Data from Nexi Group, the European PayTech, and BVA Doxa has revealed Italian merchant preferences for digital payments, focused on safety, speed and customer experience. According to the survey, Italian merchants now prefer accepting card payments using a point-of-sale (POS) device over using cash. They also value the benefits of mobile payments and are interested in accepting payments via a smartphone.

The survey interviewed a sample of small and medium-sized retail and restaurant merchants and freelance professionals in Italy. The questions analysed the sample’s preferences, needs and expectations in accepting payments at the POS and away from the POS.

Findings from the survey showed that the majority (86%) of merchants now rely on POS devices for payment acceptance in Italy. Respondents valued the security (81%), speed (71%), functionality (79%) and convenience (70%) offered by card payments. Merchants also felt that the ability to accept card payments gives their business a more modern (64%) and attractive (55%) image with consumers.

While merchants prefer accepting card payments at the POS, over a quarter (26%) of payments are conducted away from the traditional in-store POS. Of these transactions, most (88%) are conducted using digital payment methods.

“The BVA Doxa survey confirms that more and more Italian merchants are aware of, and leveraging, the benefits of a digital payment experience,” says Vanessa Maneo, Nexi’s Head of POS Marketing. “However, there is a need for a solution that offers merchants these same benefits while accepting digital payments away from the POS. This could be for sales during a market or fair, or at bars or restaurants where payments are made at the table.” 

While SoftPOS solutions are just beginning to gain traction, almost a third of the sample (29%) expressed interest in the possibility of using a smartphone to receive payments. The majority of merchants, particularly SMEs and freelancers, see the value of SoftPOS for its sustainability (62%) and low maintenance (55%). Meanwhile, around half think it brings convenience (50%) and increased payment acceptance opportunities (45%).

To meet merchant preferences and drive payment digitisation in Europe, Nexi will launch its SoftPOS service in Italy after the summer. In addition to offering the core benefits of a portable digital payment experience while on the move, merchants will benefit from the Nexi micropayments initiative. Under this scheme, merchants will be reimbursed fees on transactions of 10 Euros or under until the end of 2023, even when accepted via SoftPOS.