LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For many people, their first interaction with a company is a virtual connection. That first impression – typically in the form of a website – says a lot about a business and must convey professionalism, competence, and security. Small business owners understand the importance of an online presence, but the thought of building and maintaining a website can be daunting. That’s why First Data (NYSE: FDC), a global leader in commerce-enabling technology, is launching Clover Online Store, a comprehensive online solution that manages everything from website design to creating a virtual shopping cart, all while facilitating safe, secure transactions. Clover Online Store will be available beginning in May and will be offered free to business owners through the end of 2016.
The integration between Clover Online Store and a Clover POS device allows a business owner to monitor sales on one platform regardless of whether the transactions take place online or in-store. With Clover Online Store, business owners can give their customers the omnichannel shopping experience that customers expect today.
“Clover Online Store provides business owners with an ‘all-in-one’ integrated solution that includes shopping cart functionality, web design and all of the business management features that come with Clover,” said Guy Chiarello, President, First Data. “Better yet, Clover Online Store is backed by First Data, the eCommerce industry leader that powers 28% of global online transactions.”
From the moment users log in to the Clover Online Store, they are greeted with simple directions to guide them as they set up their website. Next, business owners can peruse a wide variety of professionally-designed templates and pick the design that best fits their business. The shopping cart function is built directly into the web design, meaning businesses can begin to accept payments right away.
Clover Online Store also features:
- Clover™ Security data protection technology which keeps transactions secure
- Automatic search engine optimization, so customers can easily find a business online
- Mobile-friendly platform, meaning the websites are optimized for use across tablets, smartphones and laptops
- Simple integration of shipping charges and customizable tax rates
- Live help support and online resource library to assist with website development
- Automatic upgrades
- Integration with social media
- Inventory, orders and customers are all tracked in one place
“Clover is unique in the marketplace because it has always operated as an open platform, which we feel is critical to the evolution of our SMB portfolio.” said Dan Charron, Executive Vice President, Global Business Solutions, First Data. “Clover Online Store demonstrates the flexibility of the Clover API and is an example of the power and ingenuity of the new First Data.”
Booker, a service commerce solution that supports the ten million SMBs in the service industry, is the first third party app built on the Clover API. Booker caters to salons, spas, and other appointment-based businesses, helping business owners manage appointments online and make scheduling easy for staff and customers.
“We’re excited to partner with First Data to bring service businesses a fully integrated solution to run and grow their business,” said Josh McCarter, CEO of Booker. “The combination of the Clover Online Store and Booker is a game-changer for SMB service businesses that will benefit from the first completely integrated business management and payment solution – allowing business owners to focus on the work they enjoy.”
Chiarello and Charron announced the launch of Clover Online Store today during their keynote at ETA’s TRANSACT 16 conference in Las Vegas.
To learn more about Clover solutions, please visit clover.com.
About First Data
First Data (NYSE: FDC) is a global leader in commerce-enabling technology and solutions, serving approximately six million business locations and 4,000 financial institutions in 118 countries around the world. The company’s 24,000 owner-associates are dedicated to helping companies, from start-ups to the world’s largest corporations, conduct commerce every day by securing and processing more than 2,500 transactions per second and $1.9 trillion per year.
