Cash Collection: NCR Launches NCR Silver
- NCR is planning to launch NCR Silver –its new iPad or iPhone-based acceptance solution– next June. This tool may remind one on Square, Intuit or PayPal’s offers.
- The iPad with installed NCR Silver app is linked to the dedicated card reader using the port on the bottom of the device. The system is then controlled by the iPad and can wirelessly connect to a cash register and printer. The software allows for stock management and enables merchants to access various sales metrics: actions conducted over the past days and weeks, net sales, types of transactions, etc. The platform will cost 79 dollars per month.
- Customers agreeing to provide their e-mail address at the point of sale may also receive promotional offers based on their purchase history.
- NCR could take advantage of its network (telecom operators, retailers, banks, etc.) to deploy its new offer. The manufacturer acknowledges that implementation costs may be an investment for small merchants. It may then be working with banks on a dedicated loan, as well as with telecom operators (AT&T and Sprint) on adapted services.
Source: Fast Company
- NCR went for this cash collection mode after Square or PayPal, but disposes of the required internal resources and know-how to deploy its offer as well as of extensive distribution channels. Technical and on-site repairs support is also proposed.
- This evolution towards hybrid initiatives associating traditional POS devices and mobile tools (tablets, Smartphones, etc.) is of importance on the cash collection market. As these devices are less expensive to set up than “usual” ones they may be of interest for smaller merchants.
- PayPal, for its part carries on working on PayPal Wallet and benefits from its own card reader (PayPal Here). It is now set to challenge manufacturers and other developers (Square, Intuit, etc.). Square proposes “Pay With Square” (formerly Card Case) and has just launched Square Register, which –from the point of view of its final users– resembles NCR Silver. This app also displays sales metrics and binds card payment and customer reward at the point of sales. Finally, NCR may as well be discussing with Square on their respective approaches regarding their common market.