The launch of Apple Pay, Apple’s new NFC and Touch ID-based mobile payments service grows ever nearer, and the Cupertino firm is getting ready for the launch by kicking off training programs for its own retail store employees, as well as working with retailers who will participate in the service later this month.
The training materials, first shown by 9to5Mac, also detail some new information regarding the Apple Pay setup and transactions process, both on user’s devices, and in Apple retail stores.
Apple Pay can be setup either via the Passbook app, either during the initial iOS 8 setup routine, or via a new “Settings” menu option called “Passbook & Apple Pay.”
Credit cards are added to Passbook, either via an iTunes account, or by using the iPhone’s camera to scan in the credit card information.
For each credit card entered, users will be able to access a list of recent transactions, quickly download an accompanying App Store app, contact the bank that issued the card, receive push notifications, and view both the credit card number and the unique device account number.
To be filed under “Cool,” if a credit card expires, Passbook will automatically update the card with a new expiration date from the credit card issuer. Users will receive a push notification informing them when the change occurs.
Apple has informed their own retail store employees as to how to handle product returns for transactions initially performed via Apple Pay. The training materials show that a customer returning an item can just touch their iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus against the Apple Easy Pay machine to populate their recent transaction history.
For security purposes, Apple Store receipts for items purchased via Apple Pay will show only the last four digits of the iPhone’s unique Apple Pay device ID. Also, customers will only be asked to provide their name or email address at checkout if they are buying a service like AppleCare.
If Apple Pay doesn’t work properly for a customer in the Apple Store, retail employees will have access to special software called “Apple Pay Demo,” that allows the employee to troubleshoot the issue. Apple Geniuses will only need to become involved if the issue turns out to be hardware related.
All Apple Store employees will be required to take one hour of Apple Pay training this week. The company is expected to announce the launch of the service later this week during its Thursday, October 16 event. An internal memo sent to Walgreens managers indicates the launch will come as soon as Saturday, October 18, however some banks are reportedly not coming on board until early November.
