Wix, whose cloud-based software enables users to build websites, is entering the paytech arena.
On June 8, the Israel-based company announced the launch of point-of-sale capabilities in partnership with paytech player Stripe and tech giant HP. Wix says the new offering, incorporated into the company’s web platform, enables business owners to securely accept in-store, online and mobile payments.
Business owners, such as fitness studios and beauty salons, that are customers of Wix can choose from several point-of-sale options:
- The Wix Complete POS Retail Package equips Wix e-commerce merchants that operate brick-and-mortar businesses with HP hardware (terminal, cash drawer, barcode scanner and receipt printer) and a Stripe card reader.
- The Wix Retail Essential Package includes the HP terminal and the Stripe card reader.
- Wix Mobile POS supports Bluetooth-enabled transactions on iOS and Android devices in conjunction with the Stripe card reader.
- An à la carte alternative lets merchants pick and choose hardware.
Wix point-of-sales software is preinstalled on the HP terminal. The software, developed by Wix, comes at no additional cost.
“The launch of our own POS solution comes at a time when businesses must have the agility to move seamlessly between their online presence and offline POS,” Liat Karpel Gurwicz, head of e-commerce marketing at Wix, said in a news release. “By offering an end-to-end solution, Wix users are able to engage customers and transact across all sales channels and manage their business from one powerful solution.”
Wix POS currently is available to U.S.-based users of the Wix Stores product. Users can accept payments with contactless cards, chip-equipped cards and digital wallets. Transactions are processed at a standard rate in the U.S., with no extra fees charged for processing refunds or chargebacks.
In the next five to seven years, 50% of anything new built on the internet will be done on Wix.
— Wix CEO and co-founder Avishai Abrahami
Scale
In the first quarter, Wix saw a 31% year-over-year jump in revenue to $304 million. The company forecasts 2021 revenue of $1.28 billion to $1.29 billion. Wix now has more than 200 million users around the world.
Last year, Wix users processed more than $5.4 billion in online transactions through the company’s platform, up 126% from the previous year. To bulk up its e-commerce presence, Wix recently acquired Rise.ai, which provides gift cards, loyalty programs and reward programs to merchants.
“Three months ago, I stated my belief that Wix is becoming the main engine of the internet, and that in the next five to seven years, 50% of anything new built on the internet will be done on Wix,” Avishai Abrahami, co-founder and CEO of Wix, said in a May 12 news release. “We are starting off 2021 in a very strong position and are making strides in achieving these goals. Wix is taking a leading role in facilitating the global shift online and changing the way web presences are built.”