Using Offline Mode with the Square Terminal

[QM688]

We are a non-profit that periodically sells raffle tickets and items at fundraising events.  We are not guaranteed an active internet connection at some of these events.   We are considering purchasing a Square Terminal but we are concerned about the reliability of the offline sales feature.   We would have no problem connecting the device to the internet within the 24 hour timeframe.  

Does anyone have experience with the terminal and can you comment on how reliable the offline sales feature is?  Thank you!   

[Candlestore]

@QM688 ;

The locations / Events you would be selling at do you have a Cell signal?  You could use a Tablet or Cell phone as a Hotspot to give your Terminal an internet connection.  This would eliminate the issue of the Offline sales.   Just another option for you to look into before taking a sale in Offline mode.    

[QM688]

I understand that.  Our events are remote at times with several shifts of different people manning our sales table.   Some of our volunteers may not have a cell phone hot spot or may not know how to use it.  Not everyone is tech savvy.   It would also mean changing connections each time a new volunteer starts their shift.   

[Summer2024 · Accepted solution]

Hi @QM688 ! 

I am a Square Community moderator and just wanted to share some best practices with using Offline Mode if you choose to go that route. You can find all things "Offline Mode" in this Support Article as well. 

There is additional risk with any offline payments you accept. Square is not responsible for any loss due to declined cards or expired payments taken while offline. In addition, Square cannot contact any customers on your behalf should an offline payment expire or be declined. You are responsible for any expired, declined, or disputed payments accepted while offline.

• Be sure to obtain a signature for every transaction (where possible) and verify the signature on the screen matches the signature on the back of the payment card. 

• If the card is not signed, ask your customer for a government-issued ID and to sign the card. Looking at their ID, match the signature to the signature on the payment card. 

• While you can’t require your customer to provide an ID, and requesting an ID doesn’t change your liability for chargebacks, unsigned cards are invalid and should not be accepted.

Remember, if a payment card is declined, Square is unable to provide customer contact information or contact the customer on your behalf.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.