Business has always evolved fast, but modern technology has pushed it into hyperdrive. Brands of every size are expected to offer the latest payment methods, and more than 40% of Americans have stopped using cash for their purchases. Your consumers want to be able to pay with a tap of their phone or card or autofill their payment information online — anything to make the buying process more efficient.
Still, there are plenty of people who appreciate the tried and true low-tech methods of shopping around and buying, especially through local small businesses. This development leaves small business owners in a unique situation. Do you invest in implementing the latest payment options or continue to focus on your current methods?
If you want to maximize your profits, the answer is both.
Key Considerations for Small Businesses in Choosing Payment Solutions
Not all payment systems are created equally. The key is finding the solution or solutions that fit best with your goals, your customer needs and existing processes.
Understanding the Payment Landscape for Small Business
As a small business, you may not have the financial security or in-house industry expertise to manage payments in the same way large corporations do. Your payment service provider should recognize the necessary resources and take them into account, giving you opportunities to expand your knowledge base and grow through their offerings.
Importance of User-Friendly Interfaces
A user-friendly interface is vital for both your clients and your staff. From the moment they arrive on your website or enter your shop, everything about your setup and checkout process should be straightforward, directing them through your buyer funnel until they’re satisfied customers.
To achieve this, you and your team need an intuitive system that you can start using right away without disrupting your workflow. Your customers expect to complete their payments in seconds, whether they’re using your in-person POS or online checkout. One of the easiest ways you can facilitate that is by offering integrated checkout pages. At this critical moment in the buying process, a streamlined checkout keeps the time customers have to second guess at a minimum.
Cost-Effective and Transparent Pricing Models
Small businesses tend to have tighter budgets than most large names in their industry. As such, it’s essential for them to know what they’re getting into when they invest in new equipment. Any small business payment options you explore should offer transparency from the start.
Scalability for Future Growth
Your small business may not stay small forever. The best way to accept payments for a small business is also a payment provider that will be able to grow alongside you and evolve with your increased demands.
Payment Acceptance Options for Small Businesses
Over the years, trends have favored different payment methods. Throughout history, businesses have opted for traditional, in-person payments, but the pandemic and the advent of mobile payment options have shifted views so much that some businesses do not accept them at all. Plus, the boom of online shopping has pushed many businesses to prioritize internet sales or even become completely e-commerce companies, making the importance of a smooth online checkout process paramount.
Still, everyone has a different preference when it comes to paying for products and services. While younger generations have accepted mobile wallets and contactless payments, you may find that older adults still favor their tried and true cash and card options. The right option for you will have methods in place for all the best ways to take payment for small businesses.
Traditional Payment Methods
While paying with cash or check are currently the least popular payment methods, most people will expect them to be options, at the very least. For those who carry cash, it’s often thought to be a replacement or backup option if their cards don’t work or mobile payments are not accepted. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to have some method of taking cash and making change in instances where other options may not be available in a brick-and-mortar-setting.
When it comes to in-person payments, a point of sale (POS) system can help you manage cash transactions, facilitate card payments and even integrate mobile payment opportunities. Despite their current lack of popularity, traditional payment methods are here to stay, especially for small businesses that cultivate in-person relationships with their customers.
Online Payment Gateways
Today, more than half of Americans claim they don’t use cash at all or for only a few purchases. More often than not, credit and debit cards are the preferred payment method, just as the convenience of shopping online has made it easier than ever to appeal to new buyers. Websites and browsers often save payment information to make re-purchasing easier, encouraging shoppers to buy more items more often.
Digital Payment Solutions
Recent years highlighted a need for completely contactless payments, and now, they’re an essential part of the economy. Many people use exclusively digital payment options, like:
- Mobile wallets: The mobile wallet has become the hub for contactless payment. Anyone with a smartphone can keep their credit cards, rewards cards and even gift cards right on their phone. This new payment method is still being implemented in many places, so having the right equipment to accept it can put your small business ahead of the game.
- Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers: Through the ACH network, you can accept payments directly into your bank account from other institutions within it. ACH is an excellent small business payment option.
- Online payment centers: Third-party payment centers allow people to securely transfer funds from one bank account to another without providing confidential information. Accepting payments through these sites can make it easier for consumers, but note that you may face transaction fees when you want to withdraw.
Why Small Businesses Should Choose CSG Forte as Their Payment Provider
CSG Forte is your all-in-one platform for payment management. Collect funds online, in-person and everywhere in between with our cloud-based solution. At CSG, we prioritize ease of use, security and transparency so our small business partners can thrive in all their endeavors.
With so many payment options available in today’s market, small businesses need a solution that can handle them all. Our comprehensive payment system is scalable and can evolve as your business needs grow.
Features Tailored for Small Business Needs
We give your brand a chance to meet all customers where they are and provide a fast, seamless payment experience—whatever their method may be. We also strive to meet you where you are by ensuring our software:
- Is easy to integrate: With partnerships and integrations with dozens of business staples, CSG Forte fits into your existing setup and provides a one-stop solution for all your payment needs.
- Fits your budget: We’ll show you our pricing models and break down every part of our system so you can understand what you’re paying for and choose the best option for your needs.
- Enhances security measures: CSG Forte’s PCI DSS compliance, end-to-end encryption and other advantages will prove to your customers that you value their privacy.
- Improves accessibility: CSG Forte lets your clients make payments on the go 24/7 with an interactive voice response (IVR) option. Our system enables them to complete self-service payments on demand, even when you’re unavailable to walk them through the transaction or your online services are down.
Streamlining Operations With CSG Forte’s Payment Solutions
CSG Forte does more than process payments as they come in. Our system also helps you integrate invoicing and billing and keep track of recurring payments as easily as on-demand payments. We make it easy to set up automated payments for subscriptions and memberships. CSG Forte will also give you reports and analytics any time you request them.
Customer Support and Training for Small Businesses
Though our software is highly intuitive and effortlessly streamlined, adjusting to any new system can be a challenge for small businesses. As you acclimate to your new payment methods, the CSG Forte Support Team will be there to help you train and understand our best features. Our software comes with round-the-clock access to our support as well as a number of educational resources that will help you stay at the top of your game.
How to Take Payments as a Small Business With CSG Forte
CSG Forte simplifies managing payments for your small business. We offer scalable solutions to deliver 24/7 service for all your payment needs. Complete our application to start processing payments with CSG Forte.
