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.

SoftPOS: Minimal Additional Hardware, Maximum Flexibility

With SoftPOS, you use a compatible NFC-enabled smartphone and a certified app. This makes the solution lightweight and mobile. Whether you’re a self-employed business operating on-site, need an extra checkout lane in your store, or are hosting a temporary event, you can quickly set up an additional contactless payment terminal.

SoftPOS: Accepting Payments Without a Separate Payment Terminal

The device is still a smartphone, though. The battery, notifications, device management, screen size, and personal use can all affect work flow. When there are multiple employees, a shared personal device is usually not a good solution.

Would you like to know exactly how SoftPOS works first? Then be sure to read "What is SoftPOS?"

A payment terminal is designed for a single purpose

A classic terminal is designed for payments and is often more durable when used intensively. Depending on the model, it comes with a printer, a docking station, a separate customer interface, 4G connectivity, and a certified POS integration. The device can also provide a clear, neutral payment experience for the customer.

On the other hand, there are the costs of purchasing or renting additional hardware, as well as the expense of managing it. A mobile device also needs to be charged and protected.

Would you like to compare different traditional payment terminals? Then check out our payment terminals.

Compare based on seven criteria

• Volume: Occasional payments or a continuous point of sale?
• Mobility: A portable setup on-site or a permanent professional setup?
• Point-of-sale integration: Does your software officially support the chosen solution?
• Payment Methods: Are all the necessary cards, wallets, and any checks available?
• Receipt: Digitally, at the register, or printed on-site?
• Team: Personal device, shared work device, or multiple terminals?
• Backup: What happens if there's a malfunction, a dead battery, or a connection problem?

The costs are more than just the device

SoftPOS can reduce the hardware investment, but it still involves transaction fees and possibly a subscription. A terminal may be more expensive upfront, but it might be a better fit in terms of speed, printer requirements, or lifespan. Compare the two over the same time period and with the same mix of cards.

Don't forget to factor in time. A solution that needs to be re-registered, shared, or recharged on a regular basis can end up costing more in a busy business than the price difference on paper.

A combination of both is often the best solution

A fixed terminal at the main register and SoftPOS for peak times, deliveries, or an additional employee provide both stability and flexibility. In the hospitality industry, a mobile terminal can play the leading role, with SoftPOS standing by as a backup solution.

Make sure that each payment terminal is correctly linked to your sales records and merchant account. Additional capacity should not result in an unclear daily closing.

Making the right choice starts with how you operate

SoftPOS wins out in terms of simplicity and flexibility; a payment terminal excels in terms of durability, specialized features, and often deeper POS integration. Base your choice on your busiest times, not on the rare quiet day.