PayPal has announced the launch of a new software development kit (SDK) which the company hopes will allow it to take the transaction from online to in-store.
The new kit opens up PayPal Here, the company’s credit card reader, which allows retailers to take payments via a detachable dongle, with what it says is an easy to use API.
The company says it the SDK will provide retailers with the opportunity to build a much more personalised relationship with customers, including the ability to allow payments through a mobile devices or point of sale (POS) terminal.
The SDK is available to download for free from today, and also offer several ways to boost the back end of a company’s processes, including methods of working with a merchant’s inventory and invoicing systems while helping manage CRM (customer relationship management) services.
"At PayPal, we’re always working to build product experiences that simplify payments, and looking to collaborate with businesses that share our vision for making the checkout process more seamless whether it’s online, in-store or on mobile," PayPal vice president Brad Brodigan wrote in a blog post announcing the news.
PayPal has enlisted several customers to support the launch of the new SDK, including website services provider GoDaddy and merchant backer Ecwid.
The former has said will look to integrate PayPal Here with its GoDaddy Get Paid app, which lets small businesses manage everyday processes such as invoices, receipts and expenses. Ecwid will use the service to allow merchants to link their in-store sales with their online sales data and inventory, as well as introducing ‘check-in’ functions.
PayPal has announced several initiatives to support small businesses using its services over the last year, including the UK rollout of its Working Capital programme, which provides existing business users access to an interest-free merchant cash advance against their future sales.
