You’re in business to get paid. No matter how much you love what you do, care about what you sell, or believe in the service you provide, the best part of doing business is saying, “Thank you” after they hand you a bunch of money. But why do they have to hand it to you?
Accepting mobile payments is quickly becoming part of the modern business plan, and for good reason. Businesses that offer the option make paying easier for the customer and receiving payment easier for themselves. They can reach new customers, improve their reputation, and add some luster to their brand.
Here are some reasons why you need to update your business to accept mobile payments
Perception
You know how you feel when you realize that your local barber or Chinese food joint or fishing supplies store doesn’t accept credit cards, but you don’t have any cash? It’s not charming, it’s not quaint. It’s inconvenient, it frustrates you, and it makes you wonder why — with the technology available in this day and age — they would make it so difficult for you to give them your money.
It’s not quite the same with businesses that don’t accept mobile payments, but it’s getting close. Modern customers — especially young ones — are tech savvy and expect your operation to be as well. Accepting mobile payments makes your business appear modern, hip, and permanent. Don’t get left behind, looking like a dinosaur and losing business to an inferior company with an up-to-date payment system.
It Makes Things Easier
No matter what form of mobile collection you install — near field communication (NFC), a mobile card reader, an online terminal, etc. — it’s going to be easier to keep, collect, organize, and file receipts and proofs of purchases. The software that comes with your system will be able to integrate with your bookkeeping and accounting software, which makes invoicing and record-keeping infinitely easier. You’ll thank yourself at tax time.
You’re Instantly International
When you’re located in Australia and a potential buyer is in, say, the United States, that buyer is always going to look for a domestic option first. Most — and there are many — scams and ripoffs come from overseas, and no one wants to send a check to a stranger in another country whose laws and rules and avenues for legal recourse they don’t understand. The Internet has no nation. Mobile payment systems are ubiquitous. When a trusted name like PayPal is attached, it gives confidence to customers who otherwise may have gone elsewhere.
You’ve Instantly Gone Green
People are more environmentally conscious now than they’ve ever been — and they’re hesitant to do business with people who aren’t. By accepting mobile payments, you’re doing digitally the same task that would have required a dead tree one generation ago. You’ve earned bragging rights. Congratulations. You’re officially green.
Card readers are one of the many ways to accept mobile payments.
Mobile payments are no longer just a novelty for businesses to show off how cutting edge they are. They’re becoming mainstream, and pretty soon, they’ll be a must. No matter which version you decide is right for you — here’s a good place to start your research on the multitude of available options — you’ll be improving your business for you and your customers.
Photo credits: Flickr users Joe Ross, John Elmslie
Andrew Lisa is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. He writes about small business issues and technology.
Leave A Comment