Nowadays, more and more people prefer to pay using contactless methods. These are payments made without physically swiping a card or handing over cash. Instead, customers simply tap their card or smartphone near a payment terminal, and the transaction is done in seconds. If you run a small business, it’s important to know how to accept contactless payments to keep up with your customers’ needs. This guide will walk you through the steps to get started, including the hardware and software you’ll need.
Why Accept Contactless Payments?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s talk about why accepting contactless payments is important for your small business.
- Convenience: Contactless payments are quick and easy, making the checkout process smoother for both you and your customers.
- Safety: In a world where health and hygiene are top concerns, contactless payments minimize physical contact, reducing the spread of germs.
- Customer Satisfaction: Many customers prefer contactless payments because they’re fast and secure. By offering this option, you’re likely to keep your customers happy and encourage repeat business.
- Staying Competitive: As more businesses start accepting contactless payments, it’s important to stay competitive by offering this option to your customers.
Now that we understand why contactless payments are valuable, let’s look at the step-by-step process of setting them up for your small business.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of Contactless Payments
Contactless payments use technology called Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC allows devices like smartphones, smartwatches, or contactless cards to communicate with a payment terminal when they’re close to each other, usually within a few centimeters. The customer simply taps their device or card on the terminal, and the payment is processed almost instantly.
There are a few different ways customers can make contactless payments:
- Contactless Credit or Debit Cards: These are traditional cards equipped with NFC technology, which allows customers to tap and pay.
- Mobile Wallets: Apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay let customers store their card information on their smartphone and make payments by tapping their phone.
- Wearable Devices: Some customers may use smartwatches or fitness trackers to make payments through NFC technology.
Step 2: Choose the Right Payment Processor
The first step in setting up contactless payments is choosing a payment processor. A payment processor is a company that handles the transaction between your business and the customer’s bank. It’s essential to pick a processor that supports contactless payments.
123checkout is a great option for small businesses looking to accept contactless payments. It’s a user-friendly platform that offers all the tools you need to get started with contactless payments. Plus, it integrates easily with various point-of-sale (POS) systems, making it a seamless choice for small businesses.
When choosing a payment processor, consider the following factors:
- Fees: Look for a processor with transparent fees that fit within your budget.
- Ease of Use: Make sure the system is easy to set up and use daily.
- Compatibility: Ensure the processor is compatible with your existing equipment or the new hardware you plan to purchase.
- Customer Support: Choose a processor that offers reliable customer support in case you need help setting up or troubleshooting.
Step 3: Get the Necessary Hardware
To accept contactless payments, you’ll need a payment terminal or card reader that supports NFC technology. Here’s what you should look for:
- NFC-Enabled Terminal: The terminal should have the NFC symbol, which looks like a sideways Wi-Fi symbol. This indicates that it can accept contactless payments.
- Mobile Card Reader: If you run a mobile business, like a food truck or market stall, consider getting a portable card reader that connects to your smartphone or tablet. These readers also support contactless payments.
- POS System: Some point-of-sale systems come with built-in NFC technology. If you’re using a POS system, check if it supports contactless payments. If not, you might need to upgrade to a newer model.
Once you have the right hardware, it’s time to set it up and start accepting payments.
Step 4: Set Up Your Payment Terminal
Setting up your payment terminal to accept contactless payments is usually straightforward. Here’s how to do it:
- Connect Your Terminal: Plug your payment terminal into a power source and connect it to your internet or Wi-Fi network. If you’re using a mobile card reader, connect it to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.
- Update Software: Make sure your payment terminal’s software is up to date. This ensures it can handle the latest security features and payment methods. Most terminals automatically update their software, but it’s good to check.
- Configure Settings: Go into the terminal’s settings and enable contactless payments. This option is usually found in the payment methods section. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
- Test the Terminal: Before going live, test your terminal with a contactless payment method. Try using a contactless card or mobile wallet to make sure everything is working correctly.
Step 5: Train Your Staff
If you have employees, it’s important to train them on how to accept contactless payments. Here’s what they need to know:
- How to Operate the Terminal: Show them how to activate the terminal, select the correct payment option, and complete a transaction.
- Handling Customer Questions: Make sure they can answer common customer questions, such as whether they can tap their phone or if there’s a limit on contactless payments.
- Troubleshooting: Train them on basic troubleshooting steps, such as checking the terminal’s connection or restarting the device if there’s an issue.
Good training ensures that your staff feels confident using the new system and that customers have a smooth payment experience.
Step 6: Promote Your New Payment Option
Once you’re ready to accept contactless payments, let your customers know! Here are a few ways to promote your new payment option:
- In-Store Signage: Place signs near the checkout area that inform customers you now accept contactless payments. You can use signs provided by your payment processor or create your own.
- Website and Social Media: Announce the new payment option on your website and social media channels. This is especially important if you have a strong online presence, as it keeps your customers informed and encourages them to visit your store.
- Receipts: Include a message on your printed or emailed receipts, letting customers know they can now pay contactless.
Promoting your new payment option can help attract more customers, especially those who prefer to pay using contactless methods.
Step 7: Monitor Transactions and Get Feedback
After you start accepting contactless payments, it’s important to monitor your transactions and get feedback from customers. Here’s how:
- Track Transactions: Use your payment processor’s dashboard to monitor transactions and see how many customers are using contactless payments. This can help you understand if the new payment option is popular and if there are any issues.
- Get Customer Feedback: Ask customers for their feedback on the new payment method. Did they find it convenient? Was the process smooth? This feedback can help you make any necessary adjustments.
- Review Fees: Keep an eye on the fees associated with contactless payments. If you notice any unexpected charges, contact your payment processor for clarification.
By staying on top of your transactions and customer feedback, you can ensure that contactless payments are a success for your business.
Step 8: Consider Additional Payment Options
As your business grows, you might want to consider offering additional payment options. For example, you could start accepting payments through mobile wallets, such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, or even explore options like online payments or invoicing.
123checkout makes it easy to expand your payment options as your business needs evolve. The platform supports a variety of payment methods, allowing you to offer your customers even more ways to pay.
Conclusion
Accepting contactless payments is a smart move for any small business in today’s fast-paced world. It’s convenient, secure, and increasingly preferred by customers. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily set up your business to accept contactless payments and stay ahead of the competition.
To recap:
- Understand the basics of contactless payments and how they work.
- Choose a reliable payment processor like 123checkout to handle your transactions.
- Get the necessary hardware, such as an NFC-enabled payment terminal or mobile card reader.
- Set up your payment terminal and test it to make sure it’s working correctly.
- Train your staff on how to use the new system and handle customer questions.
- Promote your new payment option to let customers know you accept contactless payments.
- Monitor transactions and get feedback to ensure everything is running smoothly.
- Consider additional payment options as your business grows.
By embracing contactless payments, you’ll not only make the checkout process easier for your customers but also position your business for future success. With platforms like 123checkout, accepting contactless payments is simple, secure, and a great way to enhance your customer experience.
So, what are you waiting for? Start accepting contactless payments today and watch your business thrive!