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The
solution allows low cost items to be paid for by pressing
a debit card to the item. Visa will trial contactless
payment initially in the London area with technology
installed in fast-food outlets, newsagents and coffee
shops. Depending on the success of the trial the system
may see full rollout by the end of late next year.
“This is the next wave of retail technology
and one that will certainly enhance customer satisfaction,”
says Phil Chapman, director of sales at Matra Systems.
“It is likely that within a few years this will
be in most UK retail outlets and will become as normal
as the Oyster Card on London Transport or self-checkouts.
“There is no doubt it will mean purchasing low
cost items will become easier and that the ROI for
retailers should be substantial as they improve customer
satisfaction leading to customer retention and reduced
cash handling, which in turn reduces costs.”
However, Chapman does warn that, as with all new technology,
there has to be careful consideration of the potential
risks involved. “Security will be the primary
talking point in most retailers’ boardrooms
over this form of payment,” he says. “It
can only be successful if it is fully protected and
securely implemented in stores, otherwise there is
a danger of actually losing money through misuse and
security breaches.” |
