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Shaw Merchant Group
Friday, April 24 2020
The Smart Credit Card Terminal by Poynt

Are you a modern company that's looking to get a POS that can grow with you? With modern credit cards getting a makeover and transferring to a chip system over the magnetic strip, you're probably wonder about what kind of future trends could lead to a whole overhaul of the system. POS devices can be expensive, and you want one that will be able to tolerate all of the changes in the industry that may occur within the next few years. Of course, no POS is totally future-proof, but the closest thing to it is the Poynt Credit Card Terminal.

For a little bit of background, Poynt was created by a former Google executive who was responsible for Google Wallet. Before that, he worked at Paypal for 9 years, so there's a lot of payment service experience behind this project. He started the company Poynt in 2013.

Poynt is a little bit different from other POS setups in that there is no monthly fee, no percentage of your sales to pay, and no ongoing payments at all that you have to pay to the company that sells it. All you do is buy their equipment for a one-time fee—a simple terminal—and you can connect it to your merchant service provider of choice. This kind of flexibility is what makes Poynt so promising, even if there is relatively little feedback to be had, since the device just came into the market in 2015 and hasn't had much time yet to prove itself. Their business model, rather than relying on the merchant's transactions or even on profits from hardware sales, will be based on the idea of an app store. Basically, merchants will be able to buy apps that will expand functionality on their terminal. This will make upgrading to better software easier for the merchant as well.

The goal of Poynt is to provide a simple, Android-based alternative to other common POS systems out there that are tied to a specific company. Unlike other companies offering bare-bones solutions to the problem of taking a customers money, there is no need to use a specific payment processor. The idea is that the industry is constantly changing, so it would make no sense to forgo the benefits of being able to use multiple payment processors or switch between them. This is what Poynt hopes will keep their new credit card terminal from meeting obsolescence quite as quickly as other available solutions.

The market seems to be on board with this option, because Poynt managed to presell nearly half a million units of their new device earlier this year. Time will tell whether this will be the “next big thing” in POS technology or not, but many start-up businesses are hopeful.

Now, should you jump on the bandwagon and get a Poynt credit card terminal for your business? This of course depends on your needs, as you may find that your business is too specialized. However, if you simply need a machine that will take your money, it might just be the perfect choice for you. Here are a few of the major benefits of Poynt over its competitors, such as Square, ShopKeep, and others:

No Monthly: Fee Poynt's model relies on your paying to add features, so it doesn't charge you a monthly fee. If you do pay fees, they are from your payment processor, but Poynt will not demand anything from you on a regular basis. You simply buy the equipment and you're ready to get started.

Poynt Won't Cut Into Your Revenue: With simple POS systems like Square, you pay more when you make more sales. It is almost like a tax on your revenue, and this can get expensive quick if you have a huge volume. With Poynt, this isn't an issue because they don't take a cut of your sales at all. This can greatly reduce your expenses and help you save money, especially if you've only just reached your first growth spurt and you need to re-invest as much as you can.

Poynt Takes Just About Everything: This credit card terminal will take a number of different payment processors. Everything from the usual credit cards and debit cards, to Apple Pay, to cash, and many other things in between. It is a dynamic system that can be modified through buying functionality, and it is sure to be able to grow with you and your business as times change.

Even the Upfront Cost is Negligible: A terminal from Poynt is less than 300 dollars. This is a lot less costly than many current offerings, so even if you are a startup and don't have a lot of cash to spare, chances are you can use this system. With all of the savings and such a low price for the terminal, it really is a no-brainer solution. A system like Square may still be a bit more simplistic, but the up-and-coming Poynt is probably now the best value that you can possibly get.

There's no really a cost-associated reason to not give it a try unless you are an incredibly lean startup, however, there is at least one reason that Poynt may not be for you: Let's say that you need very specific functionality, such as for a pawn shop or a consignment shop, that keeps track of your inventory in a specific way. In that case, you'll probably want to hold off until this system has proven itself to work well in your particular context. Luckily, Poynt will make use of apps to expand functionality.

It is not yet clear what kind of impact that Poynt will make on the market, but for now it is clearly a promising alternative. As it gets more difficult to make a profit with all the middle men trying to make a cut, hopefully this new efficient system will offer a solution for merchants. Eventually, cashless transactions may become similar to cash in overhead costs, and this innovative POS is certainly a step in the right direction.

Posted by: Scott Shaw AT 05:15 pm   |  Permalink   |  Email

Starting a Credit Card Processing Business?

To start a credit card processing business, you will need to research the industry, identify your target market, and develop a business plan outlining your services and pricing strategy. Next, you must establish partnerships with acquiring banks and payment processors, set up the necessary infrastructure for processing transactions, and comply with the regulatory requirements of the industry.

If you're looking to start a career as a credit card processing agent and begin selling merchant services, you're in luck. The demand for merchant services is on the rise as more and more businesses are moving towards accepting credit and debit card payments. This presents a great opportunity for individuals who are looking to start their own business or work in sales.

We will discuss what it takes to become a credit card processing agent, the steps you need to take to get started, and some tips on how to be successful in this industry.

What is a Credit Card Processing Agent?

First, let's define what a credit card processing agent is. A credit card processing agent, also known as a merchant services agent, is a salesperson who works with businesses to set up credit card processing services so that they can accept credit and debit card payments from their customers. These agents work with payment processing companies to provide businesses with the equipment and services they need to process card payments.

Becoming a credit card processing agent can be a lucrative career choice, as many businesses are willing to pay a commission for each new merchant account that is set up. This means that the more accounts you are able to sign up, the more money you can make.

Steps to Becoming a Credit Card Processing Agent

1. Research the Industry: Before you dive into becoming a credit card processing agent, it's important to do your research on the industry. Understand how credit card processing works, the different types of services that are offered, and the major players in the industry.

2. Obtain the Necessary Licenses and Certifications: In order to become a credit card processing agent, you may need to obtain certain licenses and certifications depending on the state you plan to operate in. Check with your local government to see what is required in your area.

3. Find a Payment Processing Company to Partner With: The next step is to find a payment processing company to partner with. Look for a company that offers competitive rates, reliable service, and good customer support. Some well-known payment processing companies include Square, PayPal, and Stripe.

4. Set Up Your Business: Once you've partnered with a payment processing company, you will need to set up your business. This may involve creating a business plan, registering your business with the appropriate government agencies, and setting up a business bank account.

5. Develop a Sales Strategy: As a credit card processing agent, your main job will be to sell merchant services to businesses. Develop a sales strategy that outlines how you will find and approach potential clients, how you will pitch your services, and how you will close deals.

Tips for Success as a Credit Card Processing Agent

1. Build Relationships: In the world of sales, building relationships is key. Take the time to get to know your clients, understand their needs, and provide them with personalized solutions. This will not only help you close more deals but also build a loyal customer base.

2. Stay Up to Date on Industry Trends: The payment processing industry is constantly evolving, with new technology and regulations being introduced all the time. Stay up to date on industry trends and be proactive in adapting your sales strategy to take advantage of new opportunities.

3. Provide Excellent Customer Service: Once you've signed up a client, it's important to continue providing them with excellent customer service. Be responsive to their needs, address any issues promptly, and go above and beyond to ensure their satisfaction.

4. Network: Networking is an important part of building a successful career as a credit card processing agent. Attend industry events, join networking groups, and connect with other professionals in the field to expand your reach and generate new leads.

5. Set Realistic Goals: Set realistic goals for yourself in terms of the number of merchant accounts you want to sign up each month, the amount of commission you want to earn, and the growth of your business. By setting specific goals, you can track your progress and stay motivated.

In conclusion, becoming a credit card processing agent can be a rewarding career choice for individuals who are looking to start their own business or work in sales. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the tips for success, you can set yourself up for a successful career in the merchant services industry. Good luck!

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