5 ways the new iKhokha smart card machine will shake up fintech

During the last decade, iKhokha has developed digital payment solutions that make it easier for small businesses to start and scale. In the last year alone, they have launched several payment methods across the electronic and physical business landscape.

The company recently launched its flagship card machine – iK Flyer.

Product Manager Olivier D’Huart spoke about the impact the smart card machine is having on the market.

“iK Flyer is much more than a world-class card machine. With its smart screen interface, business owners will now have access to more services – such as direct access to tailored financing solutions. They can also sell digital products, track sales and manage products, says D’Huart.

After identifying the need for faster, more reliable transactions in the small business sector, iKhokha Product Owner Jani Rostoll unpacks the journey of bringing iK Flyer to life.

“We started with a proof of concept of this new Android-based hardware and set to work on its most important features: speed and reliability. We then ran a trial version of the product with trusted sellers who we know would give us great feedback when it applies to the transaction and connection security, says Rostoll.

The smart device could prove to be a game changer for business owners as iKhokha seeks to unlock more value for its merchants. Here are five ways iK Flyer is a worthwhile investment for business owners:

1. Automatic Software Updates

iK Flyer comes pre-loaded with the iKhokha app, and automatically receives new updates as they become available. From new features and security upgrades, to improved usability and bug fixes, the free updates ensure iK Flyer performs optimally without the business owner having to lift a finger.

For business owners, this is great for three reasons:

• Access to new features at no additional cost;
• It eliminates the manual process it takes to update a device; and
• Better performance as the card machine will always be up to date.

While the launch version of iK Flyer includes a stock version of the app, iKhokha plans to release its exclusive business tools, such as the popular iK Cash Advance, iK Vend and iK Pay Link, soon.

2. Better connection, faster speed

Many South African businesses face connectivity challenges, from erratic mobile networks to load shedding. With iK Flyer, the answer to reliability and speed is simple: more options.

The Wi-Fi enabled iK Flyer also has two built-in 4G Sim cards with unlimited data. This gives the business owner the ability to switch between Wi-Fi and two additional network providers to find the strongest network.

3. High speed printer for faster sales

The iK Flyer includes a built-in, ink-free thermal printer that prints physical receipts at high speeds of 70 mm per second. Sellers also have the option of sending a digital copy to the customer.

4. Long lasting removable battery

iK Flyer is the only card machine in the mPOS (mobile point of sale) area that includes a charging base. This base acts as a secure holder for the device and keeps it charged when not in use.

Card machines with built-in batteries have a limited lifespan. When the battery becomes damaged or eventually discharged, the entire unit must be replaced. With the iK Flyer’s removable battery, the old battery can be replaced with a new one. This eliminates continuous reinvestment in new hardware.

5. Tools for business management

iK Flyer also includes a business management package that makes it easier for business owners to run their day-to-day operations. The device enables personnel changes, so that each employee can easily log in under a unique profile. It also gives the business owner or administrator an overview of employee performance, business inventory and sales.

Helping SA businesses rise higher with iK Flyer

Ramsay Daly, iKhokha’s co-founder and chief product officer, is eager to see this exciting innovation impact South African SMEs.

“iK Flyer incorporates the best of iKhokha’s software products into one high-quality card machine and ensures business owners have all the tools they need to succeed in the South African business environment,” he says.

The iK Flyer launches at a competitive price of R1 999, including the charging base. Users of iK Flyer will enjoy iKhokha’s low transaction rates (starting at 2.75%) which drop the more they sell. The smart card machine accepts payments from all major South African bank cards, including digital cards from Samsung Pay and Apple Pay.

To learn more about the iK Flyer plus iKhokha’s latest devices and services, visit www.ikhhokha.com.

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