Square skips signatures on some payments, updates iOS app
updated 01:20 pm EDT, Mon August 22, 2011
Square updates mobile payment app for iOS devices
Square has updated its iPhone and iPad mobile payment app, with claimed improvements in speed. A number of screens involved in the transaction process have also been eliminated, with payments said to take as short as four seconds. At the same time, the Square Card case app (free, App Store) no longer requires signatures for transactions of less than $25.
The app brings with it a "pay with your name" feature, another time-saving feature that lets users opt-in to a directory listing and add a card case for quicker payments. These are meant for use with frequented merchants and put purchases on a virtual tab.
The app gets a tipping feature for merchants in the service industry. Also, $0 items can be added for tracking free inventory or add-ons, such as mayo or pickles for a burger.
Square now plans to expand internationally, having focused all its attention on the US so far. [via TechCrunch]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
Free devices
Square is unique in that it will ship you a free card reading device for a smartphone when you sign up. You don't even need to provide your bank account for that.
The commission they charge is about the same as PayPal, but it doesn't push customers to sign up with PayPal before letting them complete the transaction.
Ten years ago, I played in a band. We sold our CDs during/after performances, and having Square back then (with the ability to accept credit cards) would have significantly improved our sales.