For local businesses in the music industry, accepting payments swiftly and securely is a necessity. Whether you’re selling instruments or offering music lessons, your payment processor plays a significant role in your success. That’s why selecting the right credit card and payment processing software is crucial. The good news is, we’ve done the legwork for you. Here’s our pick of the 10 best credit card and payment processing tools specifically tailored for music stores, brought to you by Podium.
1. Podium Payments
Podium Payments makes getting paid easier, quicker, and more convenient. This solution lets you gather reviews, generate high-quality leads, and centralize customer data to improve your customer experience. You can turn your phone into a card reader for fast, secure, and easy payments.
There is undeniable value in using text-to-pay, keeping payments, transactions, and customer communications in the same thread, and saving time for both your business and your customers. Podium Payments has advanced fraud protection and accepts all major payment options while enabling you to offer financing, subscriptions, and “Buy Now Pay Later” options.
2. Square
Square is a popular payment processing tool that harmonizes well with the needs of a music store. It provides an extensive merchant suite of hardware and software tools to help manage every aspect of your business.
Its seamless integration with popular POS systems is a treat—perfect for music stores that need to manage an inventory of various instruments, sheet music, and accessories. Plus, their transparent pricing structure is helpful for businesses just starting out.
3. PayPal
PayPal offers an easy way to accept payments. With this tool, you can accept all major credit cards, send invoices, and track cash payments, all from one easy-to-use app.
We suggest PayPal for its versatility. It’s especially helpful for music stores offering layaways or rent-to-own options for expensive musical instruments.
4. Clover
Clover is a robust payment processing device with a variety of hardware options that are perfect for various storefront configurations. They also offer a virtual terminal for in-store or over-the-phone payments.
With their expansive range of potential integrations and retail-friendly features, Clover’s a great fit for music stores looking to grow and diversify their overall operations.
5. Stripe
Stripe is a comprehensive payment processor with advanced development and customization options. It comes with a host of technologies for businesses beefing up their ecommerce muscles.
Stripe is ideal for music stores that harbor ambitious plans for scaling online while maintaining sophistication in their operations.
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6. Shopify
Shopify allows you to seamlessly accept credit card payments online, in person, and even over the phone. This platform is more than a payment processor—it’s also a complete ecommerce platform.
Music stores that have a solid online presence (or intend to build one) should take advantage of Shopify’s multifunctional platform.
7. FreshBooks
FreshBooks integrates payment processing with accounting functionalities, helping you keep all your financial data in one place. They take pride in offering transparent, low-cost fees for businesses.
With ease of payment, invoice management, and reconciliation, FreshBooks works wonders for music stores aiming for efficient bookkeeping.
8. Authorize.net
Authorize.net provides a secure platform to accept payments anywhere—online, in-person, or via mobile devices. It processes transactions quickly and offers a host of tools for fraud prevention.
If fraud prevention ranks high on your needs list, Authorize.net is a great option.
9. Chase Merchant Services
Chase Merchant Services, from the multinational bank Chase, provides reliable and secure credit card processing services that are suitable for businesses of all sizes.
It’s particularly beneficial for music stores that already bank with Chase due to its seamless integration with existing accounts.
10. QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online simplifies payment processing by integrating with accounting software. With its mobile card reader and online invoicing, it makes facilitating and tracking payments easy.
Thanks to its robust financial management features, QuickBooks is a strong contender for music stores desiring higher-order financial management while managing payments.
Get Started
Choosing the best payment processor depends on your store’s unique needs. Opt for one that matches your operational style, provides the necessary hardware and software, and enhances the shopping experience for your customers. With these top 10 payment processors, you now have every tool you need to fine-tune your music store operations for success. Head to Podium to learn more about how we can assist your local business.
