Every branch needs at least one device that can take a card before it can trade. There are three ways to do that.
Stripe Reader M2 (recommended)
A small Bluetooth reader that pairs with the front-desk iPad. Tap, chip, and swipe. This is the one to order for a permanent front desk.
Pair it in Settings → Hardware → Add reader. Charge it fully first — a reader below about 20% will pair and then drop mid-transaction.
An iPhone, as Tap to Pay
An iPhone (XS or newer, iOS 16.4+) can take contactless cards and wallets with no extra hardware. Useful two ways:
- as a stopgap while your reader is in the post
- for a stylist taking payment at the chair, away from the desk
An iPad alone — no
An iPad cannot take a card by itself. iPads have no reader hardware for payments, so a front desk that is only an iPad still needs either an M2 or an iPhone alongside it. This surprises people, so it is worth saying plainly.
Per branch, not per salon
Each branch needs its own device. A reader paired at one location cannot take payments at another — Stripe ties readers to a location so a multi-branch salon's takings are attributed to the right shop.