In this day and age, there seem to be more small business startups than ever before. Some business owners seek out their own brick and mortar startups. However, others decide to avoid some of the roadblocks that come with those startups—or wish to add a mobile credit card terminal to their business. Even if you enjoy a conventional storefront, the ability to visit setups like local markets, conventions, and more allows you to maximize your sales. You’re putting yourself out there and meeting the customers where they are.
If you aren’t familiar with mobile card machine, however, making the switch may seem intimidating. It’s normal to have questions about whether or not this move is worth it for you and your business. After all—although these scanners don’t break the bank, they are investments. Lifelong is here to answer your questions and explore the benefits of using a mobile credit card terminal.
What is a mobile credit card terminal?
If you’re not super familiar with the concept of a mobile payment terminal, let’s get that out of the way quickly. It’s essentially a small scanner that you can take with you virtually anywhere. This may come in the form of a handheld square terminal, though some options are a little bigger. Either way, they’re easy to transport and set up.
All you really need to set up the typical mobile card scanner is a cellular or Wi-Fi connection. Yes—even if you don’t have a traditional Wi-Fi connection, you can set up a mobile hotspot and connect the card that way.
There isn’t a barrier to getting a mobile credit card terminal. Any small business owner can buy one, and for some businesses it can actually be much more expedient to use a mobile scanner. If you’re running an artisanal business wherein you’re more often making batch sales in person, it can make far more sense to use this option.
Additionally, this type of terminal doesn’t have a huge learning curve. Many people who’ve never used a POS system before pick it up easily. Really, manufacturers build these types of scanners to fit virtually anyone’s needs. In many ways, they act as equalizers and make it easier for people to either expand their businesses or take them to the next level. They could be a great option if you’re looking for your very first POS system with a physical component. In many ways, you’re essentially using an app. And we’re all familiar with that right now, aren’t we?
Do I need a special setup for a mobile card reader?
A big benefit of a mobile card terminal in comparison to traditional POS systems is that it doesn’t take up a lot of space. Even when working through a brick and mortar store, some business owners like the idea of something simpler and more lightweight. But that’s certainly not all.
A few things to keep in mind:
- It may be beneficial, if your business is somewhat larger, to invest in more than one credit card scanner. Often, it’s more cost efficient to buy multiple readers at once. The great thing about this, if you have more employees, is that you can train them at the same time.
- You don’t need to buy much hardware if you already have a phone. Really, as long as you have the internet connection you need—through Wi-Fi or your phone—you’ll be set.
- Functionally, a mobile credit card reader acts just as a desktop reader would. It’s simply a slimmed down version.
What are the other benefits of using a mobile POS system?
Don’t forget these important advantages:
- You can easily integrate mobile credit card readers into different mobile payment options. You’re not just reading credit cards, but interacting with systems like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. This goes a long way towards making your business more accessible to customers.
- You’re able to process payments in any part of the store with mobile card readers. This means you can cut down on lines and move customers through the payment process faster. Plus, like we mentioned before, you’re more easily able to utilize multiple card readers with mobile terminals. In the end, your customers are a lot happier.
- Want the option of emailing or printing receipts? A mobile credit card terminal offers both. One of the reasons why business owners often inquire into these types of merchant services is that you can offer the customer whichever option they want. You can even text them their receipts!
- If need be, you can potentially integrate your card readers with other system management tools. We’re talking about system reports, recording new sales in your software instantly, and automatically ordering new stock when supplies dwindle.
- Mobile card terminals are just as secure as more traditional systems, if not more so. As we previously mentioned, they can process both chip cards and contactless payment options. These offer more security than older payment methods.
Choose Lifelong Merchant Services
As you can see, there are many reasons why you might want to use a mobile card terminal. At Lifelong, there’s no need to chase merchant services down when you need expanded mobile payment solutions. We have everything you need in one place. Beyond that, we can offer expert guidance. Not sure about how you should process your payments? Uncertain of how to make the best possible profits? We have answers. Call us at 678-201-0911 or contact us here to learn more—you’ll always reach a real person!
