The Square Reader is well used at cafes, markets and events like art walks. And now it’s expanding its reach with new payment solutions.
Perhaps you want to start a little enterprise or maybe just get rid of some unused household items. But few people use cheques or carry cash. Square lets you give these people quick and easy mobile payment options.
It’s been a little over five years since Square introduced its micro-payment system to Canada. It allows payment using a magnetic stripe reader plugged into the headphone jack in a mobile device.
Letting consumers quickly and easily make secure payments with a credit card was once the privilege of major players. Now everyone can offer similar convenience – and more.
Square is changing the way small businesses process transactions, putting budding entrepreneurs on a more even playing field with big business.
The free Square point-of-sale app lets your track your sales activity, add product photos and prices, and manage inventory. The invoices app allows you to bill your clients and send invoices and automatic payment reminders via email, and allows secure payments.
And now Square has more features and payment acceptance options so customers can pay just the way they want.
Reader accepts both debit and credit cards
It’s no longer an issue if your newer mobile device has no headphone jack, or if a customer’s payment card has a chip and requires a PIN. And you’re no longer limited to just credit cards – debit cards are now also welcome.
For users with iOS devices like iPhone and iPad, Square now has magnetic stripe readers that plugs in to either a headphone jack or Lightning port. There’s also a new a Square Reader for Contactless and Chip, a palm-sized battery-powered Bluetooth device, allowing customers to simply tap for purchases up to $100. Over that amount, just insert the chip-enabled card into the reader and enter a PIN in the mobile device attached. Tap can be used for credit, debit, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Square encrypts card information and data is never stored on your mobile device, so customer information is always secure.
Square payment processing in Canada costs 2.65 per cent for all credit card transactions and just 10 cents for debit transactions. Apple Pay and Google Pay costs depend on whether the customer has their credit card or debit card connected to the account. There are no hidden fees or service charges.
Funds are sent directly to the merchant’s bank account and are available in one or two business days.
And Square has just announced that you can take payments and print receipts on one device. The Square Terminal is a self-contained unit with a built-in touch display and wireless thermal printer that does not require being attached to a mobile a host mobile device.
The new Square Reader for Contactless and Chip retails for $59 and includes a free magnetic stripe reader. You can also get a reader dock for Square ($39) to keep it charged all day. Square Reader for Magstripe sells for $10. It’s all available at Staples, Best Buy or your local Telus or Apple stores. Other hardware configurations are also available.
And Square has just announced that you can take payments and print receipts on one device. The Square Terminal is a self-contained unit with a built-in touch display and wireless thermal printer that does not require being attached to a mobile a host mobile device. It’s being offered at an introductory price of $299 available directly from Square.ca.
Troy Media columnist Greg Gazin, also known as the Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, is a syndicated veteran tech columnist, communication, leadership and technology speaker, facilitator, blogger, podcaster and author. Reach him @gadgetgreg or at GadgetGuy.ca.
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