Editorial Team, Author at Clover Blog

Showing 1 - 10 of 1058

What Restaurants Should Know About Digital Accessibility and Data Privacy

Average restaurant profit margin and revenue: What they mean for your business

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

Meet the Merchant

Clover Rapid Deposit: Get your money instantly

Cash flow is often a concern for small business merchants. The cash flow gap is real, and many small business

Insights

Optimizing B2B payments with credit card solutions

Handling transactions between businesses is an essential aspect of business operations. Business to Business (B2B) payment processing systems streamline the

Insights

15+ Great ways small businesses can maximize downtime

Much attention is given to preparing for and maximizing profit during peak sales season—like Black Friday and Cyber Monday for

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Negotiating commercial leases

Negotiating commercial leases can be a daunting but crucial step in securing a location that meets your business needs and

Mobile

How secure are NFC payments?

Paying for products and services hasn’t always been as easy as waving our phones at payment terminals. Near field communication

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to improve your happy hour menu

Happy hour is vital to the success of a restaurant or bar, but simply offering discounts on drinks isn’t enough

Insights

Understanding your credit card machine options

Payment processing for small businesses has come a long way since paper checks and cash-only transactions. There are a wide

Holiday

Last-minute ideas for cashing-in on post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping

Black Friday is galloping toward us, and hot on its heels are Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday.

Insights

How to open a dry cleaning business

If you’ve spent enough time scrolling through CleanTok, you know just how therapeutic it can be to refresh household items

Marketing

Small business guide to SEO

If you run a small business these days, you probably have a website. According to recent consumer behavior research, eight

Insights

5 beauty trends worth following in 2024 and beyond

The beauty industry has been one of the strongest market segments in recent years, growing steadily and consistently since the

Insights

Baking for health-conscious customers

Self care has many faces. For many consumers, taking a little break to grab a latte and a sweet pastry

Clover product news

The 4 challenges facing retail businesses and what Clover’s doing about them

Launching and running a retail shop has its rewards–and its challenges. To help small business retailers like you launch, manage,

Clover product news

How Clover Services Growth SaaS helps personal services businesses overcome 4 challenges and why they’ll love it

Launching and running a personal services business can be daunting. There’s managing appointments, staff, and cash flow efficiently, creating an

How to enhance restaurant efficiency in your full-service kitchen

Running a full-service restaurant involves juggling multiple elements simultaneously, from managing staff and monitoring inventory to designing an efficient kitchen

Gift cards

Why digital gift cards are a must for last-minute holiday shoppers

Gift cards have become the gold standard of gift giving. With the holidays just around the corner, now’s the time

Gift cards

4 advantages of gift cards

Insights

How to attract new customers to your salon

A salon isn’t just a place for customers to refresh their hair, it’s a place for them to feel renewed

Holiday

12 ways to sell more books during the holidays

Believe it or not, the holiday season is upon us! You’re probably bracing yourself and your business for its busiest

Insights

How to design your bakery space

If you’ve dreamed about opening a bakery, you’ve probably pictured a beautiful bakery shop interior: cakes elegantly displayed in a

Insights

How to grow gym memberships via gym culture

It’s become somewhat cliche how many people sign up for a gym membership in January—only to cancel it by February.

Clover product news

Delight customers and offset card processing costs with Clover Cash Discount

Today’s small businesses often deal with unpredictable cash flow and thin margins. Cash discount is a compelling solution that’s proven

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Creating your own restaurant split check policy

For many restaurant owners, managing large groups and their requests to split the check can be both a frequent and

Holiday

How (and why) small businesses should lean into personalization this holiday season

With close to 5.5 million businesses starting in 2023 alone, small businesses need to find effective ways to stand out

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

How to turn your home baking hobby into a bakery business

Whether you’re relatively new to home baking or have been at it for years, preparing delicious baked goods from the

Insights

How to improve restaurant service times at your QSR

When you think of a quick service restaurant (QSR), the first thing that likely comes to mind is speed. These

Guides

The ultimate 2024 retail store holiday checklist

The holiday shopping season is just around the corner. And, if this year is like last year, many small business

Holiday

6 ways to boost your bakery’s growth this holiday season

The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and along with it a plethora of opportunities to grow your bakery business. In

Guides

How to get a small business loan

Interested in how to get a small business loan? Learn about the types of small business loans and the steps

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to open a restaurant in Texas

Passing the 30 million population mark, the Lone Star state of Texas doesn’t seem to be so lonely. With nearly

Insights

How to open a bakery

If you never miss an episode of Great British Bake Off, still keep a pandemic-era sourdough starter alive, or consider

Insights

How to start a personal training business

You love working out. Does that mean becoming a personal trainer is the perfect career choice? It depends.

Insights

How much do restaurant employees make?

In the bustling restaurant industry, understanding how much employees make is crucial for both owners and workers alike. Whether you’re

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Why you should consider adding tiny cocktails to your restaurant & bar menu

As a busy restaurant or bar owner, you probably don’t spend a lot of time sitting around reflecting on the

Insights

Social media 101 for bookstores

#BookTok is one of the biggest communities on TikTok—and a huge driver of sales. On a platform known for viral

Insights

How to choose a self-ordering kiosk for restaurants

In the evolving world of the restaurant industry, efficiency and customer satisfaction remain key drivers of success. As restaurant owners

Insights

10 bookstore promotion ideas to drive foot traffic and sales

As an independent bookstore owner, you’re likely engaged in a number of small business marketing activities to serve your community.

Insights

Essential equipment frozen yogurt shops need for opening day

There’s nothing like a refreshing cup of frozen yogurt to satiate a sweet tooth and help you cool off on

Ecommerce

How to help detect and prevent merchant account fraud

Personal services

Top outdoor fitness recommendations from California

When you picture an outdoor gym or outdoor fitness, you probably think back to the early days of the pandemic

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to improve table turnover at any type of restaurant

It’s your busiest service period, and customers are getting antsy. Your front-of-house staff struggles to appease guests ready to place

Customer service

How boutique owners can elevate customer experience with personal styling

When you think of personal styling, you probably imagine big retailers offering a luxury service for high-end customers. But personal

Insights

Back to school shopping trends for bookstores

The school year is just starting for many, and back to school shopping is in full swing. Research from Deloitte

Clover product news

Introducing the Clover Flex Pocket: A fast, lightweight, handheld POS

Get excited–there’s a new POS system for small businesses in town. Introducing the new Clover Flex Pocket, a sleeker, highly-portable

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Your guide to the best restaurant merchandise ideas

Standing out from the crowd in the restaurant industry requires more than just great food and excellent service. To truly

Gift cards

Consumers are using gift cards and loyalty programs to beat inflation and manage holiday spending

Holiday shopping, loyalty points, and digital wallets featured as themes in Clover’s Q3 2024 Gift Card Gauge. Read how consumers

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to integrate technology at your full-service restaurant

The restaurant industry has always been a dynamic space, constantly evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of customers.

Insights

Essential equipment gyms & fitness studios need for opening day

Turning your passion for fitness and health into a profitable business is no easy feat–especially when it comes to opening

Home & field services

How to turn your “side hustle” into a thriving small business

In 2024, more people than ever are engaging in side hustles. Reports estimate that about a third of Americans have

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to manage multiple restaurant locations

Of the nearly 750,000 restaurant locations in the U.S., just over 150,000 restaurants have only one location. For many restaurateurs,

Clover product news

Introducing Clover Compact and 6 reasons you’ll love it

Whether you’re in the market for a new space-efficient electronic payment terminal or replacing an old countertop device, Clover Compact

Clover app partners

5 ways to increase customer loyalty

Customers are the lifeblood of any business, and customer loyalty is the cornerstone for business success. Loyal customers not only

Insights

Unique packaging and gift wrapping ideas for your jewelry

Picture the last time you held a beautifully packaged piece of jewelry in your hands. Whether a cashier handed you

Insights

Retail store equipment and supplies needed for opening day

There’s so much to think about when opening a retail store. From sourcing the products you’re selling to coming up

Marketing

7 great marketing ideas for flower shops

If your florist advertising campaigns are starting to feel a little wilted, do not worry—this list of flower shop advertising

Insights

Jewelry store supplies and equipment needed for opening day

You’ve dreamed of owning a jewelry store and helping customers choose glittering baubles. Perhaps you want to sell handcrafted designs

Insights

How small businesses can use employee discounts to retain staff

You’ve spent precious time, effort, and money on the hiring process. To earn a return on that investment, you must

Guides

Tips and tricks for opening an outdoor pop-up restaurant

Outdoor restaurant pop-ups are an innovative trend sweeping the culinary world. Imagine savoring gourmet dishes in a picturesque park setting,

Insights

7 tips for photographing jewelry

Since ancient times, people have adorned themselves with jewelry to express individuality and interests, spirituality and status. Whether your shop

Gift cards

7 summer gift card campaign ideas to help ease the summer slump

For many small businesses, summer’s an off-peak season. And that can mean a slump in sales. But, the “summer slump”

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

10 small business collaboration ideas to grow sales

Small business collaboration can be a great way to increase your exposure and boost sales. Strategic partnerships with other local

Clover app partners

How to pick the best customer loyalty program for your small business

Imagine this: On a not-so-busy day, one of your old customers who hasn’t visited for a while walks into your

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

The 15 most profitable restaurant businesses to start in 2025

Starting a restaurant can be an incredibly exciting venture with the potential for substantial rewards but it can be difficult

Insights

How to open a jewelry store

Jewelry shops can be a great addition to almost any shopping district or town. What’s more, a sentimental piece of

Ecommerce

Florist website design tips: Make your online storefront bloom

Online ordering for flower shops has blossomed in recent years, experiencing an average growth rate of 14.5% per year between

Insights

How to start a business with no money

From new AI therapy chatbots to the viral cookie croissant store in Paris, new businesses and services are popping up

Guides

How to POS swap with ease (& without the headache)

In today’s fast-paced business landscape, an efficient point of sale system is crucial for maintaining smooth operations and delivering exceptional

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to open a restaurant in Florida

Florida, the “Sunshine State,” offers nearly-perfect weather and endless activities. Whether you’re after a trip to the beach, a day

Marketing

Should your florist shop offer subscriptions?

Subscriptions are one way to boost customer loyalty and smooth out cash flow. Retailers, health and wellness companies, and meal

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to increase restaurant revenue with online ordering (OLO) kitchens

The restaurant industry is in the midst of a significant transformation, driven by advances in technology and changing consumer preferences.

Gift cards

4 must-know trends in technology, loyalty, and gift cards for small businesses

From online ordering to digital wallets, technology is influencing how we work, play, and shop. Clover’s Q2 2024 Gift Card

Ecommerce

How to sell jewelry online

Selling jewelry online is a lucrative business. The global jewelry market is set to reach a historic high of $357

Insights

10 ways to maximize space in your small store design

Whether you’re a longtime shop owner or opening a new store, you may be wondering how to arrange a small

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to build a restaurant leadership team

Many small business owners may wish to be present for every transaction and decision made at their shop. That ultra-high

Clover app partners

Make restaurant inventory management easier with this 5-minute hack

Operators know that one of the biggest keys to profitability in a restaurant is lowering the average restaurant food cost.

Biz ops

5 field service apps to boost efficiency

As a field service business, you are constantly juggling multiple responsibilities–while managing resources, time, and energy. With so many moving

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

The true cost of POS systems for restaurants

This guide explains what to expect in terms of the cost of POS systems for restaurants, and how the benefits

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Revenue streams restaurants can add to their business

The restaurant industry has notoriously thin profit margins, which is why so many business owners in this segment look for

Home & field services

How to effectively manage employees in your landscaping business using your POS system

Learn how POS field service management software for small businesses can transform your landscaping business and help save you valuable

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

7 ways to attract more tourists & business travelers to your restaurant

Travelers can be dreamy restaurant customers. Generally, they’re curious about your food and region, grateful for a place to rest

Guides

How to start and grow a successful home service business

From plumbing and electrical work to landscaping and interior design, home service businesses thrive on delivering exceptional work to their

Clover app partners

Why a barcode scanner is an inventory tool you can’t live without

Barcodes are one of the most essential pieces of technology for small businesses. Unfortunately, many businesses only use them during

By state

How to open a restaurant in California

Home to stunning sunsets, sandy beaches, and snow-peaked mountains, California also boasts an incredibly diverse and immaculate food scene, featuring

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to choose a restaurant marketing agency

Today, most people don’t find restaurants by driving by or through a friend. Often, people find places to eat online.

Guides

10 essential pieces of equipment salons need for opening day

When it comes to the business of beauty, operating a salon requires more than expertise in hair design, curl patterns,

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

A guide to sales tax for food trucks

Are you looking to start a food truck but aren’t sure what taxes you need to pay? Or maybe you

Ecommerce

Best practices for gift cards

A finely-tuned gift card program for small businesses can help them run big promotions just like national retailers and, in

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Back of house restaurant job descriptions and duties

From QSRs to fine dining venues, every restaurant depends on back-of-house team members to manage operations and prepare food that

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Restaurant cleanliness: Importance of cleaning & sanitation in food industry

Restaurant hygiene is incredibly important for successful restaurant operations. This is due to the fact that foodborne illnesses from bacteria

Customer service

Why your business might consider adopting a concierge business model

Not too long ago, businesses were pulling out all the stops to bring in customers—immersive experiences were everywhere and Instagrammable

Clover app partners

The power of financial wellness for small business employees

Small business owners are deeply committed to fostering employee wellness. And it’s easy to see why! First, small businesses are

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to design a restaurant recipe card–and share it

Your restaurant’s secret ingredient may be in the sauce–but it should also be on a recipe card. While recipe cards

Clover app partners

Is your business a victim of shrinkflation? Don’t pay more for shorter receipt rolls.

Would you pay the same price for a 15-ounce box of cereal as a 17-ounce box? What if the product

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to buy a restaurant

It’s notoriously difficult to succeed in the restaurant industry–especially when opening a new eatery. It’s estimated that around 60% of

Enterprise behavior

How to evaluate employee performance like an enterprise company

For small business owners who want their employees to stay engaged on the job and continually improve their skills, providing

Biz ops

Dropshipping: What it is & why it might be smart for your small business

Managing inventory can be costly and cumbersome. Fortunately, there’s an alternative model that’s becoming quite popular among small businesses and

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

What you need to know about automatic gratuity laws for restaurants

In recent years, the practice of automating gratuities has emerged as a major consideration for merchants, who often see it

Insights

Top management skills all small business owners should have

It takes passion, creativity, and determination to be a small business owner. These entrepreneurs often possess unique skill sets that

Clover app partners

Embracing innovation: The power of loyalty programs in modern communication

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, adaptation is key to success. With tightened regulations around marketing, businesses are facing unprecedented

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Finding the best suppliers for your restaurant: A simple guide

The pandemic forced restaurant owners to confront many hard truths, one of which was the importance of their suppliers. Pandemic-related

Home & field services

Transforming your home & field service business with mobile payments

Home and field service business owners have a lot to manage, with one important factor being payment processing. In order

Ecommerce

5 small business website design mistakes to avoid

By 2027, it’s estimated that eCommerce purchases will account for almost a quarter of all purchases worldwide. Since many customers

Clover app partners

Run an effective stock count strategy (plus, a schedule to stick to)

In successful small businesses, stock counting is as routine as putting together a purchase order. Thrive’s Stock Counts App for

Retail

New business owner guide to recruiting for retail positions

As a retail business owner, your staff are frontline employees who directly interact with customers and who can impart a

Clover product news

Why your restaurant needs a self-ordering kiosk

Self-ordering kiosks have taken the market by storm. In 2022, the global self-service kiosk market size was valued at USD

Clover app partners

Create more efficiency for your service business with recurring invoices, agreements, and e-signatures

In the world of service businesses, efficiency is paramount. One often-overlooked but powerful trio of tools for achieving this efficiency

Gift cards

New era of gift cards — Rise of digital, urban trends, and emerging industries

Carat from Fiserv’s Q1 2024 Gift Card Gauge reveals that while milestone events like birthdays and graduations drive most gift

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Renting/leasing a commercial kitchen: What business owners need to know

Are you a food and beverage entrepreneur, constrained by your home kitchen’s counter space or your state’s food licensing requirements,

Customer service

Customer churn: Why you’re losing customers and how to win them back

Customer churn is a threat to your revenue that can sneak up on you if you’re not keeping an eye

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to franchise a restaurant

The International Franchise Association found that, for the first time since 2019, more entrepreneurs are turning to the franchise model

Accounting

Sales tax automation can help streamline your retail store’s financial management

To the west, the high peaks of the Sawatch Ridge rise in the beautiful town of Buena Vista, Colorado. Tucked

Clover news

Clover named “Best Overall Commerce Platform” in Annual FinTech Breakthrough Awards

Insights

8 value-added barber shop services to consider adding to your menu

Barber shop services, beyond standard haircuts, present a great opportunity to grow your business. Becoming a full-service barber shop can

Inspiration

The best business ideas for college students

College is a great time for working while going to school, because you can earn money for your expenses and

Insights

8 stellar marketing and advertising examples to inspire you

It’s not always easy to come up with new ways to advertise your small business. If your marketing could use

Clover app partners

Streamlining your business operations: Understanding paper management

Insights

How to delegate work to succeed as a small business owner

As a small business owner, you may feel you have to do everything yourself. It is true that many small

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Restaurant expansion: How to expand your business to another state

If you’ve had success with your original restaurant location, you might consider opening a restaurant in another state. Expansion can

Insights

Event marketing strategies for your small business

Standing out in a competitive industry can be a challenge–especially for small businesses. But, for businesses that are willing to

Clover app partners

Cash discount programs: Educate customers effectively with these 5 key tips

Effectively communicating the purpose and benefits of offering cash discount programs to customers is important in today’s economic landscape.

Ecommerce

Voice shopping: What eCommerce merchants need to know

Forget typing and swiping: the future of shopping may be voice-activated. Voice shopping, powered by smart speakers and intuitive AI

Customer service

Dining excellence: How to improve restaurant operations

Beyond delicious food, attractive ambiance, and excellent service, strategic restaurant operations are what help keep an eatery in business. Some

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to write a great restaurant shift report (with an example)

So much of restaurant work revolves around the present. Someone needs their drink right now, or we’re running out of

Customer service

Virtual stores and the future of eCommerce

eCommerce offers consumers the convenience and efficiency they crave, but it can also sacrifice the immersive and social aspects of

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Food that sells: Strategies for selling the most profitable restaurant menu items

It’s no secret that most restaurants run on thin profit margins. The average full-service restaurant’s margin lands between 3-5%, according

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Culinary dreams: How to open a restaurant with no money

For any business owner, funding and capital tend to be a recurring concern. According to the Guidant Financial Top Small

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Free bar opening and closing checklists

Want to know how to create a fun and lively bar experience? The secret isn’t in your background music—rather, it’s

Gift cards

Physical vs digital gift cards: Why offering both is necessary for business success

Gift cards have become a popular gift choice among consumers for friends, family, colleagues, and even oneself. In fact, “the

Retail

How to run a bookstore more efficiently with your retail POS system

Customers in bookstores, like in any retail setting, have high expectations today. They want to get the help they need

Clover app partners

Navigating business success through effective CRM strategies

In the intricate web of business operations, success hinges on the ability to understand, engage with, and cater to customers.

Marketing

Understanding the principles of scarcity and urgency and how they can help drive sales

The principle of scarcity says that people confer a higher value on things that are limited in quantity and availability.

Accounting

Restaurant renovations: Understanding costs and budgeting for success

A restaurant remodel is no small undertaking. Restaurant renovations require time, money, and labor upfront. However, when managed properly, a

Run your business

4 tips for building a great workplace culture

Lately there’s been a lot of conversation about workplace culture–and with good reason. The way that employees feel in their

Insights

Earth Day and the benefits of sustainable business practices

What is Earth Day? The first Earth Day took place on April 22, 1970, organized by Senator Gaylord Nelson and

Accounting

Operating expenses 101 for small businesses

More than 40% of small business owners say their biggest challenge is paying operating expenses. Operating expenses are central to

Ecommerce

How to reduce bounce rate on your eCommerce site

What is a good bounce rate for your eCommerce store? And, what does it mean anyway? Read on for why

Insights

How to pivot your business for growth

Think a business pivot might be necessary for your business this year? Consider these factors when building your pivot strategy.

Ecommerce

How to embrace SMART goals to maximize your eCommerce conversion rates

eCommerce merchants are constantly trying to improve conversion rates, with most vendors using a combination of advertising, marketing, search engine

Insights

How to increase physical security for your small business

While a lot of attention has been given to cybersecurity recently, it’s easy to overlook the importance of physical security.

Customer service

Why is the post-purchase customer experience important in the retail industry?

For many retailers, making that next sale is the ultimate goal. They measure success based on their ability to get

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

What are market-price menu items and why your restaurant should offer them

Profit margins at restaurants are notoriously thin: Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) have profit margins that average around 13%, while fine dining

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Top 10 recruiting websites to help you find and hire restaurant staff

Working with a professional recruiter can help take the work out of finding, interviewing, and hiring good candidates, but it

Health & beauty

How to choose a POS system for your spa business

If you’re currently in the spa business or you’re opening a spa business, you probably know that one of the

Holiday

6 Valentine’s Day promotion ideas to help boost orders and sales

February is just around the corner–and so is Valentine’s Day. While love’s in the air, consider turning that Valentine’s Day

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Restaurant awards: How to get nominated and win a James Beard Award

There is a correlation between winning awards and growing your business. Award-winning businesses are consistently seen as more reputable and

Money management

10 scholarships for young entrepreneurs and business owners

For entrepreneurs who want to start a small business, part of the process involves obtaining funding. Thankfully, entrepreneurs as young

Insights

9 must-know consumer trends for 2024

Anticipating tomorrow’s shopping trends can help today’s businesses refine product lines, hone marketing plans, and edge out the competition. These

Clover app partners

6 ways to use excess & expiring inventory in your kitchen (plus prevention tips)

There are a lot of moving parts in your foodservice kitchen, and instead of moving excess and expiring inventory straight

Gift cards

How to boost gift card sales: 5 ways

Year-round, customers turn to gift cards for easy gifting ideas. Gift cards are a hassle-free way to promote your business

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Food and nutrition literacy guide for health conscious restaurants

For restaurant diners today, food quality ranks as the most important factor when customers choose where to dine, according to

Insights

5 payment technology trends to watch in 2024

Spotting which trends are fads and which are here to stay can be tricky. Innovations continue to reshape payment industry

Meet the Merchant

Sweet Vine Products

After Bruce Funderburk received a serious diagnosis during a routine dental cleaning, he went searching for natural remedies. He was

Insights

15 small business tips for 2024

Ask small business owners what their main goal is, and most will tell you that they want to grow sales.

Meet the Merchant

The Wing Suite

After a long day of house hunting, Army veterans Kartisha Henry and her husband Robert craved spicy wings. None of

Clover app partners

Navigating subscriptions in 2024: Raising customer loyalty and revenue

As we step into 2024, the subscription revolution continues to reshape how businesses engage with customers, unlocking new sources of

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Average restaurant owner salary in 2023

Restaurant ownership has been glorified in recent years, especially as the popularity of celebrity chefs has inspired people in various

Customer service

Bar management: Improving operations with your bar POS system

The right point-of-sale system (POS) can significantly enhance business operations in bars. From swift order processing and inventory management, to

Meet the Merchant

Actify Physiotherapy and Wellness

Dr. Marcia Perretto was wheelchair-bound after three hip repairs failed for mysterious reasons. Internet research led her to a diagnosis,

Clover app partners

Yes, you need to audit your processes at the new year — here’s why

As one year comes to a close and another one begins, it’s a perfect time to audit and improve your

Insights

15 of the most profitable small businesses to start in 2024

Marketing

Low cost marketing ideas for small businesses with zero budget

For many small business owners, money is always top of mind among concerns for business growth. In a Q3 2023

Clover product news

3 ways real merchants use Clover Capital to help their businesses grow

As a small business owner, you have to be able to think on your feet. Conditions in your local market

Ecommerce

5 must-watch trends in retail small businesses for 2024

Looking to get ahead of 2024 trends in retail? This concise guide can help you get a jumpstart on the

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to manage restaurant staff effectively

In the restaurant industry, the quality of employee management can make or break business success. The cost of restaurant employee

Clover app partners

Simplified profitability analysis: Quickly boost your bottom line

Help improve profits by discovering which products are boosting your bottom line and which might be holding you back. With

Customer service

How to use QR code menus to improve restaurant service

In today’s digitally driven world, restaurant businesses need to leverage innovative solutions to stay competitive. QR codes have emerged as

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Restaurant marketing strategies to grow your business

For restaurant professionals, there are many ways to grow your business, from bringing in a steadier flow of customers, to

Insights

How Clover POS supports nonprofits

Nonprofits occupy a unique entrepreneurial space. Handling money and payments, for example, can look a lot different for nonprofits than

Payments & processing

What is a card-not-present (CNP) transaction?

There’s never been a more optimal time to buy products, services, and merchandise online than right now. Gone are the

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to help increase restaurant revenue with digital payment solutions

The restaurant industry continues to grow, with optimistic projections for sales, staffing, and customers in the near future. According to

Ecommerce

Ramp up your holiday eCommerce strategy with tips from Clover merchants

The holiday season is kicking off already–like it or not. Most small business owners know this time of year can

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to create an effective catering marketing plan

“Build it and they will come.” This idea that—with the right real estate, product or service, and market analysis—you can

Insights

Operational excellence: How to scale your small business

The concepts of operational excellence are common sense for most business owners: continually improve a business across all aspects, with

Meet the Merchant

Olobe’s Kitchen

Bola Alaketu thought her dreams of being a chef were over when she had to shut down her catering business

Accounting

Unleashing the power of Invoiss on Clover: Revolutionize your invoicing experience

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses need tools that not only keep up but anticipate needs and exceed expectations. Enter Invoiss:

Accounting

How much should you pay your employees? A concise guide.

Figuring out how to pay employees is a key consideration when running a business. And, in a competitive labor market,

Accounting

5 reasons to pay vendors with ACH bank transfers via Pay Bills

Imagine you own a neighborhood coffee shop, and you purchase coffee beans from a local supplier on a regular basis.

Personal services

Salon ownership: Your guide on how to open a salon

Being a salon owner enables you to help your clients achieve their beauty goals, while you make money and earn

Meet the Merchant

Katy Truck Parts

Katy Truck Parts is a small business in Houston, Texas, with deep family roots. Since many of his customers lack

Clover app partners

Enhance your business through a better pay experience

When you think about growing your business, your mind might not automatically go to payroll and pay experience. That’s because

Meet the Merchant

Couples at work: How Clover merchants mix love and business

Building a small business is demanding, but running a business with a romantic partner can be a unique challenge. How

Accounting

Leveraging the busy tax season to grow your finance business

As Benjamin Franklin stated, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Most Americans feel some type of

Meet the Merchant

C&T Assorted Sweets

Tammy Mikut is the “T” in C&T Assorted Sweets. The “C” stands for Carol, Tammy’s mother who passed away in

Run your business

5 ways to upgrade your small business cybersecurity for 2024 (and beyond)

Think that cyberattacks only hit big corporations? Think again. Almost half of all cyberattacks hit small businesses with fewer than

Marketing

How small businesses use talent marketing for talent acquisition

In 2023, the competition for top talent among employers remains strong. Unemployment fell to 3.6% in June 2023, a historically

Meet the Merchant

The Pickled Pepper People

Home chef Kelly DesMangles and her husband enjoy hosting meals for their family and friends in Greer, South Carolina. To

Clover app partners

What your employees need to know about inventory management

In an already busy environment, adding inventory management to your employees’ plates may seem like an annoyance or a task

Accounting

What is a profitable business, and how can you get there?

Most new business owners know they need to work toward one initial goal: to become profitable. Investors and lenders will

Guides

Entrepreneurship toolkit for business owners with disabilities

For the 42.5 million Americans with disabilities, entrepreneurship can provide a pathway to independence, self-reliance, and greater confidence. According to

Meet the Merchant

Enchanted Lake Pet

When Garrick Higuchi bought a nutritional supplement for his beloved dog, he never expected it to change his life. Over

Clover app partners

The power of data-driven decisions

Clover POS stands out as a premier tool in the world of point-of-sale systems. Renowned for its seamless transaction capabilities,

Clover news

Fiserv deepens Clover and BentoBox integration to unify restaurant operations

Clover® and BentoBox’s continued integration empowers restaurants to seamlessly bridge online and offline services, creating a unified operating experience that leverages

Guides

Sustainable business practices: Reduce your carbon footprint

For small business owners, when you focus on the importance of reducing carbon footprint impacts and achieving carbon neutrality, you

Meet the Merchant

Sacred Waters Wellness Arts Studio

For Kelly Jorae Jefferson, health and wellness are second nature. From her California roots to her holistic health center in

Accounting

5 AI tools for small business and how to use them

In today’s fast-paced digital world, small business owners are constantly seeking innovative ways to stay competitive and streamline their operations.

Personal services

Should you add wash and fold laundry services to your dry cleaning business?

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is highly valued by customers. It’s no wonder that time-saving offerings like wash and fold

Guides

Small business legal considerations: What business owners should know

Opening a small business is exciting, but entrepreneurs also need to follow legal guidelines in order to operate lawfully and

Inventory

How retailers can deal with overstock and surplus inventory

Managing overstock inventory is part of doing business. In a perfect world, every item would fly off the shelves, but

Meet the Merchant

Heavenly Sweet Tastes

Diana Kramer knows a thing or two about jams, jellies, pickles, and preserves. With the help of her daughter, Kramer

Clover partner solutions

How to improve order accuracy in your restaurant

The restaurant industry is growing steadily. In a recent survey of restaurant customers, 55% of respondents said they are dining

Holiday

How to motivate employees–during the holidays and year-round

Motivating employees is a challenge for any business, but it can be particularly challenging to motivate a team of part-time

Personal services

How to start a dry cleaning business

Pretty much everyone will, at some point, need a local dry cleaner. That’s why starting a dry cleaning business can

Guides

Empowering LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs: A guide to LGBTQ+ business grants and resources

LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, once faced with systemic barriers and biases, now have access to a growing array of LGBTQ+ grants and

Meet the Merchant

Clover supports many unique businesses. Here are some favorites.

It’s fascinating what ideas or experiences inspire and move people to launch a business. At Clover, we’re thrilled to support

Clover app partners

Simplify business management with ABC Paper Rolls

Running a business is undeniably time-consuming—a perpetual juggling act of tasks and responsibilities. From inventory management to customer service, the

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

5 ways to boost bar business in Dry January and Sober October

Some bar and restaurant owners dread the coming of Sober October and Dry January. These month-long sobriety challenges are growing

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

What is a restaurant employee training manual and why do I need one?

The success of any restaurant relies heavily on the competence and expertise of its staff. As a restaurant owner, you

Guides

Tech essentials for building a small business startup

For those starting a small business, the right technology can help make operations more efficient, effective, and set you up

Meet the Merchant

Chef Shakespeare

Valda Shakespeare knows a thing or two about cooking for crowds. Back home in Jamaica, her mother would make three

Clover app partners

Understanding the basics: The 4 types of inventory for small businesses

If you sell physical goods to customers, you’re in the business of inventory. Properly understanding the types of inventory you

Coffee shops and cafes

How to create a captivating newsletter for your business

In today’s digital era, an email newsletter can serve as a powerful tool to maintain a direct and personal connection

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

From farm to fork: How restaurants embrace tech to help ensure food safety

In recent years, the restaurant industry has witnessed a significant transformation in the way it operates, especially when it comes

Customer service

5 retail checkout counter ideas to help improve the customer experience

Retailers know that a well-designed cash wrap experience is worth its weight in gold. Think of all those last-minute items

Loyalty

Blind date with a book: How to increase engagement with your bookstore

The blind date with a book phenomenon has captivated the literary world, providing readers with a thrilling opportunity to venture

Insights

The unique challenges of starting a veteran-owned business

Military veterans who are finishing their government contracts often have a lot of transferable skills that can help them successfully

Meet the Merchant

Tea ParTea

For Amber Fouche, tea isn’t just her business—it’s an homage to her matriarchal lineage. It’s medicine, comfort, and a source

Clover app partners

Make an impact with the Donate for Trees app

The Priceless Planet Coalition® was launched by Mastercard to unite companies, communities, and consumers in climate action. We are working

Gift cards

How inflation and gift availability will impact 2023 holiday shopping

Although overall inflation has cooled, the cost of goods remains high, which means consumers may have to dig deeper into

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to write a catering invoice

Catering can be a challenging business. Food prices can fluctuate month to month, or even week to week, forcing caterers

Ecommerce

Unique small business packaging ideas: A guide on how to stand out

No matter what industry you’re in, first impressions matter. While there are many ways to stand out, one of the

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Restaurant management tips: Maximizing POS system potential

In today’s fast-paced culinary landscape, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the success of restaurants. One of the central

Meet the Merchant

Boardroom Hairstylists

Donna Toland has always loved fashion and design. After earning a four-year business degree, she went back to school for

Guides

A concise guide to SMS marketing best practices

While many enterprise companies are capturing the benefits of SMS marketing, small businesses are just starting to realize the potential

Coffee shops and cafes

4 simple and creative ways to ask for tips at your business

Tipping. It’s been a central part of our food and dining experiences for decades. Times, however, are changing: in the

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

17 restaurant job descriptions for front of house

Step into the exciting realm of front-of-house hospitality, where first impressions and impeccable service set the stage for extraordinary dining

Meet the Merchant

5 takeaways from Clover merchants on building a resilient catering business

Considering starting a catering business or offering catering as an add-on service at your restaurant? With the global catering services

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to create a catering menu for your restaurant: 5 ideas for success

Catering can be a great add-on to a restaurant business. It’s another way to get your name out there in

Customer service

Should your business harness the power of QR codes?

In today’s digitally driven world, small businesses need to leverage innovative solutions to stay competitive. QR codes for businesses have

Retail

How to help prevent shoplifting in retail stores

Shoplifting poses a significant threat to the profitability and overall success of businesses. The financial losses resulting from theft directly

Meet the Merchant

Paint 2 Smile

Laura Hoyos has transformed her love of painting and her passion for art education into a business that merges artistry

Clover app partners

ServicePro 911–The ultimate management tool for service companies

Are you an owner or manager of a small or medium-sized service business who is searching for software that will

Customer service

How to harness the power of shopping music for your business

Music has long been recognized for its numerous benefits, such as emotional regulation, stress relief, and memory enhancement. However, its

Accounting

Invoices vs receipts

It’s no secret that financial documentation can play an important role in the smooth functioning and success of many businesses.

Clover product news

Going mobile is easier than ever with new Clover Go

Mobile payments are ticking up fast. This year alone, the transaction value of mobile POS payments is projected to hit

Meet the Merchant

What long-time Clover merchants can teach new businesses

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, where new trends fizzle out as fast as they emerge, the wisdom and experience

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to reduce restaurant turnover rate

The restaurant industry is notorious for having high levels of staff turnover compared to other businesses. However, the pandemic exacerbated

Clover app partners

How customer loyalty can help you beat inflation

Inflation may be slowing down at last, but its after-effects may be with us for a long time to come.

Ecommerce

How to increase average order value (AOV) for your eCommerce business or store

The world of eCommerce is broad, with retailers selling everything from handmade soaps shaped like your favorite celebrity to trending

Insights

Should you sell at a farmers market? (And how to get started)

Entering the farmers and craft market scene can be an enticing opportunity for small businesses. It offers a unique grassroots

Biz ops

How do barcodes work: Understanding barcodes for business

In the fast-paced world of modern businesses, efficiency and accuracy are crucial for success. One technology that continues to revolutionize

Accounting

4 reasons to pay your business bills online

For many merchants, managing business expenses is an unavoidable chore. When done right, however, it can lead to healthier cash

Meet the Merchant

Celebrating 100+ merchants

Small businesses play a crucial role in our communities, and it’s essential to shine a spotlight on their stories–struggles and

Clover app partners

Simplify billing for house account customers with Invoiss

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses are constantly looking for ways to streamline their processes and make it easier for themselves

Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

10 food truck equipment essentials every food truck needs for opening day

Starting a food truck business can feel like a juggling act. One minute, you’re researching permits, and the next, you’re

Inspiration

7 creative chalkboard sign ideas for your storefront

Walk down any main street in the country and chances are you’ll see at least one sidewalk chalkboard sign outside

Customer service

What is a prix fixe menu?

In the ever-evolving realm of fine dining restaurants, a prix fixe menu continues to stand out as a compelling option

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to start a catering business in 7 steps

While the restaurant industry has been slow to rebound following the pandemic, business is booming for catering companies. Analysts estimate

Meet the Merchant

Art as Therapy

During Lisa Brown’s five-year struggle with Lyme disease, creating art was the only thing that made her feel better. “I

Clover app partners

Build customer relationships with CRM and Beyond

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a system, tool, or software that allows you to easily manage your customers’ information such

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Should your restaurant switch to a no-tipping policy?

Back around 2015, a few high-profile restaurants made headlines by announcing they were implementing no-tipping policies to address inequities. Now,

Guides

How to buy flowers wholesale: 5 tips for finding the right supplier

Running a small florist business can be a rewarding venture, but it’s not without its challenges. In a previous article,

Payments & processing

AVS, CVV, PCI and other payment acronyms

Credit card processing can be complex. Even more so when you’re presented with an industry-related acronym that has you reaching

Meet the Merchant

My Mobility Medics

My Mobility Medics, located in Greenville, SC, is a family business through and through. Run by a husband-wife-son team, the

Clover app partners

Offset card processing fees with Invoiss: Enhancing efficiency and streamlining payments

As businesses strive to offer convenience to their customers, Invoiss steps in with an innovative solution.

Clover app partners

How to increase gym membership retention: 5 apps to help you connect with members

Our health and fitness aren’t seasonal–gym member retention shouldn’t be either. While the New Year’s resolutions rush may be long

Ecommerce

How to ship alcohol: Navigating the regulatory maze and courier options

Many folks like their drink of choice on the rocks. When it comes to facts about alcohol, however, they are

Insights

5 ways small businesses maintain a focus on customers and community–despite an unpredictable market

Even as small and medium-sized businesses across the country continue to navigate uncertainty, they’re choosing to focus on opportunities to

Meet the Merchant

MASAMI

After a decades-long career in advertising, Lynn Power’s days were filled more with meetings and navigating challenges than with her

Clover app partners

What inventory reports you need (and what they are telling you)

Your retail store’s inventory is one of your most valuable assets. Stocking the right products, in the right amount, and

Customer service

7 ways to help reduce client no-shows at your service business

As a small business owner, you understand the value of customer loyalty and repeat business. As the proprietor of a

Retail

How to open a thrift store

The demand for secondhand goods is accelerating exponentially and has experts anticipating that the thrift store market will triple in

Meet the Merchant

5 ways Clover POS systems support medical businesses

With over 99% of all businesses having 500 employees or fewer, small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy.

Gift cards

2023 gift card trends: How inflation is impacting consumer spending habits

As inflation continues to impact everyday purchases, a conflicting job market further makes gift card trends even harder to pinpoint.

Clover app partners

Cross-selling through loyalty–the power of rewards

Loyalty programs have been around for some time now, and for good reason. They help businesses retain customers and increase

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to launch your eatertainment business

Today’s consumers are hungry for experiences. Post-pandemic, they’re yearning for in-person connection with friends and family, but they’re also still

Guides

How to start and grow a floral business

Before you sell your first floral arrangement, you’ll need to craft a business plan to get your new shop up

Guides

How to open a bookstore

Not so long ago, it seemed as if big chains were making it difficult for local bookstores to compete in

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 news

Restaurants can streamline order management with new Clover Kitchen Display System

Clover Kitchen Display System is a single source of truth for order management that enhances experiences for diners and restaurants

Clover product news

Run your restaurant more efficiently with the Clover Kitchen Display System (KDS)

You’ve probably experienced this yourself: You go to a restaurant, place an order, expect the delectable dish you saw on

Inspiration

How to write a great “About Us” page for your small business website

From bakeries to clothing stores, restaurants to florists, customers have more choices than ever. With hundreds of small businesses vying

Ecommerce

25 digital products to sell and grow your eCommerce business in 2023

As commerce becomes more and more digital, there are endless opportunities for businesses to take advantage of the online world.

401K

401(k) Setup for Small Businesses: A Simple Guide

The idea of setting up a 401(k) plan for a small business all on your own can be daunting, but

Coffee shops and cafes

Winfield Street Coffee

Breno Donatti fell in love with the restaurant business when he moved to the U.S. from Brazil at 18 and

Marketing

Ideas for seasonal businesses: How to generate revenue off season

As summer settles in, seasonal businesses like landscaping, pool maintenance, and lawn care services are in full swing. And nothing

Guides

How to use each social media platform for your business in 2023

This is a two-part series on social media for small businesses. In Part 1, we looked at why social media

Personal services

How to start a consulting business

For self-starters interested in controlling their professional destiny, entrepreneurship can be incredibly exciting. But not all businesses have to involve

Insights

How to handle fame: A guide for small business owners with media success

Small business owners often dream of a major media appearance or some other kind of “big break” that puts their

Clover app partners

Transform your shipping process

Consumers nowadays want their orders to be delivered as quickly as possible. Before Amazon, the shipping process wasn’t as advanced

Coffee shops and cafes

10 coffee shop equipment essentials every shop needs for opening day

Opening a new café or coffee shop? Before you brew your first cup, make sure you’ve got the right cafe

Customer service

How to interact with your customers on Facebook and other social media

Businesses today are built on social media. Platforms are extensions of your storefronts. How you engage with your customers on

Insights

What is safety stock? The importance of retail buffer stock

The pandemic showed us the very real side effects of an upset supply chain system. From sidelined truckers interrupting product

Meet the Merchant

Picayune Microblading

Imagine having 20 extra hours per week. That’s 20 hours to spend on adventure, rest, loved ones, and whatever else

Customer service

Small business shipping 101

When it comes to eCommerce, online customers have always had high delivery expectations. Though many consumers turned to eCommerce as

Ecommerce

How to create compelling visual content for social media that drives attention

Social media is not only a great marketing tool for small businesses, it’s increasingly become an essential one. All around

Ecommerce

How to set up a business website

The U.S. eCommerce market was worth $1,034.1 billion in 2022, an increase of 7.7% from 2021. Retail sales, meanwhile, topped

Meet the Merchant

Latin Tours

Thirty years after Mauricio Gamero started a travel agency as an alternative plan to his restaurant, his business Latin Tours

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Bartender licensing: A guide for employers

Whether you run a bar or a restaurant, you probably need someone to mix drinks. And given the ongoing staffing

Guides

The Gen Z entrepreneur’s guide to starting a business

Gen Z could be considered one of the most entrepreneurial generations of all time. According to a 2021 survey, about

Ecommerce

How to take product pictures that stand out

The old adage says that a picture is worth a thousand words. While good copy, brand positioning, and a target

Gift cards

Support small businesses this Mother’s Day

On May 14th, we’ll celebrate Mother’s Day. With all the challenges of the last year, we salute the mothers who

Clover app partners

Customer appointment scheduling becomes commonplace

As a business owner, you likely have been assisting customers calling to make an appointment for the service or a

Coffee shops and cafes

How to start a successful drive-thru beverage business

The time has never been better to open a drive-thru beverage business. The drive-thru market has become even more popular

Customer service

How to optimize the eCommerce checkout flow for your business

There’s a special kind of frustration that online retailers and shoppers alike feel with an abandoned shopping cart. And yet,

Personal services

How to start a fitness business

The wellness market, including everything from resorts and spas to fitness, is worth more than $1.5 trillion dollars worldwide, according

Accounting

5 challenges every small business owner faces (+ solutions!)

May is Small Business Month, a time to pay tribute to the many contributions small merchants make to their communities

Clover app partners

Know your numbers: 5 keys to improving business performance

“Know Your Numbers” typically refers to personal health metrics like blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels. You and your doctor

Ecommerce

How to start a retail pop-up shop–and why you need one

Pop-up shops. You’ve seen them in malls, farmer’s markets, and even inside department stores. For savvy business owners, these flash

Clover product news

Tap to Pay on iPhone now available with the Clover Go app

With Tap to Pay on iPhone now available in the Clover Go app1–you can accept all types of in-person, contactless

Ecommerce

How to increase gift card sales for your small business

Online shopping and eCommerce payments have become the norm. For shoppers, that means gift cards are no longer limited to

Accounting

What is a break-even point and how do you calculate it?

You’ve probably heard the term “break even” before, but do you know what it means from a business perspective? All

Meet the Merchant

How Clover POS supports multi-location businesses

Clover POS has been a game-changer for small businesses. But, it’s also ideal if you’re growing your business and opening

Clover app partners

7 signs an employee is about to quit

Recent data suggests the Great Resignation continues–about 4 million people quit their jobs in February 2023.

Clover app partners

5 essential apps for car mechanics and auto repair shops

The pandemic was a challenge for all kinds of small businesses–especially mechanics, repair shops, and other automotive businesses. After all,

Clover news

Small businesses can accept more mobile payments via Clover with addition of Tap to Pay on iPhone

SMBs can accept payments using their iPhones and the Clover Go iOS app

Insights

6 things to consider before opening a second location for your business

Opening a second location, or even franchising across several locations, is the dream of many a small business owner. After

Payments & processing

What is a card reader and how does it work?

When we visit stores or restaurants, we often use our credit or debit cards without giving much thought to the

Meet the Merchant

Canton Palace Theatre

It’s impressive when particular facets of a theater date back to the 1920s: the pipe organ, the sconces. It’s less

Clover partner solutions

Clover’s got restaurant delivery covered: 4 services to try

Many restaurants began offering order delivery as a lifeline during the pandemic–and now consider it a must-have feature for customer

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

3 reasons why you should offer a mocktail menu at your restaurant or bar

A new trend is taking the food and beverage industry by storm. It’s a booming billion-dollar industry, and Forbes has

Accounting

How to automate your business in 5 easy steps

Automation is everywhere you look — from the factories that produce our goods, to the phone-trees we all navigate through

Guides

How to make a schedule for employees

Are you curious about how to make an employee schedule that doesn’t take hours to plan and meets the needs of all

Resources

Common cyber security terms and definitions: Harpooning vs spear phishing vs spoofing

How many emails, notifications, or articles about possible cyber security threats have you scratching your head or saying, “Wait, what?”

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Inga’s Alpine Tavern

After 10 years as the director of a non-profit, Mary McKnabb found herself asking, “What’s next?” So she bought a

Clover partner solutions

How Clover merchants can take the path to funding with Nav

As a Clover merchant, you get a detailed view into your financial details and sales performance, but knowing your next

Clover app partners

New and notable in the Clover App Market: April 2023

Happy spring! We’ve noted a few new apps available in the Clover App Market designed to help keep your dine-in,

Guides

How to write a boutique business plan

There’s a lot to consider when you’re opening a clothing store. A boutique business plan doesn’t just help you stay

Ecommerce

Social commerce vs. eCommerce: What’s right for your business?

These days, there are more options than ever to sell products and services to your customers. Small businesses can conduct

Personal services

How to open a barber shop

There is something classic about a neighborhood barber shop. The barber shop is a place where everyone comes together. It

Insights

8 different types of credit cards for businesses and consumers

There are hundreds of credit cards available to consumers and businesses from different credit card brands, banks, and affiliate brands.

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

WILD Park Slope

Self-professed NYC foodie Marina Charny left her corporate job in 2016 to open her restaurant, WILD Park Slope, a 100%

Accounting

Overtime tax: How to calculate withholdings and track hours

Tracking overtime can be a huge headache for small business owners. But it’s also super important that you stay on

Accounting

8 valuable apps for accountants and bookkeepers

A lot has changed in the world of accounting in the last ten years—and those changes have only accelerated since

Insights

Wondering how to start a brewery? 3 things to know

There’s nothing quite like a brewery. From the dawn of the microbrewery in the 1990s, to their steady rise in

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to get a Michelin Star: Criteria and best practices

For many restaurateurs, achieving a coveted Michelin Star can be the pinnacle of their career — or at least a

Loyalty

Get to know the Clover Mini: A powerful POS system for retailers

Big retailers are struggling to implement self-checkout. To that point, 67% of consumers report they’ve had a self-checkout machine fail

Clover app partners

Omnichannel shoppers are a big opportunity for local retail

After the rush of the holidays, the first few months of the new year can feel like a breather for

Ecommerce

4 ways Clover supports beauty, health, and other personal services businesses

Small businesses–those who have 500 employees or fewer–make up 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S. And one sector, especially,

Marketing

How to create effective social media marketing content

There’s no denying that social media has revolutionized the way businesses connect with audiences. It’s not only a fundamental component

Guides

How to start a retail business

Opening a business can be one of the most exciting times in an entrepreneur’s life. After saving, planning, and working

Customer service

How Clover helps retailers run their businesses: Rewards and support edition

A Clover POS makes it easier for retail businesses to get the support they need to run their businesses and

Clover app partners

How to create engaging customer loyalty programs: 3 steps to consider

In today’s competitive marketplace, it’s more important than ever to keep customers engaged and feeling appreciated. Loyalty programs are one

Guides

How to fire an employee: A guide for small businesses

Firing an employee is an unfortunate reality of doing business. Your relationship with a staff member may reach a point

Inspiration

5 ways to go green as a small business (and why you should)

As a small business owner, you might not have put a ton of thought into your carbon footprint, or the

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to do bar inventory in 7 simple steps

Many bar owners and operators have likely spent their share of late nights in an empty bar counting bottles and

Meet the Merchant

How Clover helps retailers run their businesses: Payments edition

Accepting different payment types–from credit cards to contactless payments–anytime, anywhere you need to has never been easier for retail business

Retail

How to onboard a new employee (including new hire checklist)

Onboarding is an important, yet often overlooked, part of hiring. Companies that create a formal onboard process for new hires

Inspiration

Why giving back to the community when times are tough is vital to business longevity

There’s no two ways about it–today’s business climate is tough. From rising inflation to supply chain backlogs and industry layoffs,

Resources

22 free small business tools and resources

Many small business owners work long hours to grow their company, but somehow it seems like there’s always more to

Meet the Merchant

The Bagel Meister

Fifteen years ago, Dean Reimers was working as a training director for Einstein Bagels when he decided to channel that

Customer service

How to conduct alcohol server training: A guide for restaurants and bars

So you’ve opened your own restaurant or bar. You’ve secured a location, a liquor license, a point-of-sale system, and a reliable

Insights

Why shopping secondhand is growing, and how to make your thrift store stand out

There’s a thrill in hunting for hidden treasures at a fraction of the retail price. Thrifting is a far from

Customer service

12 restaurant entertainment ideas to keep guests coming back

Restaurant entertainment comes in all shapes and sizes, but there’s one consistent element that creates a common thread: excitement. Bringing entertainment

Meet the Merchant

How Clover helps retailers run their businesses: Reporting edition

It’s never been easier for retailers to stay on top of business–even sales reporting and trends–all with a tap or

Clover app partners

6 useful apps for boutique owners and small retail businesses

Successful boutique owners and small business retailers are known for developing strong relationships with their customers. Customers may feel like

Coffee shops and cafes

Tip pooling and tip splitting: The complete guide for restaurant owners

What is tip pooling, and should you consider it for your restaurant or business? Many food and beverage businesses are

Customer service

5 common sales objections and how to overcome them

Overcoming objections is a frequent challenge in retail, and addressing them is key to any successful sales strategy. Fortunately, most

Inspiration

Should your business have an alter ego? 5 ideas for how to make passive income

Running a small business was never for the faint of heart, but today’s uncertain economic environment and rising inflation have

Customer service

How to create employee incentive programs for your small business

Employee incentive programs take time and, occasionally, some finagling, to become the effective initiatives they can truly be. By mixing and

Ecommerce

How Clover helps retailers run their businesses: Inventory edition

A retail point of sale (POS) system can give you the power to manage your entire business on a single,

Accounting

What is COGS? A concise guide for retail businesses

Cost of goods sold (COGS) is a key business metric for retail business owners seeking to learn more about their

Accounting

Introducing one of the best ways to pay business bills

As a small business, you know how time-consuming and confusing it can be to pay your business bills. You also

Clover app partners

5 essential florist apps to help grow your flower shop business

It’s been a wild few years for florists. You might have started selling more houseplants after the pandemic made people

Guides

How to franchise your small business

Wondering how to franchise your small business? This guide takes a deep dive into the ins and outs of franchising, including why

Run your business

How to handle employee conflict in the workplace: 4 resolution strategies

Managing conflict in the workplace is always tricky. But it can be especially tough in a small business, where teams

Inspiration

21 motivational quotes for small business owners

Looking for fresh ways to fuel your business? These motivational quotes for small business owners offer incredible advice and expert takes on

Meet the Merchant

Blushbaby Lash and Makeup Studio

Fashion and beauty are always changing, but Khadija DeShong has managed to build a 30-year career in the world of

Accounting

6 types of budgeting methods for business success

Many entrepreneurs are constantly looking for ways to finance new projects, whether that’s starting a business, expanding and remodeling current

Meet the Merchant

Vertrauen Consulting

When the pandemic sent most folks home and online, Alan Vogel seized the opportunity to start a virtual accounting, tax,

Accounting

6 ways auto repair shops can ease bookkeeping, accounting, and payments

Most auto repair business owners prefer to spend time fixing brakes, tinkering with engines, or changing oil—rather than following up

Insights

PYMNTS: Small businesses turn to platforms to simplify payment operations

To compete in the evolving commerce landscape, small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMBs) need to meet customers where they are and deliver more personalized

Insights

Experian vs. Equifax vs. TransUnion credit reports: What are the differences?

Credit reporting agencies (aka credit bureaus) are responsible for collecting consumer credit data that businesses then use when assessing a

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Simple restaurant kitchen layout ideas that optimize back of house operations

Designing a streamlined restaurant kitchen floor plan can be challenging. Every decision you make when planning your back of house

Meet the Merchant

Real-world ways Clover helps food & bev businesses run better, faster & more profitably [8 ways]

In 2021, Clover was awarded the Restaurant Smart Terminal Provider of the Year for the second year in row–and for

Coffee shops and cafes

The 10 best non-slip restaurant work shoes for chefs and servers

Restaurant workers usually have their own list of must-have items. Bartenders don’t kick off service until they’re equipped with a

Meet the Merchant

Boss Custom

When you live 80 miles from the nearest town with a bank, and even farther to the nearest big-box store,

Clover app partners

Adding QR code ordering to your Clover POS [5 benefits]

While restaurants had to massively overhaul their system during COVID, some of the innovations that came out of that time

Accounting

The ultimate guide to pricing strategy for new businesses

Critical, but frustrating–that’s how many business owners describe the process of pricing their goods and services. Set prices too low,

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

What to know about leasing a restaurant space

Does a restaurant even exist if it has no place to call home? With ghost kitchens and food trucks on

Meet the Merchant

The Irish American Heritage Museum

More than 30 million Americans can trace their ancestry to Ireland. At the Irish American Heritage Museum, executive director Elizabeth

Marketing

How to do email marketing for small businesses right [7 tips]

For small business owners, time is always short and budgets can be tight. Marketing can easily fall to the wayside.

Meet the Merchant

AK Cycle Chic

For Krystal Offord, starting her own women’s cycling and apparel business was a “dream turned to reality.” For cyclists in

Coffee shops and cafes

How to create a restaurant website

Time and again, research underscores the crucial role that websites play in long-term restaurant success. In fact, 90% of consumers

Meet the Merchant

Fine

Charley Taylor knows all about the transformational power of art. A multidisciplinary artist herself, she had long dreamed of having

Accounting

5 benefits of credit card processing for lawyers, accountants, and other professional services

Today’s consumers are increasingly credit-card centric. They expect to be able to pay by card versus keeping cash on hand

Insights

Importance of cybersecurity training for employees

Cyberattacks are on the rise. In 2021 the average number of cyberattacks and data breaches increased by 15.1% over the

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to determine and measure your restaurant KPIs

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are powerful tools that can help restaurant owners and managers objectively assess and measure the health

Inspiration

Here’s to another year of inspiring Clover merchants

As the holidays unfold, we’re celebrating a few of 2022’s most inspirational Clover merchants. These business owners flexed their superpowers–creativity

Coffee shops and cafes

Find money-making restaurant marketing ideas and sales techniques

How do you attract customers to your restaurant? Savvy sales and restaurant marketing. Marketing is a crucial part of your

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Should you have a soft opening for your restaurant?

In the hospitality industry, surprises are just part of the business. However, when you host a restaurant soft opening, you give

Meet the Merchant

How these service businesses use (and love) their Clover Virtual Terminal

Small business owners are constantly on the move. You aren’t always standing by your Clover device when it’s time to

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

5 tips for updating your tipping policy to retain employees

About 15.6 million restaurant employees in the United States are dependent on tips for their salary. Although the hospitality and

Accounting

Why Clover merchants should monitor their financial health with Nav

One of the reasons merchants choose Clover for their small businesses is because it makes it easier to help businesses

Coffee shops and cafes

List of essential equipment needed to start a restaurant

When entrepreneurs, chefs, and seasoned hospitality pros consider opening a restaurant, the conversation often revolves around factors such as location,

Meet the Merchant

Dexter’s Birdland

Growing up in Rochester, New York, Dexter Sanders loved the chicken and ribs at Sal’s Birdland, a pillar of the

Mobile

Why is contactless payment good for small businesses? Here are 5 myths debunked.

Many businesses added contactless payments to their payment options during the pandemic, aiming to reduce contact between customers and employees

Accounting

Get your small business ready for the end of the year with Homebase

Staying on top of changing rules, regulations, and laws can be daunting for small business owners, especially when things are

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

10 exciting restaurant grand opening ideas

How will your restaurant make a splash? As you look forward to the big day when you will finally welcome

Meet the Merchant

Chateau 4 Paws

Janelle Russell’s pet grooming business happened to be on the right side of history during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-three million

Clover app partners

Seasonal hiring: What to expect during the 2022 holiday season

The busiest shopping season of the year is upon us! That’s why we’ve put together this blog in partnership with

Insights

Credit cards vs. debit cards: Pros, cons, and security concerns

Debit and credit cards are both convenient forms of payment that shoppers often use interchangeably. However, there are differences between

Coffee shops and cafes

8 restaurant loyalty and rewards program ideas

While the restaurant community is a family, it is also a very competitive landscape. When it comes to finding ways

By state

California business licenses and permits you may need

One of the most time-consuming steps in starting a business in California involves applying for business licenses and permits. This

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

12 restaurant interior design ideas that can help attract business

Restaurants offer more than food. They offer guests the chance to indulge in an experience, immersing themselves in art and

By state

How to get a small business license in Texas

Being inspired by a new business idea is exciting. Putting that idea into action, however, requires checking off a list

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How to write a restaurant business plan

Some things in the restaurant world call for spontaneity – for example, a last-minute promo that ties in with a

Ecommerce

How to leverage social media for a successful Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is an annual holiday shopping event that focuses on and highlights — you guessed it — small

Accounting

5 best restaurant payroll software

Processing payroll is one of the most essential functions of running a business, but it can also be one of

Accounting

Cashless, cash-only, or hybrid? Choose the best payment method for your business

Even before the pandemic lurched the digital age noticeably forward, the world was headed in a paperless direction. The prevalence

Accounting

5 best restaurant accounting software

Having the right program to effectively monitor and track your restaurant’s finances can help protect your bottom line, while also

Clover news

Small businesses remain optimistic while adapting to current challenges

Despite the growing obstacles over the last year, 88% of small business owners remain optimistic about the road ahead. In

Coffee shops and cafes

Importance of cybersecurity for restaurants

The rapid shift to doing business online has been a boon for restaurants during the challenges of the last couple

Clover partner solutions

10 holidays that drove the highest food delivery sales

Whether it’s families enjoying a meal together to celebrate Christmas Day, or Halloween party-goers seeking a savory nightcap, national holidays

Insights

10 Taylor Swift lyrics that double as advice for entrepreneurs

Taylor Swift is many things to many people. The singer/songwriter is equal parts pop and country superstar, folklorist, and breakup

Coffee shops and cafes

Restaurant checklists for daily operations

Running a restaurant requires owners and operators to look at the big picture while also maintaining a keen understanding of

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

Restaurant terms you need to know

Food service is a highly specialized industry, so much so that it can sometimes feel like a world unto itself.

Accounting

5 creative ways to save your business money

Running a small business tends to make you hyper-aware of your finances. Securing capital, dropping a down payment on a

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

How much does it cost to open a restaurant?

Thinking about opening a restaurant? Becoming a restaurateur can be an incredible experience. It all comes down to how prepared you

Meet the Merchant

The Cosmetology Institute

There are few better ways to give back to the community than education. Through The Cosmetology Institute Lauren Lewis is

Holiday

The power of holiday gift guides for small business

One of the best ways to capture customers during the busy holiday season is with gift guides. These curated lists

Money management

How should you fund your small business? Here’s how to choose.

Starting a business can be an expensive endeavor. In fact, according to a survey, securing funding is by far one

Full Service Restaurants (FSR)

15 restaurant interview questions to ask job candidates

In the fast-paced food service industry, you need people who understand and care about your restaurant’s vision, food, operations, and

Meet the Merchant

Transylvania Moving Company

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

Clover partner solutions

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

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

6 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

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

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

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

Home & field services

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

Restaurant blogs are a great way for food business owners to keep up with industry trends. The dining and hospitality

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

Clover news

Fiserv named 2022 Omnichannel Provider of the Year by The Strawhecker Group

Fiserv recognized for second consecutive year for omnichannel capabilities provided by Carat and Clover systems

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

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

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.

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

How to find and utilize social media influencers for your business

Social media influencers didn’t exist 20 years ago. Now, they play an integral role in marketing businesses. Over 69% of

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

Haven’t tried Clover® Online Ordering with Delivery yet? Now’s the time! With a Clover POS, restaurants of all types and

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

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

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

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

Clover news

Clover recognized by The Strawhecker Group as Restaurant Smart Terminal Provider of the Year

The Strawhecker Group (TSG) recognizes Clover for second straight year for continued innovation delivered to independently owned restaurants

Inspiration

How to choose a name for your small business

What’s in a name? An awful lot, it turns out. A great business name can create a strong brand identity,

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

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

Gift cards

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

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

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

Clover news

Fiserv completes acquisition of BentoBox

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 Clover Online Ordering with Delivery

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

Clover news

Restaurants have a new affordable and flexible delivery option with launch of Clover Online Ordering with Delivery

Restaurants using the Clover point-of-sale and business management platform now have a convenient way to offer cost-effective delivery

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

What is the difference between eBusiness, eCommerce, and social commerce?

These days, there are more options than ever to sell products and services to your customers. Small businesses can conduct

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

Minority-owned

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

Clover news

Fiserv to expand digital storefront capabilities with acquisition of BentoBox

Combination accelerates Clover omnicommerce strategy, enabling seamless hospitality experiences across physical and digital dining

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

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!

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

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

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

Choosing a good location for your business is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an entrepreneur. Sometimes,

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 news

Independent restaurants can streamline operations of online orders through new Clover and Grubhub integration

Integration offers restaurants an opportunity to increase order volumes while aggregating inventory, menu, and order management via the Clover platform