The guide for in-store payments: Why do you need Silkpay’s 9220 POS ?
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Payment habits have shifted fundamentals over the last decade. While many European retailers still rely exclusively on Visa and Mastercard, the global market plays by different rules. International shoppers carry UnionPay, and local digital natives have moved almost entirely to mobile wallets; so accepting a diverse range of payment options is an essential requirement for retailers.
For merchants looking to modernize, the Silkpay 9220 POS offers a consolidated solution. It bridges the gap between traditional European banking and global payment. Supporting a wide variety of international and local payment methods allows your store to connect with customers from around the world. No matter where your customers come from, they can complete payments smoothly and securely.
This article explores the importance of having a card reader that supports UnionPay, explains why the 9220 POS terminal is the preferred choice for European merchants, and explains how it helps retailers accept multiple payments. By doing so, it increases transaction success rates and enhances the customer experience.
UnionPay: the huge market you cannot ignore
In today’s global retail environment, many merchants are familiar with major payment methods like Visa and Mastercard, yet they often overlook the massive business opportunities offered by UnionPay. UnionPay is not only the dominant payment network in China, but its global reach and enormous cardholder base make it a key factor for any European merchant.
What is UnionPay?
UnionPay is the world’s largest card network, with over 8.4 billion cards issued, covering more than 180 countries and regions. Its cardholder base and transaction volume are among the highest worldwide, with a market share even surpassing Visa. For European merchants, accepting UnionPay means accessing the largest group of cardholders in the world, particularly high-value customers from China and other Asian countries.
Why must your POS machine support UnionPay?
High-spending tourists
UnionPay is the preferred payment method for Chinese tourists. Their cards often have high or even unlimited spending limits, which allows them to make purchases of luxury goods, jewelry, fine dining, and travel experiences. If your store does not accept UnionPay, you risk losing these high-spending customers.
International student market
Europe is a popular destination for Chinese students. For them, UnionPay is their primary payment tool for everyday life, from tuition fees to groceries and daily shopping. If merchants do not accept UnionPay, these students will not be able to make purchases, directly affecting sales.
Trust and security
UnionPay’s international recognition and credibility make customers feel more confident when they see the “UnionPay” logo, which can encourage higher-value spending. Supporting UnionPay is not just a convenience; it demonstrates professionalism and respect for international customers.
A key tool for expanding into international markets
Accepting UnionPay allows merchants to attract customers from China and other Asian countries easily. For European merchants looking to expand internationally and attract high-value clients, supporting UnionPay is no longer optional, it is essential for business growth and improving the customer experience. Choosing a modern POS terminal that supports UnionPay, such as the Silkpay’s 9220, opens up broader business opportunities and ensures a more stable revenue stream.
The mobile trend: accept Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay
For younger generations, the smartphone has already replaced the traditional wallet. Whether in France, Spain, Italy, or anywhere else in the world, more and more customers prefer to pay with their phones instead of pulling out a bank card or cash.
In this major shift, if a merchant’s POS machine cannot accept the leading mobile payment methods, they risk losing a large portion of potential customers.
The Silkpay 9220 was created precisely to meet this demand; it is a next-generation smart payment terminal built for modern retail.
The Silkpay 9220 is fully compatible with the three major global mobile payment systems:
Apple Pay: Used by all iPhone and Apple Watch users, especially popular among young consumers in Europe
Google Pay: The most widely used mobile payment method across Android devices
Samsung Pay: Favored by a large and loyal user base, with multiple payment modes supported
Whether your customer uses an iPhone or an Android device, the payment is completed in just a second or two with a simple tap.
This modern payment experience is:
Fast and convenient
Password-free, reducing queues
Highly efficient for your checkout process
Most importantly, it gives customers the impression of a modern, international, and customer-friendly store.
Silkpay’s 9220 POS machine: one machine for everything
Some payment solutions are complicated. You might need one machine for local cards and another for foreign cards. This is messy and hard to manage.
Silkpay provides an all-in-one solution:
Major payment methods supported: Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. One machine does it all.
Easy to use: The machine is designed like a smartphone. The screen is clear and simple. Your staff can learn how to use it in minutes. No complex training is needed. And if you need assistance, our team is always ready to help.
Portable: No wires holding you back. The 9220 is light and easy to carry. You can take payments at the table in a restaurant, or use it for delivery.
Why choose Silkpay to upgrade your POS?
Silkpay is an expert in payment solutions in Europe. We understand what merchants need.
Flexible costs: We offer both POS machine purchase and rental options to suit your needs.
Professional image: A modern POS machine that accepts global payments makes your shop look professional and international.
Reliable customer support: Silkpay offers multilingual support, including French, English, Italian, and Chinese, so merchants always get clear, fast assistance.
A solution trusted by European merchants: From luxury retailers to local cafés, from tourist shops to education centers, countless merchants across Europe choose Silkpay for its stability, simplicity, and international capabilities.
Conclusion
In a global world, payment methods should not stop your business.
Using Silkpay’s 9220 is not just about taking payments. It is about welcoming billions of cardholders and millions of mobile users. Whether it is a tourist ready to spend big or a local customer in a rush, the Silkpay 9220 makes everyone happy. Don't let an old machine limit your sales.
About the author: Silkpay
Based in Paris, Silkpay provides omnichannel and secure payment solutions to help physical stores and e-commerce in Europe and the Americas accept more than 30 of the world's most popular payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, CB, UnionPay, Alipay+, WeChat Pay as well as Asia-Pacific’s major e-wallets.
Silkpay is a winner of the LVMH Innovation Award. The company was also selected as a finalist for the "Money 20/20" Best Startup and in the "MPE Berlin” Startup Awards. Silkpay also won the "Best Fintech" awards from Capgemini and BPCE.
Silkpay helps merchants deliver the smoothest payment experience to their customers. We are a talented and international team driven by a single goal: to improve the customer experience and make payments simple and secure.