Learn how to properly connect various card readers to the POS app.
In this article, you'll learn how to connect the different types of card readers. First we'll cover connecting the Wifi enabled card readers, then we'll cover connecting the smaller mobile Bluetooth card reader. Last, we'll go over scenarios where you may not want to have a card reader connected but still use the register.
If no readers are connected to a POS device, you'll see the option for connecting a new reader on the register as seen below:
The WiFi/Network card readers tends to be better used in high volume workflows where the reader is staying in the same place. The customer facing screens help guide your customers through paying and the internet connection results in a faster checkout process than a bluetooth connection. Our primary WiFi Card Reader is the WisePOS E.
Connecting the WisePOS E
The smaller bluetooth card reader is best used for lower volume operations or mobile payments due to the smaller size. The bluetooth reader still accepts chip, swipe, and tap payments similar to the larger network readers, but sacrifices a bit of speed for the size and connection type. Our primary bluetooth reader is the Stripe Reader M2.
Connecting the Bluetooth reader
Most likely, any register you setup will require a card reader to be connected as that will be where all in-store orders happen. However, there are certain times where you may not need a card reader.
A common use case for this is delivery heavy restaurants. As phone calls are coming in for placing delivery orders, a tablet could enter in these orders using the Saved Orders workflow and then charge them using manual card entry at checkout. Since the customer is not physically in the store, there is not a need to connect a card reader. Many of our delivery locations will have dedicated order placing stations near their phones for this.
Another common use case would be taking customer orders while they are in line and having them pay once they get to the register. This can be useful for locations that have a Chipotle style setup where the customer is paying after placing their order. A tablet could enter their order in as a saved order and fire it off to the ticket screens and printers and then it could be reopened and paid off at the register.
Finally, any tablet used as a ticket screen, a delivery screen, a inventory screen, etc, would not need to be connected to a card reader as they won't be processing payments.
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