6 Payment Tools That Customers Actually Want

Hey– welcome back to Cardnetix! Today we’re shifting the focus to one of the most crucial aspects of any business: your customers. The clientele that exchanges with you are so much more than just strangers behind transactions; they are really the heartbeat that makes your business a business. 

Look, I understand how easy it is to get wrapped up in daily tasks and the inner workings of our business that we simply forget just how important it is to continue creating a business that our customers actually love engaging with. So today, let’s try putting ourselves in our customer’s shoes and explore some of the innovative tools that can help businesses design a checkout experience that customers crave!

Picture this: what if I told you there's a whole arsenal of payment features just waiting to make your life easier and your customers happier? From QR Codes to Text-to-Pay, these tools might seem like boring admin tools at first glance but there’s some serious untapped potential lying here.

The key? Offering features that your customers actually want to use, making their lives easier and your business stand out. So, grab a snack, sit back, and let's explore 6 underrated payment tools that will “wow” your customers and take your business to new heights.

1. QR Codes

I’d guess that by now you’ve come across QR Codes. These small, square barcode icons are scan-able with a smartphone and make for a super easy tool that customers can use to connect with your business. Whether it's checking out your website, learning about your products, or even paying you for your goods or services.

When it comes to payment processing, QR Codes are pretty awesome and surprisingly underrated, in my opinion. As a business, you can display your unique QR Code on location or on your website so that your customers have easy access to it. By scanning this code your patrons will be immediately sent to a checkout page on their phone where paying you is easier than ever. This is a fantastic option and frankly a no-brainer for non-profit organizations like churches that accept donations. Making it truly a breeze not only for you to accept funds but also providing a super accessible and convenient checkout experience for anyone with a smartphone. 

2. Text-to-Pay

Nowadays, I think it's safe to say that most of us have our phone on us at all times. What if I told you there’s an incredibly quick and easy way to invoice and receive payment from your customers directly through text? Text-to-pay lets you accept payments securely through text messages, making transactions more convenient than ever. Similarly to emailing an invoice to a customer, this will allow you to text your customers a link for a web checkout page requesting the exact amount that they owe. This gives customers an incredibly easy and barrier-less way to pay you. You might even notice that text-to-pay gets you paid quicker than email invoicing thanks to the added card storage or “wallets” that many of us have on our smartphones. Industries that could really see the benefits from text-to-pay would be everything from hospitality, home improvement services, construction and more. 

3. Invoicing

Invoicing might seem mundane or even unnecessary in your business, but it can be a hugely helpful tool. You might be surprised by the ways that a solid, seamless invoicing strategy can help you establish stronger relationships with your clients and provide them with a simple, professional and organized experience with your business. Modern invoicing tools have come a long way and offer customizable templates, automated reminders, and seamless integration with accounting and reporting capabilities to help keep things professionally organized. By taking full advantage of these features, you can effortlessly keep track of all transactions and order specifics with your clients. Your customers will thank you if they ever have accounting questions or want to repurchase with you. By creating a trustworthy, efficient and smooth purchasing experience for your customers, they will likely return to work with your business. Not to mention, invoicing can serve you by streamlining your billing process, expedite cash flow, and ensure you get paid in a timely manner– it’s a win win. 

4. Engage Customers with Text & Email Promotional Tools

Have you ever considered what could happen if you had a direct line of communication with your current customers? Now, you can. 

Surprise your customers with exclusive special offers, discounts, or news about your business over text, email or on their receipts to offer them unexpected perks and keep your brand fresh in customers' minds even after they've made a purchase. Plus, you can create different segments or groups of your customers that may be interested in specific deals or information, tailoring your announcements to them. This added customization can help make your customers feel appreciated and genuinely interested in your business offers. In the age of predictive algorithms, customized and convenient, digital communication goes a long way and provides a more personalized touch to your customer’s experience with your business. Stay up to date on the latest innovations to offer your customers the purchasing experience they actually want. 

5. Paynow Link

Just like scanning a QR code, paying with a Paynow link is as easy as a single click. They're easily shareable and provide a clear, concise checkout that allows customers to pay from any device. Perfect for donations and any non-specific amounts, these links are instantly ready to process payments, making the checkout experience a breeze for consumers. Plus, they can be placed anywhere – on your website, social media, or within emails – simplifying the process for both you and your customers. 

6. Recurring Billing

These days, subscriptions and recurring payments are more popular than ever. Nothing says convenience and ease like not having to worry about manually making a monthly payment or continually pursuing customers month after month. For businesses offering subscriptions, monthly billing or payment plans for their services/products, recurring payments/billing can be completely life changing. This simple automation tool not only allows you to securely and legally charge a customer’s card each month but leaves your customers with peace of mind knowing that they won’t miss a payment. As a business, this tool grants you the freedom to easily renew billing cycles, ensure a steady stream of monthly revenue and provide your customers with the convenience they crave. By offering effortless, flexible billing options and incentives for long-term commitments, you'll not only create a better checkout experience for your customers but also boost repeat business.

Conclusion

The truth is– the payment tools you use make all the difference to your customers. Imagine the ease of accepting payments through a simple text or the professionalism of streamlined invoicing. These tools aren't just about making transactions; they're about creating the smoothest and most seamless customer experience possible. So, as you explore these tools, remember to keep your customers front and center.

By embracing innovation and putting their needs first, you'll not only streamline your operations but also build stronger relationships and foster loyalty. And in today's competitive landscape, that's what it's all about.

Here at Cardnetix, we get it.

Whether you’re already working with us or just hearing about us, our integrations offer you cost-effective, efficient, reliable and innovative tools to create the very best experience possible for your customers. The best part? We handle all the details for you, seriously. We believe in providing you with great, personalized service so that you can always focus on what’s important to you.

Reach out to us today– we’d love to know how we can help!