Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Virtual Terminal by Square VS Shopify Tap & Chip Reader

Compare Virtual Terminal by Square VS Shopify Tap & Chip Reader and see what are their differences

Virtual Terminal by Square logo Virtual Terminal by Square

Accept payments on your computer

Shopify Tap & Chip Reader logo Shopify Tap & Chip Reader

Mobile POS hardware that connects to the rest of Shopify
  • Virtual Terminal by Square Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-04
  • Shopify Tap & Chip Reader Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-09

Virtual Terminal by Square features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    The Square Virtual Terminal allows users to process payments directly from a web browser without additional hardware, making it user-friendly and accessible for businesses of all sizes.
  • No Monthly Fees
    Square doesn't charge any monthly fees for using their Virtual Terminal, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses concerned about budget.
  • Quick Setup
    The setup process for Square's Virtual Terminal is straightforward and can be completed quickly, enabling businesses to start accepting payments with minimal delay.
  • Comprehensive Dashboard
    The platform offers a robust backend dashboard that provides tools for reporting, sales tracking, and customer management, helping businesses stay organized and informed.
  • Secure Transactions
    Square provides secure payment processing, ensuring that both businesses and their customers are protected during transactions.

Possible disadvantages of Virtual Terminal by Square

  • Transaction Fees
    Square charges a per-transaction fee, which, though competitive, could accumulate to significant costs for businesses with a high volume of low-value transactions.
  • Limited Offline Capability
    The Virtual Terminal requires internet access to process payments, which might be a drawback for businesses that need to operate in environments with unreliable connectivity.
  • Basic Customization
    While effective, the Virtual Terminal offers limited options for customization, which might be a limitation for businesses looking for a more tailored payment solution.
  • Potential Account Holds
    Some users report issues with account holds, where funds may be temporarily inaccessible, which could impact cash flow for certain businesses.
  • Requires Manual Entry
    Payments must be manually entered into the Virtual Terminal, which could be time-consuming for businesses that handle a large number of transactions daily.

Shopify Tap & Chip Reader features and specs

  • Portability
    The Shopify Tap & Chip Reader is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use in various locations.
  • Ease of Use
    The reader features a straightforward setup process, allowing merchants to quickly start accepting payments without complicated procedures.
  • Integration with Shopify POS
    It seamlessly integrates with the Shopify POS system, providing a streamlined experience for Shopify users.
  • Support for Multiple Payment Methods
    The device accepts both chip cards and contactless payments (like Apple Pay and Google Pay), offering customers multiple payment options.
  • Affordable Pricing
    The Tap & Chip Reader is priced competitively, making it an economical choice for small businesses.

Possible disadvantages of Shopify Tap & Chip Reader

  • Limited Compatibility
    The reader is predominantly designed for use within the Shopify ecosystem, which may limit its utility for merchants using other platforms.
  • Dependence on Mobile Devices
    It requires a compatible smartphone or tablet to operate, potentially limiting its usability in scenarios where these devices are not available.
  • Battery Life
    The Tap & Chip Reader operates on battery power, requiring regular charging which could disrupt operations if not managed properly.
  • No Printed Receipts
    The reader does not provide the option to print physical receipts, relying solely on digital receipt options.
  • Internet Connectivity Requirement
    To process payments, it needs an internet connection, which can be a drawback in areas with unstable connectivity.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Virtual Terminal by Square and Shopify Tap & Chip Reader)
Payments
100 100%
0% 0
Online Payments
25 25%
75% 75
Fintech
36 36%
64% 64
Productivity
26 26%
74% 74

User comments

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing Virtual Terminal by Square and Shopify Tap & Chip Reader, you can also consider the following products

Stripe Elements - Beautiful, smart checkout flows 💳💸

Square Register - A fully integrated point of sale (POS) system 💰

Charge for Stripe - Accept payments directly on your phone, quickly and easily

Stripe Terminal - The programmable point-of-sale solution 💳🛠️

The new Mollie - Clever payment products for great companies of all sizes.

Square for Restaurants - Full service at full speed