SE- How to take card payments?

MGUK£

Hi there,

My name is Martha, I have posted a similiar comment on other thread, because I am not very sure where should I wirte about this. I am a self employed catering professional. Typically I have problems to take card payments on events or takeaways. I have been browsing on the web, and I have found many solutions, however the most suitable seems to be an app for phones called SMARTTRADE. Apparently the widget does not only take card payments at a cheaper rates than banks, but also does invoices and accounts/tax. Is it the master tool? Reviews are quite good on the app store, but I preferred to look for a second opinion, have you guys heard of it? Any thougths?

Cheers!

chalkie99

Smells suspiciously like :spam:

A first post which reads like a press release for an app which has only one review on Play and is poorly explained on it's own website using a supposed recommendation from a company which I am not convinced even exists.

If this is a genuine enquiry then I would say avoid any system which seems to rely on having a customer type directly into the traders 'phone. It is not secure and will not gain the trust of many potential customers.

The general opinion of many here, including myself, is to go with WorldPay Zinc, a proven system from a trusted name.

MGUK£

Hi Chalkie99,

I belong to generation x so I am not that familiar with forums myself, I basically created the account to find out more about the app I mentioned in my previous post.

You made a good point when you said that customers might not like to type into traders' phone, however, like many of small business I have started locally and most of my clients are friends of friends and most of them get to me by recommendation. In that sense, I think I might be in the safe side for now. Nevertheless, I really appreciate your advice and I will have a look at the system you mentioned, at the end of the day I am interested to reach the most convenient solution for me.

Thanks for taking your time to reply,

M

paddyrg

+1 for Worldpay Zinc, it seems one of the best all-round options and is operated by the highly trusted RBS

burnleymik

Do people trust this payment method? I mean popping your card into something attached to someone's phone and then entering your pin is going to take an awful lot of trust?

paddyrg

It gives an option. Every transaction involves some trust, although I actually agree. The new Worldpay Zinc card readers look less reassuring than the old Mobile Worldpay one I have.

Buzby

Since most mobile (cordless) card terminals use Bluetooth and by extension a mobile, the end user is not going to be generally aware of the connection - but since it is encrypted no trust is required.

UK007BullDog

burnleymik wrote: »

Do people trust this payment method? I mean popping your card into something attached to someone's phone and then entering your pin is going to take an awful lot of trust?

That is a very good point which I have not considered.

I am looking for a system where people can pay me for the services I provide, weekly, monthly, quarterly or one offs. Some have my account details and send the money even before I am finished. But I trust them. Others send or give cheques once I send an invoice. Most pay cash. I would like to be able to take payments via my mobile or some sort of gadget.

Aerobell

PayPal now have their own mobile card device and I think when ppl see a brand they trust they will be ok. I would still use an ipad of sorts over a mobile just for perception sake.