According to a study conducted in 2014, cash payments are expect to drop to 20%, which redefines the future of credit cards and the responsibilities of storeowners. In this context, integrating chip and pin solutions is no longer an option, it is a must for any business that expects to gain market exposure and provide high standard customer support. Supporting only cash payments would mean limiting a business to a market segment that gets smaller and smaller and refusing to adapt to customer trends. Even though a card payment machine might sound like a complicated piece of technology that only specialists can understand and operate, reality is different. Manufacturers develop card payment systems with ease of use in mind, so that they can save time and be used by staff of all levels of education. Moreover, their solutions are adapted to the requirements of all industries, so you can find more machine types, depending on your needs. Here are the main ones.

Countertop machines are the standard solution and, as the name suggests, they are suitable for establishments where the cash register is fixed. Examples include retail outlets, small boutiques, hair salons or supermarkets. They need a phone or Internet connection in order to work, but they are quite dependable and easy to use. They are the easiest to find and many companies can offer you this technology, but first you should ask them if their products is adaptable to your long term needs. Next, there are portable payment solutions, which are more modern and advanced. Their development is linked to the advent of wireless technologies. They include the standard features of countertop terminals, but give an extra advantage to service providers without a fixed cash register. They are advisable for some restaurants, cafes and industries where the service provider doesn’t have only one premises and goes out in the field.

The most recent addition to the world of credit card terminals is the mobile chip and pin machine. In the past years, mobile phones have surpassed their initial purpose, the one of establishing communications and now they are used for almost every aspect of daily life. Paying for products using a phone is a simple solution for people who do not want to carry a lot of plastic cards in their wallet and, from many points of view, it is also more secure. A credit card can be stolen and used by someone who knows the PIN code, but mobile payment technologies can incorporate extra security steps to prevent fraud. Not all customers have a mobile device that supports financial transactions, but their number is expected to grow in the future, because smartphone are becoming more accessible. Therefore, when choosing the right machine type for your business, so you have to consider your current needs, as well as the estimated payment trends. For best results, contact a professional provider of chip and pin solutions and ask them for customised advice.

To learn more about chip and pin solutions and purchase a card payment machine, please click on the links here!