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First Data Corp. has added the Clover Mini to its roster of tablet-based point-of-sale products, the Atlanta-based processor announced Tuesday.
The device has the same capabilities as the countertop-sized Clover Station, but in a 7-inch screen.
The Clover products offer merchants the ability to add a wide variety of apps that go beyond payment functionality. First Data bought Clover in 2012 and has been adding more functions over time, including an app marketplace for developers to offer programs for a variety business needs, such as loyalty programs. Developers also can create apps for specific merchant types, such as dry cleaners, Peter Karpas, First Data senior vice president and global head of small business products, tells Digital Transactions News.
The Mini has a 7-inch touchscreen with a built-in printer and a front-facing camera. In addition to compatibility with magnetic-stripe cards, the device accepts EMV chip and near-field communication (NFC) payments. It also accepts PIN debit with consumers tapping the Mini’s screen to input their PINs using proprietary technology that secures the PINs.
The Mini, which First Data says is priced about the same as a standalone POS terminal (the VeriFone VX570 is available for $539.20 on POSGuys.com), comes with more functionality than that type of device.
“What we’re talking about with the Clover Mini something more than a terminal,” Karpas says. It’s the app marketplace, which now includes 100 apps that makes it stand out. Merchants can use free apps, like First Data’s Perk Punchcard digital loyalty and rewards service, or paid ones, like Salon Scheduler, which enables beauty professionals to maintain their own calendar and send text appointment reminders for $12.99 per month.
Clover Mini joins not only Clover Station but also Clover Mobile, which is suitable for line busting and tableside payments. The company first referred officially to Mini and Mobile in an earnings call held last month
