Online Store Plugin or Payment API: What Do You Need?
With a standard e-commerce platform, an official or widely supported plugin is usually the safest and fastest option. For a custom application, subscription model, or non-standard order flow, an API may be necessary. The technical difference lies not only in development time, but primarily in who is responsible for updates and handling exceptions.
Payment Links: Pay Online Without a Full-Fledged Web Store
Payment links are convenient for businesses that want to accept digital payments but don’t need a full product catalog or checkout process. Examples include a deposit for a reservation, a phone order, a repair, a service, a delivery, or an outstanding balance.
Which online payment methods should you offer in Belgium?
A visitor who is ready to make a purchase wants to quickly recognize their preferred payment method. For a Belgian online store, Bancontact is often a key option, supplemented by debit and credit cards and mobile wallets. If you sell across borders, local preferences may vary by country.
SoftPOS as a backup or additional payment point: here's how to use it smartly
During sales, a weekend with outdoor seating, a trade show, or a device malfunction, what matters most is how quickly you can safely implement an alternative solution. SoftPOS may be a suitable option, but only if the app, smartphone, account, and internal procedures are set up before the busy period begins.
SoftPOS or a payment terminal: Which solution is right for your business?
Using a smartphone as a payment terminal sounds simple, and that’s often precisely what makes it so effective. Still, it isn’t the best primary solution for every business. A proper comparison should consider not only hardware costs, but also transaction volume, staff, connectivity, payment methods, and integration with your point-of-sale system.
What is SoftPOS, and when is it a good option?
The term "SoftPOS" stands for "software point of sale." The payment function is built into a certified app and uses the NFC chip in a compatible device. The customer holds their contactless card, smartphone, or wearable device up to the terminal, and the payment is processed through the payment partner.
Checklist: What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Payment Terminal
A demo shows what a device looks like. A good evaluation shows how it performs during your busiest hour, when signal is poor, during a refund, or when there’s a problem with the register. Write down your answers in advance and have each vendor assess the same situation.
Buying or Renting a Payment Terminal: How to Compare Them Properly
With a payment terminal, the agreement usually covers more than just the device. Transaction processing, software, connectivity, support, and sometimes POS integration are offered either separately or as a bundle. That’s why you should compare buying and leasing options over the same usage period and under the same terms of service.
Fixed or mobile payment terminal: Which one should you choose?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question, “Which device is best?” A PIN pad at a busy checkout counter may be faster and more ergonomic than a portable device. A mobile terminal, on the other hand, enables payments to be made at the table, on the sales floor, or upon delivery. Many businesses benefit from a combination of both.
Offering Electronic Payments in Belgium: What Are the Requirements?
As of July 1, 2022, every business that engages in economic activities involving consumers must offer at least one electronic payment method. This applies not only to retail and hospitality businesses, but also to independent professionals, associations engaged in economic activities, and other professional service providers. The practical choice depends on your specific operations.