Let’s take a scenario. You are an online clothing retailer that just started your business, so you don’t have an extensive setup or even a website because of which you only offer cash on delivery to your customers. Cash on delivery is often full of hassle, it is difficult to manage and often customers prefer to pay online. So, how do you manage online payments in this case?

The best option is to create a secure payment link and send it directly to your customers to let them pay through card.

In this article, we will discuss what are payment links, how to generate payment links, and how can your customers pay by link in UAE.

What is a Payment Link?

A payment link is a unique URL that, when clicked, takes your customers to a secure payment page where they can enter their payment information to complete a transaction. You can consider it as a digital equivalent of a physical cash register.

There are different types of payment links based on their functionality and specific use cases. Standard payment links provide a direct link to a payment page. These are usually used to sell products online. You can even customize them as per your branding and messaging. Lastly, there are QR code payment links that your customers can scan with their smartphones for quick and easy payments. QR code payment links are usually used in kiosks and popups.

Benefits of Payment Links

If you are thinking why do you even need payment links in the first place when you can either collect your payments in cash or just ask your customers to transfer money online. The benefits of payment links can be summarized in one word: Customer experience. Customers in uae especially want a seamless experience, which is why payment links in uae are an absolute necessity. Here are some more benefits of using payment links:

1. UAE consumers prefer card payments

According to the 2023 Financial Services Consumer Survey by GlobalData, publishers of EPI, cards remain the most preferred payment tool for e-commerce purchases in the UAE, accounting for 40.8% of online purchases. In this scenario, if you offer cash only payments, it could translate into lost sales. So, to ensure that you don’t lose out on potential customers, you need to offer them all kinds of payments.

2. You can sell any time anywhere

The best benefit of a payment link is that it allows you to conveniently sell anywhere and anytime. For example, you are an online business and you are setting up a kiosk or pop up at a winter market. Now, if you don’t accept card payments, you can immediately share a payment link with the customers visiting and give them an easier way to pay.

Or what if you have international customers? A payment link will allow them to easily pay from anywhere in the world.

3. Easy to share

If you are an online business that has many sales channels, for example you get orders through WhatsApp, Facebook, instagram or your website, you can easily share the payment from anywhere. Most POS software come with integrations with popular social platforms that allow you to share the link directly from the software.

4. Easy to set up

Payment links will be perfect for you if you are a small business that is just starting out and don’t have the budget or the infrastructure to set up a website and payment gateways. It only takes a minute to create a payment link and you can share it easily with anyone.

When Should You Use Payment Links?

While business of any size can use payment links, here are certain scenarios where payment links in UAE are an excellent option:

1. You do only offline sales

Many businesses still accept cash only payments because they don’t have a setup to sell online. If you are a small business and you mostly sell your products offline, payment links can be a great way for you to expand your sales channels. For example, if you decide to start online delivery, you can give your customers the payment link to pay online.

2. You have a service business

Let’s say you have a maintenance business, or you have an auto repair shop, you can easily generate payment links for each customer and share it with them. Payment links are especially useful if you want to book an appointment in advance and you want your customers to pay a small amount for booking. For example, if you are a hair salon that books customers beforehand you can send them the payment link to book their appointment.

3. Your sales are seasonal

Payment links are also very beneficial if your sales increase considerably in a certain season. In such a scenario it doesn’t make sense to invest in a complete payment solution, so you can use payment links. You can also use payment links if you set up kiosks or pop ups, especially in UAE it is common for businesses to set up pop ups in winter markets.

4. You use a variety of channels

If you are a small business and you utilize all channels such as social media and emails to sell your products, then payment links are a best option for you. You can easily embed them on your social media platforms and direct your customers to the payment page. You can also embed them in your emails and facilitate a purchase directly from your emails.

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How to Create Payment Links?

Now, if you are convinced about using payment links, then let’s see what goes on behind the scenes and what do you need to generate a payment link in uae.

1. Choose a Payment Processor: The first thing you need to do is select a reputable payment processor that offers payment link functionality such as Fortis.
2. Create an Account: Next you need to sign up for an account with your chosen payment processor such as Fortis. You will have to provide some basic information about your business. Especially, if you are in the UAE, then you will have to provide some documents such as your company’s trade license and bank account details.
3. Access the Payment Link Tool: Look for a feature within your payment processor’s dashboard that allows you to create payment links. It might be labeled as “Payment Links,” “Invoices,” or something similar..
4. Add Product or Service Information: Specify the product or service being sold, its price, and any relevant details.
5. Generate the Link: Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, the payment processor will generate a unique payment link for you.
6. Share the Link: You can then share the payment link with your customers via email, social media, or other channels. Some POS software such as Fortis have integrations with popular apps such as WhatsApp.

Create a Payment Link in Minutes with Fortis

Fortis is a SmartPOS software that has been designed to facilitate small and medium sized businesses. The software upgrades your existing card machine, so you can add your catalog in it, accept orders and also process payments from a single device without investing in extensive equipment. The software also allows you to create payment links instantly.

Here is how:

1. Create an Order

Let’s say a customer messages you on WhatsApp saying that they want to purchase a bouquet, which they saw on your Instagram. Now, first you will have to create an order.

2. Add Information

Next, you can add all the relevant information such as the customer’s name, payment method, so you can easily keep track of your sales

3. Get payment link

Once your order is created, you will get the option to generate a payment link.

4. Your customers land on payment page

When your customers click on the URL, they are directed to a secure landing page where they can enter their payment information and pay easily either through their card or Samsung Pay.

5. Orders get registered automatically

Once you share the payment link with your customer, the software automatically registers the order along with the details so you dont have to keep a track of them manually.

Conclusion

Payment links are an easy way to start selling online if you dont have the infrastructure or if your main source of business is offline sales and you want to expand your sales channels. Payment links make it easier for your customers to conduct business with you. Want to create payment links for your business? Book a demo with Fortis.

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