A payment gateway and a virtual POS are two different entities, but they are useful in different forms. Here’s a look at how these two work and how they can come with unique features. You must look at how you’re going to use a system and that you have a solution that works well.
Each option works differently based on how it functions. You will experience unique points when getting a gateway or POS solution ready.
Understanding a Payment Gateway
First, let’s look at a payment gateway and how it can work for your processing needs. A payment gateway is a system that facilitates the transfer process. It secures all customer data and moves it to the proper parties to confirm a payment. The solution ensures your customer’s data will stay safe and that the funds will move through as planned.
A gateway will collect your customer’s payment data and will encrypt it as the content moves through a payment processor. The processor will transfer the payment through the credit card network and will reach the card issuer’s bank, helping to confirm or decline the transaction. The gateway also sends the signal back and will help the business collect funds from the customer.
The gateway system lets you accept various card payments. You can also automate some of your accounting or recurring billing functions, although your ability to do this will vary by the gateway.
You can use a gateway if you need someone to help you manage your payment entry systems. But it could cost extra to use a gateway for the effort. Some gateways may also forward your customers to a third-party website to enter their data. While you’ll still get the funds from those customers, they may not appreciate the extra work necessary for the payment.
A payment gateway provides trust and security for all transactions. It helps customers quickly handle their transactions. The gateway also ensures full control over the transaction, as you are moving the data through a proper network of your choosing. The system lets you manage your transactions with ease and prevents possible errors.
Best of all, the gateway streamlines how people complete their payments. Instead of having people go through a complicated or frustrating system that might be tough to analyze, the customers will handle all their transactions in one place for all needs.
Looking At a Virtual POS
A virtual point of sale or POS is another option to find. You can accept card payments with a virtual POS, just like you could with a payment gateway. But with a virtual POS, you are in control of the whole system.
Whereas a gateway entails an outside party forwarding your payment, your virtual POS will involve your business confirming payments as they arrive. With a virtual POS, you will log into an account, reach your merchant dashboard, and then enter in multiple card transactions.
A virtual POS system is perfect for businesses that want more control over how they accept funds. The virtual POS will streamline many orders, especially if you take in phone and mail-order transactions. It requires plenty of effort in entering in those orders, but will still recognize more details in your orders and also identify potential concerns in your payments to prevent chargebacks.
The virtual POS is entirely online, so you don’t have to install any other programs. You could even use this if you don’t have expensive or complex POS equipment in your business space. Meanwhile, the risk of non-payment will be minimal thanks to how you have more control over how you’re handling your content.
Customers will also feel more confident in the virtual POS transaction. Customers find virtual POS solutions to be more effective and secure, as they entail one business having full control over the work at hand.
Who Uses These?
A payment gateway works for businesses that offer customer-facing interfaces for payments. These include retail websites and mobile apps. You can use a gateway if you bring in plenty of online transactions and need something that can forward everything you collect.
A virtual terminal is more for traditional merchants. These include groups that operate in physical locations and collect payments from multiple platforms.
The physical materials necessary for these two choices are around the same. For a payment gateway, it works with any website or physical POS solution. For a virtual POS, it can work with a website and may not require physical POS materials. The main difference here is that you may not need any physical items when getting a virtual POS solution ready. But you’ll have more flexibility over what you want to get out of your work.
Which Is Better?
There’s no real answer as to which of these choices would be best for your business. You could use a gateway if you want to manage online payments. But a virtual POS is useful for cases where you need to manually enter the customer’s data, especially if you are selling high-ticket items where you need more control over the sale process.
Look at how your customers purchase products and services from your store or website. Check on how the customers will buy items based on where they go and how they can reach you. You can make a decision on whether you need a virtual POS over how these people pay for items and how they will contact you for help.
Watch for how you also feel about your control over the situation at hand. You’ll have more control over your virtual POS, but a gateway can be handled by a separate party if necessary. You can select whatever system you wish to use when finding a plan for work that fits your needs.
Whatever the case, you’ll find something about your payment solution that fits your needs. Be aware of how you’re managing your virtual POS solutions when finding a setup you can trust for any intention.