Features
Designs and themes
Square has some modern-looking designs and templates to get you started. They’re all free to use and all come with customization options once you’ve chosen one you like. The interface uses a simple drag-and-drop method for you to move around logos, pictures and make any tweaks you’d like.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a great deal of variation between themes, and you’re largely limited to updating colors, fonts, and layouts. Square also doesn’t support any third-party themes and designs, but you can integrate some existing stores from sites like 3dcart and BigCommerce. So, if you’ve already built a store using another provider, but want to take advantage of the features, you can transfer your design over.
Apps and add-ons
You’ll only find around 150 apps and add-ons available in the store. This is because Square is focused on providing all the features you’ll need as part of its core package. When you sign up you’ll automatically get access to features like:
- Streamlined inventory management
- A Discount code creator
- Free SSL certificate
- Multi-channel selling
- Abandoned cart saver
- Access to Facebook ads
Some features from third-party apps include:
- Automated tax options
- Set up recurring orders
- Customer data collection
While the number of third-party apps on offer might be limited, most are free to use or come at a low cost.
Language options
The host is currently only available in English, although a French version is in development.
Marketing
Social integration and sales channels
You can integrate it with just about every major social media platform and sales channel. If you have an online store built through another provider, you can also integrate that into your package.
SEO tools
Square doesn’t offer many in-built SEO tools, but you can find blogs and advice via its support pages on how you can best optimize your store. This platform is better for those who already have some experience working with various SEO techniques. You can tweak the basics like meta tags and titles, but won’t be able to go in-depth.
Custom fields
One of the biggest selling points is the wide array of customizable fields available. Creating any custom field is made a lot easier than many of its competitors. All you need to do is log into your dashboard or the mobile app, and it’s a two-step process. You can even customize fields down to the individual customer level, and you won’t need any advanced coding skills to make changes.
Reporting tools
You’ll have access to a respectable number of reports and analytics data from your dashboard, including:
- Sales trend analysis
- Individual product data
- Sales made per employee
- Gift card usage tracking
- Customer complaints and disputes information
- Full transaction history
However, there are no reporting tools available via the app store, so you’re limited to the reporting tools you get out of the box.
Email marketing
Square has a built-in email marketing tool that lets you create custom campaigns, set up automated emails, and create custom messages. Customer email addresses will also be passively collected whenever they purchase an item through your store.
You can then segment your email marketing campaigns to cover groups like new customers (e.g. those signing up in the last three months), lapsed customers, or via the geographic area. You’ll be able to monitor your campings through ongoing statistics and analytics tools via your dashboard.
Importing and exporting products
Square supports the use of CSV files, but strongly recommends you import and export data in Excel format. It outlines each of the 18 headings you can use for each product and outlines criteria such as character limit and numeric requirements.
If you’re uploading your products to the store for the first time, you’ll be able to download a template Excel spreadsheet that’ll give you all of the categories you’ll need for a successful upload.
Pricing
- Free (Incurs a charge of 2.9% + 30 cents per transaction)
While Square lists this as a ‘Free’ plan, it means you won’t be subject to a monthly charge. You will however be charged 2.9% + 30 cents on every single transaction you make via the store. This will give you only a very basic version of the store, and you’ll have to use a domain assigned to you.
- Professional - $12 per month (plus 2.9% + 30 cents charge per transaction)
You’ll get all the features of the free plan, plus access to a free custom domain name for one year, and the branding will be removed from your site.
- Performance - $26 per month (plus 2.9% + 30 cents charge per transaction)
This package includes everything from the first two tiers, plus a tool to allow customers to post reviews directly to your site, discounted shipping, and abandoned cart emails.
- Premium - $72 per month (plus 2.6% + 30 cents charge per transaction)
The most expensive package on offer is a big step up from the previous plans, both in terms of price and features. You’ll get a lower transaction fee, discounted shipping costs, and a range of on-demand delivery options.
Other Features
Support | Once logged into your account, you’ll be able to access customer support via live chat, phone, and email. Square encourages you to send any queries via social media, or visit the Knowledgebase where you may find your answers in the community forum. |
Security | All packages provide SSL encryption and are level 1 PCI compliant. Also, Square carries out regular vulnerability testing of its servers, giving you comfort that your information is secure if you choose it as your hosting provider. |
Shipping | If you’re on the free or professional plan, shipping can be a little frustrating. You can only choose a flat fee for all items, or no shipping fee at all. If you want to adjust shipping rates by weight, distance, and size of the item, you’ll need to sign up for one of the premium plans. All plans do however offer shipping with all major carriers. |
Payment options | The online store operates its own payment processor that accepts multiple forms of payment. |
Tax | The store has an automatic tax calculator that has up to date sales tax information on all 50 states. |
Dropshipping | Dropshipping options are covered. |
Abandoned cart recovery | Abandoned cart recovery is only available on the Performance and Premium packages. |
Managing store on a mobile device | You can manage your online store just as easily via the mobile app as you can via any desktop device. |
What is easy for users at Square
- Square is very easy to use, and it estimates you’ll be able to get your online store up and running in just a couple of days. You won’t need any advanced coding skills
- You don’t have to worry about integrating different payment options, as its built-in payment processor covers all major payment methods
- If you’ve built your store using another eCommerce builder, there’s a good chance you can integrate it
What is difficult for users on Square
- Some users might not like the fact that Square takes a cut of all of your sales, plus charges monthly fees. As your business grows, and sales volumes increase, you might be better off using another platform
- Customization is a little tricky. You’ll find limited apps on offer in the app store and you won’t be able to customize the core software
- Not being able to control your shipping costs on the lower tier membership levels will also be very inconvenient, and potentially costly, for some
Best Square stores
Life Spa: https://store.lifespa.com/
Red Lodge Mountain: https://www.redlodgemountain.com/
Zoo Med: https://zoomed.com/
Alternatives to Square
Wix
Wix is another very easy to use eCommerce builder, but has a much richer app and add-on market, and more web templates. You could actually get the best of both worlds by developing your website via Wix, before integrating a Square store into it.
Magento
This is the polar opposite, and is designed as a tool for experienced website developers and coders. You’ll have unlimited customization options and can get your store looking exactly how you want it.
