A payment terminal at the counter, a mobile device on the sales floor, SoftPOS on a smartphone, or an online payment page: the options are more numerous than ever. Still, it doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few targeted questions, you can quickly determine which solution you need today and which features might become relevant later on.
Where is your customer when they pay? At a single fixed checkout, a PIN pad or fixed terminal often makes sense. In a restaurant, for delivery, or at a trade show, a mobile terminal offers more flexibility. Compare fixed and mobile payment terminals. If you work by appointment or on-site, then you can SoftPOS on a compatible smartphone are sufficient for contactless payments.
Online sales require an e-commerce gateway or payment link. An online store checkout processes orders automatically, while a payment link is useful for advance payments, phone orders, or outstanding balances. Many businesses combine multiple channels.
The number of transactions and the average transaction value determine which plan is most cost-effective. The mix of Bancontact, international debit and credit cards, digital wallets, and any meal or eco-vouchers also plays a role. Not every payment method is included by default in every contract.
Therefore, don’t request a quote based on a single attractive rate. Have the entire plan package calculated, including the subscription, device, SIM card, installation, service, and cashback. The lowest visible transaction cost isn’t always the lowest total cost.
When you use a point-of-sale system, a supported integration can automatically send the amount to the terminal. This saves a step and reduces typing errors. For an online store or custom application, a plugin or API can send payment statuses back to your order flow.
Integration is valuable when it is officially supported and thoroughly tested. Check what happens in the event of a decline, timeout, cancellation, or refund. An integration that only works in an ideal scenario just creates extra follow-up work.
A device that suits your transaction volume, a stable Wi-Fi or 4G connection, and a clear emergency procedure can make a big difference. An additional mobile connection, a second device, or a SoftPOS backup may be useful when payments are business-critical.
Also check the hours during which support is available. Technical assistance is of little use to a bakery, store, or restaurant if it’s only available when business is slow or the establishment is closed. OmEs pay offers technical support seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The best choice is the solution that your team can use right away, that your customers recognize, and that integrates seamlessly with your point-of-sale system or online store. Start by looking at your daily workflow, compare the overall terms and conditions, and only then choose the device or platform.
Be sure to check out our Payment solutions that fit the way your business really works.
OmEs pay brings together your payment occasions, transaction volume, card mix, software, and support needs into a single proposal. That way, you’ll know why a solution is right for your business—not just how much it costs.
