By Business & Finance 
Square was founded in 2009 to solve a widespread issue for small and medium businesses (SMBs) that were unable to accept credit card payments. Their initial hardware offering allowed these businesses to process card transactions using a smartphone.
By Héloïse Chaudot
Co-founder Jim McKelvey created Square after he lost a sale because the customer couldn’t pay with his card. Realising this, he understood that if he experienced this issue, millions of other SMBs were facing it too.
To tackle this problem, Square initially created a stamp-sized terminal that plugged into an iPhone’s audio jack, thus offering SMBs a simple method for processing card payments.
Point of sale
A POS is a simple electronic point of sale that enables businesses to manage their payments, sales, records, inventories, and much more.
Square provides free POS for businesses, with minimal setup. In addition, a restaurant can use the company’s POS, so that workers can take orders that go directly to the kitchen.
Orders can be taken on the card terminal or from the Square register. Square’s own POS system works with all Square’s hardware.
Hardware lineup
Square provides a range of hardware that adapts to each business owner’s needs.
The new Square Handheld
Square recently launched a portable POS, made to enable operations everywhere.
With its built-in camera, this device allows workers to scan items to do their inventories. Additionally, it contains a built-in card slot to allow payments wherever needed.
The software also enables managing appointments within the device. Square Handheld is available for €199 + VAT.
Square terminal
It allows payments and receipts to be made and printed with this all-in-one compact card machine.
Square register
The Square register is a complete POS. It features a two-way responsive screen: one side for customers, allowing them to pay and securely enter their PIN, and the other side for workers to manage orders, transactions, inventory, insights, and more.
The register doesn’t require a monthly subscription. Businesses are to pay only 1.75% + VAT for all chip and PIN and contactless payments.
Square kiosk
Customers can order directly from this self-serving ordering kiosk. Created to shorten waiting times and queues, this device allows business owners to have faster sales. This kiosk is available for €119 + VAT. Software and the iPad are sold separately.
Overall, Square provides SMBs with both hardware and software that are not only easy to set up and use but also designed to streamline daily operations. By combining simplicity with functionality, it helps businesses manage payments, sales, inventories, and orders more efficiently. As a result, SMBs can focus less on administrative hassles and more on growing their business and serving their customers effectively.
