How To Encourage Customers to Use Contactless Payment?

Contactless payment has revolutionized the way we conduct transactions. It allows customers to make payments without physical contact between their payment method and the merchant’s point-of-sale (POS) system. 

This payment type is often completed using near-field communication (NFC) technology embedded in credit cards, smartphones, or other devices. With a simple tap, a transaction is completed—quickly, efficiently, and securely.

Contactless payment has gained immense importance as the world becomes more conscious of health and safety, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Businesses and consumers are exploring its benefits, but some customers still need to be more hesitant to embrace this technology. 

Encouraging customers to use contactless payment can help businesses thrive in the new normal.

This article explores the various advantages of contactless payment and effective strategies for encouraging its adoption. You’re in the right place if you’re wondering how to encourage customers to use touchless payments.

Advantages of Contactless Payment

Contactless payment has quickly become a popular choice for businesses and customers. Its rapid adoption can be attributed to its numerous advantages. 

Let’s explore some key benefits that make contactless payment appealing and why businesses should encourage its use.

1. Speed and Convenience

Contactless payment is known for its speed and ease of use. With just a simple tap of a card or mobile device on a point-of-sale (POS) terminal, customers can complete transactions in seconds, significantly reducing time spent in line. 

This quick process augments customer experience, making it especially valuable in high-traffic locations like supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, and transportation hubs. 

Contactless payment eliminates the need to handle cash or wait for change, offering a smooth experience. 

This efficiency allows businesses to serve more customers, improving overall satisfaction and throughput.

2. Hygiene and Safety

Contactless payment significantly reduces the need for physical contact between customers and employees, which has become increasingly important in a world concerned about health and safety. 

This approach was especially crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it minimized the risk of virus transmission by eliminating the need to exchange cash or touch shared surfaces. 

Even at regular times, fewer touchpoints contribute to a cleaner and more hygienic environment. To promote a safer shopping experience, businesses should explore strategies for encouraging customers to use touchless payments. 

This supports public health efforts and improves customer confidence in their shopping experience.

3. Enhanced Customer Experience

Customers value convenience and contactless payment provides precisely that. By reducing friction during transactions, contactless payment creates a smoother customer journey. 

This is especially true when contactless payment systems are linked with digital wallets and mobile apps, allowing customers to track their spending in real time. 

Additionally, these platforms often offer features like earning rewards and receiving personalized offers, which can further encourage their use. 

With this increased convenience and added benefits, businesses can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customer feedback shows that customers who use contactless payments are more likely to have a positive experience. 

Given these advantages, it’s worth exploring how to encourage customers to use contactless payment to develop overall satisfaction. 

Strategies for Encouraging Contactless Payment

With the benefits of contactless payment in mind, the next step is to understand how to encourage customers to use contactless payment more frequently. 

By implementing specific strategies, businesses can create an environment that promotes contactless methods while offering customers a textbook experience. 

This section explores practical approaches to motivate customers and increase the adoption of contactless payments.

1. Promotions and Incentives

One effective strategy for encouraging customers to use contactless payment is through promotions and incentives. 

By providing tangible rewards, businesses can motivate customers to choose contactless methods over traditional payment forms. 

For example, a coffee shop might offer a free drink after a customer makes several contactless purchases. Similarly, a grocery store could discount the total bill for those who use touchless payments.

These incentives create a win-win situation. Customers get rewarded for using a faster, more convenient payment method, while businesses benefit from reduced transaction times and increased throughput. 

Additionally, these promotions can make customers feel valued, strengthen their sense of loyalty, and encourage them to return for future purchases. 

This approach can significantly boost the adoption of contactless payments when done consistently.

2. Accessibility and Convenience

To encourage contactless payment adoption, businesses must ensure that it’s accessible and convenient for customers. 

This involves equipping all point-of-sale (POS) systems with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the backbone of contactless transactions.

Additionally, staff members should be well-trained to guide customers through the process, providing reassurance and clarity when needed.

Businesses can also increase accessibility by placing clear digital signage that indicates contactless payment is accepted. This simple step can make customers feel more at ease, knowing they can pay without physical contact. 

3. Integration with Loyalty Programs

Incorporating contactless payment with loyalty programs can be a game-changer for businesses that encourage touchless payment adoption. 

Customers are more inclined to use contactless methods when they can earn rewards or points with each transaction. 

Offering unique incentives and gathering data for personalized marketing are critical components of strategies for encouraging customers to use touchless payments effectively. 

By creating exclusive offers for contactless payment users, such as extra loyalty points or discounts, businesses can drive repeat business and encourage long-term customer loyalty.

Moreover, by incorporating loyalty programs with contactless payments, businesses can collect valuable customer data, which is crucial for developing personalized promotions. 

This tailored approach improves the overall customer experience and strengthens the relationship between the business and its customers.

4. Utilizing Cash Deposit Machines for Transition

For customers who are accustomed to using cash, the idea of transitioning to contactless payment can be intimidating. Offering cash deposit machines is one effective way to facilitate this transition. 

These machines allow customers to deposit their cash into their accounts, giving them the flexibility to use contactless payment methods for subsequent transactions. 

This approach provides a bridge for customers to move away from cash without feeling forced or alienated.

By making cash deposit machines readily accessible, businesses can gradually encourage customers to adopt contactless payment options. 

It’s a gentle way to introduce customers to the benefits of contactless technology while allowing them to maintain comfort with traditional cash-based methods.

5. Implementing Self-Service Kiosks

Implementing self-service kiosks with contactless payment options is another effective strategy for driving adoption. 

These kiosks offer a user-friendly experience, allowing customers to control their transactions without staff assistance. 

Particularly beneficial in environments such as fast-food restaurants, self-service kiosks enable customers to place orders and make payments independently. 

By offering this convenient option, businesses can align the checkout process, reduce wait times, and boost overall customer satisfaction. 

This approach not only encourages the use of contactless payment but also aligns with the growing trend towards self-service solutions in various industries.

Case Studies

1. Aiding Contactless Payment with Wavetec’s Solutions

LINK, a sportswear discount pop-up store in Singapore, needed a way to manage customer flow and ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines safely. 

Wavetec, through its distributor IRMCS, implemented a virtual queue management system that encouraged customers to use contactless payment.

Customers could book appointments and join virtual queues via QR codes, reducing wait times and physical contact. Staff used Wavetec’s Lobby Leader Application to manage customer flow, while WhatsApp Queuing provided real-time updates. 

This approach adheres to safety protocols and adds to the overall customer experience.

LINK’s feedback was positive. It praised Wavetec’s user-friendly system for its perfect integration and effectiveness in encouraging contactless payment and reducing wait time.

2. Encouraging Contactless Payment at Thrive Dispensaries

Thrive Dispensaries, owned by MariMed, faced challenges with long wait times and inefficient customer journeys. 

Wavetec’s queue management solution helped solve these problems by integrating effortlessly with Thrive’s POS system.

The fundamental changes included installing LCD customer display units (CDUs), implementing the Donatello Digital Signage Solution, and combining the digital queuing system through an API. These adjustments improved customer flow and minimized wait times, developing the overall customer experience.

By adopting Wavetec’s queue management system, Thrive Dispensaries reorganized the customer journey, leading to a more contactless experience. 

The transformation improved staff productivity, reduced operational costs, and increased customer satisfaction.

Final Words

Contactless payment is not just a trend; it’s the future of transactions. As businesses strive to create a smooth and safe customer experience, understanding how to encourage customers to use contactless payment becomes essential. 

Various strategies, from offering promotions and incentives to integrating loyalty programs, can make touchless payments more appealing to customers.

By implementing these strategies, businesses can enjoy the benefits of speed, safety, and enhanced customer experience while customers gain a more convenient and enjoyable way to pay. 

So, if you’re looking to improve your bank’s customer experience at ATMs or retail environments, accepting contactless payment is a smart move. It’s time to tap into the future.