You might be wondering if you need to invest in a separate mobile card reader for each of your associates. Because you can connect all of them to your own account and point of sale system, and because there are electronic payment options available, you may not need to make such a large investment.
Once you have decided upon the type of mobile card reader that meets your needs, the next question is just how many readers to buy.
In other words, does every employee need to have one of their own?
Do I need a credit card reader for each employee?
The short answer is no. Because your readers will be connected directly to your point of sale system and business data, more than one staffer can use a reader. You just need to provide them with login permissions.
Wireless innovations now mean that merchants no longer need to be chained to a checkout counter when taking customer payments. With a contactless card reader, customers can even complete their purchases without the necessity of relinquishing their card to the seller.
Additionally, during busy times when all hands are on deck on the sales floor and there is a short supply of readers, your employee can simply email or text a payment link to the customer.
Payment links are URLs that, when activated by the customer, direct them to your secure payments website. Using their mobile phone or computer, the buyer can simply and securely enter their payment details and complete the purchase on the spot, without needing to tap or swipe their card at all.
How mobile payments work.
Mobile payments are used to transfer funds from customers to merchants. They involve hardware, a connected application, and processing software.
Simply put, mobile credit card processing is a term that pertains to any transaction made via mobile technology. This includes transactions through mobile wallets, mobile credit card readers, and those done from a mobile phone with the assistance of an app.
The mobile payments ecosystem includes three essential components: hardware (a near-field communication (NFC)-equipped credit card reader or swiper), an Android or iOS app to facilitate the transfer, and app software that performs tasks such as inventory management, invoicing, customer relationships, barcode reading, and more.
With this combination of capabilities, a merchant can have the complete functionality of a traditional point of sale solution without being restricted by wires.
What to look for in a mobile card reader.
When choosing a mobile card reader, you should make sure that the one you select has several important features. These include security features, compatibility with other devices, and speed and efficiency when processing transactions.
Not all mobile card readers are the same. When making your choice, be sure that the unit you buy protects customer data with encryption and tokenization. It also should be compatible with both Android and iOS devices for maximum adaptability.
Additionally, your reader should be able to complete purchase transactions efficiently and quickly using robust connectivity options from cellular data, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth. Be sure that your reader is capable of accepting the contactless transactions that have become standard in the industry today.
Mobile payments can be a game-changer for your business. This is true whether you only invest in a few readers or if you buy one for every employee. Use them to enhance efficiency, provide a secure and fast payment experience, and boost your profits and conversion rates.
North is a leading financial technology company that builds innovative, frictionless end-to-end payment solutions designed to simplify and grow businesses of all sizes. From the front door, to the back office, the developer world, and partnerships that expand the payments landscape, North offers proactive, comprehensive merchant services, in-house processing, and more.