Smartphone Mobile Payment Apps for Small Business

Smartphone applications that can help you boost sales, manage customer relationships and practically run your business are getting better and more plentiful by the day. And business owners are embracing these apps with gusto. Mobile payments – just one of the many functions your phone can perform – are expected to grow 50 percent annually over the next five years.

In this and future columns I’ll profile smartphone business apps that can help you: Complete credit card transactions; Manage customer information; Access documents; Complete and send business forms; Track your time; Capture and manage voice recording; Manage and track assets, inventory and employees; Track sales and assign tasks; Manage schedules and projects; Monitor patient care and services.

This post profiles three mobile apps for processing credit card payments on your smartphone.

Apriva Pay from AT&T ($19.95/month)

AprivaPay takes the software used in traditional credit card terminals and puts it on your mobile device, simplifying card transactions and transforming your phone into a powerful business tool. AprivaPay Professional lets you perform credit card transactions, both in or out of wireless coverage areas. With an optional card reader and printer peripheral device, you can enter keyed or swiped transactions at the point of sale.

wCharge Credit Card Terminal ($4.99 to $7.99 monthly)

With the wCharge Credit Card Terminal app you can process and refund credit cards using a mobile phone and a merchant account. Use your existing phone — no additional phone line or equipment is needed. Provides instant authorization, which helps avoid over-limit or other problems that can occur with manual-swipe devices. Good choice for mobile merchants such as painters, plumbers & home repairs, taxi/shuttle services, personal trainers, kiosk vendors, massage therapists and others. There’s no contract or hardware to buy. Subscriptions are month-to-month.

MediMobile from HCi Intelligence ($79.00 monthly)

This is a specialized app for healthcare providers. With MediMobile’s turnkey medical charge capture solution, medical providers are discovering a new way to manage patients, appointments and bills. MediMobile will integrate with hospital and billing systems, allowing for a seamless charge capture process. Access patient records, reports and collaborate on rounds with other providers from your handheld device or any internet enabled computer.

Business.com is the premier B2B online destination where millions of small business owners find the products, services and solutions they need for their businesses every day. You’ll find a full range of online payment and merchant account solutions to choose from.