Phones being transformed into payment terminals, we’re seeing this more and more in the hospitality industry. This is a logical consequence of a growing number of providers making this technology possible. In this article, we will delve into this development and the benefits it brings.
The Evolution
This revolutionary payment method employs Near Field Communication (NFC), a technology initially introduced for contactless payments via cards, to further streamline the payment process. What once began as simply touching a contactless payment card has evolved to tapping a smartphone or even a smartwatch against the payment terminal to complete a transaction. The latest development in this trend is the transformation of these payment terminals into full-fledged mobile phones.
Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a sharp increase in hospitality entrepreneurs interested in adopting this technology. While Android was predominantly utilized for this technology previously, Apple also followed suit in August 2023. Payment platforms Adyen and SumUp are among the first to offer this new Apple feature.
Through Android, numerous providers have offered this technology, including some specialized for the hospitality industry. Think of names like Viva Wallet and myPOS. These providers collaborate with suppliers of hospitality point-of-sale systems, such as Mr. Winston.
Advantages for Entrepreneurs
This Tap to Pay functionality via mobile phones brings numerous benefits for hospitality entrepreneurs. Firstly, there’s the hardware acquisition: substantial savings can be achieved in this aspect. Subscription and transaction costs also generally turn out to be much lower.
Furthermore, phones take up much less space than traditional payment terminals. This is a perfect solution for establishments with limited space, like food trucks, or small cafes.
Speed and efficiency are also enhanced with this payment method. Tap to pay transactions are swift, thereby improving the flow. This is a significant enhancement for guest experience.
Conclusion
Phones as payment terminals have rapidly gained ground in the hospitality sector. Now that Apple is also facilitating this technology, this acceleration is set to continue. The advantages for hospitality entrepreneurs are indeed substantial. As phones continue to evolve into powerful mobile payment tools, we can only speculate about the future of this technology. Perhaps we’ll witness further integration with ordering apps, allowing customers not only to place orders but also pay directly within the same app. Additionally, the potential for biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, would add an extra layer of convenience and security.
