In today's digital age, businesses need to be able to offer customers a variety of payment options to stay competitive. One option that is becoming increasingly popular is taking payments over the phone. This method of payment allows customers to enter their sensitive payment information using their phone keypad instead of reading it out loud, which can help businesses comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS). In this article, we will discuss the benefits of taking payments over the phone and how businesses can implement this payment option.
Improved Security and Compliance
One of the primary benefits of taking payments over the phone is increased security and compliance. When customers read their payment information out loud, there is a higher risk of sensitive information being overheard or recorded. This puts both the customer and the business at risk of fraud and identity theft.
By allowing customers to enter their payment information using their phone keypad, businesses can reduce the risk of sensitive information being overheard or recorded. This can help businesses comply with PCI-DSS, which requires businesses to take steps to protect their customers' payment information.
A 'Virtual Terminal' will likely require putting the customer at risk and asking them to read their card details out loud. A 'Secure Virtual Terminal' enables customers to enter their private and sensitive payment card data using their phone keypad. This means card data will never reach your business systems or staff making complying with PCI-DSS really easy.
Convenience for Customers
Another benefit of taking payments over the phone is increased convenience for customers. With many people using their mobile devices for a variety of tasks, it's no surprise that customers are looking for payment options that are compatible with their devices. By allowing customers to enter their payment information using their phone keypad, businesses can offer a convenient payment option that is easy to use and accessible to a wide range of customers.
Cost-Effective Solution
Taking payments over the phone can also be a cost-effective solution for businesses. While traditional point-of-sale systems can be expensive to set up and maintain, taking payments over the phone requires minimal investment in equipment or software. This can be a great option for small businesses or those just starting out. Secure Virtual Terminal's are available for businesses with one user right up to global enterprises with multiple locations.
Improved Customer Service
Finally, taking payments over the phone can also help businesses improve their customer service. By offering a convenient and secure payment option, businesses can make the payment process smoother and faster for their customers. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty, which can help businesses build a strong reputation and attract more customers.
Implementing Payment Over the Phone
To implement payment over the phone, businesses will need to set up a system that allows customers to enter their payment information using their phone keypad.
IVR systems are automated phone systems that allow customers to enter their payment information using their phone keypad. These systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of the business and can be integrated with other systems, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software.
Link-to-pay solutions allow businesses to send a text message to customers with a link to a payment page. Customers can then enter their payment information using their phone keypad and submit their payment. This method can be particularly convenient for customers who prefer to use their mobile devices for payments.
Mobile payment apps, such as PayPal and Apple Pay, can also be used to facilitate payments over the phone. These apps allow customers to enter their payment information using their phone keypad and can be integrated with a variety of point-of-sale systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, taking payments over the phone is an increasingly popular payment option that can offer a variety of benefits for businesses. By allowing customers to enter their payment information using their phone keypad, businesses can increase security and compliance, offer convenience to customers, reduce costs, and improve customer service. If you're interested in implementing payment over the phone for your business, contact us today to learn more about our payment solutions.
