Opening a business in Portugal: what payment solutions should I have?

Having a winning idea and funding are just two ingredients in the recipe for success. To really start selling, especially when starting a business in Portugal, you need to prepare the ground with strategy, structure and, above all.., suitable means of payment consumer habits.

The essentials for opening a business in Portugal and starting to sell

Define your target audience

First of all, it's essential to know who you want to sell to. This definition will guide your entire strategy: from communication to the type of customer service and payment solutions that you must make available.

Carry out a market study

Identify your competitors, analyse opportunities and understand your audience's buying behaviour. A good market study helps you structure a viable and competitive business model.

Choosing reliable suppliers and logistics partners

To guarantee product availability and punctual deliveries, select reliable suppliers and an efficient logistics service. This will be decisive for your brand's reputation.

To guarantee product availability and punctual deliveries, it is essential to select reliable suppliers and an efficient logistics service.

If you're starting out in the fashion industry, it's worth exploring how to find clothing suppliers in PortugalAlso consider local partnerships that contribute to your brand's agility and reputation.

Betting on social networks as an engine for growth

Invest in digital marketingespecially on social networks. Publish relevant content, promote competitions and offer discounts to create a loyal community around your brand.

Why are payment methods important for anyone who wants to start a business?

One slow or limited checkout can be the end of the line for a sale. If in a physical shop the customer is faced with the absence of options such as MB WAY or contactless cards, they may give up. In e-commerce, that abandonment happens in seconds.

Choose payment solutions in line with consumer habits in Portugal is therefore just as vital as having a good product.

POS for physical shops: how does it work legally?

If you're starting a business, you'll need a automatic payment terminal (TPA). This equipment can accept the methods favoured by the Portuguese:

• Debit and credit cards;
• MB WAY;
• Contactless card payments or mobile devices.

In order to function legally, the TPA must be contracted to a bank or provider authorised by the Bank of Portugal.

What should you consider when choosing a TPA?

• Accepted payment methods;
• Ease of use;
• Fees, commissions and monthly instalments;
• Technical support and training included.

Payment solutions for small businesses

If your business is starting out and has a low turnover, look for solutions with low fixed costs. A good example is Free TPAno membership costs and no loyalty periodwhich:

• No minimum income required;
• It has a fixed monthly fee adapted to the turnover of your business (between 15€ and 50€ + VAT);
• Accepts payments by PIN, contactless and MB WAY;
• It's easy to use and ideal for new entrepreneurs.

How to expand payment options with growth

As the business grows, it's time to integrate more robust means of paymentsuch as TPA Android Smart. This terminal allows you to:

• Accept national and international cards;
• Accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, MB WAY;
• Integrate apps such as:
  • Instalment plan with UNICREpayment in instalments up to 6 times without interest;
  • PIX: ideal for Brazilian clients in Portugal.

Mobility and remote payments: modern solutions for new businesses

If your business involves mobility, such as deliveries, fairs, door-to-door services, you can turn your mobile phone into a POS with the App Soft:

• Enter the value;
• Customers pay by card or MB WAY;
• Digital receipt sent by e-mail;
• Amount received safely, thanks to PCI-DSS certification.

Pay by Link: online payments without a website

With the Pay by Linkyou can send a payment link by:

• SMS
• WhatsApp
• E-mail

And receive payments for:

• MB WAY
• Cards
• Apple Pay / Google Pay
• PIX
• Multibanco reference
• Instalment plan with UNICRE

All this with delivery in 5 languages and payment in the customer's home currency (DCC), ideal for tourists and international clients.

No membership or monthly fees, and protected with 3D Secure technology.

Conclusion

Starting a business in Portugal requires more than a good plan: it requires a simple, secure and modern shopping experience.

Investing in the right payment solutionsThis is not just a matter of convenience, it is a matter of smart growth strategyThis builds customer loyalty and increases conversions.