Account Settings
Payments

Payment Devices

3min

All that is needed to operate a sale within Ludus is a device (such as a laptop or computer) with an internet connection. However, in a world with an increasing number of options for credit payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc,) you may wish to outfit your box office with some additional equipment to not only be able to accept these forms of payment easily but also speed up in-person card payments.

Payment Terminals are completely optional and not required to use Ludus.

Two main devices are compatible with Ludus: the Mobile Reader and the Standard Terminal.

Document image


What is the main difference between a Mobile Reader and Standard Terminal?

Mobile Reader ($79): needs a mobile device like an iPad/iPhone or Android phone/tablet set to the side plus a computer (laptop/desktop) to run the device. The mobile device acts as the middleman since the Reader can't connect directly to your computer. Once the mobile device is on with the Mobile Reader app open, you do not need to interact with it and can simply send payments from your computer to the Mobile Reader.

Standard Terminal ($299): does not need an additional mobile device and just works over WiFi or Ethernet. It'll need to be on the same secure private WiFi/Ethernet network as the computer you're selling tickets on.

The WiFi network must use WPA-Personal or WPA2-Personal encryption and be password protected. WiFi is not supported for non-password-protected networks or enterprise networks (networks that require a username and password).



What is the benefit of a Mobile Reader?

The Mobile Reader can work with any mobile device that has the Ludus Mobile Terminal app downloaded, which means it can work over WiFi or cellular.

Whereas the Standard Terminal always has to be on the exact same network as the computer you're selling.

Can I sell tickets directly on the Standard Terminal or Mobile Reader app?

No — to sell tickets, you'll always need to use a laptop or desktop to build your cart via your admin panel and send the payment request to the payment device.

Is a payment device required to sell tickets in person?

Nope! If you prefer to manually enter card information, you can do so. However, payment devices with drastically speed up your box office lines.

You can also easily sell tickets using cash or check via your box office tools.

Can one payment device be used with multiple Ludus accounts?

Absolutely — while both the Mobile Reader and Standard Terminal are specific to Ludus, you can use the same payment device with multiple Ludus accounts. So if you're with a school or organization that has multiple Ludus accounts for different things, you can all share the same payment devices. No need to buy a new device for each Ludus account.

What are the steps to process an in-person sale with a payment device?

To read more about processing a sale with the Mobile Reader, check out the following article. Suggested Articles: Collect Payment with Mobile Reader

Does Ludus support USB Swipers?

We do not, here's why:

  1. Bye-bye Stripes — starting in 2024, card brands will begin removing magnetic stripes from cards, meaning swiping will be impossible. Not allowing USB swiping means we can ensure all accounts are ready to go when magnetic strips disappear.
  2. Security and Liability — with increased compliance regulations by card companies and the requirement to continue building secure applications, USB card swipers create security challenges we cannot support. Removing support for USB swipers allows us to offer the best secure interfaces for handling your patrons' card information, removing threats such as key logging and browser-based attacks through extensions that make you liable for breaches. Our payment devices completely remove liability from you and your organization.
  3. Patrons — patrons are demanding new ways to pay and prefer the ability to tap or use Apple/Google Pay. This will allow you to stay on top of your patrons' needs and take your box office to the next level.





Learn more: