It might sound like a cliché at this point, but technology is continuously changing, evolving, and expanding. Every few months, something new and exciting comes out that either enhances the user experience or changes the game completely.

1. Apple Pay and Small Businesses
It might sound like a cliché at this point, but technology is continuously changing, evolving, and expanding. Every few months, something new and exciting comes out that either enhances the user experience or changes the game completely. The recent introduction of Apple Pay further confirms the cliché.
What is Apple Pay?
Recently, Apple rolled out Apple Pay, its payment service for its iPhone users. To put it simply, Apple Pay allows users to make payments with their phone – they simply have to hold the phone near a proper device, usually found atop credit card readers at stores, and follow the instructions on their screen. They can also use it to pay for items within selected apps. It’s a quick, easy, and efficient way for people to make a payment.
Apple Pay is functional with NFC (near-field communication). NFC payments have been around for some time, specifically on Android devices as those in the Nexus smartphone series. However, the system was not widespread then, and now, with Apple’s implementation (and the record-breaking iPhone 6/6 Plus sales seen recently), mobile payments can be expected to increase.
How Can Small Businesses Benefit?
Apple Pay hopes to become a viable option for making everyday payments. With so many stores now offering the service (Macy’s, Walgreens, and Whole Foods, to name just a few), some Apple Pay users will make it their primary method of payment.
Vendors who accept Apple Pay now, while it is early in the product’s implementation, may help retain and even attract new customers. If a customer has a chance to use Apple Pay at one store and not at the store’s competitor, this can be a point in favor of the store with the service. Early implementation also shows how tech-savvy a small business may be and how eager they are to “get with the times.”
Do Small Businesses Need to Worry About It?
Many small businesses are not adept or fully knowledgeable on the concept of NFC and mobile payments. Because of this, they will most likely ignore it and give it little thought even as other businesses and companies begin implementing the system.
However, this goes back to our previous point – not implementing Apple Pay when competitors roll out the technology can cause potential issues. Restaurants, retailers, concert and event venues can all benefit from Apple Pay and other NFC payment systems. The payment method is secure and fast, two key components that have the potential to make the technology takeoff. Many Apple Pay users will want to use it as their primary method of payment going forward. Being unable to do so at a store might have them searching elsewhere.
Of course, Apple Pay is not for every small business, but it is certainly convenient for some (and borderline essential for others). If you are a retailer consider the benefits of adding Apple Pay

2. or other NFC payment options in your store. It could be the key to setting yourself apart from your competitors.
About the Author
WEBii.net is an 18 year old website development company in Austin, TX. We specialize in creating custom websites, e-commerce sites, and SEO marketing campaigns for businesses and non-profits in Austin and across the country. If you are considering a new website or want to improve your current site’s visibility in search engines, contact WEBii today.