PointOfSale
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Hackers stole credit card data from Buckle stores' cash registers
If you shopped at Buckle in the past several months, you might want to check your financial statements -- the clothing store has confirmed a Krebs on Security report of a data breach. Intruders planted malware on the chain's cash register systems to steal credit card data between October 28th, 2016 and April 14th, 2017. The potential data loss is limited if you used a relatively secure chip-based card, but it's much worse if you relied on the magnetic stripe. The malware looked at stripe tracking data to collect names, card numbers and expiration dates.
Square's cash register app now handles your purchases worldwide
Square's Register app has done a lot to drag stores' payment systems into the modern era, but only in the US -- venture elsewhere and you've usually had to pay at a conventional (and often very limited) terminal. That might not hold true for much longer, since Square has just released a version of Register that works worldwide. The Android and iOS software now handles sales in 130 currencies, and communicates in French, Japanese and Spanish; if a tapas bar in Madrid wants to give you a digital receipt or ask for feedback, it can. It'll take a while for companies around the world to start using Register, but don't be surprised if you see it in action the next time you go on vacation.
Groupon lets merchants process cards, track customers with iPad-based Gnome
Gone are the days when restaurants and retailers needed to drop five figures for the privilege of tracking and ringing up customers. Square's Register app has been letting merchants process transactions with "cheap" consumer hardware since 2012, and now Groupon's reinforcing its own position in the point of sale game with a new iPad-based solution. Gnome, which is expected to cost merchants $10 per month, will let customers redeem their Groupons via Bluetooth, or simply by providing their name at checkout. Customers can receive email or printed receipts, and they can pay entirely with cash or a credit card whenever they're not redeeming a voucher. The company plans to move all merchants over to Gnome within the next few months, so expect a more streamlined Groupon experience soon.
Square's Pickup app streamlines ordering take-out in San Francisco
If you thought ordering a new shirt from Uniqlo and grabbing it from the store 20 minutes later was rad, Square has something similar cooked up for your favorite restaurants. The outfit is demoing a new Android and iOS application called Pickup at a handful of San Francisco eateries, according to Priceonomics. With the app, Square is streamlining the food ordering process to a few taps on your smartphone: you choose an item from the menu, pay for it and then, well, pick it up. Given Square's popularity with small businesses (especially with competition from GoPago, GrubHub and OrderAhead), hopefully it isn't long before the outfit releases Pickup outside of NorCal.
FBI tells retailers to expect more credit card data theft
Don't think that the end of holiday shopping means an end to attempts to swipe your credit card data. The FBI is warning retailers that it expects these intrusion attempts to become more of a problem in the near future, particularly through malware that grabs account info from cash registers and credit card readers. It's not clear if these attackers have any specific stores in their crosshairs, but retail account security is undoubtedly a growing problem -- Neiman Marcus recently confirmed a breach that compromised 1.1 million customer cards, and Reuters hears that other companies have been victims. Paying with cash suddenly doesn't sound like such a bad idea. [Image credit: Roadsidepictures, Flickr]
Square's updated Register apps tout simpler interfaces, make it easy to tip
Both stores and their customers want to handle payments as quickly as possible, and Square has just updated its Register apps for Android and iOS to accommodate that need for retail speed. The new versions share a simpler, quicker interface that's designed around the typical flow of real-world transactions. They also seamlessly integrate tips -- guests can now reward their servers without interrupting the payment process. You likely won't need to download one of the updated apps for yourself, but you'll likely appreciate the time they save during your next lunch break.
Sprint lends its wireless knowhow to new iPad-based point-of-sale
Just in case your business hasn't adopted one of the multiple tablet-based payment systems that are out there already, Sprint and Vantiv, a merchant acquirer that offers payment processing services for retail, have come together for yet another option. Simply called Vantiv Mobile Checkout, the package includes an iPad, wireless connectivity thanks to Sprint, an encrypted credit card reader, a tablet stand, a cash drawer plus a receipt printer. As for the software, that's powered by NCR Silver, a company known for its iPad point-of-sale systems. The all-in-one deal is available through Sprint business channels at a reportedly "affordable startup cost," though we're not sure how much that is. Of course, scanners, Bluetooth printers and other accessories will cost extra. If your business could use a mobile option like this, head on over to the link to find out more.
PayPal announced integration with iPad point-of-sale maker Revel Systems
We're almost at the day where you won't have to carry cash or a card to pay for goods and services. Surely you've used Square at a farmer's market, coffee shop, or bookstore, but the payment market is expanding to card-free areas of commerce. PayPal has announced a partnership with Revel Systems, a business that provides point-of-sale platforms that use an iPad to process payments. While PayPal is currently pushing its own device, the Beacon, the company seems to understand its competitors have a bit of a head start. To close that gap PayPal has worked with point-of-sale services from Booker to Leaf to build its reach. Revel is just the latest such expansion. Revel Systems are used in stores for major retailers such as Dairy Queen, Popeye's, and Goodwill, and provide PayPal a massive potential new revenue source. Revel Systems CEO has this to day about the arrangement. The Revel Systems and PayPal relationship will be very impactful for the point-of-sale industry as a whole. PayPal is leading the trend of digital secure payments on the consumer level, and Revel is leading the way for the next generation of mPOS, creating a collaboration that is set to deliver a new experience to customers. For years people have been using PayPal to shop online, and the integration with Revel now brings the same convenience and security to brick and mortar retail and food establishments allowing consumers to pay on the go. Users will be able to pay into the Revel point-of-sale system with PayPal via their iOS or Android apps. This integration also introduces new time-saving features like the ability to order and pay for meals or products before you even head out to the store. The deal puts PayPal in more store fronts and helps promote businesses that use the Revel system by listing them in app as nearby retailers who accept PayPal. Revel currently has over 2,000 clients who use it's system.
Shopify announces iPad-centric POS system
Shopify has been around a while as an online storefront provider; one of the best stores for buying items that have made it out of Kickstarter and into production -- BiteMyApple.co -- is a good example of an online Shopify store. Now Shopify is making it possible for store owners to open physical storefronts to sell their wares with an iPad-based point-of-sale system called Shopify POS. A complete "store in a box" that includes a card reader, receipt printer, cash drawer, and mount for an iPad supplied by the store owner runs US$499. Should you not need the cash drawer, the price goes down to $399, and if you run a pop-up store (say, selling art at festivals or food products at a farmer's market), a system is available for just $149. If all you need is a card reader, which can be had for $19. There's also a $49 monthly fee, and a swipe rate of 2.1 to 2.5 percent depending on the Shopify plan used. The free Shopify POS iPad app is the key to the store, listing all of the products in a store and then providing a way for customers to pay for the goods. Receipts are either printed on-site or sent through email. The app gives store owners the ability to sell both online and in physical stores, managing inventory for both and providing the analytics to show what products are flying out the doors and which are collecting dust. Shopify POS is available today. [via MacRumors]
Shopify's integrated retail platform merges online and in-store sales (video)
Mobile payment options like Square have been a boon to small business owners, and now Shopify is looking to expand the potential of point of sale systems with its new platform. The company is branching out from its online retail roots by offering a way to merge in-store and internet sales with a combined inventory system. Shop owners can choose which items they want to sell online or in their brick and mortar stores, while the POS app synchronizes the process. Additionally, Shopify comes with an iPad-compatible credit card reader, email receipts and detailed analytics. If you're in the market for an integrated retail system, the expanded hardware kit might be worth checking out; it includes a cash drawer, iPad stand and receipt printer. For more information, check out the video after the break.
Heckler Design unveils attractive WindFall Cash Drawer for iPad point-of-sale systems (Updated)
For shopkeepers who want to keep their cash and receipts straight when they're using an iPad-based point-of-sale (POS) system, there are a few choices available for cash drawers. Back when Square announced the Business in a Box bundle, they company chose an iPad stand designed by Tempe, Ariz.-based Heckler Design. Now Dean Heckler and his team have announced availability of a full-fledged cash drawer. The WindFall Cash Drawer for iPad (Updated: will be part of a bundle priced at US$399) would look great in any store, and comes in black grey, grey white, bright red and hand-polished stainless steel. Heckler Design will be selling the WindFall Cash Drawer as part of its Modern Shop Hardware line, and store owners can also work with ShopKeep.com for a full point-of-sale solution that's an alternative to Square Register. As part of the bundle Heckler will sell, they're planning to include the new Star Micronics DK-AirCash wireless cash drawer controller and Star Micronics receipt printers. More info is included in the full press release below. Show full PR text Heckler Design Introduces a Sleek, Next-Generation Cash Drawer for iPad POS The WindFall Cash Drawer offers an innovative alternative to the traditional cash register PHOENIX (Aug. 6, 2013) – Heckler Design, a made-in-the-USA product design company, today introduced a stylish, modern alternative to the bulky, commonplace cash drawers currently available for tablet-based point-of-sale systems. The new Heckler Design WindFall Cash Drawer offers the smallest footprint and sleekest design of any cash drawer on the market today. The new drawer will be available to purchase through ShopKeep POS, a launch partner for the WindFall Cash Drawer. Made in the USA, it features heavy steel construction, an automatic drawer, innovative till layout, integrated mounting options, and compatibility with a variety of currencies. The drawer also integrates seamlessly with the WindFall stand for iPad, complete with secure mounting and cable management. WindFall Cash Drawer is a part of the WindFall Modern Shop Hardware collection by Heckler Design. It will be available in black grey, grey white, bright red, and hand-polished stainless steel. "The sheer size of the conventional cash register made them more of a barrier between the shop owner and customer and limited the ability to have a personal checkout experience," said Dean Heckler, founder of Heckler Design. "The WindFall Cash Drawer was designed to free up counter space, serve as a conversation piece, and deliver the best checkout experience possible. Now there is a sleek, aesthetically pleasing alternative to the traditional register." "Tablet-based point-of-sale has changed the look of the countertop forever, so it makes sense that the cash drawer should modernize too," said Jason Richelson, Founder and CEO of ShopKeep POS. "The WindFall Cash Drawer turns a functional piece of hardware into a stylish countertop design feature, following the same sleek lines as the classic WindFall iPad stand. "ShopKeep has been proud to offer Heckler Design products to our customers for almost two years. We were the first to sell the WindFall iPad stand, and we're excited to be the first to offer the WindFall Cash Drawer." This fall, in addition to its WindFall Modern Shop Hardware bundle, Heckler Design will offer a complete bundle for next-generation iPad-based point-of-sale, which will include the newly released Star Micronics DK-AirCash and Star Micronics receipt printers. The WindFall Cash Drawer will be available through ShopKeep POS with other popular point-of-sale solution providers to follow. It will also be available through www.HecklerDesign.com. About Heckler Design Heckler Design, known for its renowned OneLessDesk, creates beautifully simple, commercial-grade products for design-conscious consumers and businesses. Heckler Design's products currently include office furniture, desk accessories, iPad stands, and point-of-sale hardware. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Tempe, Ariz., all of Heckler Design's products are designed by Dean Heckler and made in America. More information is available at www.HecklerDesign.com. About ShopKeep POS The simplest way to make smarter business decisions, ShopKeep POS is the affordable, complete platform for running a shop from an iPad with real-time reporting on the web or from your smartphone. Backed by award-winning customer care, the ShopKeep POS iPad App rings sales, accepts card transactions and mobile payments, prints and emails receipts, and can print orders remotely to the kitchen. At only $49/month merchants can manage inventory, employees, and customers and view ClearInsight® Reports from any web browser. Find out more at www.shopkeep.com.
Heckler Design's iPad Cash Drawer brings minimalism to sales terminals
Carrying cash can be a drag, but it's often an even bigger nuisance for shopkeepers with iPad point-of-sale terminals. Because of a focus on swiping plastic, storage solutions for your dollar bills take a back seat. The WindFall Cash Drawer is Heckler Designs' stylish US-made option that, according to the company, offers the smallest footprint of any drawer currently available -- it's probably the brightest, too. Cash Drawer follows the aesthetics of the Arizona designer's other pieces; namely, heavy-duty steel construction, rounded corners and minimalist design. Is your storefront already rocking a WindFall stand for Apple's slate? Well, you're in luck, as the nouveau till sports a secure mounting and cable management system for it. Sure there's a slight bit of irony surrounding its current lack of pricing, but don't let that get you down. When it launches this fall, it'll be available exclusively from ShopKeep POS.
Square Stand credit card terminal to be sold at Apple Stores
Square is now in a partnership with Apple to bring its new Square Stands to Apple retail stores. The Square Stand will convert an iPad into a full point-of-sale system that pairs with cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners and credit card readers. The US$299 device begins shipping this week and will be available at the same time at Apple retail stores, Best Buy and other select retailers. The Square Stand only works with 2nd and 3rd generation iPads because of the 30-pin dock connector. A Lightning-connector model will be available later this year. [via Electronista]
Groupon launches Breadcrumb iPad app, vows to not be a typical POS
Yesterday, Groupon POS appeared in the iTunes Store, but was quickly pulled. Now we know why. Breadcrumb POS, which is the official name of yesterday's leaked point-of-sale iPad app, is now officially available, bringing a simple interface and a handful of financial incentives. The application, which can be downloaded for free, charges vendors a credit card processing fee of 1.8 percent plus 15 cents per transaction, assuming you're swiping plastic from MasterCard, Visa or Discover. In an effort to get small businesses signed up, however, Groupon is offering to cover the fees on the first $5,000 in credit card transactions, a savings of $90 by our calculations, plus whatever you'd be paying per swipe. The app enables you to log transactions, manage menu items and issue refunds, in addition to processing credit cards and emailing receipts. The POS uses Breadcrumb Payments for processing, with deposits posting within 24 hours, and can be paired with a card swiper and optional printer (you can email receipts if you'd prefer). There's also free 24/7 telephone support, should you run into any issues while using the system. Breadcrumb POS won't replace the more sophisticated Pro version, which is available starting at $99 per month, and retailers will still be able to use the Groupon Merchants App for redeeming vouchers and processing supplemental payments. If the new Breadcrumb POS sounds like a fit, snag some more info at the source link below.
Groupon POS builds upon Breadcrumb with simplified point-of-sale interface for iPad (update: pulled)
Last year, Groupon acquired Breadcrumb, a New York City-based startup known for its affordable iPad-based point-of-sale system. Now, a new Groupon-branded version of the tool, called POS, arrived in the iTunes store this morning, giving merchants a venue to process and track customer tabs, with a much simpler interface. The app, which appears to be a significantly dumbed-down version of Breadcrumb, is compatible with an optional cash drawer and printer, according to the iTunes listing, but doesn't appear to offer advanced management functionality, such as time sheets and advanced reports (though basic stats are tracked). Groupon POS is available for download now at the source link below -- subscription info is lacking, but based on the limited functionality here, we wouldn't be surprised to hear that it's free. Update: Groupon has pulled the app from iTunes pending a future launch of the POS product, which will be released under a different name.
Square updates Register app with a focus on restaurants
Millions of merchants across the US have embraced the Square Register app to accept credit card payments without the need for a merchant account, expensive equipment or high fees. Now Square has updated the free Register app with new features that target a fast-growing segment of Square's business -- restaurants. As you'll recall from a previous TUAW post, Square now sells a full point-of-sale system called "Business in a Box for Square Register" that includes a cash drawer, a couple of Square card readers and an iPad stand. A receipt printer is extra. Now the new update to the app allows order modifiers that make taking orders and serving food in restaurants a lot more efficient. Those order modifiers can be used to make a custom meal order for a customer. Want to hold the mayo and have extra bacon on that BLT? That's not a problem for the app to handle, and by placing a receipt printer into the kitchen the cooking staff sees the special order immediately. Restaurants are a huge and growing market for Square. The company says that the number of food-related businesses using Square has just about tripled and the amount of money processed by those establishments has more than quadrupled.
Microsoft posts Windows Embedded 8 Industry Release Preview
Windows 8 Embedded Industry is an almost unsung part of Microsoft's roadmap: it's a tightly managed release meant for factories and retailers who care most about reliable machines. If you've ever want to peek behind the curtain, though, you have a chance now that Microsoft has posted a Release Preview version of the OS for the public to try. We wouldn't recommend tossing regular Windows 8 aside if it's already installed; still, there's a handful of tricks within the Embedded Industry code that could make it palpable for curious users. It adds the same stylized apps and multi-touch input that you'd get from the desktop, plug-and-play peripherals and support for cloud services. We'll likely only ever see the finished Industry build when we're buying some cantaloupes, but those who hit the preview link will at least know what software is making the cash register hum.
Visa's V.me digital wallet service graduates from beta with 53 banks, 23 retailers on board
After roughly a year since its unveiling, Visa's digital payment platform V.me has emerged from beta with support from a total of 53 banks, including PNC and U.S. Bank, and 23 retailers. If V.me has escaped your memory thanks to the proliferation of electronic payment options, you'd be forgiven. For those in need of a refresher, the service lets users check out at participating online stores using a one-click solution that remembers credit card details from multiple providers (American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa) in addition to billing and mailing addresses. Visa's Global Head of eCommerce, Jennifer Schulz, told TechCrunch that the firm is planning on making mobile apps and bringing the service to checkout terminals next year. How does the company plan on standing out from the sea of options? Visa's banking on its brand-name and ability to spread the service far and wide. If V.me has piqued your interest, leap past the break to catch the full list of supported banks and retailers. [Image credit: Philip Taylor, Flickr]
Groupon launches Breadcrumb, officially enters the point-of-sale system market
A few months ago, Groupon quietly scooped up a New York-based startup by the name of Breadcrumb, which, back then, was presumably regarded as a sign of POS-related things to come from the deal-sharing company. Today, nearly five months after its snappy acquisition, Groupon's officially relaunching launching Breadcrumb, marking the outfit's formal entrance into the point-of-sale game with its own iPad-based system. Groupon says Breadcrumb will be a great choice for all business owners interested, thanks in large part to its "easy-to-use and affordable" POS iPad system -- one which will start off at $99 per month and will include an all-in-one Breadbox that packs all the necessary tools to get up and running, as well as handy 24/7 support from restaurant and bar geniuses. You can get a better feel for what Breadcrumb's all about in the video below -- and please, please don't forget to clean after yourself.
Daily Update for October 10, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen. Subscribe via RSS
