business owners to follow

There is no official manual for how to run a small business. However, thanks to the internet, there is no

Clover partner solutions

4 benefits of using the BLUbeem by Brink’s app for Clover

Managing cash is now easier than ever if you’re a merchant that uses Clover from Fiserv point-of-sale (POS). BLUbeem by

Loyalty

How three merchants use Clover Customer Engagement to boost business

For busy merchants, engaging customers, boosting repeat business, and managing customer feedback can seem like a chore. The great news?

Clover partner solutions

Delivering now: Order with Google integrated in Clover

Now introducing delivery from Order with Google! This online ordering solution gives you access to billions of customers searching for

Clover app partners

New and notable in the Clover app market: July 2022

Welcome to Summer 2022! We’ve been busy adding new apps to Clover App Market to help you manage your workflow,

Customer service

Business owners share tips on hiring teens for the summer

Do you remember your first summer job? Remember how much you learned about responsibility and punctuality — the sense of

Gift cards

Detecting and preventing eGift card fraud

Meet the Merchant

Your Toy Link

Ben Gloria has always had a knack for collectibles. What started as a hobby shared with family and friends on

Biz ops

6 awesome apps for small business retailers

Local retailers are invaluable to their communities. Offering a range of goods from household necessities to unique treasures shoppers are

Inspiration

3 small businesses that build nostalgia into their brand

Even before Don Draper’s famous Carousel monologue in Mad Men, brands have baked in nostalgia. It’s a powerful tool for

By state

How to start a business in North Carolina

Ranked as CNBC’s No. 2 state for businesses, North Carolina is a magnet for many of the country’s largest corporations.

Meet the Merchant

The Smoke and Oak

“A place to come in and form a connection.” That’s how Courtney Crowson envisioned his ideal bourbon and cigar lounge.

Insights

6 business management tools every home services business needs

Consumer priorities have shifted drastically under COVID, fueling demand for some products and services while pushing others into irrelevance. Suits

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Pizza shops from iconic pizza cities teach you how to stand out and compete with the best

Americans love pizza—and they love bragging about their home city’s pizza even more.

Insights

10 business lessons from ‘Shark Tank’ for entrepreneurs

ABC’s Shark Tank is an award-winning TV show in which budding entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to industry experts who have money to

Meet the Merchant

The Hidden Gem

Brandy Tipper and her family began a furniture refurbishing business to help support themselves during the early stages of the

Biz ops

5 must-have features for your small business POS system

As you approach starting a business, one thing you’ll need to consider is how to accept payments from customers. Many

Marketing

8 ways you can attract new customers to your small business

As a small business owner, you probably have many goals, but top priorities likely include: 1) continue to grow; and

Gift cards

Dads, grads, and gift cards

This is the time of year when most people are struggling to decide what gifts they should get for two

Clover partner solutions

How card-on-file subscriptions guarantee revenue and grow your business

Membership subscriptions are fast becoming the ultimate in customer loyalty. There was a time only gyms offered memberships. Now, almost

Insights

Nine of the most profitable small businesses to start this year

In 2021, more than 47 million people voluntarily quit their jobs. This so-called Great Resignation shifted the work landscape in

Insights

Music festivals are back! How entrepreneurs can get in on the fun and boost business

From Burning Man to Bonnaroo, music festivals are incredible gatherings of music and culture that can be traced all the

Marketing

7 ideas to boost summer sales

Summer is a favorite time of year for most people. For small business owners, however, it may not be the

Meet the Merchant

Aliska’s Amazing Pickles

Aliska Walker knows a thing or two about pickles. In fact, what began as an icebreaker activity to alleviate first-day-of-school

Insights

How to make a killer project cost estimate

You’ve made a fantastic first impression, and you’re about to land a new client. Your foot is already in the

Insights

Yes, small business owners take vacations. Here’s how they do it.

Summer is around the corner, and while rising prices are prompting some to rethink vacation travel, few people are in

Customer service

How to respond to negative reviews

Receiving a bad review can be a blow to any business owner’s confidence. Sometimes it may happen because of events

Meet the Merchant

The Batty Lady

Alicia Campbell will tell you that quilting is “not just your grandmother’s crafting project.” What she learned as a 12-year-old

Insights

How small businesses can celebrate Pride Month in a genuine way

Pride Month can present an opportunity for small businesses to express their values and support LGBTQ+ people. But it’s important

Inspiration

With wedding season booming, vendors find inclusion is good business

Wedding season is back, and this year it’s bigger than ever. After the pandemic caused widespread delays and cancellations, the

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to reduce food waste in restaurants

Each year, U.S. restaurants waste between 22 and 33 billion pounds of food. This boils down to roughly a half

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How three small businesses are dealing with the incredible shrinking workforce

The coronavirus pandemic caused one of the biggest disruptions to the American labor force in modern history. The Great Resignation

Accounting

How small businesses can analyze and improve their profit margins

Running a successful business is all about profit margins. As the cost of doing business fluctuates, so does your bottom

Insights

Small businesses are fighting a two-headed dragon: Inflation and supply chain disruption

Guides

How to start a summer camp business

If you like sunshine, laughter, kids, and planning fun activities, then starting a summer camp could be the right opportunity

Meet the Merchant

Gee Gee Equine

When Amanda Barbour Hromadka moved to the U.S. from her native England, she brought her love of fashion and equestrian

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Inspiring ways local restaurants are making global impacts

These culinary hometown heroes make it easy to eat locally, act globally.

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Food and beverage industry trends for 2022

The food and beverage industry is on the rebound, but continues to face a tough road ahead. Having come a

Clover app partners

Tips & strategies to recruit & retain millennial employees

Just as email replaced the fax machine, a new generation is taking over the workforce. Defined as those born between

Inspiration

Tips on scaling your business from craft brewery owners

Small breweries are big business, and the space is growing more competitive by the day.

Insights

Pros and cons of using travelers checks when going abroad

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

The top 10 restaurant management blogs to follow

We live in the information age, with no shortage of online resources and tools designed to help you succeed in

Meet the Merchant

Why 5 real-world merchants use (and love) their Clover Flex

A portable POS system can be a game-changer for any small business, not just those that operate mainly on the

Marketing

These 5 merchants show you how to crush it on social media

TikTok. Twitter. Instagram. Facebook. Depending on who you are (and how old you are), one or more of these social

Clover app partners

The power of connected retail: 5 ways Clover merchants are saving time with inventory management

If you’re in retail, you know the daily struggle of trying to use multiple systems to manage your inventory and

Crisis support

Three ways small businesses are helping Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused a massive refugee crisis, a string of humanitarian tragedies, revelations of atrocities and above

Insights

How inflation impacts businesses and ways to overcome it

You don’t need an MBA to know that inflation can have a negative impact on the economy. As prices continue

Insights

How Clover POS supports working mother entrepreneurs

Life as a mother and a small business owner is a constant balancing act. As Mother”s Day approaches, we want

Clover news

Clover Women In Tech celebrates International Women’s Day

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, Clover’s internal group Clover Women in Tech (WIT) hosted a week-long

Gift cards

How these Clover merchants are using gift cards

Gift cards are an often under-utilized way businesses can bring in new customers and maintain the customer base they already

Insights

10 strengths local businesses can lean into

Competing with big box stores and national corporations is a daunting task. So, in honor of small business week, we’d

By state

How to start a business in Georgia

Georgia consistently ranks among the most business-friendly states in the country in survey after survey, but it’s not just large

Meet the Merchant

Curious Plantaholic

The pandemic made plants a popular home accessory. So, plant lover Jennifer DeLorenzo and her husband Brandt quickly opened their

Insights

6 reasons Clover is a perfect POS for coffee shops

Coffee shops have to deal with high volumes of sales, constantly changing menus, and complex orders, so a flexible POS

Accounting

How to do payroll for your small business

Many of your employees rely on a steady paycheck. Without that consistency, it may be difficult to attract and maintain

Meet the Merchant

Tiny Adventures RC

Tiny Adventures RC is a one-stop-shop for all things remote-controlled. For owner Patricia Richardson and her business partner, Willie Merritt,

Clover product news

Buy Now Pay Later: Why merchants need it

If you’ve shopped online lately, you’ve probably noticed an uptick in the number of online and in-store retailers offering a

Payments & processing

Ultimate checklist: What you need to know to start taking payments for your business

As you prepare to open your doors (virtually or literally) to new business, one of the final steps before you

Clover app partners

New and Notable in the Clover App Market: April 2022

Happy spring! We’ve noted a few of the latest apps in the Clover App Market designed to help you manage

Biz ops

Does your small business need an app?

With nearly two million apps in the Apple Store, and nearly three million available on Google Play, you may be

Meet the Merchant

Walrus Ice Cream

Who says you can’t be “forever young?” Walrus Ice Cream has been serving up chilly treats to Old Town Fort

Clover app partners

How to identify and help prevent fraud in your business

Most people can usually spot phishing emails that include misspellings and strange attachments. But there are many more subtle–and more

Accounting

4 ways to reduce stress for small business owners during tax season

Tax season can be a significant source of stress for small business owners. Depending on what type of business you

Accounting

Understanding the 80/20 tip rule

In late 2021, the U.S. Department of Labor updated how restaurant owners and other service establishments should determine which tipped

Meet the Merchant

Celebrating merchants who’ve overcome major stressors to build a business and support their communities

This April marks the 30th anniversary of National Stress Awareness Month. Stress affects us all, yet it presents itself uniquely

Health & beauty

10 ways merchants can (and should) lower their stress levels

Stressors are everywhere right now–especially at work. Labor shortages, inflation, economic instability, and the constantly changing situation of the Covid-19

Accounting

What tax forms do small businesses have to file?

Starting a business potentially means more freedom, control, and hopefully revenue. It also means taking on a lot more paperwork

Meet the Merchant

Broken Spoke Boutique

At first, Whitney Mayhew wasn’t sure what to make of her husband’s tiny hometown. But after taking over a local

Clover partner solutions

The great equalizer: how hiring software can help small businesses outperform corporations

It’s a tight labor market. Due to the great resignation, employment figures are still 5 million below the pre-pandemic peak.

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

6 ways coffee shops can partner with other local businesses

Community involvement and mutual support are important ways that a small business becomes a permanent fixture and beloved feature of

Customer service

Small business shipping costs 101

When it comes to eCommerce, online customers have always had high delivery expectations. The pandemic accelerated this trend so much

Meet the Merchant

Celebrating women merchants

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting five merchant stories to cast light on the accomplishments of female business owners.

Resources

20+ resources every female entrepreneur should know

March is Women’s History Month, a moment to celebrate the contributions of women in society, business, science and more. Long

Accounting

The difference between a W-2 and W-4 for small business owners

Launching a business is exciting, but it also involves taking on a lot more paperwork. This is especially true if

Clover partner solutions

Labor shortages getting your restaurant down? Forget hiring, think technology

It’s a widely accepted belief that, in order to run a successful restaurant, you need adequate staff. Just like any

Meet the Merchant

Amin’s Corner: Putting the “neighbor” back in the neighborhood deli

After surviving a battle with severe COVID-19, Susan Amin began dreaming up a corner store that could put the “neighbor”

Accounting

What is cryptocurrency and why it matters for small businesses

In early 2021, Dogecoin, the cryptocurrency that started as a joke, caused quite a frenzy. It ultimately became known as

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to open a ghost kitchen

Many full-service and quick-service restaurants had long embraced takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery options before COVID-19. However, the pandemic made

Meet the Merchant

Rollin’ Smoke BBQ

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Dejuan Smith and Taneesha Thomas of Rollin’ Smoke BBQ, a

Payments & processing

Does your small business need Clover Virtual Terminal?

A surprising number of small businesses in the US rely on paper checks to accept payment–about 50 percent, in fact.

Guides

How to start a tutoring business

Meet the Merchant

Out The Dough

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Angelo Lonardo of Out The Dough in Concord, California. Lonardo

Clover app partners

3 ways a team management tool can boost your business

Running a business requires a lot of time and energy–much of which goes to managing your employees. Using a smart,

Insights

Top podcasts for small business owners and entrepreneurs

Often listening is the best way to learn. Tuning into a podcast is a good way to learn. Podcasts are

Marketing

What is a social media influencer, and how can you find the right one to boost your business?

Social media influencers didn’t exist 20 years ago. Now, they get paid big bucks by companies large and small to

Meet the Merchant

Clover celebrates Black history with a focus on family and fortitude

Black people have always demonstrated a spirit of innovation and progress. Despite the many difficulties they’ve faced, they’ve continued to

Clover app partners

The future of restaurant loyalty: restaurant meal subscriptions

There is no denying that the subscription model is quickly becoming a major trend in the restaurant industry. Since 2020,

Run your business

Clover’s ultimate checklist for employee retention and satisfaction

Today’s labor market is much more competitive than it once was–and there are interesting new dynamics that are making hiring

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

How to start a food stand

Opening a traditional restaurant can carry a lot of risk. Once you choose a location, you’re locked in – potentially

Meet the Merchant

Lonni’s Sandwiches

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Phillip Ingram of Lonni’s Sandwiches in St. Petersburg, Florida. A

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

2022 technology trends to watch in food and beverage businesses

Restaurants have faced a host of challenges over the past two years. Pivots have become the new norm. Enhanced safety

Guides

How to find a business mentor

Although there are tons of resources with tips and tricks on how to run your business, there’s no official roadmap

Minority-owned

Resources Every Black Business Owner Should Know

August marks the 17th anniversary of National Black Business month, which was launched by historian John William Templeton and engineer

Meet the Merchant

Alphabet Soup Stores

In this installment of Meet the Merchant we speak to Maureen Highland, the executive director of the Petaluma Educational Foundation,

Holiday

7 ways restaurants can boost Super Bowl sales

Super Bowl Sunday may be the pinnacle of the football season, but it’s also an impressive day of eating for

Clover product news

5 reasons every restaurant needs Clover Online Ordering with Delivery now

If you haven’t signed up for Clover® Online Ordering with Delivery, now’s the time. Clover Online Ordering with Delivery lets

By state

How to start a business in New York

No matter where you live, starting a business can be a daunting and challenging experience. Yet, launching a startup in

Meet the Merchant

Waffles in Paradise

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Inga Elvrom, owner of Waffles in Paradise in Bellingham, Washington.

Biz ops

How online employment background checks from Shareable can help you hire better

Ever wish you could run an employment background check on your candidate at the interview and hire them on the

Clover news

New York Boulders Introduce Clover Stadium

New Naming Rights Partnership Highlights Local Connections to Clover from Fiserv More than 1,500 small businesses in northeast New

Customer service

What is the Voice of the Customer (VoC)?

Customer experience (CX) isn’t a new concept. Business owners have always wanted to better understand the needs and desires of

Meet the Merchant

511 Rose

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Terri Grady, co-owner of 511 Rose, a restaurant and bar

Ecommerce

5 ways an optimized website can supercharge restaurant sales

If the past year-and-a-half has taught us anything, it’s taught us that a strong web presence can mean the difference

Crisis support

5 ways small businesses can prepare for the unexpected

Unexpected events–like new technology, winter storms, pandemics, or even cyber threats, to name a few–pose challenges and opportunities business owners

Customer service

What is fine dining? Here’s a guide for creating a special restaurant experience

When you want to eat something fast and convenient, there are many quick-service restaurants from which to choose. Or, maybe

Meet the Merchant

Toshi’s Cafe

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Toshi Yoshida of Toshi’s Cafe in Greensboro, North Carolina. Yoshida

Clover app partners

New and Notable in the Clover App Market: January 2022

Welcome to 2022! We’re ringing in the new year with some apps to help build your business through customer loyalty

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

6 ways coffee shops and cafes can run seasonal specials more effectively

Seasonal drinks and snacks can be a great way for coffee shops and cafes to engage with new customers and

Guides

How to start a landscaping business

If you enjoy working outside, starting a landscaping business might be a perfect fit. The pay can vary depending on

Meet the Merchant

Thrive Juice Lab

Thrive Juice Lab, an all-organic wellness café serving up cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and an array of healthy eats in Orange

Insights

2022 small business trends you should know about

The past two years have been a test of agility and perseverance for small business owners. From pandemic safety measures

Accounting

What is restaurant tax? What business owners need to know

Navigating the tax terrain can be challenging for restaurants, since there are so many moving parts involved with preparing and

Meet the Merchant

O’Shun’s Orchard

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Kemi Pavlocak of O’Shun’s Orchard in Ranchita, California. Pavlocak shares

Clover app partners

8 super-easy ways to run your small business better in 2022

Despite the many difficulties of 2021–supply chain delays, the continued pandemic, and the “Great Resignation”–there were bright spots for many

By state

How to start a business in Florida

It’s no secret that Florida is a top destination for retirees. It also attracts those who are just starting their

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Licenses and permits needed to open a restaurant

If you plan on opening a restaurant in any U.S. state, you’ll need to have many permits and licenses in

Meet the Merchant

Celebrating merchants who launched and grew business during the pandemic

As we wrap up 2021 and celebrate the holiday season together, we’d like to congratulate these merchants who’ve opened and

Insights

5 things small businesses learned in 2021

As small business owners entered the second year of the global pandemic, it took a mix of savvy, resilience, and

Inspiration

How to choose a name for your small business

Offering great products and services at affordable prices is how you generate sales. Customer engagement is how you keep people

Clover partner solutions

5 tips from Grubhub for building a successful delivery menu

Guest content from Grubhub for Restaurants Delivery and takeout have always been a staple of the restaurant industry, but

Meet the Merchant

The Bellflower Chocolate Company

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak with Callie Neylan and Will Dixon of Bellflower Chocolate Co. in

Accounting

Take these 3 steps before the new year for better sales tax management on your Clover POS

End of year can be a busy season for lots of businesses, but it’s also the perfect time to set

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

8 ways to make your cafe everyone’s favorite remote work spot

Indoor dining is making a comeback! With over 30 states lifting all indoor dining restrictions, the service industry is opening

Run your business

What is a rotating schedule?

In a traditional office setting, employees work eight-hour shifts – arriving and leaving at the same times every day. Some

Meet the Merchant

Salty Sistas

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we interviewed Jeanette Lopez Georgiti, the owner of Salty Sista’s in Sneads Ferry,

Payments & processing

PCI 2.0 vs. PCI 3.0: What are the differences?

Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance is a set of guidelines that govern data security for merchants who capture, process, transmit,

Holiday

15 ways to mentally prepare yourself for the holiday rush

The 2021 holiday shopping season is going to look a little different than previous years. Some experts are predicting a

Holiday

5 tips to help small businesses cover the holiday rush with less

The holiday shopping rush can present a host of challenges even in typical times. This year, preparing in advance for

Payments & processing

Offering payment plans to customers

As the name suggests, a payment plan is when you allow customers to pay for their purchase over a series

Meet the Merchant

Neron Cakes and Decor

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Imaria Fakinlede of Neron Cakes & Decor in Brunswick, New

Clover app partners

3 common small business insurance policies, made simple

Business insurance is not usually top of mind for most business owners — until they need it. But when it

Guides

How to start a cleaning business

Many people either don’t enjoy cleaning; don’t have the time to clean; or a combination of both. That’s where professional

Meet the Merchant

We’re thankful for our merchants

In this installment of Meet the Merchant Remix, we’re expressing our gratitude and giving thanks to all of the merchants

Clover app partners

5 reasons Clover merchants use Time Clock by Homebase

Keeping track of employees’ work hours, regardless of industry, is one of the most important responsibilities business owners face. But

Accounting

What is the Employee Retention Credit?

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is a special IRS provision under the American Rescue Plan that allows financially-distressed small business

Accounting

How to conduct a year-end inventory count

While the end of the year is all fun and games for consumers, it can be a stressful period for

Clover product news

Meet Clover Recurring Payments

What do gyms, software providers, house cleaning services, and storage centers all have in common? These merchants provide a recurring

Payments & processing

What is a credit card authorization code?

A typical in-person credit card transaction only takes a few seconds from the moment a customer swipes, dips, or waves

Meet the Merchant

The Walk In and Neon Croissant

In this Installment of Meet the Merchant, we interview Erin Ellis, co-owner of The Walk In and The Neon Croissant,

Clover app partners

4 reasons restaurants should try the new Clover Online Ordering with Delivery

Introducing Online Ordering with Delivery–fast and easy through Clover!

Clover app partners

8 effective hiring strategies and best practices to help you deal with the labor market this holiday season

Hiring this holiday season in today’s labor market can be tough. Many employees have more choices than ever before— making

Ecommerce

Understanding the difference between e-commerce and e-business

“Commerce” refers to the trade or the exchange of money, goods, and/or services. By contrast, “business” is an umbrella term

Clover app partners

How retailers can get holiday-ready now

For the past two years, the year-end holiday season has been a little atypical, to say the least. With the

Meet the Merchant

Ice Cream on Grand

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Syed and Victoria Rizvi of Ice Cream on Grand in

Run your business

The 4 biggest cybersecurity threats and how to protect your business

The pandemic has upended almost everything about our lives, and it’s forced many small businesses to shift rapidly to online

By state

How to start a business in California

With a population of nearly 40 million potential customers, California consistently attracts companies of all sizes – from startups to

Meet the Merchant

72 West

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Steve and Jill Mitchael of 72 West, a retail gift

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

5 resources every Latinx small business owner should know

Make no mistake – business is booming for Hispanic entrepreneurs. According to research, the number of Latinx business owners grew

Guides

How to open a bar

The process of opening a new bar follows many of the same steps as opening any other type of small

Meet the Merchant

Fray’s Donut House

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Dae-Kun Kim of Fray’s Donut House in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Accounting

Common hourly payroll mistakes and how to avoid them

When your business scales to the point you can no longer manage all the work on your own, it’s time

Accounting

What is paperless payroll?

Nearly all businesses and employees are familiar with the traditional payroll process. Employees clock in, punching in and out on

Meet the Merchant

Meet the Merchants in the Midwest

This October is the perfect time to enjoy the colors and flavors of the Midwest! Whether you find yourself in

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to photograph food well

If you’ve ever tried to take a picture of your meal for Instagram, you know that beautiful food photography isn’t

By state

How to start a business in Texas

There are aspiring entrepreneurs from coast to coast who dream of launching a small business. If you live in the

Guides

How to maximize visual merchandising efforts

For any small business that sells physical products in-store, mastering the art and science of visual merchandising can be essential

Meet the Merchant

No Limits Cafe

This week, in celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we sit down (virtually of course) with Stephanie Cartier, co-founder

Marketing

6 ways coffee shops can make the most of social media

Coffee shops rely heavily on in person customer service to make larger sales and keep customers coming back. But how

Clover app partners

5 reasons restaurants partner with third-party delivery apps

There’s no doubt the pandemic has shaken up the way customers dine out.

Guides

What is a business license and why do you need one?

You have a fantastic idea for a new business – one you’re confident will be a success. Yet, before you

Meet the Merchant

Meet the Merchants in the Northeast

It’s autumn! Whether you live in the Northeast or are venturing North for some cool weather and bright color, be

Clover app partners

New and Notable in the Clover App Market: September 2021

As we say goodbye to 2021’s 3rd quarter, we turn attention to holiday shopping! Many of the latest apps in

Accounting

Financial analysis components for small business

Many aspects of starting a small business are hard. For many entrepreneurs, the biggest challenge lies in growing their business

Meet the Merchant

Hole in One Bagels

In this installment of Meet the Merchant we talk to JP Figaro of Hole in One Bagels. A Brooklyn native

Private

Meet the Merchant Photography Guide

We’re thrilled you’re participating in a Meet the Merchant interview!

Accounting

Save time with ADP’s do-it-yourself small business payroll

Clover clients can now take advantage of ADP’s Core payroll solution. Ideal for companies with 1-49 employees, this is basic

Guides

What is small business insurance? Here’s what you need to know

Even with an engaging product and a ready market, there’s no guarantee that your small business will thrive in today’s

Meet the Merchant

Jaide and Joel’s Baking Company

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak with Jaide Hatfield and Joel Murga of Jaide and Joel’s Baking

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

5 reasons Clover is a best-fit POS for food trucks

Food truck season is in full swing. With beautiful autumn weather ahead and more people enjoying the outdoors, the outlook

Start a small business

How to choose a good business partner

Getting a successful business off the ground is incredibly challenging – especially if you’re doing all the heavy lifting.

Meet the Merchant

Celebrating Hispanic Small Businesses

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting these Meet the Merchant stories featuring Hispanic and Latinx merchants who are

Guides

How to find a good location for your business

Some entrepreneurs are so eager to launch their business that they overlook one of the most important contributors to success

Meet the Merchant

Back to school and back to learning

It’s officially September! Millions of students, teachers, and staff are back in school—the third school year to be affected by

Clover partner solutions

7 burning questions you can actually answer with cloud payroll data

There’s this thing that soaks up 70.4% of your budget and most business owners tend to think of it as

Clover news

Main Street Momentum Summer Finale

This summer, Clover took to the streets, traveling around the country on our Main Street Momentum tour.

Ecommerce

Guide to starting a business out of your home

When COVID-19 became a global pandemic, millions of Americans suddenly found themselves either without a job or working from home

Meet the Merchant

Frozen Rooster

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak with Mimi Leonard of Frozen Rooster in Leeds, Alabama. Mimi discusses

Clover app partners

Make online orders with delivery simple with this Clover-Grubhub solution

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past year, it’s that being able to offer take-out and delivery can

Clover app partners

10 easy-to-use August strategies to improve your productivity all year

Free time is a luxury when it comes to running your own business. But the dog days of summer often

Payments & processing

Credit card processing tips for small businesses

A typical in-person credit card transaction only takes a few seconds, but there’s a lot that happens behind the scenes.

Meet the Merchant

Perfume Outlet 1803

Our Meet the Merchant series features Q&As with real-world Clover merchants. Read our full catalog for innovative ideas and real-life

Biz ops

Now use Clover with or without a POS device

Not every small business starts with a physical storefront.

Covid-19

How to get a small business loan

Meet the Merchant

The Pupper Club

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Eileen Colavita of The Pupper Club in Downtown LA. Eileen

Run your business

9 tips for hiring in a super-tight labor market

There are more than 9 million jobs open in America right now. Many businesses are having trouble filling open positions.

Ecommerce

How to start an eCommerce business

Even before the pandemic, brick-and-mortar retailers were struggling to compete with eCommerce stores, thanks to the speed, convenience, and prices

Meet the Merchant

Celebrating Black-owned Clover businesses for Black Business Month

In celebration of August as Black Business Month, we’re revisiting these Meet the Merchant stories that highlight Black business owners

Insights

How and why merchants need to take a vacation

After a long year when many people were stuck at home, America’s national parks are having one of their busiest

Guides

How to open a business bank account

Most companies open a business bank account for the purposes of collecting incoming sales and paying outgoing expenses.

Clover app partners

1099 vs W-2: What You Don’t Know Could Cost You

Misclassification of employees as independent contractors can result in significant penalties.

Meet the Merchant

Meet the Merchants in the South and Southwest

If you’re hitting the road for a summer adventure, traveling the countryside, like we are, or just taking a weekend

Insights

How and why your small business needs great photos

Good photography can make a huge difference in that crucial first impression you make on a potential customer who’s first

Insights

W-2 vs. 1099: Choosing between employees and contractors

At a certain point, nearly every successful small business owner thinks about expanding their operations. To do so, they often

Insights

How 3 Clover Merchants are taking it to the streets

Summer is a great time to take to the beach, the park, or even your local streets for the flavors

Insights

7 Small business types that will thrive post-pandemic

As the pandemic begins to wind down in the U.S., people are starting to return to restaurants and bars, plan

Clover product news

Now you can accept PayPal and Venmo in-store via your Clover device!

Now, you can accept more payment types on your Clover device, giving your customers payment choice and more ways to

Customer service

How to ask for feedback from customers

Looking at your sales numbers tells you how your business is doing; but, learning how to ask for feedback from

Meet the Merchant

The School – Creative Arts Education

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Lindsay Duncan and Krystal Ferguson, co-owners of The School –

Biz ops

How to use Clover Reporting to forecast sales

Clover Reporting takes the hard work out of forecasting by tracking and sorting your data for you. Our reports can

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to source, hire, and train employees brand-new to market

It’s not just you. As consumers gain more confidence coming back to restaurants, many business owners are looking to hire

Guides

How to write a marketing plan

Marketing connects your business with new or existing customers to promote a product or service that may satisfy their needs

Meet the Merchant

Celebrating MTM merchants for National Ice Cream Month!

July is the perfect month to eat ice cream, especially this year! Not only do we celebrate National Ice Cream

Biz ops

6 ways Clover can help ice cream businesses

We all scream for ice cream! Hot, sunny summer means the demand for ice cream treats is through the roof.

Insights

Doing Business As (DBA): What it is & when to file one

When launching a new business, entrepreneurs often wrestle with how best to structure their startup – with S-Corp, C-Corp, and

Meet the Merchant

Barocco X Nino

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to specialty coffee roaster Bruno Colozza, who opened Barocco X Nino,

Biz ops

Fisherman: Why Your Restaurant Needs a Website (and How to Build One Pronto)

Consumers are shopping online at an increasing rate, making it essential to have a polished and professional “digital storefront”. Over

Guides

How to start an ice cream shop or truck

As the saying goes, “I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!” If you’re passionate about America’s favorite

Meet the Merchant

KingsPIER vintage

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Laura MacNutt of KingsPIER vintage of Halifax, Nova Scotia. As

Clover app partners

App Update: Homebase Time Clock app now offers Cash Out feature

Homebase helps over 100,000 businesses manage their teams with free employee time tracking, scheduling, team communication, and hiring tools. Homebase

Clover app partners

New & Notable in the Clover App Market: June 2021

We’re excited to share another set of apps newly added to Clover App Market. Here are some of our favorites.

Guides

How to register your small business

This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice. Readers

Meet the Merchant

Terri Does Desserts

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Terri Rhodes Littleton of Terri Does Desserts, in Sacramento, California.

Covid-19

COVID Impact on Industry: Services

In Part 5 of our “COVID Impact on Industry” series, we take a look at COVID’s impact on the Services

Inspiration

Support LGBTQ+ small businesses for Pride Month

Happy Pride Month! This June, Clover celebrates all of our LGBTQ+ merchants and allies.

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

What is a pop-up restaurant?

Pop-up restaurants were the sixth most popular dining trend in 2018.1 A year later, they reached the number two spot.2

Meet the Merchant

Kouign Cafe

In this installment of our Meet the Merchant series, we talk to Andrew Han, owner of Kouign Cafe in Vancouver,

Inspiration

Support small businesses while celebrating Dads & Grads

It’s June, which means it’s almost Father’s Day (June 20! Don’t forget!) and it’s also graduation season. After a challenging

Biz ops

5 small business trends & practices that aren’t going away post-pandemic: food & beverage edition

The food and beverage sector has been hit particularly hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants have struggled with the existential

Holiday

Celebrating LGBTQ+ inventors & entrepreneurs during Pride Month

Often when we think of famous LGBTQ+ people throughout history, we celebrate those in the creative space: Leonardo Da Vinci,

Customer service

Help improve customer retention with these 6 tips

It costs up to five times as much to acquire new customers as it does to keep existing ones.1 In

Health & beauty

Derm.ca

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Ildikó Juhasz, co-owner of dermatology clinic Derm.ca and Revoderm.com ,

Covid-19

COVID Impact on Industry: Retail

Part 4 of our “COVID Impact on Industry” series dives into the data on the pandemic’s impact on the Retail

Accounting

4 reasons to select a POS system with a QuickBooks integration

There are several reasons why businesses of all sizes increasingly rely on POS systems that integrate with accounting platforms such

Meet the Merchant

Icy Mountain Water

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Brandy Wilde of Icy Mountain Water in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Customer service

10 retail checkout counter ideas to help improve the customer experience

Given the ease, speed, and flexibility of online shopping, brick-and-mortar retailers may struggle to get customers through the door. This

Meet the Merchant

Bagels & Brew

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Audrey Ranstead of Bagels & Brew in Fairbanks, Alaska. Ranstead

Biz ops

5 small business trends & practices that aren’t going away post-pandemic: services edition

As the pandemic begins to wind down, many of us are looking forward to getting back to normal. The economy

Run your business

How to buy wholesale for your small business

The idea behind wholesale is simple. As a small business owner, you buy bulk quantities at discounted “wholesale” rates. Then

Meet the Merchant

Oksa Cakes

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Dmitry Petrov of Oksa Cakes in Flagler Beach, Florida. Dmitry

Inspiration

Celebrating AAPI innovators and entrepreneurs during Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

With reports of hate crimes against the Asian American community on the rise in recent months, it’s more important than

Crisis support

Three simple self-care habits to avoid workday burnout

The concept of work-life balance may sound great in theory, but putting it into practice is another story. More than

Run your business

Tips for how to write an employee handbook for a small business

Running a business can be complex – with new situations and challenges cropping up every day. However, having procedures already

Meet the Merchant

Tapi Go!

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Clarissa Aguiar of Tapi Go! in Toronto, Ontario. Clarissa shares insights

Clover app partners

3 apps to help you focus on business growth, not paperwork

The following is a guest post by our partners at Davo.

Holiday

Support small businesses this Mother’s Day

On May 9th, we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day. It’s been a year full of unprecedented challenges, so if ever there was

Holiday

Celebrating AAPI small business owners

May is Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We are so delighted to celebrate our merchants, and we’re proud to

Accounting

How to finance a restaurant

Anyone can dream about opening a restaurant; however, turning those dreams into reality can be difficult. Some entrepreneurs pour their

Meet the Merchant

Revolution Bakery

What if you could have a flaky, buttery, delicious croissant…without the gluten? Meet Dionne Christian, owner of Revolution Bakery in

Loyalty

Small business loyalty programs turn customers into creatures of habit

With over 20 years’ experience in the global payments industry, Massimo Sirolla (co-founder of Loyalzoo) could see that the growth

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Why a Clover Flex is the perfect investment for 2021

It’s fair to say that 2020 was a ride with more dips and twists than most coasters, leaving many small

Biz ops

What is BOPIS?

There is a growing retail trend in which customers order what they want online before picking up their items at

Meet the Merchant

Mountain Medicine Integrative Wellness Center

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Bret Wojciak of Mountain Medicine Integrative Wellness Center in Flagstaff,

Inspiration

Earth Day 2021

Accounting

Why forecasting is crucial to your business plan

2020 brought many unexpected surprises, from forced lockdowns to restricted density in restaurants and stores. For most small businesses, these

Accounting

Give your business a boost with the SBA’s Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant

If you run a restaurant, cafe, bar, or any other type of business in the food and beverage industry, it’s

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

What to consider when designing your restaurant floor plan

With COVID-19 restrictions in place, coming up with ways to boost restaurant sales has been a real challenge for many

Meet the Merchant

Gonzo’s Rock And Roll Pizzeria

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Arturo Garza of Gonzo’s Rock And Roll Pizzeria in Sandwich,

Biz ops

5 small business trends & practices that aren’t going away post-pandemic: retail edition

As the pandemic winds down, there’s been much discussion around the “new normal.” Many aspects of life before the pandemic

Covid-19

COVID Impact on Industry: Food & Beverage

In Part 3 of our “COVID Impact on Industry” series, we review the state of the Food and Beverage sector

Clover app partners

Speed up hiring with Indeed

Clover and Indeed, the world’s #1 job site, have teamed up to help you maximize your recruiting reach and help

Ecommerce

How to start a boutique

2020 wasn’t a great year for fashion or retail businesses. With a majority of people working or learning from home,

Meet the Merchant

The Red, White & Brew

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Todd Delaune of The Red, White & Brew in Hammond,

Money management

How to raise your prices successfully

The coronavirus pandemic has forced nearly all businesses to rethink almost everything, from operations to staffing to customer experience. It’s

Covid-19

Creating a contactless payment experience

A touchless payment experience is one in which customers have little to no physical contact with the hardware you use

Meet the Merchant

Holy Rolly Charleston

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to LaToya Gardner of Holy Rolly Charleston, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Biz ops

How to optimize your restaurant menu to maximize profits

Operating a restaurant is not for the faint of heart. One of the biggest challenges is the industry’s razor-thin profit

Ecommerce

7 benefits of online ordering systems for restaurants

Even before COVID-19, online ordering was popular among diners. Recent stay-at-home orders have led even more customers nationwide to embrace

Meet the Merchant

Daisy’s Doghouse

In this installment of our Meet the Merchant series, we talk to Lisa Samar, owner of Daisy’s Doghouse in Buffalo,

Inspiration

Celebrating female inventors and entrepreneurs during Women’s History Month

Despite the glass ceiling, women entrepreneurs and innovators have been breaking boundaries for centuries. In many states, women weren’t able

Clover app partners

Connect with your customers with the Clover app

As businesses of all sizes across the country get back to business and adjust to a post-pandemic marketplace, connecting (and

Clover product news

Clover’s new Inventory can help your business run smoother

With changing restrictions, policies, and practices, the pandemic marketplace is constantly in flux. For busy merchants, that often means spending

Guides

Minimum wage by state

Every election cycle brings renewed debate over the minimum wage and its implications for workers, businesses, and society as a

Meet the Merchant

À La Cart Orlando

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to April Williams of À La Cart Orlando in Orlando, Florida.

Run your business

Business resources for female SMB owners

The number of woman-owned businesses in the US has grown exponentially over the years. Between 2014 – 2019, enterprises owned

Covid-19

COVID Impact on Industry: Lodging & Recreation

Part 2 of our “COVID Impact on Industry” series focuses on Lodging & Recreation, two subsets of the hospitality industry.

Clover app partners

6 reasons to start using Clover Customer Engagement now

You have a powerhouse right at your fingertips—and you may not even know it. That is, if you have Clover,

Guides

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Crystal Marie Render of Crystal Marie’s Divine Designs in Cincinnati.

Biz ops

Why these restaurants have thrived despite the COVID-19 pandemic

The pandemic has forced businesses to rethink all aspects of their operations, and that’s especially true of restaurants. Some have

Inspiration

All the ways to C/love/r: ANSWER KEY

Back2Business

Clover at the 2021 NASCAR Daytona 500

Clover is off to the races! We are proud to sponsor Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) and the No. 42 Clover

Crisis support

How to get funding and support for minority-owned businesses

A minority-owned business is defined as any enterprise that is 51% or more owned by someone of Asian, Hispanic, Native

Meet the Merchant

French Press Bakery & Cafe

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Jay Spencer of French Press Bakery & Cafe in Needham,

Inspiration

All the ways to C/love/r

Have you ever wondered why the best songs and poems always seem to be for two people in love, or

Payments & processing

What happens when a company experiences a data breach?

A data breach is one of the worst things that can happen to a business or its customers. When criminals

Ecommerce

eGift cards guide: How to buy, sell, and use them

Electronic gift cards (eGift cards) offer many of the same benefits as their physical counterparts. In both cases:

Run your business

Small business funding for Black women entrepreneurs

Maybe the saying should be, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough start new small businesses.’ That’s certainly been true

Meet the Merchant

The Cupcake Collection

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Mignon Francois of The Cupcake Collection in Nashville, Tennessee. Mignon

Covid-19

COVID Impact on Industry: Travel & Tourism

There is no question the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the world in multiple ways. Aside from the horrific toll on

Guides

How to start a bagel shop

Are you a morning person who enjoys baking and entrepreneurship? If so, few ventures can provide as much satisfaction as

Meet the Merchant

Vesco Ridge Vineyards

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Nancy Vesco of Vesco Ridge Vineyards in West Chazy, New

Accounting

Access business credit scores and find funding for free with Nav

Starting a business takes money. Keeping a business open takes money, too. There’s no way around the fact that capital

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

Fast casual vs. fast food: What is the difference?

Customers often have trouble distinguishing between fast casual vs. fast food. After all, both types of eating establishments focus on

Meet the Merchant

Patt’s Guitar Repair

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Paris Patt of Patt’s Guitar Repair in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood

Crisis support

Future-proof your business: 2021 refresh

Ever since COVID-19 hit the global economy like a ton of bricks, small businesses have been trying to dig out

Covid-19

Health code violations: What they are & how to prepare for an inspection

Cleanliness is important for any business – regardless of the industry and clientele. As a restaurant owner, however, following sanitation

Meet the Merchant

The Jambalaya Shoppe Acadian

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Kathy Fives of The Jambalaya Shoppe Acadian in Baton Rouge,

Covid-19

2021 COVID-19 Relief Bill: A summary for small businesses

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSAA) was signed into law on December 27, 2020 as

Clover app partners

New Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans: How to qualify and apply

This is a guest post by credit expert Gerri Detweiler, the Education Director for Nav. She has more than three

Gift cards

Differences between prepaid, debit, and gift cards

According to The Nilson Report, payment cards are expected to generate more than $9.3 trillion in purchase volume in the

Holiday

Celebrate National Fun at Work Day

Billed as an opportunity to dress down, partake in office-based games, or enjoy a pizza buffet, National Fun at Work

Meet the Merchant

Iconik Coffee Roasters

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Sean Ham of Iconik Coffee Roasters in Santa Fe, New

Customer service

The cashierless store trend

Covid-19

What the COVID-19 Vaccine Means for Small Businesses

Two coronavirus vaccines have been approved by the FDA. Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccines have both begun rollouts of vaccinations for

Clover app partners

Paychex: The power of a single platform for payroll, time and attendance, and HR

A single HCM platform built around a single employee record can help streamline the efficiency of a small business with

Inspiration

Top productivity hacks for small business owners

“If only I had more time!” We’ve all said this at one time or another, whether as business owners, employees,

Clover news

A look back at 2020—and a look forward to 2021

If ever there was a year to define the phrase “pay it forward,” 2020 is it. From our frontline and

Ecommerce

What is curbside pickup?

As the global pandemic continues to evolve, it’s not surprising that so many Americans are turning to online shopping for

Meet the Merchant

Big Mama’s Kitchen & Catering

In this installment of our Meet the Merchant series, we talk to Gladys Harrison, who owns Big Mama’s Kitchen and

Clover news

The Green’s greatest hits of 2020

As we wrap up a year the likes of which none of us would have predicted a year ago, we

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

6 effective restaurant promotion ideas

In 2019, there were more than one million* restaurants nationwide, with approximately 10,000 new establishments** opening every year. Then COVID-19

Meet the Merchant

Kore Regenerative Medicine

In this installment of our Meet the Merchant series, we chat with Dr. Jordanna Quinn, founder of Kore Regenerative Medicine

Clover partner solutions

Homebase: Required restaurant employee handbook updates for 2021

After the joy of the holiday season, you as a restaurant owner or manager face a not-so-joyful task: updating workplace

Clover partner solutions

Homebase: Required retail employee handbook updates for 2021

After the joy of the holiday season, you as a retail business owner or manager face a not-so-joyful task: updating

Customer service

Catering to last-minute shoppers while preserving your sanity

The holiday shopping season started extra early this year. This so-called “Christmas creep” is due in part to Amazon Prime

Clover news

Clover wins Restaurant Smart Terminal Provider of the Year award

The Strawhecker Group (TSG) is proud to announce that Clover® from Fiserv, has won the inaugural Restaurant Smart Terminal Provider

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Turning the tables: Reviewing restaurant review sites

There was a time when the only external sources you needed to monitor were the Yellow Pages, the Better Business

Meet the Merchant

Bulbap Grill

In this installment of our Meet the Merchant series, we speak to Jeff Choi of Bulbap Grill, which has three

Ecommerce

Why you should Google My Business

With the holidays right around the corner, now’s the time to make sure that your online listings are up to

Ecommerce

Use Google Assistant™ to make payments with your voice

Google Assistant is a voice-activated tool that comes preinstalled on Android phones and a number of Google-branded smart devices. iPhone®

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to help increase restaurant sales

The hospitality industry is incredibly competitive. As such, knowing how to increase restaurant sales is essential for long-term growth. This

Clover app partners

Hate paying sales tax? Missed a payment in 2020? Sign up for DAVO and never deal with sales tax again.

Managing sales taxes is difficult in a good year. But this is 2020.

Meet the Merchant

Kwame A. Michel, Inc.

In this installment of our Meet the Merchant series, we talk to Kwame A. Michel, founder and owner of the

Inspiration

12 ways Clover Online Ordering makes your POS sing

In the twelfth month of 2021, my Clover® said to me… I’ve got twelve reasons why your business should use

Clover app partners

Guide to a Winning Job Posting Strategy: How to Find the Right Candidates

Approximately 82% of small business owners say fewer than half of their job applicants are qualified.2 To attract skilled talent,

Gift cards

How to accept gift cards for small business

Accepting gift cards for your small business is a simple, effective way to help improve sales. Gift cards are easy,

Money management

Wire transfers or ACH: Which should you use?

Wire transfers and the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network are two popular ways to send and receive money electronically. Both

Inspiration

7 habits of successful small business owners

As a small business owner, no two days are the same. You’re constantly putting out fires, and you’re expected to

Insights

The 6 biggest money mistakes SMBs make

Depending on whom you ask, anywhere from 20 to 50 percent of new businesses fail within the first five years.1

Holiday

American Express: The community impact of shopping small

With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to be thoughtful about where we shop. This applies only to us

Covid-19

QR codes for restaurants: Helping your business adapt to the pandemic

Introduced in 1994, the Quick Response (QR) code is a two-dimensional barcode designed to store information.* It was originally used

Holiday

Giving thanks to our merchants

This year, Thanksgiving feels a lot different. It’s a difficult world we are living in, and we know that many

Ecommerce

American Express: Plan now for successful online holiday sales

2020 has not been a normal year—neither in life nor in business. If you’re a small business, the adaptations and

Meet the Merchant

Destiny Farm Cattle

In this installment of Meet the Merchant, we speak to Hendrick Leibrandt of Destiny Farm Cattle in Medina, Ohio. Hendrick

Accounting

Understanding restaurant profit margins and their importance

Clover app partners

Three questions to ask as you plan for the holidays

For many retailers, the holiday season is rich with revenue opportunity—even in the age of COVID. Historically, on average over

Mobile

Tap or dip? Are contactless cards safer than chip cards?

Most credit cards in the U.S. now come with embedded EMV chips. The magstripe presented on older cards was easier

Meet the Merchant

Reyna’s Tacos

Our Meet the Merchant series features Q&As with real-world Clover merchants. In today’s installment, we speak with Leslie Reyna of

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Average restaurant revenue and what it means to your business

Average restaurant revenue describes the total amount of money your establishment generates (on average) every day, week, month, or year.

Ecommerce

7 tips to turn holiday shoppers into loyal customers

Holiday seasons have historically offered a key opportunity for building customer loyalty. In a normal year, shops can reach out

Insights

4 reasons why winning awards is important for your business

The average U.S. consumer experiences over 1,600 advertising messages every day. These ads are primarily digital, with only two percent

Clover app partners

Building Your Team? Here’s What You Need to Know About Payroll

So you’ve made your first hire and started building your team. Congratulations! This is a huge moment for business owners.

Meet the Merchant

Drummer Imports Service & Sales Center

Our Meet the Merchant series features Q&As with real-world Clover merchants. Today we talk to Anthony D. Drummer, owner of

Guides

What is POS (point of sale) software?

Point of sale (POS) software is the technology retailers, restaurants, and other businesses use to accept in-person payment. Whether installed

Clover app partners

Holiday promotions that won’t break the bank

Smart and effective marketing starts with a strategy. Before planning out specific promotions, businesses should think through what they are

Meet the Merchant

Sweetberry

Our Meet the Merchant series features Q&As with real-world Clover merchants. In today’s installment, we talk to Desi Saran, Founder

Clover product news

Restaurants Enhance Touchless Dining Experience with Scan to Order from Clover

New feature enables restaurants to create digital menus accessible with QR codes and allows customers to order food, pay their

Holiday

Services business webinar

Holiday

Restaurant businesses webinar

Holiday

Retail businesses webinar

Money management

Why you should refresh your tipping policies

Data from 2020 shows that 15.6 million restaurant employees in the United States are dependent on tips for their salary.

Back2Business

Spotlight on Brooklyn Tea

While COVID-19 has pushed many small businesses to the edge, it hasn’t dampened the entrepreneurial spirit for those who believe

Back2Business

Spotlight on Brown Butter

For many small businesses, adjusting to a new normal in the midst of COVID-19 means finding new ways to do

Back2Business

Spotlight on Daddy Greens

The journey back from the economic effects of COVID-19 has been a long road for many small businesses. that’s why

Back2Business

Spotlight on Achsah’s Jamaican Restaurant

Back2Business

Spotlight on Swirl Wine Bistro

Back2Business

Spotlight on Ragtrade Atlanta

Back2Business

Our Meet the Merchant series features Q&As with real-world Clover merchants. Read our full catalog for innovative ideas and real-life

Crisis support

How to keep your customers close—at a social distance

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Clover Restaurant Holiday Guide 2020

Holiday

Clover Retail Holiday Guide 2020

Holiday

Customer service

Hair Studio 18

Crisis support

American Express: How COVID is shaping the small business community

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Using memberships and subscriptions to grow your business

Clover product news

BluePay is now Clover

Meet the Merchant

La Gelati

Crisis support

American Express: The community impact of shopping small

Meet the Merchant

Harlem Doggie Day Spa

Clover app partners

Keep your customers engaged with Feedback and Rewards

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Beak Restaurant

Clover app partners

Get to know your clientele with Customers and Promos

Health & beauty

Posh Hair District

Covid-19

Why your seasonal business needs an online presence

Biz ops

Need to set up online ordering fast? Here’s how.

To help our restaurant merchants generate revenue despite pandemic restrictions, the Clover team recently launched a powerful and cost-effective feature:

Biz ops

Clover Online Ordering: Solutions for restaurants

Covid-19

ABC Fitness Connection

Clover app partners

Earlier this week, we posted an article about how to get your restaurant ready to take online orders through your

Covid-19

COVID-19 Effects and Impacts in the U.S (FISERV)

Biz ops

Maintain safe distancing with Virtual Terminal

In the midst of the COVID-19 emergency, it is imperative to comply with shelter-in-place orders, maintain social distance, and minimize

Biz ops

Keeping your sales safe & sanitary

Sales transactions are crucial to healthy businesses. Disruptive events like health emergencies, whether localized or more global in nature, can

Clover news

We are all in this together

The past few weeks have seen a significant disruption to our lives, work, and the economy, caused by what is

Crisis support

Recession-proof your business: How to manage irregular overhead and cash flows

Money management

Redesign your mental model: Use tax season to build better habits

That madcap time of year we call tax season is here with a vengeance. Not all of us handle our

Insights

March is National Credit Education Month

There are many month-long observances during March, but perhaps one of the most important is National Credit Education Month —

Crisis support

Recession-proof your business: How customer engagement can be insurance against recession

Recessions, like taxes, are inevitable. They are part of the natural life cycle of a healthy economy; and, while we

SMB

Redesign your mental model: 3 questions small business owners should ask themselves every day

Payments & processing

How to give restaurant guests more control over getting the check

Imagine you’ve had a great meal at your favorite new restaurant. Service was attentive and swift, conversation was pleasant, and

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

10+ Spring holiday promotional ideas to help your restaurant business flourish

Did you read our holiday suggestions for retail and service businesses and think “but what about my restaurant?” We know how

Holiday

10+ Spring holiday promotion ideas to help your retail and service business flourish

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Ludwig’s German Table

We’re launching Meet the Merchant—a Q&A series with real-world Clover merchants. We share best practices, lessons learned, tips for getting

Ecommerce

How to help detect and prevent merchant account fraud

Accounting

12 ways business owners can save on taxes

Mobile

4 tips for mobile credit card processing at trade show events

Accounting

Merchant account vs. business bank account

If you’re just setting up a business, it can be confusing figuring out how to process credit card payments, deposit

Ecommerce

Payment gateway vs. payment processor: what is the difference?

Payment gateway and payment processor are two key links in the payment processing chain. As a business owner, you’ve probably

Insights

How different age groups prefer to pay

Cash is still king…or is it? Roughly 3 out of 10 adults don’t use paper money at all — and

Mobile

What is peer-to-peer transfer? What are the pros and cons?

Technically speaking, every transaction is a peer-to-peer (P2P) transfer. Whether you’re using cash, credit cards or ACH payments, there is

Ecommerce

The positive impact of social media on eCommerce

When the internet first came out, it began as a competitive advantage for every business that embraced it. Very quickly,

Insights

Redesign your mental model: Forget resolutions and reshape habits

Insights

Top shows & documentaries for entrepreneurs on Netflix, YouTube, and other streaming services

Launching a new business isn’t easy. There’s a lot of uncertainty involved as you invest countless hours and money developing

Guides

How to start a small business in 9 simple steps

Starting a new business can be an exciting experience, but it can also quickly become stressful as you step out

Ecommerce

6 best practices for securing your eCommerce website

Your eCommerce website is always open 24/7, 365 days a year. That’s why you chose to do eCommerce business, so

Money management

4 benefits of a merchant account

You might be wondering if a merchant account is beneficial for your business. Perhaps you’re a small, at-home operation, and

Accounting

Merchant cash advance vs. bank loans: Pros and cons

Picture this: Business is going well — and because you have a merchant account, the credit card sales keep rising

Marketing

How to uncover broken links on your website

Does your website have broken links that cause frustration for your visitors and prevent Google from ranking you on the

Marketing

10 free & easy ways to drive traffic to your website

If you’re like most businesses, you want more traffic to your website so you can sell more, increase revenue, and

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Business refresh: Creating a resolutions menu for your restaurant

Biz ops

Holiday

Celebrating your staff after the holiday rush

In the flurry of winter holidays, small business owners may find themselves with little to no time (not to mention

Insights

Google Wallet vs. Google Pay: What’s different?

In July 2022, Google released a revised version of Google WalletTM, which had originally launched to mixed reviews back in

Mobile

Mobile deposits carry higher fraud risk

Payments & processing

Why can’t my business accept ACH payments?

Mobile

How does Apple Pay® compare to EMV® (chip & PIN)?

Biz ops

Boosting staff morale

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How restaurants can attract families

Marketing

5 questions to ask before running a social media campaign

Ecommerce

Beyond Black Friday marketing

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

6 events to pack your bar with customers

Biz ops

Improving cybersecurity

Clover news

Loyalty

Why are customers unsubscribing/unfollowing us?

Loyalty

8 eye-opening stats about why customer rewards programs are crucial to the bottom line

Customer service

How to handle difficult customers effectively

Difficult customers are a fact of life for small business owners. You can’t please every customer every day. Even with

Biz ops

Great buzz is bringing in the customers, but derailing the customer experience

Customer service

How & why to offer a referral discount

Clover app partners

New & notable in the Clover App Market: July 2019

Holiday

August promo calendar: Holding on to summer fun

Looking for ways to spice up your August celebrations? Check out the latest installment in our Holiday Calendar series.

Security

2FA: What it is & why it’s crucial for merchant security

Happy hour overhaul: Rethinking your drink special (Part 1)

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

4 cash flow management strategies for bars

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

The Most Head-Turning Things We Saw at the 2019 National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show

Important business resources every LGBTQIA entrepreneur should know about

Clover app partners

6 awesome Clover apps every bar needs

Running a bar is no easy feat, especially if you aspire to differentiate yourself from the mounting competition. Bars and

Customer service

How are minimum-wage hikes impacting your business?

Clover app partners

New & notable in the Clover App Market: March 2019

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Build your business by tapping into your community

Holiday

April promo calendar: Harbingers of Spring

Clover app partners

Two Clover feature upgrades you should try now

Biz ops

How Quick Service Restaurants can remix menu flavors to maximize fun & profit

“When you eat a doughnut, you really want to be happy,” says founder and ownerpreneur of Sublime Doughnuts Kamal Grant.

Measure your business health with these 9 numbers

Clover app partners

New & notable in the Clover App Market: November 2018

Each month we’re pleased to bring you new ways the Clover App Market can make your job (and your life)

Insights

Business scenario: Negotiating your first store lease

This post is part of our Business scenario series. Read the next post here on the Clover blog, and check

Clover app partners

8 awesome Clover apps every coffee shop needs

Starbucks may be the 800-pound gorilla, but independent coffee shops continue to hold their own. One reason is the sheer

Enterprise behavior

The concise guide to increasing productivity

Guides

The definitive guide to handling product & inventory

Managing your inventory is at the core of any successful business. But good inventory management is about much more than

Clover news

One million reasons to celebrate as Clover passes a major milestone

Loyalty

Business accelerators: How mobile coupons can boost foot traffic & drive sales

The coupon is a handy marketing tactic that dates back to the late 1800s and is still a staple in

Clover app partners

New & notable in the Clover App Market: July 2018

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

QSRs, it pays to get creative with food promotions. Here’s how one Clover merchant did it.

Meet Matthew Ling. Matt runs three restaurants in the heart of downtown Newark, New Jersey: Mercato Tomato Pie, Noodle Shop

Enterprise behavior

Enterprise behavior: How to calculate your restaurant’s food costs

Clover app partners

New & notable in the Clover App Market: June 2018

Marketing

5 growth hacks to increase profits at your quick service restaurant

Looking for some immediate changes you can make to increase profits at your quick service restaurant?

Inspiration

David Joseph started a company that is helping restaurant owners sleep at night [Q&A]

Customer service

Is your cashier checkout script boosting profits?

What small businesses should look for in a POS system

Choosing the right point-of-sale system for your business is like hiring a new employee. Each POS system comes with its

Insights

Business scenario: Negotiating a lease renewal

Rent is one of the largest expenditures for small businesses and can make a huge difference in your profitability and

Clover app partners

New & notable in the Clover App Market: September 2017

Customer service

5 questions to ask before discontinuing a product

You’re a small business owner, but you’re also a customer yourself. Which makes you familiar with the sense of loss

Inspiration

5 questions to ask to create a striking window display

This post is part of our 5 Questions series, helping merchants ask the right questions before making key business decisions.

Accounting

New & notable in the Clover App Market: June 2017

Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than by spending less time in the weeds of your business

Customer service

5 questions to ask when a customer has a complaint

Clover app partners

Enterprise behavior: Streamlining order delivery

Clover app partners

Clover App Market Spotlight: Help people find your products online with Pointy

3 reasons to keep your shop’s countertops clutter-free

Clover app partners

6 tactics for unifying the front and back of house for restaurants

There are many moving parts in a restaurant—chefs developing recipes, line cooks mastering their art, servers trying to make diners

Customer service

How to reassure your staff when business is slow

When business is noticeably slow, employees tend to worry about their jobs. Absent any insight from the boss, they begin

Clover app partners

New & notable in the Clover App Market: March 2017

Learn about even more business apps from the Clover App Market that can expand your Clover device’s capabilities and help

Insights

Business trends & research roundup: millennial customers

What are the experts, surveys and latest research reports saying about appealing to and retaining millennial customers? Welcome to our monthly

Clover app partners

New & Notable Apps in the Clover App Market: January 2017

Loyalty

3 things to consider when structuring your loyalty program

Though you may have not always have been a planner in your personal life, it’s a fact that you have

Clover news

500,000 and counting: Clover hits a milestone

Holiday

5 tips for getting your piece of the holiday shopping frenzy

For many retailers, the holiday season is still a pivotal time of year with nearly 20% of annual retail sales

Clover product news

Forget the iPhone headphone jack: The new Clover Go has you covered

When you’re running a small business, it can sometimes seem that just as you have all your technology needs covered

Clover product news

Clover clocks in at less than three seconds for EMV transactions

While others are busy chipping away at EMV transaction times, Clover has already set the pace.

Marketing

Seattle’s FROST Has a Delicious Marketing Plan

How many bakeries do you pass on your way to work in the morning? If you’re craving a doughnut, how

Clover product news

Getting your funds faster

Clover app partners

Five apps that’ll up your food service delivery game

We live in a society that sees most families on the go from the moment they wake up until the

Ecommerce

3 customer insights hidden in your Google Analytics

If you’re looking for ways to improve sales and need some ideas, try checking out what your data tells you.

Money management

How to get quick cash for your small business

Banks aren’t the only places to go for small business loans anymore. In fact, seeking a loan from a big

Customer service

It’s a sign: Best practices for in-store signage

As a business owner, you’re always busy. Even the smallest distraction can throw your whole day off. That’s why the

Clover app partners

Make paying sales tax way less taxing

Security

Data breaches: How safe is your business? (Part I)

Payments & processing

Food & beverage

Retail

Service businesses

Food & beverage

Retail

Service businesses

Editorial Team

Filter by:

All Services

Topic

Transylvania Moving Company

The more the merrier: How to attract more holiday shoppers to your retail store

“Pawsitive” impact: Lessons from entrepreneurs fueling the pet-friendly business

11 types of restaurant categories & dining experiences

Fox Design and Staging

Build a customer loyalty program–and your business–with Loyalzoo

Celebrating Latinx inventors and entrepreneurs during Hispanic Heritage Month

Which retail format is right for your business?

How to get a small business license in California

3B’s Flowers

6 tips for writing an effective invoice reminder to clients

What the Inflation Reduction Act means for small business

How to create a restaurant menu

ChoZen 4 U Boutique

5 simple ways small business owners can invest in their own education

5 lessons from Hulu’s ‘The Bear’ on how to run a small business

5 things you wish you would’ve know before opening your retail store

Rose City Balloons

20+ resources every veteran small business owner should know

3 local bookstores on harnessing the power of community

How to open a restaurant

5 merchants share lessons they’ve learned as we celebrate Black Business Month

How small business owners can help banish imposter syndrome

Your small business checklist: 25 things to do before the year ends

How to start a business in Arizona

The power of inventory management: 3 ways restaurant owners are saving money with MarketMan

How to make a high-performing kids’ menu for your restaurant

“Parentrepreneurs” share what it’s like having a baby and running a business

Corporate social responsibility: 3 ways to change the world with your small business

Country Friends of Ohio

How to make payments as easy as possible for your customers and for you

What food truck owners can teach any small business

7 tips for marketing to Generation Z

Elite Practitioner

Federal funding for small businesses: Understanding the state small business credit initiative

How to start a business in Maryland

7 reasons these real-world merchants use (and love) gift cards

Why business owners should pay themselves first

How 5 entrepreneurs turn browsers into buyers at farm and artisan markets

What are fileless attacks? [Plus: 6 prevention strategies]

Milk Jar Cookies

Apps that make back of house operations run more smoothly for restaurants

Green-thumbed entrepreneurs share their wisdom on growing a business

10 blogs for small business owners to follow

4 benefits of using the BLUbeem by Brink’s app for Clover

How three merchants use Clover Customer Engagement to boost business

Delivering now: Order with Google integrated in Clover

New and notable in the Clover app market: July 2022

Business owners share tips on hiring teens for the summer

Detecting and preventing eGift card fraud

Your Toy Link

6 awesome apps for small business retailers

3 small businesses that build nostalgia into their brand

How to start a business in North Carolina

The Smoke and Oak

6 business management tools every home services business needs

Pizza shops from iconic pizza cities teach you how to stand out and compete with the best

10 business lessons from ‘Shark Tank’ for entrepreneurs

The Hidden Gem

5 must-have features for your small business POS system

8 ways you can attract new customers to your small business

Dads, grads, and gift cards

How card-on-file subscriptions guarantee revenue and grow your business

Nine of the most profitable small businesses to start this year

Music festivals are back! How entrepreneurs can get in on the fun and boost business

7 ideas to boost summer sales

Aliska’s Amazing Pickles

How to make a killer project cost estimate

Yes, small business owners take vacations. Here’s how they do it.

How to respond to negative reviews