When it comes to choosing online payment methods for your business, Square is one of the most popular options for physical storefronts and eCommerce websites. They provide clear and transparent pricing options with plenty of free and user-friendly features for businesses of all shapes and sizes.
However, not many people know that there are multiple ways to accept payments via Square, including digital invoicing, through the Square app, and API payment systems. This guide will show you how to take online payments with Square and explore its features.
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Depending on your needs, Square provides free POS solutions such as a reader and an iPad. However, they also offer the Square Register if you have more advanced retail needs and touchscreen options. These cloud-based systems are more affordable than traditional systems with increased security and scalability.
Square provides a free online store builder that can help business owners to design and launch their websites. It comes with basic eCommerce features and easy-to-customize templates, and you’ll only need to pay a transaction fee of 2.9% + 30¢ per transaction plus an optional order delivery fee of 50¢ for in-house delivery or $1.50 for on-demand delivery.
For businesses on the go, the Square mobile app can be easily set up with a Square Reader to sell goods and services. It allows customers to make touchless payments via QR codes, Apple Pay, links, and EMV chip cards. You can even send customized invoices, track them through the dashboard, and connect the app to your online store for delivery options.
Businesses that want to create unlimited digital invoices can send payment reminders, track paid and unpaid invoices, schedule recurring invoices, and even save and charge cards on file. While it is free to use, there are transaction fees that you’ll need to pay, depending on the payment method. The Pro plan also offers customized invoice fields and project tracking.
For businesses that don’t have an online storefront, you can send customers a checkout link or QR code via email, marketing campaign, social media, or blog. There is no monthly fee or other restrictions, but you’ll need to pay a processing fee. You can also enable tip options and accept special order notes from customers.
Square offers API integration that allows users to accept credit and debit card payments from your website. Plus, it lets customers securely make purchases through the Square payment processing system without leaving your website. This is a good option for businesses that host their own website and work with a website developer.
Salons, spas, and medical services will appreciate Square’s appointments prepayment feature. It is offered on the Square Appointments mobile app, online Square dashboard, or Square register. You can set up a custom transfer schedule to improve your cash flow with payment options like major credit, debit, and prepaid cards.
Square offers plenty of benefits for small businesses, retail stores, restaurants, and individuals:
In addition to these benefits, Square offers additional tools that can help businesses with marketing, banking, and payroll. They also provide custom-tailored tools depending on your service niche in addition to general features for small businesses.
To help you learn more about how to take online payments with Square, here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
To start accepting payments, you’ll need to sign up for a Square account online and follow the steps.
Yes. Square Checkout Links are payment links you can share on Facebook.
Square works with any US-issued debit and credit cards and most internationally-issued magstripe or chip cards from major companies.
Taking payments with Square Installments allows businesses to split costs into manageable portions for customers.
Due to its wide range of free payment processing tools, Square is a fantastic option for businesses with smaller sales volumes. They offer excellent value for money and no fixed monthly costs for basic features, which makes taking payments with Square highly beneficial to those on a budget.
Learn more about which post-pandemic payment trends are on the rise and browse our other payment processing guides on Processing Card today!
