Mobile point of sale is used to process credit cards using an Android tablet, netbook or iPad. Typically this would be for a business with counter service where customers are lined up waiting. By the time an employee retrieves their mobile POS system from wherever they have it stored, signs in and takes payment, the customer has already left.
With a mobile POS system, the customer can swipe their card using an external credit card reader through the headphone jack on the device. Often you will see companies advertising that their devices are ‘chip card capable’. This is to say that they have taken all required precautions to be able to process chip cards when necessary.
Why You Need a Mobile Point of Sale System?
There are many reasons why you might need a mobile POS, but the most common one is because your business needs to accept credit card payments. Often this happens in retail and at restaurants, and it’s quickly becoming popular for car dealerships and other businesses that can’t handle their own sales. This is also great for those people who work from home, need something to process their own purchases, or for small business owners who want a little freedom.
What to Look For in a Mobile Point of Sale System?
When comparing different mobile point of sale systems it’s important that you examine the hardware and software included. The right system should have an external card reader that is compatible with at least three major credit card companies and ideally will work with all of them.
You’ll also want to verify that the device actually has an audio jack, as many machines claim to but don’t include it. The best way to do this is by looking through customer reviews. Software should be easy to use and offer a wide variety of features such as inventory management, customer tracking, and customer service options.
Mobile Point of Sale Process
An employee will usually bring the mobile POS to a line of customers waiting to pay. The process starts when the customer asks to use credit card for payment. Once the machine has been brought over by an employee it is connected to the external reader via the headphone jack and the customer punches in their pin code.
After this, the user is able to swipe their card and sign on the touch screen while the machine processes their payment. Once approved, it prints out a receipt that can be signed by the customer and kept as a record for your business.
How does a Mobile Point of Sale System Work?
A mobile point of sale system is basically a tablet, netbook or iPad that includes an external card reader. The employee will bring the device to where your customers are standing in line and once they reach the front, they input their pin code. At this time you would also ask them if they have any coupons or discounts available on their account, and then you can select or input the appropriate amounts.
Once this is done, they swipe their card on the external reader via the headphone jack and sign with their finger on your device’s touch screen. After a few seconds verification is complete and a receipt printed out for them to sign before leaving.
What are some types of Mobile Point of Sale Systems?
There are a few different mobile point of sale systems, and they include iPad terminals which work with your Apple device. The other type is Android tablets or netbooks that require an external credit card reader to process payments. Both have their advantages and disadvantages so it’s important to consider what you will use your system for the most, and how much money you can spend on it.
Conclusion
Mobile point of sale systems make it easier for your company to accept credit card payments without having to invest in a traditional cash register. They are an affordable option for small businesses when compared to the price of setting up your own POS system with hardware, although they are slightly more expensive than using your own mobile device. That said, the convenience of having your system available anywhere at any time is something that many businesses find well worth the investment.