The Big Issue enlists Zettle by PayPal for cashless payments push

The Big Issue Group says that it has equipped over a third (594) of its vendor network with contactless technology via the Zettle card reader.

It has also announced that vendors can now offer PayPal QR Code payments to their customers, with the solution being integrated into the Zettle (previously known as iZettle) PoS app.

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Dave, 59, normally sells the Big Issue magazine on his pitch at Tesco, Brook Green, Hammersmith and was one of the earliest vendors to go cashless.

“The Big Issue helped me out, setting up my bank account and I signed up with Zettle. And it definitely helped my sales,” he says.

“And because of the pandemic, card sales increased a lot. I call it ‘Covid reasons’ – people shop less regular, they shop online, or are just afraid to come out. You get a lot of people who don’t engage any more, withdraw into themselves.”

“People don’t use cash these days, and they are often in a rush – if they know they can pay cashless they know it’s going to be quick and it’s going to be secure as well.”

Beth Thomas, The Big Issue’s Head of Partnerships and Programmes, comments: “The pandemic has only accelerated the need for vendors to accept cashless payments and we began a lot of this work with some vendors whilst still in lockdown.”

“For us, financial and digital inclusion is so important as it enables vendors to access the same services and products as everyone else, regardless of their personal circumstances.”

“Our partnership with Zettle and PayPal has enabled us to work with our vendors to help them to manage their finances confidently, using technology to enhance this experience and ensure they get the best access to services and the best value of products.”