Cabbie David Mendoza reaches for his iPhone and plugs in a spiffy Square Reader to process a ride's fare.
"When customers see it, they either say 'What is that cool device?' or 'Hey, that's Square,' " says Mendoza, 32, who used to struggle with a bulky payment device that was slow to pay him and hard to store records on.
Within a week of using Square, Mendoza was sold on the device — as were his customers, many of whom would rather pay with a credit card instead of cash. "I wanted simple, and got it," says the cab driver.
Mendoza is one in a growing legion of devotees to Square, a credit card-processing company co-founded by Twitter inventor Jack Dorsey. Merchants nationwide have snapped up the small, white plastic device to quickly and inexpensively accept payments.
Despite a struggling economy, Square has found a lucrative niche among small businesses and is becoming a go-to fixture for a variety of companies — ranging from those hawking quirky goods to vendors at local farmers' markets. Even some Salvation Army bell ringers collect charitable donations via the Square Reader.
This year, Square, which makes its money by collecting transaction fees, has helped merchants process sales for $2 billion worth of luxury goods, such as jewelry, and for specialized services, such as massages and goodies at vegan-doughnut shops. The average purchase on Square: $75.
But Square faces formidable competitors and major hurdles to becoming a force with big retailers and corporations. "While Square is new, it's just facilitating a 50-year-old payment mechanism — mag-stripe cards," says Nick Holland, an analyst at market researcher Yankee Group.
Mobile-payment transactions are expected to nearly double this year, to $86.1 billion from $48.9 billion in 2010, according to market researcher Gartner. Worldwide mobile payment users, meanwhile, will swell 40%, to 141.1 million in 2011, from 102.1 million in 2010.
Others have taken note of the trend lines. Google is the latest company to jump into the fray, joining PayPal, Intuit and scores of others. "It is a gold rush," Holland says.
Since its device and app became available last year, Square has gained more than 800,000 customers, who typically pick up Square for free through the company's website, or with a rebate from retail stores including Apple, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Target and RadioShack.
Smaller businesses primarily use Square's small white plastic device, which plugs into the headphone jacks of mobile phones and tablets, to perform transactions.
The start-up has grown quickly by raising capital from the likes of Visa and venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and enlisting heavyweights such as Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla and former U.S. Treasury secretary Lawrence Summers to its board of directors.
When Square landed $100 million in funding in June, some analysts pegged its market value at more than $1 billion. Virgin Group head Richard Branson invested an undisclosed multimillion-dollar amount in November.
Square's card reader and apps have caught on because of the "transparency and simplicity" the company has brought to transactions for businesses, says Keith Rabois, Square's chief operating officer.
Customers who purchase smartphones at Best Buy often pick up a Square Reader in the process, says Robert Stephens, chief technology officer at the retailer.
The feisty, 200-person private company based here, has no intention of ceding its place as a favorite among pop-up shops and individual entrepreneurs.
"Square is hitting its stride," says Holland. "When they first started, I thought: 'Not a chance.' But it has found many niche markets, it's free, and it improves cash flow for small businesses, which many live and die on."
Early adopters of Square attest to its simplicity. Says Miki Nishihata, owner of Hello Bicycles in Seattle: "There is no risk in starting with Square, and no cost to have it available, even if not frequently used."
2011年12月5日 星期一
2011年12月4日 星期日
Charles Dickens in the editor’s chair
THE FIGURE OF THE amiable, accomplished, and ever-to-be-regretted Charles Dickens has been lately brought before us “even in his habit as he lived,” with abundance of detail and colour. Mr. Forster’s complete and admirable biography1, done with the taste and workmanlike finish of a true “man of letters,” will be more and more esteemed as the time from his death lengthens. Objection was indeed taken to the biographer accompanying his hero about as closely as Boswell did Johnson; but this really brought before the world much that would otherwise have been lost or unseen; and in the last volume, where the author seems to have accepted this criticism and to have become historical, there is a sensible loss of dramatic vividness.
Lately the world has received the closing collection of his Letters, edited by Miss Hogarth and Miss Dickens2, and set off with a graphic and most pleasing commentary whose only fault is that of being too short. Here his gat de cur, his unflagging spirit, wit, and genial temper, are revealed in the most striking way.
THERE IS, HOWEVER, ONE view of him which has scarcely been sufficiently dealt with, namely, his relations with his literary brethren and friends, as editor and otherwise. These exhibit him in a most engaging light, and will perhaps be a surprise even to those abundantly familiar with his amiable and gracious ways.
In the old Household Words days, the “place of business” was at a charming miniature office in Wellington Street close to the stage door of the Gaiety Theatre. It seemed all bow window; at least, its two stories it had only two were thus bowed. The drawing-room floor seemed a sunshiny, cheerful place to work in. This is now the workshop of another magazine, the Army and Navy. But I always pass it with respect and affection. I never came away from it without taking with me something pleasing.
Often, about eleven o’clock, he was to be seen tramping briskly along the Strand, coming from Charing Cross Station, fresh from his pleasant country place in Kent, keen and ready for the day’s work, and carrying his little black bag full of proofs and manuscripts. That daily journey from Higham station, with the drive to it in his little carriage or Irish car, took full an hour each way, and was a serious slice out of his time. It has, deed, seemed always a problem to me why business men, to whom moments are precious, should thus prodigal in time devoted to travelling coming from Brighton and returning at headlong speed. At Bedford Street, by the bootmaker’s shop, he would turn out of the Strand those in the shops he passed would know his figure well, d told me, after his death, how they missed this familiar apparition would then post along in the same brisk stride through Maiden Lane, past “Rule’s,” where he often had his oyster, through Tavistock Street, till he emerged in Wellington Street, the last house he passed before crossing being “Major Pitt’s,” the hatter’s. This mention of “Major Pitt” suggests that it was always pleasant to see what pride tradesmen took in having him for a customer, and what alacrity they showed in serving him or in obliging him in any way. This I believe was really owing to his charming hearty manner, ever courteous, cordial, and zealous; his cheery fashion of joking or jest, which was irresistible. The average tradesman has small sympathy or intelligence for the regular literary man. He is sometimes caviare indeed to him.
OUR WRITER, HOWEVER, was a serious personality of living flesh and blood, and would have made his way in life under any condition. His extraordinary charm of manner, never capriciously changed, the smile and laugh always ready that sympathy, too, which rises before me, and was really unique I can call no one to mind that possessed it or possesses it now in the same degree. Literary men, as a rule, have a chilliness as regards their brethren; every one is more or less working for his own hand. Yet, few men have had more anxious responsibilities or troubles to disturb them, or so much depending upon them, as he had in many ways. I believe the number of people who were always wanting “something done for them,” either in the shape of actual money advance, or advice, or productions “to be taken,” or to be seen, or to have their letters answered, or who desired letters from him in their interests, was perfectly incredible. Many a man takes refuge in a complete ignoring of these worries, which would require a life to attend to. An eminent and highly popular man of our own day, who is thus persecuted, has adopted this latter mode, and rarely takes notice of a letter from a friend or stranger, unless he is minded so to do. He is strictly in his right. You are no more bound to reply to persons that do not know you, than you are to acknowledge the attentions of an organ-grinder who plays for an hour before your window.
Lately the world has received the closing collection of his Letters, edited by Miss Hogarth and Miss Dickens2, and set off with a graphic and most pleasing commentary whose only fault is that of being too short. Here his gat de cur, his unflagging spirit, wit, and genial temper, are revealed in the most striking way.
THERE IS, HOWEVER, ONE view of him which has scarcely been sufficiently dealt with, namely, his relations with his literary brethren and friends, as editor and otherwise. These exhibit him in a most engaging light, and will perhaps be a surprise even to those abundantly familiar with his amiable and gracious ways.
In the old Household Words days, the “place of business” was at a charming miniature office in Wellington Street close to the stage door of the Gaiety Theatre. It seemed all bow window; at least, its two stories it had only two were thus bowed. The drawing-room floor seemed a sunshiny, cheerful place to work in. This is now the workshop of another magazine, the Army and Navy. But I always pass it with respect and affection. I never came away from it without taking with me something pleasing.
Often, about eleven o’clock, he was to be seen tramping briskly along the Strand, coming from Charing Cross Station, fresh from his pleasant country place in Kent, keen and ready for the day’s work, and carrying his little black bag full of proofs and manuscripts. That daily journey from Higham station, with the drive to it in his little carriage or Irish car, took full an hour each way, and was a serious slice out of his time. It has, deed, seemed always a problem to me why business men, to whom moments are precious, should thus prodigal in time devoted to travelling coming from Brighton and returning at headlong speed. At Bedford Street, by the bootmaker’s shop, he would turn out of the Strand those in the shops he passed would know his figure well, d told me, after his death, how they missed this familiar apparition would then post along in the same brisk stride through Maiden Lane, past “Rule’s,” where he often had his oyster, through Tavistock Street, till he emerged in Wellington Street, the last house he passed before crossing being “Major Pitt’s,” the hatter’s. This mention of “Major Pitt” suggests that it was always pleasant to see what pride tradesmen took in having him for a customer, and what alacrity they showed in serving him or in obliging him in any way. This I believe was really owing to his charming hearty manner, ever courteous, cordial, and zealous; his cheery fashion of joking or jest, which was irresistible. The average tradesman has small sympathy or intelligence for the regular literary man. He is sometimes caviare indeed to him.
OUR WRITER, HOWEVER, was a serious personality of living flesh and blood, and would have made his way in life under any condition. His extraordinary charm of manner, never capriciously changed, the smile and laugh always ready that sympathy, too, which rises before me, and was really unique I can call no one to mind that possessed it or possesses it now in the same degree. Literary men, as a rule, have a chilliness as regards their brethren; every one is more or less working for his own hand. Yet, few men have had more anxious responsibilities or troubles to disturb them, or so much depending upon them, as he had in many ways. I believe the number of people who were always wanting “something done for them,” either in the shape of actual money advance, or advice, or productions “to be taken,” or to be seen, or to have their letters answered, or who desired letters from him in their interests, was perfectly incredible. Many a man takes refuge in a complete ignoring of these worries, which would require a life to attend to. An eminent and highly popular man of our own day, who is thus persecuted, has adopted this latter mode, and rarely takes notice of a letter from a friend or stranger, unless he is minded so to do. He is strictly in his right. You are no more bound to reply to persons that do not know you, than you are to acknowledge the attentions of an organ-grinder who plays for an hour before your window.
2011年4月24日 星期日
Debit card or credit card- which works better
These days carrying liquid cash and use it for varied purpose is inconvenient and unsafe. Using a credit card or a debit card is always a better option. If you are confused about choosing one type over the other, then you should find out information and then proceed. There are several online sources that feature complete information about the debit and credit cards so that you can easily take a learned decision and use according to your convenience.
These days carrying liquid cash and use it for varied purpose is inconvenient and unsafe. Using a credit card or a debit card is always a better option. If you are confused about choosing one type over the other, then you should find out information and then proceed. There are several online sources that feature complete information about the debit and credit cards so that you can easily take a learned decision and use according to your convenience. However, there is a never ending debate, which goes like- debit or credit card- which one is better? Here are some common merits and demerits of both these varieties. This will give you an idea how these cards work.
Using credit cards is simple. Suppose you have visited a store (land based or online) and searching for the items that you want to purchase. Once you have found your items, all you need to do is plug in the number of your credit card and the process of purchase is over. You are not actually paying for your purchase at that time; the merchant will get the money from the company that has issued the card to you. Generally, the merchants receive money within 30 days period and that is the time within which you will also receive the bill from the credit card company. You have to pay off the full payment or remit a part of it. This is actually dependant on specific terms of different companies.
You can use a debit card in the similar fashion, at least in several respects. Consider similar example. You have visited a shop, picked up an item and now provide your debit card number to process the payment. Here also, the merchant will receive the payment through the company that provided you the card. However, the catch is that your account must contain sufficient money at that point of time. Using a debit card means you are agreeing to directly deduct money from your account immediately. If in any case, your account balance becomes nil, you cannot purchase anything by using the card, which is different in case of credit cards.
The above mentioned point shows that credit cards have a certain edge as you don’t need to have money available while purchasing anything. You can pay for the item within 30 days and based on your policy term you may not have to pay the entire sum at one time as well. However, this advantage can sometime turn into a big disadvantage. The users sometimes get carried away and keep using the card for items that might not be very essential. What happens is that they accrue huge debts and paying them off becomes troublesome. Sometimes people never recover from such big debts. This works as a benefit for the debit card users as they are aware about the balance remaining in their account and have more control over the urge to buy something, which is of less necessity.
These days carrying liquid cash and use it for varied purpose is inconvenient and unsafe. Using a credit card or a debit card is always a better option. If you are confused about choosing one type over the other, then you should find out information and then proceed. There are several online sources that feature complete information about the debit and credit cards so that you can easily take a learned decision and use according to your convenience. However, there is a never ending debate, which goes like- debit or credit card- which one is better? Here are some common merits and demerits of both these varieties. This will give you an idea how these cards work.
Using credit cards is simple. Suppose you have visited a store (land based or online) and searching for the items that you want to purchase. Once you have found your items, all you need to do is plug in the number of your credit card and the process of purchase is over. You are not actually paying for your purchase at that time; the merchant will get the money from the company that has issued the card to you. Generally, the merchants receive money within 30 days period and that is the time within which you will also receive the bill from the credit card company. You have to pay off the full payment or remit a part of it. This is actually dependant on specific terms of different companies.
You can use a debit card in the similar fashion, at least in several respects. Consider similar example. You have visited a shop, picked up an item and now provide your debit card number to process the payment. Here also, the merchant will receive the payment through the company that provided you the card. However, the catch is that your account must contain sufficient money at that point of time. Using a debit card means you are agreeing to directly deduct money from your account immediately. If in any case, your account balance becomes nil, you cannot purchase anything by using the card, which is different in case of credit cards.
The above mentioned point shows that credit cards have a certain edge as you don’t need to have money available while purchasing anything. You can pay for the item within 30 days and based on your policy term you may not have to pay the entire sum at one time as well. However, this advantage can sometime turn into a big disadvantage. The users sometimes get carried away and keep using the card for items that might not be very essential. What happens is that they accrue huge debts and paying them off becomes troublesome. Sometimes people never recover from such big debts. This works as a benefit for the debit card users as they are aware about the balance remaining in their account and have more control over the urge to buy something, which is of less necessity.
訂閱：
文章 (Atom)