TapBase has announced the official release of its TapPay and TapWallet mobile applications for the iPhone as key elements of its Tap mobile payments, loyalty and rewards platform.
"After a significant development and testing effort, we're very pleased to offer merchants and consumers a feature-rich mobile payments billing and payment solution", reported CEO, Robert Mallett.
"Although there are a number of mobile payment solutions now available in the marketplace, our system mitigates some of the risks inherent in performing payment transactions away from the traditional bricks-and-mortar retail store. For example, a customer can request a bill be sent to their own device; the customer can then complete the transaction without having to directly share sensitive credit card data with the merchant."
The TapPay application was designed and developed with significant input from small businesses and the functionality extends far beyond the payment processing available from existing mobile payment systems. For example, merchants can use the integrated barcode scanner to manage a mobile database of products and services; items can be instantly called up and added to a mobile shopping cart where discounts, miscellaneous charges and/or tips can be applied. Using an optional magnetic-stripe reader, credit and debit cards can be swiped or a bill can be sent directly to a customer's smartphone.
The TapWallet application allows consumers to securely store and carry payment card information as well as loyalty and membership cards. When a bill arrives, the customer selects a payment card, signs the transaction on their phone and authorizes the payment. Within seconds, the merchant is notified that the transaction is complete and is provided with a copy of the receipt. This innovative system is fast, easy and convenient for both the consumer and merchant.
TapBase plans to offer Android versions of the apps and launch further components of its platform in Q4, 2012. This will include the ability for merchants to issue their own virtual pre-paid and gift cards using QR codes and NFC technology. Additionally, merchants may offeffer rewards to customers in the form of TapPoints - a virtual currency offered only on the Tap Platform.