In the last ten years, the world has changed considerably. One of the most dramatic changes we’ve seen in the world of business is the changes in technology. New, innovative technology is being released on a daily basis. This includes changes in the technology we use to produce and distribute products as well as changes in the products and services we offer.

Customers have always wanted an efficient, friendly, and reliable service, but with the introduction of new technology, their expectations have only become higher. One example of this change in expectations is the change in the way customers expect to be able to pay for their goods and services. Customers now expect businesses to provide them with a choice of payment options, including paying with debit cards, credit cards, paying over the phone, or paying through an app.

Lots of small businesses find the thought of taking mobile card payments daunting. There are so many options, and there’s so much information available that it’s hard to know where to start. So, in order to make things a bit easier for you, here is a guide to taking card payments in a mobile business. It covers everything you could possibly want to know about getting started.

Set up a merchant account

Businesses who want to be successful should offer their customers a choice of payment options, and if you want to take card payments, you will need to apply for a merchant account. This step is extremely important, as without a merchant account, the money from your customers will not be transferred to your business account. Merchant accounts are the connection between your customers and you.

Acquire a mobile card machine

Once you’ve set up a merchant account, you will need to acquire a mobile card machine. Mobile card machines come with built-in GPRS and GSM connectivity which allows businesses to accept card payments from anywhere in the UK (or in fact, anywhere in the world).

Mobile card machines have an inbuilt UK roaming Sim Card, which enables them to connect to the strongest mobile network. The SIM card can also use GSM to connect. GSM can be used for a better connection when the GPRS signal is poor.

You may be under the impression that mobile card machines are slow and untrustworthy, but in actual fact, we’ve seen them improve a huge amount over the last few years. Most mobile card machines are now much faster, more secure, and much more reliable than they were in the past. So, if you purchase one, you’ll be able to relax in the knowledge that even if you find yourself working in an isolated or remote location, you’ll have enough signal to take a customer's payment.

For instance, the company UTP Group are providers of card machines for businesses in the UK that are only one of two merchant service providers that work with reputable Barclaycard bank. This is important because Barclaycard bank are likely to continue operating even when times are tough and therefore, there are no risks when you are working with them. UTP group works hard to make sure that transaction times are fast, reliable, and secure. They also have a UK based customer support team who are on hand to help you at every step of the way.

Contactless payments

Mobile card machines can also be used to take contactless payments. Most businesses want to appear up-to-date with technology, and being able to offer their customers the choice of paying by contactless payment is a brilliant way of doing this. Acquiring a mobile card machine will allow you to accept payment methods, including Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Smart phone devices and apps

Most of us own a smartphone. If you want to be able to accept payments using your smartphone, there are a number of apps available for you. Alternatively, you could choose to purchase a mobile card reader, which will connect your card machine to the internet using your phone network connection in order to make payments.

Safety of mobile card machines

Taking payments on a mobile card machine is safe as long as you do it in a responsible manner. Card processes across the board (from online payments and phone payments to face to face transactions) are all regulated to take care of your customers. As long as you follow the correct regulations and procedures, then it’s safe to take payments while on the move.

The world is continually changing. Research has shown that the number of people carrying cash has decreased hugely in the last few years; therefore, businesses need to be able to accept card payments if they want to be successful.  

Allowing your customers to pay by card is an easy way to increase your sales and improve your customer experience. But how easy is it to take card payments in a mobile business?

The simple answer is that it’s easier than you’d expect. Not only that, but mobile card machines are now much more reliable and faster than they used to be. If you follow the advice above, then you’ll soon be ready to accept your first card payment while on the move!