Easy iPhone payments boost B&B

Bed-and-breakfast owners are also turning to tech to solve customer frustrations and cut costs.

Small businesses such as B&Bs often find it impractical to install a credit card payment terminal, as the long-term contracts and associated fees introduce too much financial risk, yet they stand to lose business by not offering their customers the option of paying by credit card.

This was the problem facing Michael Pitchford, the owner of the Cherry Holme Bed and Breakfast in Cumbria. His answer was to turn his iPhone into a secure card payment terminal using Swedish service iZettle.

By using the iZettle app in tandem with dedicated credit card reader hardware, Pitchford can now take secure card payments via his iPhone and iPad.

The customers have been delighted with it, and many of them have commented on what a great idea it is

“Using iZettle has really helped us as a business,” says Pitchford. “The customers have been delighted with it, and many of them have commented on what a great idea it is.”

iZettle also enables users to email receipts to customers instantaneously, reducing paperwork. “Many customers, especially business ones, prefer emailed receipts,” Pitchford says. “That way, they don’t have to look after a small piece of paper and risk losing it before claiming expenses. iZettle also allows us to add a photo of our bed and breakfast to the receipt, giving it a more personal touch.”

There are no monthly fees or contracts; users pay a 2.75% fee to process each payment. No sensitive data is stored on the mobile device, and all data traffic is encrypted. iZettle is regulated by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.