5 Tips to Encourage Customers to Use Contactless Payments

Contactless payments provide a safe way to accept credit cards for merchants, and a hygienic purchasing method for shoppers. Even so, some people remain wary. If that designation applies to some of your patrons, consider adopting one or all of the following suggestions.

1. Educate

Sometimes, reluctance to use new technologies occurs because people don’t understand how they work. Therefore, make it a point to clearly communicate the benefits of contactless payments, including speed, security, and hygiene. Also, explain in general terms how the technology works to remove the mystery from the process.

2. Focus on visibility and ease of use

Start by marking your point of sale (POS) systems with the series of four curved lines that signify the contactless symbol. Train your employees in how to encourage customers to try contactless payments, demonstrating ease of use and answering any questions about security that the customer may have.

3. Offer incentives

For some people, it only takes a little positive reinforcement to overcome the wariness barrier. You don’t need to give away a high-value prize; it can be as simple as a small reward or discount. It might be some extra reward points or a modest discount off the price of their first contactless purchase.

4. Promote mobile wallet options

Although shoppers might still be squeamish about contactless payments, many of these same individuals are already very comfortable with digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. In conjunction with your contactless reader, you can definitely accept payments from these sources. They allow consumers to make touchless payments simply by waving their smartphone near your POS system. To get them accustomed to making purchases at your store using this method, consider offering a promotion just for these digital wallet users.

5. Train your staff

There is no doubt that contactless payments impact shopping behavior. Buyers are prone to spend more money when they can complete a purchase without the need for cash or even a plastic credit card.

Often, it is the assistance of a knowledgeable, friendly, patient staff member that can make all the difference for hesitant customers. With their help, a potentially negative experience can be transformed into a positive and lucrative one.

Although contactless payments really hit their stride during the height of the pandemic, they continue to increase in popularity half a decade later. Businesses that succeed in encouraging reluctant customers to use this method will be rewarded with expanded profits and heightened client satisfaction. At the same time, shoppers will realize the many benefits of the technology and will appreciate your commitment to elevating their purchasing experience in this way.