Tap to Pay: Your Guide to Contactless Payments for Convenience Stores

Fast and secure payments are a must at convenience stores. Customers now also expect contactless options. As a store owner, setting up contactless payments can help you attract more customers, speed up transactions, and reduce wait times.

This blog serves as your guide to adopting contactless payments in convenience stores. Learn about top POS providers and get actionable steps for a smooth transition.

What Exactly Are Contactless Payments?

Contactless payments allow customers to pay without inserting or swiping their cards or handling cash. Instead, they can simply tap their smartphone using a QR code or an NFC-enabled card against the POS terminal. This completes the transaction in a flash. 

This technology primarily relies on NFC (Near Field Communication). It enables secure, wireless exchanges of information between devices. Some of the popular contactless payment options are Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay. Here’s the breakdown of key benefits:

• Fewer physical interactions—a big priority, especially after Covid-19. 
• Quick, so customers spend less time waiting.
• Tokenization lowers the risk of data breaches and fraud.
• Attracts the growing demographic of more and more people who are using digital wallets.

Top POS Systems with Contactless Payment Capabilities

Let’s explore some of the top retail POS options that can support your store’s shift to contactless payments.

1. OneHubPOS

Ease of Use

OneHubPOS is ideal for small business owners who want simplicity. Its intuitive setup means you can quickly integrate contactless payments without any major overhauls.

Low Transaction Fees

So, OneHubPOS is budget-friendly for convenience stores. Plus, choosing a mPOS system with low transaction fees can make a difference in your bottom line. The savings add up, especially for stores with high transaction volumes.

Budget-friendly Trial Account

If you’re curious about OneHubPOS, you can try it out at just $1 for 3 months, which lets you explore its features without a longer commitment. Perfect for a test run!

Multiple Payment Options

OneHubPOS accepts Apple Pay, Google Wallet, Samsung Pay, and other NFC-based methods, giving your customers plenty of ways to pay.

Counter and Kiosk Ready

OneHubPOS supports guest payments both at the checkout counter and through self-service kiosks. Customers can complete transactions with a simple tap, making it versatile and convenient.

Cloud-Based Flexibility

Being cloud-based means you can access OneHubPOS from any device. Whether you’re at your desk or on the go, your store data is available anytime, anywhere.

2. Lightspeed POS

Payment Capabilities

Lightspeed offers robust contactless and mobile payment solutions. It's equipped to handle modern payment solutions, making checkout quick and easy.

Multi-Store Management

Managing multiple stores is easier with Lightspeed. It centralizes control, so you can oversee all locations without constantly switching between systems.

3. Shopify POS

Payment Capabilities

Shopify POS integrates contactless payments through Shopify Payments. 

Omnichannel Capabilities

Manage both online and in-store sales in one place. It’s a unified platform. Perfect for businesses with both a website and a physical store.

Free Trial Account

You can give it a go with a free trial, a great way to see if Shopify POS meets your needs before you commit fully.

4. Square POS

Payment Capabilities

Square POS offers flexible payment solutions, making it easy to accept credit cards, mobile payments, and even invoices.

Inventory Reordering and Management

Though it lacks custom reorder points, Square still covers the basics of inventory management, allowing you to track products across different locations.

5. Clover POS

Clover supports mobile and contactless payments, allowing for a flexible checkout experience that’s convenient for customers.

Omnichannel Features

Although it’s not as advanced in omnichannel as some others, Clover POS integrates with various platforms, making it useful for small businesses with an online presence.

Multi-Store Flexibility

Clover makes it manageable to operate multiple stores, with tools to centralize inventory and sales data across sites.

5 Steps to Transition Your Store to Contactless Payments

Now that you know about the top POS options, let’s get into the practical steps to move your store towards contactless payments.

1. Select the Right POS System

Compare POS systems and determine which best aligns with your store’s needs. Think about factors like transaction fees, supported payment options, hardware requirements, and any specific features that will benefit your convenience store. 

Need a simple, affordable choice? OneHubPOS could be ideal. It’s easy to set up. The transaction costs are low. Perfect for high-volume stores aiming to cut costs.

2. Consult with the POS Provider

Reach out to your chosen POS provider. The right POS provider would offer you onboarding support to help you set up contactless payment options easily. 

Ask about any necessary Android POS hardware upgrades, such as NFC readers or additional terminals, and whether POS software updates are required. Some POS systems may need minor upgrades, while OneHubPOS handheld POS system comes fully ready for contactless payments.

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3. Set Up Contactless Payment Terminals

Ensure that your store is equipped with NFC readers at each checkout point. Some stores may prefer only having them at the counter, while others, especially those with high foot traffic, might consider additional self-order kiosks. 

Test the setup thoroughly. Make sure payments through Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay work without issues.

4. Train Your Staff

Make sure your team understands how contactless payments work with the Mobile POS system and can assist customers with any questions. Staff should feel comfortable troubleshooting issues and explaining the technology if necessary. 

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Teach them the benefits of contactless payments. Highlight faster transactions and better customer satisfaction. The more they understand, the more they’ll promote it.

5. Let Your Customers Know

Use signs in-store and on social media to share the news about the upgrade. Place them at the entrance and checkout. Your promotional efforts will let customers know they can now pay with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and other mobile wallets.

OneHubPOS Makes the Transition Easier

Switching to contactless payments is an investment in your store’s future. It makes checkout smoother. It speeds up the process for customers. It also modernizes your store. Consumers want faster, easier payments. With the right POS system, you can deliver this. Train your staff. Promote these new options. Soon, you’ll have a smooth, contactless experience.

Embracing contactless payments with OneHubPOS can help your store stand out. It offers both versatility and cost-efficiency. So, you’ll have a solution that meets your needs and those of your customers. Book a demo with OneHubPOS today!