What to look for in mobile payment systems for your plumbing business

Whether you want to take payments from your customers or from other vendors, credit card processing is one of the easiest, safest, and most effective ways to accomplish the task. 

But if you are used to making transactions using only cash and checks, you might be wondering how to find the best payment processor for plumbers that meets the needs of you, your customers and the third-party vendors with whom you partner.

How to accept credit cards.

Plumbers are using several methods to take payments via credit card. Wireless credit card machines are the most popular of the options. With a mobile payment system like this, you can accept credit and debit cards from anywhere. It is also possible to use your mobile device to accept funds via a reader and a downloaded application.

Virtual terminals are another option. These web-based tools let you accept card payments using an internet browser. Using this, you can resolve invoices over the phone or in-person.

You can also send invoices via email. Simply obtain a billing tool from your payment processor, include a payment link, button, or URL and send it to your customer. 

This method helps to keep late payments and awkward phone calls to a minimum.

How to choose the best mobile payments system.

As you might imagine, there are many companies vying for your business in this arena. While you wade through your options, it is important to keep some important requirements in mind.

First, demand full transparency when it comes to per-transaction charges and other fees. While these vendors are in the industry to make a profit just like you are, that doesn’t mean you should be saddled with exorbitant prices or be locked into onerous contracts.

Next, be sure the company you choose will get you the money to which you are entitled in a timely manner. Many will remit your funds to you in a day or two in most cases.

Furthermore, remember that customers and vendors respond positively when they are given a variety of payment choices. In addition to credit and debit cards, many clients want to be able to resolve invoices via a mobile phone application, via ACH, or even on a recurring billing basis. 

Your payment processor for plumbers should furnish you with a wide selection of these options to satisfy your customers’ preferences.

Finally, you need a processor who will be available to help you troubleshoot problems when they arise. As a busy plumbing contractor, you don’t have time to wait for hours on the phone for mediocre technical support. 

Your provider should give you multiple ways to get in touch to resolve issues: via chat, email, to a human over the phone, via user forums, and user knowledge bases. When you can’t take payments, your business suffers, and you need a company that will go the extra mile to get you up and running again as quickly as possible.

Advances in wireless communications have revolutionized the way plumbers accept payments. When you choose the right payment processing provider, you will soon come to realize the many benefits. 

From speed and convenience to security and accuracy, updating your systems to take credit card and digital payments is a win-win for your company.