Six ways a cloud-based terminal can help your business thrive outdoors.

Cloud-based terminals are changing the business landscape. Given their versatility, security, and affordability, these terminals are enabling businesses of all sizes to streamline their operations. If you run a company that sells outdoors, you, too, can reap the rewards of these cloud-based solutions.

What are cloud-based terminals?

Your first priority involves understanding cloud-based smart terminals and the differences between on-premises and cloud-based terminals. Unlike traditional terminals that operate on your own server, the cloud-based variety is fully online. Your information is kept on secure external servers managed by a third-party computing entity. Best of all, they only require a smartphone or tablet to operate. Now, take a few minutes to learn how these innovative solutions can benefit your outdoor business.

1. Offer a wider variety of payment options.

Like customers everywhere, yours are looking for the most flexible, yet secure experience, and that includes how they make the final payment. Cloud-based terminals are up to the task, enabling people to use credit and debit cards, contactless options powered by NFC technology, and EMV chip cards. You can even offer recurring billing/subscriptions to provide shoppers even more choices.

2. Easy to set up.

When you run an outdoors-based business, the prospect of devoting hours to changing over your point of sale solution to a cloud-based system might seem daunting. But take heart: Initializing and operating a new cloud-based solution can be fast, easy, and intuitive for even the most tech-wary merchant. 

3. Seamless upgrading.

Just as launching your cloud-based system can happen without a hitch, so can upgrading it to the latest version of your payments software. Upgrades happen automatically, taking the burden of security worries off your shoulders. When you have the most current patches and updates, you can provide your customers with premium service and peace of mind.

4. Capabilities in real time.

Because your cloud-based system works online, you can access information about your outdoor business from anywhere. That means you can generate reports, update employee schedules, and track inventory in real time. This flexibility can save you time and money, particularly since you may be operating from several locations.

5. Enhanced security.

We already discussed how the automatic installation of patches and upgrades can make a difference for your business. In addition, your cloud-based smart terminal should be bolstered by certified, point-to-point encryption that safeguards your customers’ sensitive payment data in accordance with the latest Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). This provides reassurance for your customers, investors, and other stakeholders.

6. Offline capabilities.

When you run a business that operates partially or wholly outdoors, there may be situations when connecting to the internet is difficult. Perhaps your customer lives in a remote area. Maybe service is spotty and unpredictable. Fortunately, a good cloud-based smart terminal can handle offline transactions as well.

You have probably been hearing about the skyrocketing popularity of cloud-based services and smart terminals. Now that you understand what they are and the advantages they can bring, isn’t it time to incorporate them into your outdoor business? Once you do, your customers will be happy that you did.