COVID-19 has made many people pause and consider the future of cash in modern society. The use of physical currency has been associated with the spreading of germs. Also, the inaccessibility of currency—whether due to the risks of having to leave home to visit an ATM or the widely reported change shortage—has forced many to rely on card-based or digital payments in order to safely and conveniently conduct business.
Cashless payment systems were hurriedly put into place during the past year, especially in the retail and foodservice sectors. However, salons and spas can also benefit from using cashless technology to create a safer atmosphere for patrons and stylists. There are three trending cashless payment systems that allow for rapid implementation and adoption, reduce points of contact during visits, and discourage lingering after an appointment ends.
Mobile Apps Offer Contactless Payment and Keep Customers Moving
The most logical contactless payment system is to employ the use of a mobile POS app for the processing of customer payments. The use of mobile devices reduces check-in times and streamlines the salon or spa experience for an additional layer of safety. Then, a fully functional mobile payment app will provide your staff with the following fundamental options:
- A menu management feature that allows them to add all of the services and products you sell to an easy-to-use in-app catalog.
- The ability to apply discounts and promotional items to a final bill.
- Multi-tax capabilities in the calculation of the total amount due.
- Acceptance of multiple contactless payment types, including digital wallets.
- A running tally of your staff’s daily sales and services provided.
This list of features, although seemingly small, is perfect for the stylist or spa worker that needs to quickly move onto the next appointment. These also contribute to creating a customer traffic pattern that greatly reduces the chances of contact while providing the customer with several payment and receipt options. Customers can enjoy quicker payment processing and the ability to request digital receipts, all while eliminating the need for staff to handle cash or dispense change.
Invoicing Software Frees Staff of Payment Concerns
Invoicing a customer for services rendered is another great contactless option that can reduce interactions and eliminate the need for cash transactions. The most productive invoicing solutions that fit into the salon and spa business models allow you to send invoices for services to clients’ email addresses. The clients can then click on a link within the invoice, submit payment via a major credit card, and receive a digital receipt in return.
The ideal scenario is to utilize web-based invoicing software that is provided and supported by your POS provider. There are several features that must be included in order for this to work in any business model, including:
- A web-based portal that allows workers to use a pre-configured template to create individualized invoices.
- The ability to add a payment link for quick and easy payment.
- Automated payment reminders after a specified period of time.
- Customer notifications that alert them to any changes made to services rendered or adjustments to the final total due.
- Seamless POS data integration to help you keep your books accurate.
These will present you with some very important function and usage benefits, but it must be pre-configured in order to lessen the load on your staff. The e-receipts and digital invoices must also be clear and concise so customers can easily find their payment link and execute on payment.
Self-Payment Kiosks Offer Flexibility and Security
A contactless payment system that has quickly become popular in the foodservice industry is a kiosk. In terms of POS technology, this requires your business to have a cloud-based POS system that supports mobile devices. These devices can then be deployed with a mobile card reader for fast payment service. This eliminates the use of cash in your business and lessens the amount of contact between every client encounter.
There are two primary ways to execute payments at a self-payment kiosk. The first is to rely on the card reader/POS website combo. The customer is directed to walk up to a kiosk screen and insert or swipe their debit, credit, or EMV-based card. The customer continues to follow the prompts until the transaction is completed, and can then specify how a receipt should be given.
The second option still involves the use of mounted tablets, but the customer is presented with two notable differences. The first is a barcode scanner for the reading of digital wallet options or e-payment options. The second notable difference is that instead of interacting with a website, the customer is instead presented with a mobile app, similar to the one mentioned earlier. This allows for greater payment flexibility and security.
Cashless Payment Systems Are Easy to Implement
The great thing about a contactless payment system is that it is not too difficult to implement into your salon or spa. This is especially true when you choose a POS solutions provider that has the demonstrated ability to implement modern POS technology into businesses like yours. That means a contactless payment experience is just a few clicks away.
In a period of change, talech has a number of POS solutions that can help your business adjust operations smoothly. From reaching new audiences to engaging with your existing customers more often, we give you the tools to adapt quickly and with confidence.
