More flexible and versatile than the electronic payment terminal (EPT), the mobile payment terminal is a relevant alternative for many professionals and merchants. Provided you know its specificities well.
We are starting to see them more and more often at markets, fairs and other temporary points of sale. We are talking about the mobile payment terminal, these small connected boxes which replace the traditional bank card device (electronic payment terminal or POS) with its integrated keyboard and its paper receipt dispenser. Here is everything you need to know about this nomadic payment method which can suit many traders, craftsmen and liberal professions.
What is the difference between a POS and a mobile payment terminal?
The POS terminal and the mobile payment terminal are two devices that allow you to accept bank card payments. The TPE is fixed, it must be plugged into a power outlet and connected to a wired or Wi-Fi Internet connection. It is mainly used for fixed points of sale which process large volumes of card payments and can thus amortize the initial investment in this equipment which is often rented by banks or specialized service providers with a monthly subscription.
The mobile payment terminal is light, compact, and can be transported easily. It runs on battery and uses Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular networks. It is used in combination with a smartphone on which a dedicated application is installed which manages the remote collection which is done automatically at the end of the day.
Transactions are paid into the associated bank account the next day. Lightweight and easy to transport, the mobile payment terminal is very suitable for mobile professionals such as home service providers. The solution can even be completely dematerialized using a smartphone which acts as a reader with an application.
Very flexible for mobile professionals or merchants who do not need to manage large volumes of bank card transactions, the mobile payment terminal is also popular with customers who appreciate being able to pay anywhere, at any time. what moment. The device can be purchased or rented from banks or specialized companies on the Internet.
Which professionals is the mobile payment terminal aimed at?
Affordable, with few technical constraints, the mobile payment terminal is particularly suitable for street sales, for service providers who have to go to customers’ homes or set up temporary points of sale: home help, coaches, services to the person, catering, transport, etc.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the mobile payment terminal?
The advantages of the mobile payment terminal
The merchant or professional can accept payments outside their usual place of work, whether at a trade show, fair, market or at home.
In a point of sale, the mobile payment terminal allows you to move around to collect cash from the customer.
In the case of a nomadic activity, it is the guarantee of secure payment and transactions which avoid hazards such as bad checks, counterfeit notes and other embezzlements.
Accounting management is simplified and reliable thanks to the associated application compliant with current standards.
Most mobile payment terminals accept contactless payment. Some also have built-in printers to issue a paper receipt for the customer.
The disadvantages of the mobile payment terminal
Each transaction gives rise to the payment of a commission to the banking partner. Some mobile payment terminals may impose a monthly subscription.
Mobile payment terminals run on batteries, so they need to be recharged regularly.
As they rely on a wireless connection, they may be more vulnerable to disruption.
Some mobile payment terminals may not be compatible with all types of smartphones or tablets. It is essential to check this point beforehand.
Like any electronic device, a mobile payment terminal can break down. We recommend that you find out about the operation of the after-sales service and the availability of customer support.
In conclusion, the choice of a mobile payment terminal depends first of all on the profile of your activity and the importance of bank card payments in it.
Article proposed and designed by Clubic in partnership with Crédit Agricole Mon Commerce.
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