From public markets, farmers’ markets to weekend summer festivals and street
vendors, you’ll see more iPads, iPhones and other mobile devices in use this year as
instant point-of-sale (POS) systems. These pocket-sized POS systems coupled with
free or inexpensive apps are powerful POS systems for all sizes of business. Add a
plug-in card reader, such as Pogo>™ from First Data, and you can set up shop
anywhere. Best of all, the mobile POS systems cost about 50 to 70 percent less than
traditional POS systems. Portability and relaxed revenue requirements from credit
card processors make them viable options even for seasonal vendors.
According to a March 2014 study by IHL Group, the conversion to mobile devices is
exploding worldwide as merchants and their customers become more accustomed
to using mobile devices for payments. Shipments of new mobile POS devices are
expected to grow more than 108 percent in North America alone. The acceptance of
mobile devices is the fastest rising trend in the retail industry since stores began
Internet versus telephone/modem transaction transmission.
Handheld mobile devices are poised to revolutionize retail business processes.
Beyond the bewildering array of pre-fab apps, with a little research you can create
your own or find someone to build one just for your business. While the iPad, Touch
and iPhones were originally conceived as consumer-oriented recreational and
functional electronics for music, games or videos, they are much more today.
Although not as many non-Apple mobile devices have been adapted to mobile POS
yet, companies are jumping on the bandwagon quickly, and the growth will be
staggering. The IHL study estimates that iOS (Apple) mobile devices have a major
share currently at 40 percent, but Android- and Windows-based POS system could
triple their shipment rates in 2014.
Overall, mobile POS has created a new space in the retail and business world in a
relatively short period where it is helping improve productivity and offer vastly
expanded credit convenience in far ranging venues.