CHICAGO,
IL- January 22, 2013 – Increased technology has made it possible for sales to
take place outside of a “brick and mortar” store. These days, traveling
retailers can make a sale with just the touch of a button and the swipe of a
credit card via their smartphone. These smartphone credit card readers offer new
opportunities for businesses, however the Better Business Bureau serving
Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) is advising business owners to make sure
that such a system is right for their business.
“Advancements
in technology are changing the way that companies do business,” said Steve J.
Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.
“It is important to find the technology that will benefit your specific company
and fit the way you do business.”
For
businesses looking to add the credit card reader capability to their sales
technology, BBB recommends the following tips:
·
Do your
research. Just like a landline-based credit card system,
you’ll need a merchant account to process payments, a scanner device to read
the card, and software (app) to make it run. Don’t skimp on research. Start
with your bank or your credit card service for suggestions on recommended
services and devices. Check out all vendors at www.bbb.org. Ask
for references.
·
Choose
the right combination. Your smartphone merchant account might
interface with your existing landline-based account, and that will make life
easier. Build from there; find the app you feel comfortable using that has the
features you want. There are over a hundred apps available for different
smartphones; each is usually compatible with a number of different swiping
devices. The reader itself is the last step (and the easiest to replace or
exchange).
- Read the fine print. Using a smartphone credit
card reader might be a great way to increase your sales while on the road.
However, make sure to read the fine print for the smartphone app to make
sure that you won’t be charged while you’re not using it.
·
Offer
the customer service your shoppers expect. Some shoppers may not be
familiar with this kind of payment method. Be sure to offer them the option of
having a receipt emailed to them, or even offer to print the receipt there with
a separate smartphone printer. This will allow your customer to have a record
of the transaction and reduce the hassle should the person want to return the
product.
·
Beware of scams. As with any emerging technology,
scammers are figuring out how to exploit vulnerabilities. Don’t buy the devices
or apps from vendors you don’t know.
Visit BBB’s website for more Business Tips or join our
LinkedIn business
group.
###
As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose
of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help
resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and
arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and
charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reviews on businesses and
nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity
before making a purchase or donation.
