Fergus launches tap-to-pay for instant trade payments via mobile

Fergus has introduced tap-to-pay functionality to its job management platform, allowing trade professionals to accept contactless payment straight from their mobile devices without the need for additional hardware.

The new feature enables customers to pay instantly by tapping their debit or credit card, or using digital wallets, on the Fergus user's mobile phone after a job has been completed. Payment is processed via the Fergus Pay platform, which is powered by Stripe, and does not require any payment terminal accessories.

Payment process

By removing the need for manual entry of payment details, the tap-to-pay feature aims to streamline the payment process for trade businesses and their customers. It also supports digital wallet payments, reflecting the growing customer preference for mobile-based transactions.

The launch of the tap-to-pay capability forms part of a series of payment enhancements being developed by Fergus for users in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. The system is intended to reduce administrative tasks and improve cash flow by making it easier to receive payments immediately after jobs are completed.

Fergus customers can now accept contactless payments directly on their phone using Fergus Pay. Finish a job on site, tap the customer's card or phone, and the money is on its way. No clunky terminals. No chasing invoices.

Mark Bartels, Chief Executive Officer of Fergus, said the new functionality streamlines the experience both for trade professionals, who benefit from faster payments, and for customers, who see greater convenience at the point of service.

Auto reconciliation

Fergus has built automatic reconciliation technology into the tap-to-pay workflow. Once the payment is made via tap-to-pay, the system recognises and records the transaction automatically within Fergus, eliminating the need for users to enter payment details manually into their accounting or job management records.

This functionality is designed to reduce the administrative load typically associated with payment processing and post-job paperwork, particularly for small and medium-sized trade businesses.

General ledgers are the system of record for tradies. Fergus is the system of action. It's where the work gets done. Quoting, invoicing, job-costing, and getting paid all happen on Fergus. Tap2Pay is the next step: it accelerates cash flow, saves time, and opens up new ways to get paid the moment the job's done. The best time to ask for payment is when the work is complete and the customer is happy. Strike while the iron's hot. Tap2Pay is a huge unlock for trade pros who want to get paid fast.

According to Fergus, the integration of payment acceptance and auto reconciliation supports its broader goal to make end-to-end job and business management processes more efficient for tradespeople.

Upcoming enhancements

As part of an ongoing focus on broadening payment options, Fergus is also in the process of developing buy now pay later (BNPL) support. This option is expected to become available to Fergus users later in the year, and is intended to offer customers flexibility while enabling trades businesses to secure work and improve their own cash flow predictability.

Fergus was founded in 2012 and now provides quoting, scheduling, timesheets, workforce tracking, health and safety management, automatic supplier invoice integrations, detailed profit margin reporting, and mobile app support to over 23,000 tradespeople globally. Its solutions can be integrated with popular accounting platforms, including Xero, MYOB, and QuickBooks, and with major suppliers in the trades industry.

The company has reported that its users have processed billions of dollars in revenue through the platform, and that the integration of digital payment technologies has played a significant role in helping users get paid more quickly and efficiently.