Nowadays, transactions don’t have to be carried out from a specific location. You can accept payments anywhere in a variety of different forms. This is clearly useful for business representatives who are always travelling such as taxi drivers and plumbers. However, it can give other businesses more flexibility too such as allowing restaurants to carry out food deliveries without customers having to visit the store. Below are just some of the different ways to accept payments from different locations. 

Money belts

Some people still like to pay by cash, plus there are some remote locations where digital payments may not be possible. Carrying a money belt to accept cash in is a good solution to this. The best money belts on the market (check out this guide at Corporate Safety Travel) are secure and have different pockets for different types of change, allowing you to keep cash organized and easily accessible.

Mailing currency

Want to accept cash from someone on the other side of the country, but don’t want to travel to meet them? Mailing currency is an option, although it does come with several risks. Digital payments are typically preferential – there are very few reasons why someone should only be able to pay by cash. Sending customers a pre-paid pre-stamped envelope can prevent customers from having to pay for postage.

Wireless card readers

Wireless card reader terminals have made it possible to accept card payments in person from any location that has an internet connection. A lot of tradesmen are now carrying card readers, allowing customers to pay for small jobs there and then instead of having to send out an invoice after. Companies like North (North American Bancard is now North.com) have long provided an array of different wireless card reader solutions to choose from, and could be worth choosing as a card reader provider. 

Online payments

Being able to accept online payments via a website or an app could be essential if you run an online store. However, other businesses may benefit from online payments too. More restaurants are setting up apps that allow customers to pay for food deliveries or even order food to their table instead of relying on servers. Make sure to use a secure and reliable online payment processing service.

Phone payments

It’s possible to accept payments over the phone too. This typically involves a customer reading out card details over the phone to a representative who is then able to enter them on a computer. Alternatively, automated phone payment systems can be set up in which customers enter their card information by typing the numbers on their phone. Various companies from takeout restaurants to insurance companies can benefit from this payment method. 

Bank transfer

Bank transfers involve transferring money directly between bank accounts. The company gives the customer their bank details, which the customer then uses to make a transfer. Deadlines can be set to ensure that customers pay by a certain date or face a penalty. 

Checks

Checks are less common nowadays, but can still be a form of payment worth looking into. Checks can be handed in person or sent in the mail. If customers pay by check, they will need to have enough money in their bank account when you decide to cash in the check – otherwise the check will bounce. This makes card payments more preferable, however you may find some older customers prefer to pay by check.