How to Accept Payments as a Mobile Beauty Pro
You’ve got your makeup kit packed, your hair styling equipment ready, and your client is already on board. But, how do you receive payment?
For mobile beauty professionals, the methods of making and receiving payments are different. You don’t have a fixed point of payments, and you may be working from clients’ homes, their hotel rooms, or even an outdoor area. Your payment methods must match your flexibility.
The good news is that all you need is a smartphone, an effective payment option, and a backup plan. Here are some tips for accepting payment as a mobile beauty pro.
Choose a Payment Method You Can Take Anywhere
Not only is it necessary for a method of payment to be easy to access wherever you might be, it also needs to be convenient to carry. A card reader that connects to a smartphone or tablet will allow you to accept payments via a credit or debit card without taking bulky equipment with you.
QR payments are also useful, as you can post your payment QR code on your phone or a card for your customer to scan. You don’t need to rely on a single payment method. You can combine a couple of options to give the customer a chance to choose.
Consider a Unified Payment Setup
As your business grows, you may find yourself juggling different tools. You could have a different tool for booking, another one for card processing, and one more for transferring funds. Having to track everything in a spreadsheet on your own is not very efficient.
It is best to find a payment provider that can become a single point of payment processing in your company. The best case is to have one system that can handle payments made in person, online, and through invoicing, so that you do not have to switch between different products.
An enterprise-grade payment acceptance solution can be worth considering if you want a more unified way to manage payments across different customer touch points. The best choice meets the requirements of your company, your budget, and the payment methods that your clients prefer.
Facilitate Quick Payments
Consider how frequently people use their cards or smartphones while buying things daily. Your beauty business can be equally convenient.
If your payment processor allows for contactless operations, check if your clients are able to pay by tapping their cards, phones, or smart watches. With contactless operations, you can avoid handling cash or waiting for someone to complete a bank transfer.
Contactless payments especially come in handy when you deal with numerous clients during events. When there are many clients in line, you want payment to take seconds rather than several minutes.
Require a Deposit When Necessary
When you’re a mobile beauty professional, a booking entails much more than simply meeting with your client. You might have to drive, prepare equipment, take several hours off your schedule, or forgo receiving a different client. That’s why it makes sense to ask for a deposit.
You can ask your client to pay a deposit upon booking, and make the rest of the payment later. This works especially in cases of bridal make-up, big events, or when you have to travel a distance to meet with the client.
Your booking software can take care of receiving the deposit, so you don’t have to worry about collecting the money from the client. Be sure to explain your deposit and cancellation policies well before the appointment.
Build a Payment System That Fits Your Beauty Business
Being a beauty professional and working on the move means the payment setup must simplify your life and not create an additional headache. Start by getting a solid payment method. A card reader or contactless system is a good option.
Ensure that you have a backup payment method and always ask for a deposit when dealing with appointments. The most important point is to create a simple but reliable payment experience for your customers. They should complete their appointment, pay you, receive their receipt, and then proceed with their day.
