Picture this: you’re at a market stall, a pop-up event, or even just on a job site—and instead of setting up bulky equipment or asking your customer to transfer funds, you simply pull out your phone and let them tap to pay.
Welcome to the era of SoftPOS—a contactless payment solution that turns your mobile device into a secure, fully functional point-of-sale terminal. No card readers. No wires. Just your smartphone or tablet.
As contactless payments become the norm and businesses look for ways to stay lean and mobile, SoftPOS is emerging as a smart, scalable alternative to traditional POS systems.
What is SoftPOS?
SoftPOS (short for Software Point of Sale) is exactly what it sounds like: a software-based system that lets merchants accept contactless payments using just an app and a compatible NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet.
There’s no need for external hardware like a card reader or terminal. Your phone becomes the terminal.
It’s a game-changer for businesses on the move—tradies, event vendors, delivery drivers, and anyone who needs a fast, secure way to take payments without dragging around additional gear.
How Does SoftPOS Work?
The magic of SoftPOS lies in combining your smartphone’s NFC capabilities with secure payment software. Here’s how it typically works:
- Download the SoftPOS app from a trusted provider
- Set up your business account and connect your bank details
- Hand your device to the customer or present it—just like a terminal
- Customer taps their card or phone to pay via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or contactless card
- Done. Funds are processed and on their way to your account
For the customer, it feels exactly like paying at a traditional tap-and-go terminal. For you, it’s fast, mobile, and incredibly simple.
Why Are Businesses Switching to SoftPOS?
As the way we pay continues to evolve, so too do the tools businesses use to accept those payments. More than just a convenient tech trend, SoftPOS is transforming the payment landscape—especially for businesses that value mobility, speed, and simplicity. Here’s why more Aussie businesses are making the switch:
No Hardware Required
One of the biggest pain points with traditional POS systems is the reliance on physical terminals—devices that can be bulky, expensive, and prone to wear and tear. Even mobile POS systems require a separate card reader.
With SoftPOS, your smartphone or tablet becomes the terminal. As long as your device has NFC capabilities (most modern Android phones do), you can start accepting contactless payments right away—no need to carry or maintain extra hardware.
This opens up payment possibilities for all kinds of businesses that previously found POS systems too complex or costly to adopt.
Cost-Effective
For small businesses and solo operators, keeping costs down is crucial. Traditional POS terminals often come with upfront fees, rental costs, maintenance expenses, and long-term contracts. These add up—especially if you have multiple team members who each need a terminal.
SoftPOS eliminates most of these costs. There’s no physical device to purchase or rent, and many providers offer low-cost or pay-as-you-go plans based on transaction volume. This makes SoftPOS a budget-friendly solution that scales with your business without breaking the bank.
Set Up in Minutes
SoftPOS is incredibly simple to get started with. Instead of waiting for a terminal to arrive in the mail or scheduling technician visits for setup, you can:
- Download the app
- Register your business
- Link your bank account
- Start accepting payments
The whole process can take as little as 10–15 minutes, depending on the provider. For time-poor business owners or those needing to move fast (like setting up at a last-minute market stall or event), that kind of speed is a massive advantage.
Perfect for On-the-Go Businesses
Whether you’re a tradie on site, a market vendor, a mobile hairdresser, or a fitness coach running outdoor sessions, SoftPOS gives you the flexibility to take payments anywhere you have your phone and internet.
There’s no more chasing invoices or asking customers to transfer money after the fact—just a quick tap-to-pay and you’re done. It helps improve cash flow, creates a professional experience for customers, and reduces the risk of payment delays.
Scalable for Larger Teams
SoftPOS isn’t just for solo operators. For businesses with multiple staff or remote teams, SoftPOS makes it easy to equip everyone with the tools they need to accept payments—without buying multiple expensive terminals.
Each team member can use their own phone, while payments can be managed and tracked centrally through the SoftPOS provider’s dashboard. It’s a great solution for franchises, delivery-based businesses, and sales teams working across multiple locations.
Is SoftPOS Secure?
Yes—SoftPOS is built with security in mind. In fact, it needs to meet the same strict security standards as traditional payment terminals.
When a customer taps their card or phone, the transaction is encrypted and tokenised, meaning sensitive card data is never stored on the merchant’s device. SoftPOS apps also comply with PCI CPoC (Contactless Payments on COTS) standards—essentially a global gold standard for mobile payments.
Most solutions also include:
- Biometric authentication (like Face ID or fingerprint scan)
- End-to-end encryption
- Real-time fraud detection and monitoring
- Device-level security, especially on Android
Who is SoftPOS For?
SoftPOS is ideal for a wide range of business types—especially those that value mobility, speed, and simplicity. Here are just a few examples:
- Tradies & Mobile Service Providers – Electricians, plumbers, cleaners, and other on-the-go professionals can accept payments immediately on-site—no awkward follow-up invoices.
- Market Stall & Pop-Up Vendors – Selling at weekend markets, food festivals, or events? No bulky setup required. Just tap and go.
- Delivery Drivers & Couriers – Eliminate cash-on-delivery complications and collect contactless payments right at the customer’s doorstep.
- Personal Trainers & Wellness Coaches – Whether you’re running a yoga class in the park or a PT session at the beach, SoftPOS keeps your business streamlined and cash-free.
- Food Trucks & Mobile Cafes – Speed up service and reduce queues by allowing customers to tap to pay on your phone.
SoftPOS vs Traditional POS: What’s the Difference?
Here’s how SoftPOS stacks up against conventional POS systems:
| Feature | SoftPOS | Traditional POS |
| Hardware Needed | None – just a smartphone or tablet with NFC capabilities | Yes – requires a dedicated card reader or terminal |
| Setup Time | Fast – typically ready to use in minutes | Longer – may involve ordering hardware and installation |
| Portability | Highly portable – fits in your pocket, ideal for mobile use | Less portable – more suited to fixed countertop setups |
| Connectivity | Operates via your mobile device’s internet (Wi-Fi/4G/5G) | Often uses fixed internet, though mobile models exist |
| User Experience | Simple and intuitive – great for quick, contactless payments | Robust features – supports complex transactions and integrations |
| Transaction Volume | Suited to low-to-medium volume | Handles high transaction volumes with ease |
| Features & Add-ons | Lightweight features – focused on payments | Often includes inventory, CRM, staff management & more |
| Security | Meets global standards like PCI CPoC; highly secure | Industry-standard security with physical controls |
| Cost | Low – minimal upfront investment, no hardware rental | Medium to high – hardware costs, maintenance, and support fees |
| Ideal For | Mobile businesses, sole traders, pop-ups, startups, field teams | Retail stores, hospitality venues, busy front counters |
SoftPOS doesn’t replace traditional POS for every business—but it does open the door for smaller or mobile businesses to take payments professionally and efficiently.
What to Look for in a SoftPOS Provider
Not all SoftPOS solutions are created equal. Here’s what to consider when choosing the right one for your business:
- NFC Compatibility – Make sure your device supports tap payments
- Simple Setup – Choose a provider with a fast and user-friendly onboarding process
- Security Compliance – Look for PCI CPoC certification and secure encryption features
- Integration – Can it connect with your accounting software or invoicing tools?
- Fees & Pricing – Understand transaction costs, monthly fees, or bundled services
- Local Support – A provider who understands the Aussie market and offers responsive customer service
The Future of POS is in Your Pocket
SoftPOS is more than just a trend—it’s a powerful tool reshaping how modern businesses take payments. As more consumers expect contactless, on-the-spot transactions, SoftPOS offers a low-cost, high-flexibility option that helps you stay ahead.
Whether you’re running a mobile business, testing new sales channels, or looking for a streamlined backup POS system, SoftPOS can put the power in your hands—literally.
At Venue Smart, we help businesses across Australia embrace new payment technology—like SoftPOS—without the tech overwhelm. From setup to support, we’ve got you covered. Talk to a local representative at Venue Smart today.