So your clover station is end of life? What should you do now?
If you have the new Clover 2018 station, you’re safe. If you have the older version of this android cloud-based point of sale, you should have received an end of life letter by now that looked something like this:
| As of December 31, 2020, your current Clover Station will reach its end of life support. This means we will no longer support your current equipment for downloads, troubleshooting or replacements as of December 31, 2020. |
How will this affect you?
- Your device will no longer be able to receive card security updates needed to take cards safely
- If your device becomes inoperable, transactions may be lost and unable to be recovered
- Device replacements and swaps will no longer be available
- Help Desk Support will no longer be available
- No new account, additional equipment, or additional locations can be added
What Does This Mean for You?
Just like in Y2k, probably nothing. But when new security updates are required, you won’t be able to download them. You might not be able to take chip cards, which means chargeback liability will shift from the banks back to your business.
If your device breaks, Clover support won’t be able to help you. The credit card transactions you accepted that day? Probably lost …
Since the older versions aren’t being made anymore, overnight swaps will become over week swaps. Eventually, stock will disappear forever.
Get a new 2018 Clover POS & Ditch the Old One?
Yes, you should.
Is it an emergency?
It won’t be an immediate emergency, but it should be budgeted for the end of the first quarter of 2021 or sooner.
Buy vs. Lease
Basically, the argument is buying or leasing when it comes to a Clover station end of life situation. An analogue may be a smartphone upgrade.
My friend got the new iPhone 11 Pro Max in January and skipped the $1099 purchase fee in favor of leasing the phone for $45.83 for three years from Verizon. He avoided the huge purchase fee but will end up paying Verizon about $551 extra for the phone thru the lease. Did he really save money?
Big Banks Rip You Off on the Clover Station End of Life Issue
The difference between EPP and large banks? Many pay their sales reps a salary plus 2-3 years of commissions. EPP receives lifetime commissions.
This means your local big bank rep will try to earn a lifetime of commissions in that 2-3 year window. Where do you think you’ll get a better deal?
For example, many big bank reps will try to push you into leasing programs. EPP offers the Clover 2018 station for $1300-1500 depending on your choice of printer and peripherals.
A bank rep will suggest you rent/lease this same machine for $100/month for 48 months. You’ll pay $4800 for the same Clover 2018 station you could get through EPP for $1500.
If you need a new Clover POS and don’t want to get screwed, you should book a free call by clicking here to go over your options.