mPOS: Getting started with mobile in-person payments

mPOS (mobile point of sale) is a wireless payment device that processes payments. It allows you to accept payments anywhere, as long as there is an internet connection. This means you can move around freely and meet your customers where they are the moment they’re ready to pay.

No more queues

mPOS devices are a simple way of eliminating queues as payments can be made the moment customers decide to buy. Learn how Lush eliminated queues and improved the customer experience.

No more fixed point of sale

mPOS is used in the luxury industry to quickly and discreetly handle payments without detracting magic from the experience. Learn how Bijenkorf created a seamless shopping experience for their customers.

Take payments outside

With mPOS, you’re not limited to a static indoor register system and can accept payments wherever you go.

Easy to get going

Quickly get started with mPOS by easily integrating a standalone option. There’s no need to negotiate database licenses, which is great for pop-ups but also for piloting large-scale roll-outs. The overhead of running a pilot is low since all you need are the terminals, and because they run independently from your existing POS setup, you don’t risk any downtime.

Since mPOS is a subcategory of POS, their basic processes are the same: the sales associate scans the products’ barcodes, the POS system calculates the final price and the customer pays with one of the payment methods you’ve set up, such as card, digital wallet, or cash. Once the mPOS systems process the payment, the transaction is complete, and the inventory system is updated.

The only functional difference between mPOS and POS, is that since mPOS is a mobile device, the battery needs to stay charged and the terminal needs to be connected to a wireless internet connection.

mPOS payments have the same level of security as any other in-person payments solution. All customer payment data is encrypted and stored in the cloud and not on the device.

To add an extra level of security, most mPOS solutions are PCI compliant. But with Adyen, all devices are PCI certified.

All businesses are unique and require solutions that match their needs. Different mPOS devices have different setups, so certain types might be better suited for your business than others.

For instance, if you want to be able to print receipts, an mPOS like Verifone V400m that includes a printer might be the best option for you.

However, if being mobile is your priority, you should probably choose a smaller terminal like AMS1, NYC1, or maybe even Tap to Pay on iPhone.

If you want to have all your applications, like payment processing, inventory management, and loyalty programs on one device, then maybe Tap to Pay on iPhone or an Android mPOS like NYC1 or AMS1, might be right for you.

It’s important to gather as much information as possible before making a decision on which device to choose. Learn everything you need to know about in-person payment solutions here.