Surfing around Twitterland can be quite educational – not to mention the fact that you’re getting real time info from some of the webs most influential movers and shakers. Keeping this in mind, I stumbled accross a tweet from Kevin Rose, who was replying to Jim (creator of Twitter) about a website called SquareUp.com.
As an entrepreneur, one of the biggest challenges faced is implementing a transparent, efficient and accurate payment gateway. In the world of offline business – where physical products and interaction are the name of the game – this becomes even more crucial. Enter Square: A new technology which allows business owners to accept card-based payments directly from a mobile device – so long as it has an audio jack.
I can’t even begin to describe the feeling running through my veins right now. Not that I would ever have any use for their products and services, as 100% of my business is virtual and online, but that’s besides the point.
I am a junkie for innovation, creativity and overall awesomeness – and I am officially (with zero credibility) claiming Square to be the most groundbreaking start up for 2010.
I have a really good feeling about these guys!
Please head over to Square and see for yourself.
Cheers,
Elijah
Nice Find!
I am on it now 😉
.-= Nota Bene Neal´s last blog ..Standing Up For What Is Right =-.
@Neal – Yeah dude. I’m not a heavy Twitter user, but one thing I do use it for is to get the jump on industry happenings and other cool shit. I literally caught that launch within 30 minutes of it happening!
.-= Elijah´s last blog ..Square: Most Groundbreaking Start Up For 2010 =-.
Oh snap! I read that as the end user making payments via cell phone, but it’s the business being able to swipe! That is incredibly awesome. I’m thinking of all the crafters who sell at craft fairs and vendors at the renaissance faire (half their shops don’t even have electricity to run a card swipe). Very, very cool thing.
.-= WordVixen´s last blog ..Helping Out A Few Friends =-.
Hey Elijah
The guy’s name is Jack (and not Jim). Anyway, on the story, I am kind of skeptical. While it does seem well-intentioned, there is a far higher probability of frauds than current modes of ecommerce.
Right now, if you are on an eBay and want to check if you are not being phished somewhere, you can check the address bar to confirm its eBay. You are on YOUR computer, which means I can install all spywares and anti-viruses in order to be safe.
In this new set-up, it’s the vendor’s mobile phone. The guy can make a software that looks and works just like SquareUp, but store your credit card details in the backend without a hint…You won’t even know..
It’s scary..
.-= Anand Srinivasan´s last blog ..KnewThis Explained =-.
@Anand – Absolutely scary, indeed. But in regards to “groundbreaking factor” the product is a first of it’s kind. It will either be hugely successful or end in suicide and rage – but nevertheless, it is a technological advancement!
.-= Elijah´s last blog ..Square: The Payment Game Is About To Change For Offline Businesses =-.