Square launches pocket-sized ordering and payment device

Technology company Square has launched the Square Handheld portable point-of-sale device, designed to help hospitality businesses serve customers more quickly.

The terminal is designed cope with a busy shift, rated to IP54 standards for protection against dust and water ingress.

The device weighs 0.31 kgs and is 1.5 cm thick, similar to a smartphone, with a battery that can last all day, with Wi-Fi and offline payment capabilities.

Serving staff can send an order immediately to a kitchen display system with one-touch selection from a visual menu.

A camera allows hospitality businesses to take product pictures, and AI tools can generate product descriptions for vendors. An integrated barcode scanner can also scan in retail items, such as merchandise or bottles of wine, as well as gift cards and QR codes.

Square’s system integrates with cashflow tools to quickly facilitate payments.

The technology firm has also partnered with accessories manufacturer Belkin to offer protective cases in seven different colours to add further defence against accidental drops and scratches, allowing businesses to match their brand identity to their device.

By eliminating unnecessary trips between tables and the counter, Square Handheld can enable front of house staff to provide more attentive service and turn tables more efficiently during peak hours, leading to improved customer satisfaction and increased revenue for UK businesses.

Tom Haydon, founder of Tom’s Pasta in Hackney, London, was one of the first businesses in the UK to try the new pocketable point-of-sale device. “Light. Slimline. Fits in your pocket. Still has all the features we’re used to from Square and quite a lot more,” he said.

“It saves us 30 seconds per customer per course. It’s these little 30-second micro transactions that are really helping across the whole shift. All of a sudden you’re probably getting about half an hour back for your team and if that means guests get their food 30 seconds quicker, then the person two tables afterwards gets their food quicker too. It really helps with the whole flow.”

Ming-Tai Huh, head of food and beverage at Square, added: “Running a business has never been more demanding, but at Square we’re here to partner and power UK businesses with the right digital tools. Square Handheld does exactly that. It’s a game changer for restaurant owners, providing all the tools they need to run their business, right in their pocket.”