Intelligent Business Systems (IBS) has worked with PayPal to integrate a mobile payments app into its EPOS-driven systems to enable bars and restaurants to offer their customers a quick and easy ‘face’ payment alternative to cash and credit/debit cards.
The first integrated solution on the UK high street, users simply load the app on their smartphone to search and discover local hospitality and retail businesses. Users can then check in to a location by ‘dropping the pin’ on the outlet they want to visit to notify the operator they are on site.
When it comes to paying the bill, the waiter or waitress hits the PayPal button rather than the cash or credit/debit card button, clicks the account holder’s photo that appears on the terminal or handheld screen and the bill is deducted from the user’s PayPal account.
The solution automatically issues a fully itemised receipt via e-mail to the account holder for their records.
An extra layer of security is added to the app as the user is identified by his or her image on the screen.
Successfully trialled
PayPal has been trialling the app at the Revolution bar in the Richmond area of London, close to the online payment and money transfer provider’s head office in the capital.
The PayPal solution for POS Systems is now available to IBS customers using POSLink touchscreen technology and cloud-based StockLink Online software.
“PayPal selected us because of our prestigious client portfolio in the capital and our in-house development resources. We’re delighted to have integrated the app into our POSLink/StockLink offering as it gives our clients payment options to enhance the guest experience,” said IBS managing director, Gareth Powell.
“The new technology being used at Revolution bar and restaurant in Richmond means that customers can now leave their wallet or purse at home, and be amongst the first in the country to use their profile picture to pay. Built into the existing point of sale systems, paying by PayPal simply becomes another payment option for customers, with little change needed from the retailer. We predict that by 2016 customers will be able to leave their wallet or purse at home and pay using their phone or tablet,” said Rob Harper, head of retail services at PayPal UK.
As well as being a really quick and easy way to pay, the app allows users to order ahead online with selected operators.
Simply log in to the application to send the order and make the payment in advance. Within seconds, the account holder receives confirmation when his or her food and drink will be ready.
There is also a loyalty option allowing new customers to sign up to an operator’s promotional scheme using the PayPal data known for that user. The details are automatically synchronised into the operator’s scheme.
“This is a great mobile application which ensures payments are safe, secure and fast at a time when customers are demanding less ‘waiting time’ for payment transactions. And it is also an innovative scheme to increase revenues as it offers over 18 million active UK PayPal account holders an alternative way of paying for their food and drink,” said Gareth.