TECHNOLOGY REVIEW

THE TECH TAVERN

LET TECHNOLOGY TAKE YOUR ESTABLISHMENT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Technology can simplify the way we do business, as well as making it cheaper and more affordable. No need to throw cash down the drain to get your business running – new innovations are available to do business simply, quickly and relatively cheaply. We found these fantastic products online to streamline your business.

FOR MARKETING

WhatsApp

Did you know that WhatsApp is the most widely used messaging service in South Africa? Because it uses data instead of airtime, it is cheaper than sending an SMS. Why not create a WhatsApp group that your regular customers can ask to be added to? It’s a smart, cost-effective way to keep them informed about your specials, and any events that you have coming up. It works across almost every phone, plus you can send pictures, contact details, links and videos.

See www.whatsapp.com/download/

FOR TRANSACTIONS

month for the first 12 months (excluding VAT). For more information, visit www.absa.co.za.

FNB GeoPayments

This is for FNB to FNB transactions, and it works when two people with the FNB app on their phones are standing next to each other. In other words, they don’t have to load someone as a beneficiary first before paying them. The fees are

equivalent to once-off payments via the bank. If you are on a monthly fee package, you can do an unlimited number of free Geopay payments.

The minimum payment amount is R1 and you can set the limit for the daily transaction amount as high as

R35 000. Don’t have an FNB account?

No problem! Simply download the app and receive payments which will be stored in an e-wallet for up to 30 days. You can withdraw the cash from an FNB ATM through a cardless transaction – you can draw up to R5 000 a day at a maximum amount of R3 000 per transaction. Get the app through Apple’s App Store or Google’s Play Store.

Absa Payment Pebble

Cash is king, but sometimes your customers need to swipe a card. Card machines can be expensive, and every time someone swipes, you need to pay a transaction fee – these can really add up! If you bank with Absa, you can easily transform your smartphone or tablet into a mobile card machine with the Payment Pebble. This nifty gadget, which plugs into the audio jack of your phone or tablet, means you can receive credit or debit card payments wherever you are and there are built-in security features to provide you with safe, secure transactions. Best of all? This technology is available at an affordable R50 per

FOR ADMIN

Tablet

Did you know that you can buy a tablet for under R1 000? Takealot.com has some fantastic deals, such as this Proline R717DC 7-inch Wifi 4GB tablet which runs on Android Jelly Bean. For a mere R654, this is one of the best options available on the market, plus it has a 1-year warranty. Visit www.takealot.com for more.

Smartphone

connect to the Internet – was expensive. The prices have come down in a big way, so much so that you get smartphones for as little as R600 to R700. The Vodacom Smart 6 (R799 cash) is popular and offers a touchscreen, Bluetooth, a camera as well as a great battery life, promising up to 393 hours on standby. Visit www.vodacom.co.za to see the full specs.

Freshbooks

If you need to generate a professional-looking invoice or keep track of your income and expenses, then log on to www.freshbooks.com. This cloudbased accounting solution is perfect for small business owners, allowing you to manage your expenses, income and projects as well as create invoices. Best of all, as it’s cloud-based it’s easily accessible anytime, anywhere.

Wunderlist

If you find that your to-do list is getting out of control fast, you need Wunderlist. This handy app is perfect for creating not only a to-do list, but you can also draw up a shopping list, plan a holiday or manage a work project. You can share your lists or work in collaboration with colleagues on projects. The app allows you to stick to your deadlines through setting due dates and reminders as well as to-dos. Visit www.wunderlist.com to get started.

FOR ONLINE SHOPPING

Use PnP online to have the essentials like bread and milk delivered to your business. Simply register online, find out whether they deliver to your area, and start selecting the items you need. When you have found all the products on your shopping list, check out and pay and your order will be delivered to your door. You also have the option to place orders in advance. Pay with credit card (some debit cards are also accepted) or you can switch your Smart Shopper points to cash to pay.

www.shop.pn.co.za/b2c_pnp/init.do