4 tips for mobile credit card processing at trade show events

There are multiple reasons why any business owner would exhibit at a trade show, but the main goals are typically to increase brand awareness, network with colleagues and potential customers, and generate more sales.

If you plan to sell your products or services at your booth, you could just accept cash or checks, but both of those options come with challenges.

• Half of consumers don’t carry cash, and those who do usually only have $20 or less on them.¹

• Checks take several days to clear and could be fraudulent.

Using mobile credit card processing at trade shows lets you securely accept and authorize payments and even send email receipts, all in the palm of your hand.

Preparing to make sales at a trade show is key to having a smooth event and improving your return on investment (ROI). Before you head off to your next show, be sure to consider these following tips:

1. Keep your phone or tablet fully charged.

As you’ll be processing charges via your smartphone or tablet, it’s imperative to keep the device fully charged. Most booth spaces come with an electrical outlet. Be sure to bring an extension cord or power strip, or consider renting a charging table from the show’s furniture rental service. Not only does this allow you to keep your devices powered up, but your patrons can stop by and charge their phones, too, providing an opportunity to form a potential sales relationship while they wait.

Also, you’ll need a secure internet or data connection. Explore these options:

• Check with your cell provider on coverage if you’re traveling outside of your local area
  
• Consult the exhibitor manual for secure Wi-Fi or internet access
  
• Bring a trusted hotspot device

2. Train your employees in advance.

A busy day at the trade show is no time to start learning how to process payments using your mobile merchant account. Make sure that all of the people who will be working the booth know how to process payments, issue refunds, and send receipts.

3. Let customers know.

Having the capability to process credit card payments easily at the trade show is great, but you need to make the attendees aware of this service if you want to reap the benefits. Consider having a professional sign made that tells customers they can buy your products right at your booth — and they don’t need to have cash on hand!

Additionally, send an email blast to your customers alerting them of your presence at the show and your mobile credit card processing capabilities. Don’t forget to post about it on your social media channels, too.

4. Order extra inventory.

If this is your first event using mobile credit card processing, you may be surprised at just how much merchandise you can move when you make paying easy. Consider ordering more inventory for the show than you normally would.

Do you need mobile processing for your next trade show?

If you plan to sell your products or services at your next trade show event and want a simple and secure way to accept credit card payments on the go, contact us today for a free consultation.

The external hyperlinks were provided for informational purposes only. Please contact each company directly to obtain additional information as Clover does not assume any responsibility or liability for any information and communications shown here and on any third party web links.

1 “More Americans say they don’t carry cash,” CNBC, 15 January 2019

Editorial Team

Mobile, Payments & processing, SMB

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