Integrating online ordering with delivery services like Uber Eats can significantly streamline your restaurant operations and enhance customer satisfaction. Here’s how integrating online ordering into your restaurant’s operations can be a game-changer.

Key Benefits of Integration

1. Convenient Online Ordering and Delivery

Integrating with Uber Eats allows you to offer customers multiple ordering options, including scheduled orders, in-store pickup, and delivery. This flexibility caters to varying customer preferences, making it easier for them to enjoy your offerings.

2. Expand Your Reach and Increase Revenue

By partnering with Uber Eats, you gain access to their extensive customer base, potentially increasing your online orders and revenue. This exposure can attract new customers who might not have discovered your restaurant otherwise.

3. Streamlined Order Processing

The integration simplifies order processing by automatically syncing online orders with your POS system. This eliminates the need for multiple devices, reduces errors, and ensures orders are efficiently managed from placement to fulfillment.

4. Automated Menu Syncing

Menu updates made in your POS system are automatically reflected on the Uber Eats platform. This feature saves time and ensures consistency across all ordering channels, providing customers with accurate and up-to-date menu options.

5. Effortless Marketing

Offering online ordering through Uber Eats requires minimal additional marketing efforts from your side. Uber Eats promotes your restaurant on their platform, driving traffic and orders without requiring extensive marketing resources.

Getting Started

1. Log In: Access your Clover Dashboard and navigate to Account & Setup.
2. Enable Online Ordering: Under Business Operations, click on Online Ordering and find the Uber Eats section.
3. Integrate: Click Get Started, connect your existing Uber Eats account, or sign up for a new one.
4. Sync Menus: Use the Uber Eats Merchant Bridge to sync your menu and start accepting orders.

Conclusion

Integrating online ordering with Uber Eats can boost your restaurant’s efficiency, increase revenue, and enhance the customer experience. For more information or assistance with setting up online ordering, call us at +1-416-234-1100 ext. 225. We're here to support your business needs.

Understanding revenue dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions and driving business growth. Reporting tools take the hard work out of forecasting by tracking and sorting your data for you. Our reports help you gain comprehensive visibility into your operations, enabling you to make decisions that can significantly impact your success.

Comprehensive Sales Overview Report

The Sales Overview report consolidates your sales data into a single, easy-to-understand format. It highlights key metrics such as gross sales, net sales, average ticket size, and total collected amounts over selected periods. This report allows you to filter data by time period, employee, order type, source of order, and specific devices used.

Key Features:

• Top Revenue Items: Identify best-selling products and categories to optimize inventory and marketing strategies.
• Sales Trends: Analyze peak periods and sales patterns to understand customer behavior and preferences.
• Tender Types and Payment Preferences: Understand how customers prefer to pay, which can help manage processing fees and costs.
• Revenue Classes: Track performance across different product categories, such as food vs. alcohol in a restaurant, to make data-driven decisions.

Using Sales Reporting for Forecasting

1. Analyze Data Ranges: Look for periods with significant changes and review what was being purchased and how.
2. Monitor Labor Costs: Compare labor expenses to sales to ensure efficient staffing, especially during peak periods.
3. Adjust Overhead Costs: Forecast staff needs based on peak periods and customer purchasing preferences.

Item Sales Reporting

Item sales reports provide detailed insights into which products sell the best, including year-over-year comparisons for top-selling items. Filters allow you to drill down into specific product classes, track returns, and understand discount impacts.

How to Use Item Reporting:

• Inventory Management: Ensure adequate stock of popular items and avoid overstocking.
• Profit Margin Analysis: Identify high-margin items and strategize to sell more of them.
• Sales Optimization: Customize reports to focus on relevant data, aiding in better decision-making.

Conclusion

Effective sales reporting and forecasting can unlock valuable insights, drive growth, and help you make informed decisions. Our powerful reporting capabilities offer the tools you need to track, analyze, and categorize revenue streams efficiently. Keeping pace with your numbers and sales daily can help you pivot accordingly and manage cash flow effectively.

For more information or assistance, visit us at universalpayments.ca. We're here to support your business needs.

It is with immense pride that we, at Universal Payments, announce our participation in the 2024 Clover Dealer Program as a Certified Dealer. This honor is a testament to our commitment to knowledge sharing, collaborative problem-solving, and the delivery of cutting-edge solutions in the payment industry. Together with fellow top-level sales professionals, we are poised to contribute to the collective success of the program and drive transformative change within the payment landscape.

The Strength of Collaboration:

Our journey as a Certified Dealer is built on the foundation of collaboration. Recognizing the power of collective efforts, we understand the importance of sharing knowledge, pooling expertise, and working together to overcome challenges. In an industry that constantly evolves, this collaborative spirit not only fortifies our capabilities but also contributes to the overall advancement of the payment ecosystem.

Innovative Solutions for a Dynamic Landscape:

As a Certified Dealer, Universal Payments is dedicated to providing value-added solutions that address the changing needs of businesses and consumers. We embrace innovative technologies such as SAAS (Software as a Service), stations, Kiosks, KDS (Kitchen Display Systems), and more. The adoption of cloud-based SAAS, in particular, underscores our commitment to empowering businesses with streamlined operations, enhanced security, and adaptability to market dynamics.

Leading the Charge in Industry Transformation:

Universal Payments' inclusion in the 2024 Clover Dealer Program as a Certified Dealer signifies more than our own success; it highlights our active role in leading the charge towards transforming the payment industry once again. Through knowledge sharing, collaborative problem-solving, and the implementation of forward-thinking solutions, we are shaping a payment ecosystem that is more efficient, secure, and innovative.

As Universal Payments proudly joins the 2024 Clover Dealer Program as a Certified Dealer, we acknowledge the significance of this milestone. Our participation signifies not only our dedication to excellence but also our active contribution to shaping the future of payments. Together with our fellow Certified Dealers, we are building a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and success that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the payment industry for years to come.

In the world of e-commerce and digital transactions, security is paramount. With the increasing number of data breaches and cyber threats, merchants must prioritize the protection of customer payment information. One crucial aspect of this protection is being PCI compliant. In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be PCI-compliant and why it is essential for merchants.

What is PCI Compliance?

PCI compliance refers to adhering to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The PCI DSS is a set of security standards established by major credit card companies such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. It aims to ensure the secure handling and storage of customer payment card data by merchants.

The PCI DSS consists of twelve high-level requirements and over 200 specific security controls. These requirements encompass various aspects of data protection, including network security, physical security, access controls, encryption, vulnerability management, and ongoing monitoring.

Why is PCI Compliance Important?

1. Protecting Customer Data: PCI compliance helps safeguard sensitive customer information, such as credit card numbers, from unauthorized access or theft. Compliance measures reduce the risk of data breaches, ensuring that customers can trust merchants with their payment details.
2. Maintaining Customer Trust: In the digital age, customers expect businesses to handle their payment information securely. By being PCI compliant, merchants demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data, which fosters trust and strengthens their reputation.
3. Legal and Financial Consequences: Non-compliance with PCI standards can have severe consequences for merchants. In the event of a data breach, a merchant may face legal penalties, fines, and lawsuits. Moreover, the cost of remediation, reputational damage, and potential loss of business can be significant.
4. Collaboration with Payment Card Companies: Being PCI compliant is often a prerequisite for merchants to collaborate with major payment card companies. Compliance ensures that merchants meet the industry's security standards and can process payments securely, allowing them to expand their customer base.

How to Achieve PCI Compliance?

1. Assess Your Environment: Merchants must conduct a thorough assessment of their infrastructure, systems, and processes to identify vulnerabilities and areas of non-compliance. This may involve network scans, vulnerability assessments, and penetration testing.
2. Implement Security Controls: Based on the assessment, merchants should implement the necessary security controls outlined in the PCI DSS. This may include installing firewalls, encrypting data, restricting access to cardholder information, and implementing strong authentication measures.
3. Regularly Monitor and Test: Ongoing monitoring and testing are crucial to maintain compliance. Merchants should continuously monitor their systems for security incidents, regularly update security patches, conduct penetration testing, and perform security audits.
4. Engage with PCI Compliance Experts: Obtaining guidance from qualified security professionals or engaging with a PCI compliance vendor can streamline the compliance process. These experts can assist in conducting assessments, implementing controls, and ensuring ongoing compliance.

Bottom Line

Being PCI compliant is not just a box to check for merchants; it is a crucial step in safeguarding customer payment data and maintaining trust. Compliance with the PCI DSS standards helps protect against data breaches, legal repercussions, and financial losses. By prioritizing security and adopting best practices, merchants can ensure that they meet industry standards and provide a safe environment for their customers' transactions.

Embrace the Future of Invoicing

Managing finances is the backbone of any successful business, and when it comes to maintaining a healthy cash flow, efficient invoicing is key. Clover's invoicing feature emerges as a lifesaver, offering a seamless solution to the often cumbersome process of creating and managing invoices.

Gone are the days of traditional, time-consuming invoicing. With Clover's innovative invoicing feature, businesses can now effortlessly send professional invoices to customers via email, providing a convenient online payment option through credit or debit cards.

Benefits of Clover’s Online Invoicing

Effortless Invoicing Creation:

Clover’s invoicing feature simplifies the entire process. The user-friendly interface allows you to create and send invoices directly from your Clover Dashboard. Add a touch of professionalism by incorporating your business logo, contact information, and personalized messages. Say goodbye to manual calculations and errors, saving you valuable time and effort.

Seamless Integration:

Clover’s invoicing feature seamlessly integrates with other Clover functionalities. Whether you are utilizing Clover's point-of-sale system or online ordering capabilities, transactions and customer information sync effortlessly with the invoicing process. This integration eliminates manual data entry, reduces errors, and provides a comprehensive view of your customers' purchase history.

Convenient Payment Options:

Beyond invoice creation, Clover’s invoicing feature offers multiple payment options. Customers can conveniently settle invoices through credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payment apps. This flexibility ensures faster payment processing and improved cash flow, all while maintaining secure payment processing for peace of mind.

Streamlined Reporting and Analytics:

Gain deep insights into your business’s financial performance with robust reporting and analytics. Track invoices issued, payments received, and outstanding balances effortlessly. Analytical tools help identify trends, monitor customer payment behavior, and optimize cash flow strategies, empowering informed decision-making for business growth and financial stability.

Sending a Clover Online Invoice is a Breeze

1. Log in to your Clover Dashboard account from a browser.
2. Select Virtual Terminal.
3. At the top, select Send Invoice.
4. Enter the sale amount and customer information.
5. Select Send Invoice.

Focus on Growth, Let Clover Handle the Rest

Clover’s invoicing feature provides a comprehensive solution to streamline your business’s financial operations. From effortless invoicing creation to automated tracking, seamless integration, convenient payment options, and detailed reporting, Clover empowers you to simplify financial processes and enhance cash flow management.

By leveraging the power of Clover’s invoicing feature, you can redirect your focus to what matters most—growing your business and serving your customers. Experience the future of invoicing with Clover and revolutionize the way you handle your finances.

Let Universal Payments Transform Your Business

At Universal Payments, we understand the unique needs of your business. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in harnessing the full potential of Clover’s innovative solutions. Whether you have questions, need assistance with setup, or want to explore additional features, our experts are here for you.

Contact our Universal Payments team today at +1 416-234-1100 ext. 225, and let us partner with you on your journey to business excellence.

In the wake of the recent and unfortunate events surrounding the abrupt closure of the popular e-commerce platform Jane.com, it has become increasingly evident that safeguarding your business against unforeseen challenges is of paramount importance. As many sellers on Jane.com have experienced, the sudden shutdown has left them with outstanding payments and a daunting path to recovery.

Understanding the Jane.com Debacle

Hundreds of sellers, who had geared up for the lucrative Black Friday shopping rush, found themselves in disarray when Jane.com ceased operations on November 17. Sellers reported being owed tens of thousands of dollars, with a total outstanding amount of $10.1 million in sales. The closure left many feeling betrayed, especially those who had relied on Jane.com for years to list and sell their products.

The Perils of Payment Dependency

The Jane.com incident highlights the risks associated with relying solely on third-party platforms to handle transactions and manage finances. Sellers, despite their loyalty and successful history with Jane.com, found themselves at the mercy of the platform's financial instability. Late payments, unexplained delays, and ultimately, a complete shutdown, left sellers in a precarious position.

The Case for Merchant IDs (MIDs)

To mitigate such risks, it's imperative for e-commerce merchants to consider obtaining their own Merchant IDs (MIDs). A Merchant ID is a unique identifier assigned to a merchant by a payment processor, allowing them to process credit card transactions independently. By having your own MID, you gain more control over your financial transactions and significantly reduce the risk of unexpected disruptions.

Empowering Merchants with Control

Financial Independence: With your own MID, you have direct access to your funds without relying on a third-party platform. This ensures that your hard-earned money is in your control, mitigating the risk of delayed or withheld payments.

Reduced Dependency: Owning a MID means you're not at the mercy of a platform's financial health. Even if the platform faces challenges, your business operations won't be directly impacted, offering a safety net during uncertain times.

Enhanced Security: Having control over your transactions also enhances the security of your financial information. You can implement robust security measures tailored to your business needs, protecting both your and your customers' sensitive data.

Learning from Jane.com's Downfall

The unfortunate events surrounding Jane.com serve as a stark reminder of the importance of financial independence for e-commerce merchants. While third-party platforms offer convenience and reach, they also pose inherent risks that can jeopardize your business's financial stability.

In summary, obtaining your Merchant ID is more than just a business decision; it represents a strategic initiative to fortify the financial stability of your e-commerce enterprise. By securing your own Merchant ID, you bestow your business with resilience and autonomy, thereby maintaining control even in the midst of unforeseen challenges.

We strongly advise partnering with a reliable ally, such as Universal Payments, to fully capitalize on the advantages of possessing your Merchant ID. Seize control of your financial destiny and construct a robust business capable of withstanding any adversity.

Sources: https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/jane-com-collapse-lawsuit-close-did-boutique-shut-down-rcna127211             

In the ever-evolving landscape of the restaurant industry, the key to success lies in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and embracing innovative solutions. One such groundbreaking advancement is the Samsung Ordering Kiosk, a powerful tool designed to enhance your restaurant's performance and streamline the ordering process.

Product Overview:

As a valued Clover customer, integrating self-service ordering has never been easier. The Ordering Kiosk by Nanonation empowers your restaurant by allowing your team to focus on what they do best—producing and delivering more orders. This kiosk takes care of the order-taking process, freeing up your staff to provide fast, efficient, and friendly customer service.

The Power Trio:

What sets the Samsung Ordering Kiosk apart is its integration of three best-in-class solutions, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience for both your staff and customers.

1. Samsung KM24A Kiosk:

Built for the self-service environment, the Samsung KM24A Kiosk is an enterprise-grade solution designed to withstand the rigors of the restaurant industry. Its durability ensures that it can stand up to years of use, making it a reliable and long-lasting addition to your establishment.

• Nanonation Software:

Driving the kiosk's functionality is Nanonation's cutting-edge software. As a top provider of interactive kiosk solutions, Nanonation brings its expertise to the table, creating a user-friendly interface that enhances the overall customer experience.

• Clover POS System:

At the heart of the solution is the Clover POS system that you already know and trust. With the Samsung Ordering Kiosk, there's no need to recreate your menu or manage content and prices in multiple systems. The integration with Clover ensures that your existing setup is utilized, making the transition to self-service ordering smooth and hassle-free.

Features:

The Hardware:

• 24” Commercial Touch Screen with Antimicrobial Coating:

The kiosk features a spacious 24-inch commercial touch screen with an antimicrobial coating, ensuring a hygienic and user-friendly interface for customers.

• Countertop and Floor Stand Options:

Choose the setup that best fits your restaurant's layout with both countertop and floor stand options available for the Samsung KM24A Kiosk.

• Clover Flex 3 Payment Terminal:

Seamlessly integrate payments with the Clover Flex 3 payment terminal, providing a secure and efficient transaction experience for your customers.

• Uses Standard 3-1/8” Thermal Receipt Paper:

Keep operations simple with the use of standard 3-1/8” thermal receipt paper, widely available for easy replenishment.

The Software:

• Direct Menu Integration from Clover POS System:

Connects to and pulls your menu directly from your Clover POS system, ensuring that your items and pricing are always in sync for a hassle-free management experience.

• Customizable Item Images:

Customize the visual appeal of your menu by pulling item images directly from Clover or by adding your own, creating an enticing and interactive ordering experience.

• Seamless Order Processing:

Orders placed on the kiosk seamlessly integrate with your kitchen workflow, showing on your Kitchen Display System (KDS) or printing to your kitchen printer just as if they were placed at your counter.

• Web-Based Tool for Easy Configuration:

Easily manage your kiosk settings with a web-based tool, allowing you to turn categories, menu items, or modifiers on/off effortlessly.

• Personalized Attract Loop:

Take advantage of the attract loop by adding your own content, promotions, and specials to engage customers when the kiosk is not in use, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Benefits for Your Restaurant:

1. Enhanced Efficiency:

The Samsung Ordering Kiosk streamlines the ordering process, reducing wait times and increasing the overall efficiency of your restaurant. With customers inputting their orders directly, your staff can focus on fulfilling orders promptly.

• Improved Customer Experience:

The user-friendly interface of the kiosk, coupled with Nanonation's intuitive software, creates a positive and seamless ordering experience for your customers. Quick and accurate orders contribute to heightened customer satisfaction.

• Integration with Existing Systems:

The integration with the Clover POS system eliminates the need for duplicating efforts. Your menu, content, and prices remain consistent across all platforms, reducing the risk of errors and simplifying management tasks.

• Durable and Reliable Hardware:

The Samsung KM24A Kiosk ensures durability and reliability in a self-service environment. Its robust design can handle the demands of high-traffic settings, providing a long-term solution for your restaurant.

Ready to transform your restaurant experience? Take the first step towards a more efficient and customer-centric future by getting in touch with Universal Payments. Reach out to us at sales@universaláyments.ca or give us a call at +1 844-634-1100 ext. 225 to request a quote and order your Samsung Ordering Kiosk today.

In the dynamic realm of the restaurant industry, online orders have become a cornerstone of business growth. As more customers opt for the convenience of ordering meals online, restaurant owners face the challenge of efficiently managing and tracking these orders. Deliverect, an innovative platform seamlessly integrated with Clover, is poised to revolutionize how restaurant owners handle their online orders. The Deliverect app available in the Clover App Market tracks and manages all online orders originating from different platforms such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Skip the Dishes. It provides the capability to transmit these orders directly into your Clover POS system.

The Power of Deliverect's Clover Integration

Deliverect's integration with Clover brings a new level of efficiency to restaurant owners. This dynamic partnership seamlessly connects online ordering platforms with the restaurant's point-of-sale (POS) system, resulting in a unified and streamlined order management process.

Effortless Order Tracking

The heart of Deliverect's value lies in its ability to centralize incoming orders from various online delivery platforms, such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and more, directly into the restaurant's Clover POS system. This integration ensures that orders are accurately processed, reducing errors that often occur during manual order entry. Say goodbye to the headache of managing multiple tablets and systems – Deliverect brings all your orders under one roof.

Real-time Communication

Deliverect doesn't just stop at order processing; it excels in customer communication as well. Automated order confirmations, updates, and delivery notifications are sent to customers in real time. This proactive approach not only enhances the customer experience but also minimizes customer inquiries about order status, freeing up restaurant staff to focus on preparing delectable meals.

Seamless Workflow

Restaurant owners can now bid farewell to the inefficiencies of manually transferring orders from tablets to the kitchen. With Deliverect, online orders flow seamlessly from the Clover POS system to the kitchen for preparation. This integration optimizes the entire workflow, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring orders are promptly and accurately fulfilled.

Data-driven Insights

Deliverect goes the extra mile by offering insightful analytics tailored to restaurant owners. Uncover valuable data on sales trends, peak order times, and popular menu items. This information empowers restaurant owners to make informed decisions, refine their menu offerings, and strategize for greater success.

Bottom Line

For restaurant owners navigating the fast-paced world of online orders, Deliverect's Clover integration is a game-changer. This powerful platform streamlines order management, centralizes orders, and fosters seamless communication with customers. With its intuitive integration into the existing Clover system, restaurant owners can enjoy newfound efficiency, reduced errors, and improved customer satisfaction. Embrace the future of restaurant operations with Deliverect, and elevate your online order management to new heights. Your patrons will experience unparalleled convenience, and your restaurant will thrive in the digital age.

For businesses that accept credit and debit card payments, understanding your merchant account statement is vital to managing your financial transactions. However, deciphering the various components and fees on a merchant account statement can be a complex task. In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to read and make sense of your merchant account statement. By the end, you'll have a better understanding of your statement, enabling you to monitor your business's financial health more effectively.

1. Account Summary: Similar to personal credit card statements, your merchant account statement begins with an account summary. This section gives you an overview of your account, including the opening and closing balances for the statement period, the total deposits, and any fees deducted. Understanding this summary helps you track your cash flow and reconcile your merchant account with your business's financial records.
2. Transaction Summary: The transaction summary provides a breakdown of all the transactions processed during the statement period. It includes information such as the date, transaction type (sales, refunds, chargebacks), transaction amounts, and the net amount deposited into your business bank account. Carefully review this section to ensure that all transactions are accurately recorded, and any discrepancies are addressed promptly.
3. Discount Rate and Fees: One of the most crucial aspects of your merchant account statement is the discount rate and fees section. This section outlines the fees associated with processing card payments. It typically includes the discount rate (a percentage of each transaction), transaction fees (a flat fee per transaction), and any additional fees for services like equipment rental or statement fees. Understanding these fees is essential for assessing the cost of accepting card payments and evaluating the competitiveness of your payment processor.
4. Chargebacks and Disputes: Chargebacks occur when a customer disputes a transaction and requests a refund from their card issuer. Your merchant account statement will include a section that details any chargebacks and disputes for the statement period. It provides information on the date, the reason for the chargeback, and the amount deducted from your account. Monitoring this section helps you identify potential issues with your products, services, or transaction processes, allowing you to take corrective measures to minimize chargebacks.
5. Reserves: Some merchant account statements may include a reserves section. Reserves are funds set aside by your payment processor as a form of security against potential chargebacks, fraud, or other financial risks. The reserves section provides information on the amount held in reserve and any changes made to the reserve account. Understanding your reserve requirements can help you plan your cash flow and ensure you have sufficient funds available to cover any contingencies.
6. Monthly and Yearly Summaries: Towards the end of your merchant account statement, you'll often find monthly and yearly summaries. These sections provide an overview of your transactions, fees, and other key metrics for the month and year to date. These summaries offer a snapshot of your business's financial performance and can help you identify trends, track growth, and make informed decisions for the future.

Bottom Line

Reading and understanding your merchant account statement is crucial for managing your business's financial operations effectively. By familiarizing yourself with the various sections, such as the account summary, transaction summary, discount rate and fees, chargebacks and disputes, reserves, and monthly/yearly summaries, you'll gain valuable insights into your business's financial health. Regularly reviewing your merchant account statement empowers you to detect errors, monitor costs, and optimize your payment processing setup. If you have any questions or concerns about your merchant account statement, don't hesitate to reach out to your payment processor for clarification. Taking control of your finances starts with understanding your merchant account statement.