Contactless POS software solutions assisted many businesses and facilities during the pandemic by eliminating person-to-person contact between customers and staff. Although Covid-19 created an increase in contactless POS software solutions, the adaption rate still remains high, and new touch-free solutions and features are continuously offered to further improve the customer experience. Because of the added convenience of tapping or swiping a credit card, scanning a QR quote, or waving an employee badge, touch-free payment methods are fast, easy, and secure.
Two of the best Contactless POS practices that should be taken note of for future reference include:
- Give your customers choices
- Make it convenient
Give Your Customers Choices
Let your customers choose the touch-free payment method they prefer, whether that’s the use of credit cards, near-field communication (NFC), self-service kiosks, online ordering, or the use of existing RFID cards or barcoded badges to make purchases by employees.
By offering NFC technology, your customers are able to use payment devices such as Apple Pay and Google Pay e-wallet on their smartphones and smartwatches, or tap-to-pay credit and debit cards. NFC payments are contactless, encrypted, and speed up the checkout process. The process is one of the most secure payment methods and has become the preferred method of customer payment. To process NFC payments, you will need an NFC-enabled reader, and your credit card payment gateway provider and processor must offer a plan to handle digital e-wallet payments. Ideally, the credit card payment gateway and reader will be integrated with the POS system to further speed the checkout process. The same devices and payment gateway providers are used to process credit and debit card transactions.
Employees who are using their RFID card or badge for contactless door access systems in their workplace may also use their same RFID card or badge for use in retail at their onsite cafeteria, coffee shop, gift shop, or company store. RFID cards or badges have an embedded smart chip, which provides increased security and functionality. When integrated with your POS system, the employees may make contactless purchases in any retail area by using the badge they already carry.
Online ordering is another great contactless way for customers to order and pay for purchases without contact with your staff. Depending on the options you offer, they may pick up their order at a specified time, have their purchase delivered, or have their purchase shipped. Self-service kiosks are another convenient way for customers to select and purchase their items by paying conveniently online by credit card, or even with an employee RFID or barcoded badge.
Make it Convenient
For optimum transaction speed and ease of use for the customer, contactless payment methods should be integrated with your POS system.
POS software and hardware should be integrated with the credit card devices and payment gateway to make credit card payments, e-wallet payments, employee payroll deductions tenders, and online ordering for faster and easier check out. Not only will this reduce the time it takes a customer to make a purchase, but this also helps you keep track of and manage all transactions from all media types and locations from centralized locations.
Employees using their RFID or bar-coded cards or badges to make retail purchases may have their purchases deducted from their paychecks, with deduction information automatically shared with the payroll system for full automation, and no manual steps required.
By adding self-service Kiosks to your operation, you offer your customers a convenient way to self-order and self-pay for their purchase, with no contact with any staff. Self-service Kiosks are able to process NFC, credit card, and payroll deduction payments.
Author: Kathy de la Torre
