Attended vs Unattended Payment Kiosks

Self-service payment kiosks are growing in popularity with customers, with 40% of customers preferring to use self-service kiosks over human contact based transactions. Research has shown that by adding self-service, businesses could see a saving of $1-3 million in operational costs.

There are multiple different types of payment, from the ‘old school’ cash, to the modern Apple Pay and Bitcoin. POS transactions within retailers must adapt to the preferences of users, the majority of which prefer to use self-service kiosks when given the option.

While being asked whether your business requires an attended or unattended payment terminal may sound daunting, the two options are relatively straight forward, but require different payment solutions depending on the result.

What is an attended payment terminal?

An attended payment terminal is where the sales assistant will activate the transaction. This means that the payment terminal can be passed or is facing the customer at the point of sale, whether it’s a wireless pin pad, or continuously charged.

Attended payments can be seen in retail environments at manned tills and in restaurants where the waiting staff will bring a portable pin pad for the customer to use at their table.

Summary: Attended payment terminals are reliant on a member of staff being present to activate the transaction.

What is an unattended payment terminal?

An unattended self-service payment terminal is where the customer will activate the transaction. This means that the payment devices need to be securely enclosed and tamper proof for a secure self-service solution.

Unattended payments can be seen in train stations, car parks and vending machines and other temperamental environments due to the fact that they are IP 65 rated, and are therefore suitable for all weather types, and users. They are far more secure, but cost more.

Summary: Unattended payment terminals are for environments where there will not be a member of staff to assist the transaction. The customer instead will be the one to activate the payment.

Contactless

With the rise in contactless applications, it’s worth noting that kiosks which only offer contactless payments are only allowed on vending machines and car parks. The rest of the time contactless payment must be offered alongside pin and chip readers. This is for security reasons, as occasionally you may be asked to provide your pin after multiple payments, or if other security reasons alongside the contactless application.

Which do you need?

The primary question businesses need to ask is whether they intend for their payment terminals to be manned at all times, or to be completely self-service.

It is also worth noting that the final decision is ultimately made by your business’ financial gateway or payment handler. They will be able to advise as to whether you require an attended or unattended payment terminal and is therefore advisable to speak to them first.

For more information regarding attended and unattended payment terminals talk to imageHOLDERS. Please call us on 01202 892 863 (UK) or +1 877 450 2172 (US) for more information and to discuss your requirements. Alternatively, email [email protected].