In an increasingly competitive business world, every advantage counts. If you can set yourself apart from competitors in even the slightest way, you may end up closing a deal or making a sale you otherwise wouldn’t have. Versatility and mobility are absolutely crucial in every field, but none more so than when it comes to commerce. If you can make the purchasing process easier for your customers, all the better. Now imagine what it would be like to be able to accept credit card payments from customers instantly, on the spot, no matter where you are. Square gives you the power to do just that with one simple application through a smart phone or a tablet PC.

Square enables anyone with the downloaded application and proprietary card reader to accept payments using your favorite mobile device. Available for both Android and iOS, it processes payments without requiring expensive equipment or extra fees. The Square reader is a compact, lightweight plastic insert that you receive when you sign up for an account. To use it, you first plug the reader into the headphone jack of your device. Simply swipe the card, and Square safely handles credit and debit transactions for any amount. It’s perfect for any small business or entrepreneur, or for any enterprise with numerous mobile workers in the field.

Thoroughly tested for security and already up and running on thousands of devices, Square uses nearly impregnable SSL encryption from VeriSign to protect credit information. Square works especially well on an iPad or Android tablet, allowing vendors to create a virtual catalog of items and services for prospective buyers in person. It automatically calculates and adds sales tax and generates email receipts for you, making it a one of a kind tool for entrepreneurs of all stripes. If you’re in business for yourself or find that you need to accept card payments at a moment’s notice, Square is the perfect solution.

Image: Square Inc