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Mobile / Portable Payment Terminals Mobile or portable payment processing, or “pay-at-table” terminals are quickly becoming the payment option du jour in many dining establishments, one of the last vestiges of the retail economy that keeps the point-of-sale (POS) location and the consumer separate. However, these wireless PIS systems, which have been used in Europe for the past 10 years and are meant to curtail credit card fraud and identity theft, are quickly gaining acceptance in restaurants and other sectors of the retail economy. As with other advances in the world of payment technology, wireless card scanning devices are being used in restaurants to speed up the transaction process by making one’s table the point-of-sale rather than the cash register. Besides allowing for increased consumer and retail convenience, mobile payment terminals also offer an added level of security. Restaurants are one of the few remaining places where the transaction is not processed in front of you; rather, the server completes the transaction elsewhere before bringing you your receipt. Although there was once a time when this practice wouldn’t have been given a second thought, this compromise can now lead to the possibility of your credit card information being copied, skimmed, and possibly even used before the diner realizes it. Despite its convenience, some owners of high-end eateries fear that the pay-at-table devices may make the customer feel rushed and uncomfortable. One company covered this area by designing a portable credit/debit card scanner that fits discreetly inside a standard check holder. Another criticism of the mobile devices is that they may leave the host feeling uncomfortable calculating the tip as the waiter stands aside. However, several companies that provide these systems say that preliminary studies have shown that tips actually increase when these wireless payment systems are used. There is also the additional cost of buying the devices and integrating them into the restaurants computer system. But the time saved should lead to tables being cleared sooner, in turn allowing for more customers to be served. Revenue increases may also be seen since the portable payment terminals also allow the use of debit cards that require a PIN code, which cost restaurants about a third less than a standard credit card charge. At a time when identity theft is at an all-time high, a wider acceptance of wireless payment terminals seems like a viable option. Industry innovations such as the Mobile Transaction Terminal have taken the notion of the handheld payment device to another level. By transforming the mobile phone into a secure point-of-sale (POS) terminal, these devices enable independent sales organizations to provide merchants with a pre-activated wireless data service that is immediately ready for transaction processing upon delivery. Thee systems are especially convenient for on-the-go merchants such as jewelers, artists, antique dealers, and others who travel with their wares. These devices are slim and can fit into a pocket, and enable the vendor to swipe the card, obtain authorization, and print a receipt virtually anywhere their business takes them. Mobile or portable payment terminals are intended to make payment options more affordable, convenient, and location-progressive. However, if you choose to implement this technology into your business, factors such ease-of-use, speed, design, affordability, and the capacity for future upgrades are all essential qualities to consider before purchase. |
