Can we take in-person payments on a computer or does it have to be a phone/tablet?
Yes, any device that can download the SuccessFund mobile app can be used to accept in-person payments. This means that you might be able to use a computer like a Chromebook to accept payments using SuccessFund card readers if the app can be downloaded from the Google Play store to that device.
Important note: While the SuccessFund app can be downloaded to some Chromebooks, these devices are notoriously slow, out of date, or have weak internet connections. As a result, functionality might be limited. This is the case often enough that we don't typically recommend using a Chromebook.
The following drawbacks have been known to exist:
- Most Chromebooks have only front-facing cameras, and will not support receipt scanning for order fulfillment.
- Most Chromebooks do not allow for authentication with Google or Microsoft.
- Most Chromebooks process payments about 10 times slower than a smartphone.
- Some versions of Chromebooks are not current enough to support the SuccessFund mobile app at all.
Our recommendation: We always recommend using a mobile device like a tablet, iPad, iPhone, or Android phone for in-person payments with SuccessFund. If that option isn't available, we also recommend printing out the QR code or one of our flyers for your specific campaign so that patrons can scan and pay from their own devices.
If you must use a Chromebook, we recommend using a newer, top of the line device. Make sure that you are using the most current version of the app. Ensure that IT has enabled SuccessFund for Chromebooks on your network. Sign in using a volunteer code rather than your account. Expect that payments will take longer than the typical experience, and make sure you have a strong internet connection. If the first payment attempt fails, we recommend giving it a second try. If that doesn't succeed, we recommend using a different device.