By I often think about what types of apps would be very useful and innovative that could change the way people do things. While we don’t get many of these apps every day, it’s always a great treat when we do. Square is launching their new device and app combo that’ll allow anyone with an Android device (as well as other supported operating systems) to take credit card payments like a traditional retail store would.
You download their app from the market and plug a little square swiper into your phone’s handset jack, and you’re good to go with a mobile credit card swiper. After a user swipes their card, they sign their name with their finger and payment is initiated. The customer can also add a tip (by entering in a percentage or a an exact amount) and it’ll automatically be charged with the payment. You can then request a receipt be sent to your email inbox or as an SMS for your records.
At the end of the day, the merchant will be able to handle their funds (presumably allowing them to receive their payout at that time, as well). It sounds like a great tool for a very small business or for someone needing to accept credit card payments while they’re on the go. They’ve stated that the hardware and software would be completely free to get as many people involved as they possibly can.
For those of you looking to use this, Square offers a competitively-priced 2.75% + 15 cents for what you’re getting: mobile credit card payments, a nightly cash-out system, and in-depth online access to your history to see what’s been selling. A lot more information can be had by following this link. The program’s already gone through its pilot/beta phases – equipping around 1,000 merchants with the tools – and millions more are expected to be added over the next three months.
You can find this app right now on the Android market by searching Square (currently, you can use a cash-only option). Will any of you be looking to grab this equipment up to use for your day-to-day sellings? [version pictured is for the iPad]
[via Gizmodo]
If you use Paypal, you can already use Mobile Merchant Pro to accept cards via Android. The only drawback is that you do not get a signature unless you make a paper invoice and have them sign. I use it and it works great!
This looks super cool, but I’m not seeing the app in the market. Is it safe to assume it’s US-only (I’m in Canada)?
For some strange reason… I don’t think I want people running my card off their phone…
ghetto.
Drug dealers rejoice!
Aww how cute they were taking orders on an iPad :-X
Wow – now anyone, anywhere can steal your credit card info! Easier than ever. Sure hope it needs some kind of pin or something to secure it.
Its so funny,everyone is now scampering to develop for Android.Not so a year ago.
I tried on my G1, and the app doesn’t appear in the Market. Checked the site’s FAQ, and it only list the Nexus One, Motorola Droid, and Incredible under Android. Oh well, nice idea though.
For those who don’t know, the app is definitely on the market for the G1 (I have it installed on my G1), but it’s not available outside of the US. Even if you get it in the US and try to use it for a transaction in say… Canada, it won’t work. I do see where their site says Nexus, Droid, and Incredible… but I found the app, signed up to get the free card reader, and am hoping it will work alright through my headset adapter.
Fish, I’m not sure where you found it, but I can’t pull it up in the market for my G1 either. Perhaps it has to do with what Android version you have? Wouldn’t think so, but could be wrong.
I can’t find the app on my Eris, either. I could REALLY use this feature, being an artist who does a bunch of festivals.
Has anyone found it on the market for Eris??
It’s available for the Droid Eris via the marketplace if you’re running either the OTA (which supposedly is being sent out) or a leaked version of 2.1.
If you don’t have 2.1, don’t bother trying to make it work.
So what happens when the chip cards take over, no more swiping after 2015???