The bank card being the preferred means of the French, large groups such as SMEs must equip themselves with a payment terminal (TPE).This must be adapted to their activity.Overview of the different existing devices and the criteria to take into account to make the right choice.In all sectors of activity, the bank card (CB) is now one of consumers' favorite means of payment.According to a study carried out by Statista in 2022, 33% of French people prefer to pay in cash, when 68% of them are more inclined to pay by credit card.For merchants, it is therefore essential to abandon the classic cash register for a modern electronic payment terminal (TPE).Faced with the number of options and devices offered on the market, it can however be complex to know which payment terminal to choose.We help you see more clearly in order to choose the right solution and boost your business.The electronic payment terminal is a device for accepting bank card transactions.There are several types, which work in different ways.Indeed, they use an autonomous or centralized payment solution.In the first case, the TPE keeps in memory all the transactions that have been carried out during the day.It is then necessary to carry out a remote collection in order to transmit the payment information to its bank.With the centralized payment system, transactions are not stored in the machine and therefore do not require remote collection.They are directly synchronized with a server.All the electronic terminals of a company or group are linked to the latter, offering an overview of payments.For this reason, this system is generally acclaimed by large retailers.The choice between a centralized or autonomous payment solution depends on your activity and the number of transactions generated on a daily basis.A large group gains in practicality with a centralized payment solution.The stand-alone system is quite adequate for an SME or a small trader.There are four main types of TPE, with their share of advantages and disadvantages.It all depends on how it is used.Each meets different needs.The fixed payment terminal is one of the devices most used by merchants.It is plugged into an electrical outlet.This means that it cannot be moved within the sales space or transported to a customer.It must be connected to an Internet network via Wifi, Ethernet or GPRS in order to communicate with banking establishments.Fixed TPEs are generally accompanied by a Pinpad.This is a keyboard allowing the buyer to enter their secret code in order to finalize their purchase.This type of payment system is particularly suitable for fixed businesses, shops requiring payment at the counter and supermarkets.Mobile payment terminals can be used anywhere.They are not connected by a cable and are powered by a battery.This device connects via Wifi, GPRS and Ethernet, but also via 3G/4G mobile networks for systems equipped with a SIM card.In this case, it can be transported wherever you want, for example to a customer or to a trade show.This is a model that suits both restaurateurs who cash their customers at the table and itinerant traders.Examples include plumbers, salespeople and taxi drivers.The mechanism of mPOS (Mobile Point of Sale) terminals is different from that of other payment devices.It does not have a printer, and works by connecting to a smartphone or tablet.Thanks to an application, they act as a cash register.For each sale, the payment terminal connects to the Internet server of a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.It is therefore possible to make sales anywhere as long as you have a connection.Note that mPOS devices are also distinguished by their practicality, as they are small and light.This TPE is less expensive than a traditional terminal, which is why many merchants are turning to this solution.SoftPOS (for "Software POS") is a software solution that takes the form of a mobile application.Concretely, it transforms the smartphone into a payment terminal.Professionals only have to use their personal phone to accept contactless payments from their customers.No additional hardware is required.In order to have a payment solution that suits your business, your needs and the habits of your customers, certain criteria should not be overlooked.When equipping your business with a TPE, it is necessary to consider the additional features that are available.Depending on your activity, several options may be useful:One of the main things to consider when purchasing a payment device is payment terms.Indeed, a delivery person will need a wireless terminal, when a hotel complex can make do with a wired solution.Each will require different options.The habits of your customers are also to be considered when choosing your TPE.As with any purchase, the price is one of the criteria to be taken into account.It is necessary to take an interest in the characteristics of the identified offer: purchase or rental, quality/price ratio, commission, etc.Thus, there are several TPEs on the market.The challenge is to select the one that best suits your field of activity, your development projects and, of course, your budget.Every morning, receive our latest articles directly in your mailbox.To read with a good coffee!