Transaction Technology in Del Ray

Small, locally owned business offer the consumer a unique experience. Shopkeepers remember names and preferences while offering niche products and services. The establishments themselves work to support the local economy and help build a strong community.

Many feel the practice of patronizing a local business is unmatched, and the Del Ray community boasts many such establishments.

An important aspect of running a successful business is keeping overhead costs low. Area business owners have discovered that replacing the costly, clunky cash register and credit card machine system with an iPad or Square card reader can help them do just that.

“This building wasn’t hardwired for a register,” said Laura Robbins, employee at . “Our owner did exhaustive research; even with the flat tax on profits we save money because it’s all free and there was no rewiring.”

The Happy Tart uses two iPads with card readers instead of a stationary cash register. Robbins explained a register would anchor them to one spot on the counter, whereas iPads are much more mobile. Using this technology makes it possible for Robbins and other employees to roll their cart down the street and complete transactions with plastic as well as cash.

Shelley White, owner of , explained one money-saving aspect of the store's personalized system—a Square card reader attached to a Droid phone.

”Because the service is bundled, they can offer low rates. …We don’t need the extra phone line either, so that’s an extra thirty dollars a month right there,” she said.

According to White, switching to Square decreased the amount of time she had to wait to receive money from about one week to just 48 hours.

White pointed to the old machine, sitting neglected on the shelf. “We will definitely stick with Square," she said. "I’m going to throw the old machine in the trash.”

Robbins mentioned the other perks of this system; with Square, the receipts are emailed or texted to the buyer, which helps the environment in a small but consistent way. She also explained how being able to complete a transaction right where the item is located is beneficial and efficient given that counter space is limited.

These perks can sometimes lead to a bit of confusion at the end of a transaction. Instead of a receipt in the bag, the buyer receives a quiet buzz from his or her cell phone.

“We usually just write a receipt on the customer’s box so it’s right there for them,” explained Robbins. Though some customers will request a written receipt, she said that it is rare.

White echoed this sentiment, saying that she will certainly write a receipt for any customer.

Kariem Perry, employee at barber shop, explained that some customers refuse to use Square because they are concerned about security.

“Mostly, though, people are fascinated by it and a majority of people trust it. They see me using it and they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s Square,’” Perry said.

Applications like Square have been growing in popularity for their ability to save money for small business like Amalgamated, Happy Tart Bakery and Ultimate Styles. Time will tell how the adoption of this and other technologies will affect businesses and their consumers, but for now it seems like trading tradition for technology is getting the job done for some.