mobilePOS: The mobile checkout system

The boundaries between online retail and classic offline retail are increasingly blurring. Customers now expect the same flexibility and efficiency from brick-and-mortar retailers and service providers as they do online. mobilePOS - mobile payment terminals - offer new ways to make shopping efficient, flexible and secure.

• What does mobilePOS mean?
• How does mobilePOS work?
• What are the benefits of the mobilePOS system?

What does mobilePOS mean?

mobilePOS stands for "mobile point of sale". This is a mobilePOS system that is installed on a smartphone or mobile device in the form of an application, for example. The installed software makes it possible to offer customers a fast and efficient mobile payment option anywhere and without a classic terminal.

Classic POS systems consist of various individual devices and are connected to the Internet via a cable. The devices are tied to a fixed location and are used together with a permanently mounted screen, an EC terminal and a receipt printer. In contrast, the new mobilePOS devices are mobile, efficient and fast. The POS application simply runs on a mobile device, providing a mobile POS system that can be taken anywhere without the need to connect to additional hardware to process payments.

How does mobilePOS work?

Source: David Dvořáček from unsplash.com

Solutions for cashless payment options are developing rapidly. Now that the smartphone is already used by customers for cashless payments, there is also the possibility as a merchant to use the smartphone in the store as a payment station. The mobilePOS device works in exactly the same way as classic EC terminals, which accept contactless payments. Depending on the technology, all that is needed is a card reader, an app with the appropriate software, or both to make the smartphone fit as a solution for mobile payments.

Until now, POS terminals required a Wi-Fi connection in order to be able to pay as a customer. mobilePOS devices have their own fast internet connection due to a built-in data card, which makes mobilePOS an unbeatable mobile companion for on the go.

Benefits of the mobilePOS system

The benefits for companies clearly lie in the flexibility and speed of check-out processes. But a flexible mobilePOS system can do even more:

• Reduces the need for expensive hardware: Instead of investing additionally in POS terminals, you have the option to simply invest in another mobile device with the appropriate software. For example, nothing more than the terminal and the appropriate application is needed for trade fairs.
  
  
• Digital receipts: Another feature of the mobilePOS system is that it allows companies to send digital receipts to customers. Instead of printing out long receipts one by one, a transaction log is created and the digital receipt is sent to the customer via email. 
  
  
• Ideal for contactless payments: Contactless payment is on the rise. With a mobilePOS, you enjoy a high level of security and efficiency. They also have an interface that can be used for self-checkouts.
  
  
• Highly scalable: Most mobilePOS systems are cloud-based, so they are a good option for growing businesses. This makes mobilePOS systems an ideal choice for businesses that need to scale up or down depending on seasonal fluctuations.
  
  
• Reduce long checkout lines: Customers don't want to waste time waiting. With a mobilePOS system, indoor and outdoor payments can be processed quickly and efficiently in real time, significantly reducing queue time as well as improving the quality of service. The mobilePOS system can also be integrated with a self-checkout kiosk.
  
  
• Increased sales: Eliminating friction in brick-and-mortar retail can lead to more time spent selling, resulting in higher sales. Using a mobilePOS not only increases the overall customer experience, but also offers a variety of opportunities such as loyalty programs and discount promotions.

The brick-and-mortar POS is adapting more and more to changing customer needs in terms of digitalization. Smart and innovative solutions are being adopted and piloted. In addition to the growing interest in self-checkout systems, a mobilePOS has also risen sharply in demand. Yet the two technologies are not that far apart.