How to use Apple Pay as a business owner?

When it comes to contactless payments, using a mobile device is among the top preferred options in the UK.

For those using an iOS device or Apple devices like the Apple Watch or iPhone, using the Apple wallet for shopping is quick, easy, and convenient. 

In the following sections, we’ll review what it takes to use Apple Pay as a business owner. We’ll briefly cover how Apple Pay works, how you can become a business that takes contactless payments from shoppers using Apple Pay, and how you can use this payment option to conduct business purchases.

How to set up Apple Pay in your business?

One of the most important things to understand if you want to use Apple Pay as a business is that you’ll need to be able to accept credit card payments first.  

Once this requirement is covered, you’ll need to take the following steps to set up Apple Pay in your business. 

Invest in an NFC-enabled payment terminal

Apple Pay relies on Near-Field Communication technology (NFC) to work properly. NFC technology, in short, allows communication between two separate electronic devices through a wireless connection. 

In order to start accepting Apple Pay as a business, you’ll have to invest in a payment device that is created to support this technology. Analyse your existing payment terminal to see if it currently supports NFC technology, and if not, invest in a new card machine that will meet your new requirements. 

Get your reader ready and enable your account

After you’ve installed a reliable NFC-based terminal, it’s time to enable your account for Apple Pay.

You can do so by getting in touch with the terminal supplier. In some cases, you’ll be required to provide bank account details and merchant information. 

Don’t forget to test your card reader to ensure it accepts Apple Pay successfully.

Link your terminal with an online payment gateway 

Once your terminal is set up, connect it to your payment gateway to accept Apple Pay in-store and online.

Prepare your staff

Next, you’ll need to ensure your staff is trained to accept this payment method at your business. 

It’s key that you train your staff to understand Apple Pay from both a business and a customer perspective. 

In some situations, they may be asked to help shoppers use their wallet app or perhaps even set up their mobile wallet to complete the purchase. 

We go into more detail about training your staff later in this article. 

Inform shoppers on how to use their devices with the reader

Finally, you must educate shoppers on using their Apple Pay with your reader.

First, make sure that you’ve made it clear that you enable Apple Pay at your business. You can do this by positioning an Apple Pay icon or logo around your payment counters or checkout page (for online shops). An Apple Pay button is a must on your checkout to enable shoppers to select this payment method to complete their purchases. 

Using Apple Pay for business purchases (as a business owner)

If you’re planning to use Apple Pay for business purchases as a business owner, there are a few steps to consider.

First, you’ll need to set up your Apple Pay and link it to your Apple ID on your devices, including iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, or MacBooks.

Here’s how to complete this based on the type of device you have:

• iPhone or iPad – Open Apple Wallet and click on the plus sign to add a card. Provide your business credit or debit card details, such as card number, name, security code, expiration date, and more. You can also store your shipping address to avoid manually inputting this data on each purchase.
  
  You can add a different card if you want to have multiple payment cards at hand. Although you’ll have a default card, you can switch between options whenever necessary.
  
  Click on the “Transaction Defaults” menu and follow the instructions on the screen to select the default payment card you want to use. Next, you’ll need to verify your card with your bank or card issuer before paying online or in-store with Apple Pay.
  
• Apple Watch – Open the Apple Watch application on your iPhone and visit the “My Watch” tab. Select “Wallet & Apple Pay” and add your card in a way that is similar to the previous example.
  
  Just like on an iPhone or iPad, you’ll need to select the debit or credit cards you want to use and add them to your wallet. You can have transit cards but can also choose a default one to use when paying automatically.
  
• MacBook – Open up System Preferences on your Mac and then on the expand menu button to discover “Wallet & Apple Pay”. Select “Add Card” and go through the process.

Once you’ve completed the setup process, you can use your Apple Pay online and in-store to finalise business purchases. 

You’ll need to ensure you’re shopping with Apple Pay stores that accept this method for in-store shopping. Look for the Apple Pay logo or a contactless payment symbol. 

When you’re ready to make your purchase, you’ll need to take the following steps:

• Choose Apple Pay as your payment method;
• Double press, double tap, or double-click the side button on your phone and wait for Face ID or Touch ID verification. Make sure your device is positioned near the contactless reader, and remember that a gentle tap is more than enough. 
• For iPhones with a Touch ID, hold your finger on the Touch ID button or sensor.
• For Apple Watch users, double-click the side button to ensure the watch is close to the reader. 

The beauty of an Apple Pay payment is that you don’t have to have a physical card on you to complete your purchase. Your credit and debit cards are automatically stored within your wallet, similar to other alternatives like Google Pay.

If you’re uncertain about whether you should use Apple Pay as a payment method, remember that several Apple Pay secure measures are put in place to prevent fraud risks.  

It’s worth noting that you can also send and receive money with Apple Cash. You can use this feature by opening the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad and starting a new conversation or performing just a tap on an existing one.

Click on the plus sign and select “Apple Cash”. Next, enter the amount you want to send and click “Send”. Double-click on the side button to complete the transaction and go through the verification process. 

You can also take advantage of the Apple Card – a credit card you can use to purchase with Apple as the card issuer. 

What hardware do you need to accept Apple Pay?

As noted above, the main piece of hardware that you need to invest in to accept Apple Pay as a business is an NFC-enabled terminal.

However, you’ll also need a Point-of-Sale (POS) software solution, internet connectivity, a merchant account, and a receipt printer, which is not obligatory. 

How do you train your staff to use Apple Pay?

Implement a structured approach to educating your staff on Apple Pay and ensure they are trained to use it.

Ensure they understand how NFC-enabled payment terminals work and that they know the contactless reader’s location on the terminal. 

Run through a real-life scenario of shoppers initiating purchases using Apple Pay. Go through the whole process, including the sale from start to finish, the conversation with the customer, the authentication process, and more. 

Inform your staff on some of the most common issues and troubleshooting related to Apple Pay. 

For example, some of the frequently seen challenges are related to:

• Device not detected;
• Payment unsuccessful;
• Inability to use Apple Pay.

By helping your staff have an answer to any situation, you’re ensuring that they’ll provide exceptional customer service to your shoppers. 

How much does it cost to accept Apple Pay?

When calculating the costs associated with accepting Apple Pay, you need to factor in the investment in payment terminals, the transaction fees, and the payment processor fees. 

In addition, depending on the type of business and structure you have in place, setup and maintenance costs can accumulate. 

The good thing about Apple Pay is that there are no extra fees for businesses. All you have to consider is the traditional credit card payment processing costs. 

How do you let your customers know you accept Apple Pay?

To encourage consumers to use Apple Pay at your business, you must clearly state that you support this payment solution.

For instance, display the Apple Pay symbol near the point of sale or, even better – position decals or signs near your entrance points or windows. 

Online, make sure the Apple Pay button appears at checkout and position the logo on your home page or in the header and footer sections. 

Conclusion

Apple Pay opens up new opportunities for business owners to offer convenience and flexibility. In a world where contactless payments dominate, failing to adjust your strategy with rising trends can cost you lost sales, a damaged reputation, and an inability to compete.

We hope that this article will help you take the following steps towards accepting Apple Pay as a business. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does your business accept Apple Pay?

As a business, you can accept Apple Pay in-store and online. You’ll need to set up and integrate NFC-enabled payment terminals with your POS system.

Is accepting Apple Pay costly?

No, compared to other payment solutions, Apple Pay is among the most affordable options as there are no extra transaction costs associated with accepting payments.

How can I let my customers know that they can pay with Apple Pay?

You can show your shoppers that you accept Apple Pay by positioning the Apple Pay symbol at key points in-store and adding an Apple Pay button on your website or online shop.