The best sales tool you have is probably at your fingertips already. Not a computer. Not a register. Not a laptop. Not a tablet. Keep looking... Just reach for your trusted, smartphone. Now you can use it to make sales anywhere that life may take you.
In order to start processing sales using a mobile phone, you will need the following:
- SmartPhone: Chances are, you already have one and know how to use it -- 74 million consumers in the United States already shop from their mobile devices (Source: InMobi study, 2011). In addition, the smartphone market has now surpassed the PC market. Smartphones outsold PCs in Q4 of 2010 101 million to 92 million (Source: IDC).
- Merchant Account: A merchant account is a special agreement with a bank that allows you to accept credit card payments online. Credit card transactions are the most popular method of online payment and the only way to accept credit card payments online is to have a merchant account. It is very important that you read the terms and conditions determine which merchant account, as well as which provider, is best for your business. Some companies will advertise merchant accounts at a lower rate than any other company, but your rates will creep up over time. Eventually, you're paying more than you should. Make sure to consider transaction costs, percentage rates, plan descriptions and understand all fees (including whether application, setup or annual fees are charged).
- Payment Processing Mobile App: Offered by many companies, these apps allow the required processing software to be downloaded and installed on your phone. Besides making sure that the app is supported by your phone, you will need to understand if any equipment, in addition to the app, is required for credit card processing.
- Optional Equipment: If you are taking many orders via your Smartphone, you may want to invest in additional hardware. These devices make it quick and efficient to take sales outside of an office by providing features such as the ability to swipe a credit card, manage inventory, scan barcodes and/or provide a printed receipt. The design, functionality and price of these devices vary across providers.
There are also some other key factors that you should consider, including:
- Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliance: Use only companies that meet PCI compliance standards. These standards were enacted to protect personal information and ensure security when transactions are processed using a payment card. All members of the payment card industry (financial institutions, credit card companies and merchants) are required to comply with these standards if they want to accept credit cards.
- Customer Support: Make sure you can get help when you need it. Look for knowledgeable, 24/7 live phone support, as well as, Chat support.
- Ability to Integrate with Your Website: The ability to integrate sales and orders taken via mobile phone with your ecommerce site is often overlooked. However, if you have a high volume of sales, this feature makes managing both sources a snap.
So if your business takes you away from the office or if you are never in an office, you can now process sales wherever you may travel. Download the free, nsMobilePayTM iPhone® app.
