Accepting cards in person.
WHAT A TERMINAL DOES
Reads the card, communicates with the acquirer, and produces a record.
WHAT THE CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS ARE
Mobile data Wireless network Fixed line
WHY MOBILE DOMINATES LOCALLY
Fixed connectivity is limited, and terminals must be portable.
WHAT OFFLINE PROCESSING IS
Storing transactions when connectivity fails, submitting later.
WHAT IT RISKS
Transactions failing on submission, after goods have been released.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether your terminal does this, and what the limits are.
WHAT SOFT POINT OF SALE IS
Accepting contactless cards on a standard phone, without a terminal.
WHY IT MATTERS
It removes hardware cost, which is the main barrier for small merchants.
WHAT AGENT NETWORKS PROVIDE
Cash-in and cash-out through local operators with terminals.
WHY THEY MATTER ENORMOUSLY HERE
They extend financial access where branches do not reach.
WHAT THE RISKS ARE
Agent fraud Cash management Liquidity at the agent Customer disputes over failed transactions
WHAT TO BUILD FOR AGENT OPERATIONS
Reconciliation per agent Float monitoring Clear dispute handling
