Since last year, Alipay and WeChat have started deploying their own code scanners in physical stores. Users can use Alipay or WeChat payment to shop in chain convenience stores such as 7-11, Shisto, Meiyijia and Hongqi (only some chains support two at the same time). Some third-party manufacturers have also launched their own "POS machines" to enable small restaurants and supermarkets to support Alipay and WeChat payment.

Although this "benefiting the country and the people" initiative was stopped by the central bank on March 14, thanks to the ambiguous attitude of the central bank, Alipay and WeChat payment are still "running and dancing". The author has always been curious about how small stores that are not officially supported by Alipay and WeChat use QR codes to pay?

In order to solve this mystery, today's novelty hunter captured a third-party mobile payment POS machine. Now let's take a look at what those waiters in small restaurants are holding.

Unpacking and appearance

▲ The machine is packed in a black cardboard box. In addition to the instructions, data line and charger, there is also a lanyard.

▲ The data cable and charger have a strong smell of fruit.

▲ The instruction manual is a few pieces of hard card paper, although it points out that "collection, meal ordering, group purchase card coupon inspection card ”Wait for a few functions, but I still don't know how to use them.

▲ The machine body is completely white matte, shaped like a mango, and there is a mirco USB port for charging and connection in the lower left corner.

▲ The upper right side is the power key, which is the only physical key of the machine. The lower right corner is used to hang the rope handle.

▲ The top of the machine is a black segment reserved for the wireless module.

▲ The back is the camera and speaker, as well as the huge brand logo. Looking at the concentric circles of the camera, one can't help wondering if it is a mobile phone inside?

▲ After the screen is lit, the proportion of the screen is still slightly lower, but the feel is good.

▲ The screen size is 4 inches. After getting used to modern mobile phones, the first impression is that the particles are heavy.

▲ The lanyard is slightly thinner and the body is slightly larger, but fortunately the machine is only about 200g, similar to the general giant screen mobile phone.

▲ Take the lanyard, and the waiter's taste will come out. In addition, because the fuselage is really slippery, the attendants still need such a lanyard.

▲ There is also a small printer with the machine. The front of the machine is the power supply and connection button, and the upper part is translucent and brown. It is the thermal printing paper (the kind that can be pressed with nails) that is common in supermarkets.

▲ There is a PS2 interface on the left side of the printer (that is, the interface connecting the old mouse and keyboard) , but the function is unknown.

▲ The top of the printer is a translucent "opening" reserved for the wireless module.

▲ On the left is the power supply and mini USB interface (it is rare now, and was mainly used on MP3 and other devices). The power supply specification is 9V/1.5A.

▲ Opening the back battery compartment, I was shocked that the built-in lithium battery could reach 8.4V, but because of its small capacity, its weight is similar to that of a 3000mAh mobile phone battery.

▲ The leather holster attached with the machine has the style of a nouveau riche. It seems that ordinary people cannot understand the beauty of business tools.

▲ The leather sleeve is aligned accurately, and a belt ring is also provided at the back.

▲ This is the ordering status of the machine. After ordering, click Print.

▲ With the printer beeping sound of the supermarket, a click menu with two-dimensional code will come out, and the force of the machine will suddenly rise.

working principle

Micro POS is actually an Android device with third-party applications. The machine can complete two-dimensional code collection, group purchase, membership card verification and other work through the installed "merchant version" WeChat, Alipay, Dianping, Meituan, Lashou and other third-party apps.

The process for the shop owner to get the POS machine is to apply to the manufacturer first, and the manufacturer will fill the customized system into the machine according to the requirements, and then deliver it to the merchant. The membership card, coupon and built-in group buying website client are all fixed at the factory, and the shop owner cannot change them by himself.

In addition, although the product name contains the words "Micro POS", it actually does not support swiping cards - _ -! Therefore, if they are used to collect money, they will not go through the bank and will not be taxed (this may be a feature that many businesses like?).

Function operation

First of all, the Android system used by the machine has gone through real "deep customization", and almost no traces of Android can be seen on the interface, and the multi task operation and virtual buttons have been removed (the multi task function has been sacrificed incidentally).

The POS itself needs to be connected to wifi, and it transmits data with the printer through Bluetooth. However, since it is factory bound in two directions, the printer can work directly as long as it is powered on. Its main functions can be summarized as "collection, ordering, queuing, and verification of group purchase cards and coupons" ”4.

▲ The main page of the machine system consists of two pages: "Cashier and Store Housekeeper". The left side is responsible for WeChat, Alipay collection, distribution and verification of membership cards and coupons; On the right side, besides a stack of group purchase applications, there are also functions of ordering, queuing and order statistics.

▲ The screenshots of the functions of vouchers, membership cards and coupons are shown above. Because it is a testing machine, it will jump to the testing website after scanning the QR code. Generally, when used by merchants, it should be the official Wechat of the merchants.

▲ In terms of money collection, it supports box payment, Alipay and WeChat. After entering the amount, the customer can scan the code to pay. However, it may be strange that the customer sweeps the POS machine instead of the POS machine.

▲ Following is the ordering function customized for small restaurants. Select a table, and click the menu to generate a menu. After unpacking, a beautiful scene can happen.

▲ Click the menu to print it.

▲ After the customer finishes eating or selects the goods, the shopkeeper can input the price and generate a QR code to collect the money. Of course, it is also possible to pay with ordinary scanning code.

▲ The queuing system is as above. After the seat is selected, the printer will also print a number plate.

▲ Although the system is greatly simplified, there are still simple order notification and statistics.

▲ Although the system customization is very deep, the XD of Android can still be exposed when there is no power and shutdown prompt

▲ At the same time, thanks to the power prompt, you can actually see the endurance curve of the machine. Looking at this moving curve, if the business is good, one charge a day or even two charges a day may be embarrassing.

summary

In fact, the work of the device itself can be completed through a mobile phone. From the consumer's point of view, this kind of commercial equipment, although strange, is at least more natural than the store's own mobile phone charging you. In addition, the device has added queuing and ordering applications, which is still of some other use for businesses.

As a consumer, if the amount of consumption is small, it is also unlikely to pay online, because the steps are still a bit cumbersome: unlock the phone - open Alipay or WeChat - scan the code to pay - enter the password. With this process, the store can handle several cash users.

However, if you buy more things or line up for dinner, or even don't bring enough cash, This experience is quite pleasant XD