The great prominence that virtual operations and online transactions have gained today is no secret to anyone. Every time we buy more online, we trust more in virtuality and we make many of our purchases in online stores.
The internet has become more than a luxury, a necessity and has allowed us to get closer virtually regardless of physical distances, as well as facilitate operations that previously required our physical presence such as: payments for services, bank transfers and sending documents.
In this sense, stores have been forced to cross the border towards digital transformation and provide their customers and users with more comforts: digital payments and faster customer service through social networks and chat services.
With this objective in mind, one of the great allies of commerce has been transformed: the dataphone.
What is a dataphone?
A dataphone is a device installed in a commercial establishment, which allows customers to be charged (by telephone network, or IP via GSM, GPRS, Wi-Fi, etc.) by credit or debit card.
The main advantages of having a dataphone in a store are:
- Convenience: They are a way to reduce the amount of cash handled in the store, they take up little space and payments can be processed quickly and efficiently.
- Security: Customers can be more comfortable by not having to carry large amounts of cash with them. In addition, transactions are protected by security levels such as passwords and document numbers.
- Better service: this device allows to provide a better service, faster and easier, making clerks or salespeople serve more customers and provide a better experience to customers.
It can be said that the only disadvantage of a physical dataphone is that it depends on telephone or internet connections, which can sometimes make the processes slow. However, the amenities are undeniable.
How does a virtual dataphone work?
The collection mechanics are very similar. The only thing that changes is the physical contact between the device and the card.
In the case of virtual dataphones, the user enters their data (linked to their bank account) such as email, card number and security serial, the payment is processed by a payment gateway and an invoice is generated with all the data shopping.
Some stores process a test payment to ensure both customers and stores that the system works seamlessly.
Both banks and payment gateways offer these amenities to online stores, so that they can provide their customers with the best shopping experience.
Why is it important to have a virtual dataphone in your store?
The world evolves and with it, the customs of each one of us. We do not communicate in the same way as 20 years ago and that affects other aspects of our daily lives. It might seem a long way not to have to queue at a bank or a service office. Today it is possible because both banks and suppliers have been fully digitized, as well as stores and markets.
Virtualizing your business payments opens up a universe of possibilities by presenting your customers with a new way to purchase your products. Merchants that offer this payment method are more likely to increase their sales.
What are customers looking for in an online store?
Having an online store is not just about having a network, offering products and receiving payments. To see your store prosper and be successful, it is necessary to apply certain care and take into account what customers expect from these establishments:
- Online presence: Online presence on both Google and social networks. Before making a decision to buy, most people search for the brand on Google, read the reviews of other customers, check their profiles on networks and confirm that they are active and that they do not receive negative comments. Make sure you are there.
- Good attention: Communication with the client is crucial. Having a service team that is very clear about the answers to give, the frequent doubts and how to deal with difficult situations will be key for your store to have a good online reputation and also achieve successful sales.
- Security: Online trading has a very large trust component. Trust by customers who are willing to share their financial data on a platform, and by businesses that trust Internet users’ payment methods and gateways. In times of hackers and cyber-piracy, online commerce must have all the security protocols to protect both parties.
- Punctual delivery: One of the most important aspects of the online purchasing process is the receipt of products. For this experience to always be positive, it is vital that businesses form alliances with serious logistics companies committed to excellence, which guarantee that the products will arrive in perfect condition and on the promised day.
- Various forms of payment: By diversifying the forms of payment, your store will see more sales, gain more trust among customers and be more respected online. A store that accepts credit cards, debit cards, transfers and digital payments endorsed by network authorities and financial security, transmits authority and transparency.
Charging online is not only a convenience for customers, it is a way to guarantee better sales for your business, more security and peace of mind.
By having a payment method such as the virtual dataphone, productivity rates can increase, giving more prosperity to businesses and better experiences to customers. This, together with an up-to-date online presence and excellent customer service in all possible ways, will be the beginning of a path to the success of any e-commerce.