Hello, I am Gaurav Chandra

Software Development Consultant or CTO for Hire www.gaurav.mobi

[gaurav-mobi]

No KYC Payment Gateway in India: Accept UPI Payments Without Documents with UroPay

I originally published this on my blog https://www.uropay.me/blog/post/no-kyc-payment-gateway-in-india-accept-upi-payments-without-documents-with-uropay

Running an online business in India can be tricky when you don’t have formal business registration. That’s because traditional payment gateways ask for tons of paperwork — GST certificates, PAN cards, business proof, and more. But what if you could skip all that and still accept payments online?

What Is a No KYC Payment Gateway?

A no KYC payment gateway is that rare solution which lets you accept online payments without submitting business documents. Now, here’s the thing — most traditional payment gateways in India require full KYC compliance, which typically means you need GST registration, business documents, and bank statements just to get started.

UroPay works differently. Rather than acting as a middleman that requires KYC verification, it virtually turns your phone into a payment acceptance system. You register on the website, download the companion app (if you want full automation), and start accepting UPI payments directly to your bank account. No paperwork needed.

Why Traditional Payment Gateways Require KYC

Traditional payment gateways like Razorpay, Cashfree, and CCAvenue require KYC for a few reasons, which is that they’re regulated financial entities and are specifically known as payment aggregators. The Reserve Bank of India and National Payments Corporation of India have compliance requirements for businesses handling money. These requirements exist to prevent money laundering and financial fraud.

Yet, these requirements create a problem for small sellers, freelancers, and individuals who want to sell online but don’t have formal business registration. That’s where direct UPI payment solutions come in handy.

How UroPay Works Without KYC Requirements

UroPay’s approach is simple. Rather than routing payments through a gateway that requires KYC, it enables direct peer-to-peer UPI transfers. Your customers pay directly to your UPI account, which means you’re not technically using a payment gateway at all.

The system works like this: you create an order or payment link or payment button, share it with your customer (payment link), embed on your website or blog (payment button), and they pay via UPI. When your bank sends you a UPI credit SMS confirmation, the UroPay app reads that SMS and automatically confirms the payment. The order status gets updated on your website or app through a webhook. If you do not have the companion app installed, then you will get an email or WhatsApp notification when your customer enters the UPI Reference Number.

Key Features That Make It Work

The companion app stays active on your Android phone and reads incoming UPI credit SMS. It processes only the payment confirmations and ignores everything else, which is a smart way to automate payment verification without any API access to your bank account.

You keep 100% of what you earn since payments go directly to you. There are no transaction fees, no commission charges, and no hidden costs. Just a simple subscription to access the service. Check out UroPay’s pricing to see which plan fits your business.

Who Can Use a No KYC Payment Solution?

If you’re an individual seller, freelancer, or small business owner without formal registration, this type of solution makes sense. You might be selling handmade products, offering consulting services, or running a small online store. You might be testing a business idea before committing to full registration.

Basically, if you have a UPI account and an Android phone, you can start accepting online payments. The setup takes just minutes, which is significantly faster than the 2–5 day wait for traditional payment gateway approval.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations

Now, here’s what’s important to understand. While the solution doesn’t require KYC from you, you’re still receiving money directly to your bank account. This means your bank already has your KYC information on file. That’s different from using a payment aggregator, where the aggregator company like RazorPay or Cashfree, needs additional verification.

The RBI regulates payment aggregators strictly because they hold customer funds and facilitate transactions. But direct UPI transfers are peer-to-peer transactions, which is similar to someone paying you via Google Pay or PhonePe. The regulations are different for direct transfers versus gateway transactions.

Setting Up Your No KYC Payment System

Getting started is somewhat straightforward. First, you register on UroPay’s website with your email and basic details. Then you download the companion app on your Android phone, which is available from the website.

After that, you subscribe to a plan that fits your transaction volume. The Growth plan works for small businesses, while the Unlimited plan is great for growing operations. Once you’re subscribed, you can start creating payment links or buttons immediately or integrate the system with your website.

Integration Options Available

For non-technical users, payment links and payment buttons are the easiest option. You create a link for each sale and share it via Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, email, or social media. Your customer clicks the link and pays via any UPI app. You can also directly copy & paste the button code on your website or blog too.

If you have a website, you can integrate UroPay using a simple API. The integration documentation walks you through the process step by step. It works with any website platform, which includes custom-built sites, WordPress, and other popular platforms.

Comparing No KYC Solutions to Traditional Gateways

Traditional payment gateways typically charge 2% or more per transaction. So if you process ₹1 lakh in payments, you lose ₹2,000 in fees. With a direct UPI solution, you pay a fixed monthly subscription regardless of your transaction volume.

The setup time is dramatically different too. Traditional gateways require document submission, verification, and approval, which takes several days. With UroPay, you can literally start accepting payments in under an hour.

However, traditional gateways offer features like automatic refunds and chargeback handling. With direct UPI payments, you handle refunds manually by sending money back to your customer. There’s no chargeback system since funds come directly to you.

Common Questions About No KYC Payments

Many sellers wonder if this approach is safe. The answer is that your money goes directly to your UPI account, not through any third party. The app reads only UPI credit SMS and never accesses your account balance or transaction history. Your bank details remain private.

Another common question is about transaction limits. Since you’re using your personal UPI account, the standard NPCI limits apply — ₹1 lakh per transaction for most banks. Some categories like IPOs and education have higher limits up to ₹5 lakh.

People often ask about international payments too. As long as your customer can pay via UPI and the credit arrives in INR, you can accept international transactions. Some international visitors to India can now use UPI through special wallets, which expands your potential customer base.

Limitations You Should Know About

The main limitation is that you need an Android phone that stays connected to the internet. If your phone is off or the app isn’t running, payment confirmations won’t process automatically. You’ll need to manually verify payments in that case.

You can only accept UPI payments, which means no credit cards, debit cards, or netbanking. That said, UPI is incredibly popular in India, and virtually everyone with a smartphone uses it. Over 500 million people actively use UPI, processing more than 20 billion transactions monthly.

The solution works best for Indian customers paying in INR. While international UPI is expanding, it’s still limited compared to traditional payment gateways that accept international cards.

Real-World Use Cases

Freelancers use this system to accept project payments from clients without registering a formal business. A graphic designer might send a payment link after completing work, and the client pays instantly via UPI.

Small online stores use it to accept orders without investing in expensive payment gateway setups. A homemade food business might integrate it with their simple website to take orders and payments.

Service providers like tutors, consultants, and coaches use payment links to collect fees. It’s simpler than asking clients to remember UPI IDs or manually verifying bank transfers.

Getting Started Today

If you want to start accepting online payments without KYC hassles, head over to UroPay’s homepage and register an account. The process takes just a few minutes, and you’ll be ready to accept payments almost immediately.

Download the app from the website, subscribe to a plan that matches your expected transaction volume, and you’re set. For questions or help with setup, you can reach out at [email protected].

The system includes real-time reporting in your dashboard, where you can track all orders and payments. You’ll see which payments are pending, completed, or failed. This makes reconciliation simple and keeps your records organized.

Quick Takeaways

Traditional payment gateways in India require business KYC documents like GST certificates and PAN cards

UroPay enables direct UPI payments without requiring business documentation or KYC

Payments go directly from customers to your UPI account with zero transaction fees

You only pay a fixed monthly subscription regardless of transaction volume

The Android companion app automatically reads UPI credit SMS to confirm payments

Setup takes minutes compared to days for traditional payment gateway approval

Best suited for freelancers, small businesses, and individuals without formal registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accepting payments without a payment gateway legal in India?

Yes, it is completely legal. You’re simply receiving direct UPI transfers to your bank account, which is similar to accepting payments via Google Pay or PhonePe manually. Your bank already has your KYC information, so you’re operating within the regulatory framework. The difference is that the payment confirmation is automated rather than manual.

Can I use this for my e-commerce website?

Absolutely. UroPay integrates with any website platform through APIs. You can add payment buttons or generate payment links for each order. The system works with custom websites, WordPress, Shopify, and other platforms. The integration is straightforward enough that even non-technical users can set it up with basic guidance.

What happens if my phone is turned off when a customer pays?

The payment still goes through to your bank account since it’s a direct UPI transfer. However, the automatic confirmation won’t happen until your phone reconnects to the internet and the app processes the credit SMS. You can manually verify payments in your bank statement and update order status if you do not have the companion app installed.

Are there any transaction limits I should know about?

You’re subject to standard UPI transaction limits set by NPCI and your bank. For most transactions, that’s ₹1 lakh per transaction. Some categories like tax payments, education fees, and capital markets have higher limits of ₹5 lakh. You can make up to 20 UPI transactions per day across all apps for the same bank account. If your have multiple bank accounts, you can add multiple UPI IDs or VPAs in the dashboard.

How do I handle refunds if a customer wants their money back?

You handle refunds manually by sending money back to the customer’s UPI ID or bank account. Since payments come directly to you rather than through a gateway, you have full control over refunds. Make sure to note the refund in your records for accounting purposes.

What are you waiting for. Register now to start using UroPay.

[gaurav-mobi]

When Your Potential Customer Turns Out to Be Your Competitor: A Startup Reality Check

I originally published this story on my blog https://www.uropay.me/blog/post/when-your-potential-customer-turns-out-to-be-your-competitor-a-startup-reality-check

The Email Trail That Should Have Been a Red Flag

Picture this: you launch your start-up, and someone shows genuine interest in your product. They ask questions, seem engaged, and you think, “Finally, a customer who really gets it!” But sometimes, what appears to be enthusiasm is actually something quite different.

That’s exactly what happened when I started marketing UroPay. One user seemed particularly interested, asking detailed questions about merchant order IDs, payment processing, and technical specifications. We exchanged nearly 15 emails, and something felt off. His questions were oddly specific, yet he dodged every attempt to schedule an online meeting.

You know that gut feeling when someone asks you technical details that no regular business owner would typically need? That was my experience. Still, I kept hoping this person would become a paying customer. Maybe I was being too sceptical, I thought.

The Moment Everything Clicked

After weeks of back-and-forth emails, he finally asked for a discount. I agreed, thinking this might close the deal. Then… silence. Complete radio silence. Follow-up emails went unanswered, calls ignored.

Months later, I reached out one more time and this time on WhatsApp. His response was brief but devastating: “I’ve already built an application for my needs.”

That hit me like a ton of bricks. He hadn’t been a potential customer at all — he was copying my entire concept. I felt embarrassed because, with all my experience, I had still fallen for this approach.

What UroPay Actually Offers (And Why People Want to Copy It)

For context, UroPay transforms your Android phone into a payment gateway. Businesses can accept UPI payments directly to their bank accounts without traditional payment gateway paperwork or transaction fees. The system reads UPI credit SMS notifications to automatically confirm payments, making it incredibly simple for small businesses to start selling online.

Unlike conventional payment gateways that charge transaction fees and require formal business registration, UroPay operates on a straightforward subscription model. Every rupee customers pay goes directly to your account — no intermediaries, no commission, no hidden charges. Just download the app, subscribe to a plan, and start accepting payments instantly.

This simplicity and cost-effectiveness make UroPay attractive for entrepreneurs who struggle with traditional payment gateway barriers. But apparently, it also makes it tempting for people to replicate.

Competition Comes with the Territory

Here’s what I learned: every successful idea gets copied. Maruti has Hyundai, Shaadi.com has BharatMatrimony, Zomato has Swiggy. Competition validates that you’re onto something valuable.

The fact that someone spent weeks trying to understand UroPay’s mechanics tells me I built something worth copying. But copying features is different from understanding customer needs, building reliable systems, and providing ongoing support.

What copycats often miss is the continuous innovation, customer feedback integration, and problem-solving that keeps original products ahead. They see the surface but miss the depth of thought and iteration behind successful solutions.

Moving forward, I’ve learned to trust my instincts more. When someone asks unusually technical questions but avoids direct conversations, that’s a pattern worth noting. But I won’t let this experience stop me from helping genuine customers who need simple, affordable payment solutions.

[gaurav-mobi]

Understanding What is UPI QR Code for Payments

I originally published this story on my blog: https://www.uropay.me/blog/post/understanding-what-is-upi-qr-code-for-payments

Sending money or paying at shops has changed forever with UPI QR codes. Imagine this. Over 11 billion UPI transactions were recorded in India in just one month, showing how fast everyone is switching from cash. You might think QR codes only help big tech firms or city shops, but they are now the lifeline for street vendors and tiny businesses everywhere.

Quick Summary

UPI QR codes simplify payments

They enable instantaneous transactions by scanning codes with mobile banking apps, enhancing user convenience.

No transaction charges for users

Customers can make payments without incurring additional fees, promoting broader adoption of digital payments.

Supports diverse businesses

Small vendors and large retailers alike can easily accept digital payments, fostering financial inclusion.

Real-time transaction tracking

Businesses can monitor sales and manage finances effectively through instant settlement and detailed records.

Enhanced security features

UPI QR codes employ advanced encryption and authentication, ensuring safe and secure transactions for users.

Defining UPI QR Code: A Gateway to Digital Payments

A UPI QR code represents a sophisticated digital payment mechanism that enables seamless financial transactions through smartphone scanning. This innovative technology transforms how individuals and businesses conduct monetary exchanges by simplifying payment processes and reducing transactional friction.

Understanding the Fundamental Mechanics

At its core, a UPI QR code is a two-dimensional barcode containing encrypted payment information linked directly to a user’s bank account. When a customer scans this code using their mobile banking application, the system instantly recognises the merchant’s unique identifier and facilitates an immediate fund transfer. Research from the National Payments Corporation of India demonstrates that this technology has revolutionised digital payments by providing a quick, secure, and user-friendly transaction method.

Key characteristics of UPI QR codes include:

Instant transaction processing

Zero transaction charges for customers

Compatibility across multiple banking platforms

Enhanced security through end-to-end encryption

The Strategic Importance of UPI QR Codes

UPI QR codes have emerged as a critical infrastructure for digital financial inclusion in India. By enabling merchants of all scales-from street vendors to large retail establishments-to accept digital payments without sophisticated point-of-sale systems, these codes democratise financial technology. Merchants can generate personalised QR codes through their banking applications, which customers can scan using their preferred UPI-enabled mobile app.

For small business owners seeking efficient payment solutions, discover more about streamlining your digital payment processes, UPI QR codes offer an accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional payment gateways.

The technology’s simplicity lies in its universal accessibility: any smartphone with a camera and a UPI-compatible banking application can initiate a transaction, making digital payments more inclusive and convenient for consumers across diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

The Importance of UPI QR Code in Modern Transactions

UPI QR codes have transformed digital financial interactions by offering an unprecedented level of convenience, accessibility, and security for both merchants and consumers. This innovative payment mechanism represents more than a technological advancement it symbolises a paradigm shift in how financial transactions are conducted across diverse economic segments.

Democratising Digital Payments

The fundamental significance of UPI QR codes lies in their ability to democratise digital payments. Unlike traditional payment systems that require sophisticated infrastructure, these codes enable even small vendors and informal businesses to participate in the digital economy. Research from the National Payments Corporation of India reveals that UPI transactions have grown exponentially, underscoring the technology’s transformative potential in financial inclusion.

Key advantages for businesses include:

Minimal setup costs

Instant transaction settlements

Reduced cash handling risks

Expanded customer base through digital accessibility

Economic and Technological Implications

UPI QR codes are not merely a payment tool but a catalyst for broader economic digitalisation. By providing a seamless, low-cost digital payment mechanism, they encourage economic transparency, reduce cash dependency, and create detailed transaction records. Learn more about optimising your digital payment strategy, which can help businesses leverage these technological innovations.

Moreover, the technology supports India’s digital transformation agenda by creating an inclusive financial ecosystem. Smartphones with UPI-enabled applications have become powerful financial tools, bridging technological gaps across urban and rural landscapes. The simplicity of scanning a QR code has made digital payments accessible to individuals who might have previously been excluded from formal financial systems.

How UPI QR Code Works: The Technology Behind It

UPI QR codes represent a sophisticated digital payment infrastructure that seamlessly integrates advanced encryption technologies with user-friendly mobile interfaces. This intricate system transforms complex financial transactions into simple, secure, and instantaneous exchanges through sophisticated technological mechanisms.

Technical Architecture of UPI QR Code

At its core, a UPI QR code functions through a multi-layered technological framework involving several interconnected components. When a customer scans the QR code using their smartphone, an encrypted communication channel is established between the merchant’s banking system and the customer’s digital payment application. According to research from the National Payments Corporation of India, this process involves real-time verification and authentication protocols that ensure transaction security and integrity.

Key technological components include:

Cryptographic encryption algorithms

Secure socket layer (SSL) protocols

Tokenisation of transaction data

Multi-factor authentication mechanisms

Transaction Processing Mechanism

The transaction processing involves a sophisticated sequence of digital interactions. Once the QR code is scanned, the system generates a unique transaction identifier, validates the merchant’s credentials, and initiates a fund transfer request. Explore advanced payment integration strategies to understand the nuanced technological infrastructure supporting these seamless digital exchanges.

The entire transaction occurs within milliseconds, leveraging cloud computing infrastructure and distributed network technologies. This rapid processing enables instant payment confirmations, providing users with immediate transaction feedback and merchants with real-time revenue tracking. The technological sophistication ensures that each transaction is authenticated, encrypted, and processed with minimal latency, representing a significant advancement in digital payment technologies.

Key Components of UPI QR Code Explained

UPI QR codes represent a sophisticated technological ecosystem comprising multiple intricate components that work synchronously to enable seamless digital financial transactions. Understanding these key elements provides insight into the robust mechanism driving modern digital payment systems.

Structural Elements of UPI QR Codes

A UPI QR code is more than a simple graphic representation it is a complex data matrix containing encrypted financial information. Research from the National Payments Corporation of India reveals that these codes incorporate multiple layers of technological sophistication to ensure secure and instantaneous transactions.

Critical structural components include:

Unique merchant identification number

Encrypted transaction metadata

Virtual payment address linkage

Dynamic transaction parameters

Authentication and Security Mechanisms

The authentication framework of UPI QR codes represents a multilayered security approach designed to protect financial transactions. When a customer initiates a payment, multiple verification protocols are simultaneously activated to validate the transaction’s integrity. Learn more about secure payment strategies, which help businesses understand the intricate security mechanisms underlying digital transactions.

The system employs advanced cryptographic techniques that generate temporary transaction tokens, ensuring that each payment interaction remains uniquely secured. This dynamic tokenisation prevents potential fraud by making each transaction sequence unrepeatable and mathematically complex to replicate. The technological infrastructure continuously monitors transaction patterns, instantly flagging any suspicious activities and providing an additional layer of protection for both merchants and customers.

To clarify the structural and technical elements involved, the following table breaks down the main components and security mechanisms of UPI QR codes described in this section.

Unique merchant identification number

A distinct code embedded in the QR, identifying the merchant to the banking and payment systems.

Encrypted transaction metadata

Encodes transaction details securely to prevent interception or tampering during transmission.

Virtual payment address linkage

Connects the QR to the merchant’s virtual payment address, enabling direct fund transfers.

Dynamic transaction parameters

Can include transaction-specific information, like amount or order ID, generated on demand if required.

Cryptographic encryption algorithms

Ensures all transmitted data remains secure and confidential during and after the transaction.

Multi-factor authentication mechanisms

Requires users to verify identity through multiple checks, raising overall payment security.

Tokenisation of transaction data

Generates unique, temporary tokens per transaction to prevent fraud and replay attacks.

Real-World Applications of UPI QR Code for Businesses

UPI QR codes have revolutionised business transactions across multiple sectors, providing a versatile and efficient digital payment mechanism that transcends traditional financial interaction models. From small street vendors to large retail establishments, these innovative technological solutions are transforming how businesses manage financial exchanges.

This table summarises the main business sectors adopting UPI QR codes for payments, providing examples of practical application across various industries.

Retail stores and supermarkets

In-store point-of-sale payments

Restaurant and food services

Payment at dining tables or counters

Freelance service providers

Receiving payments for projects

Transportation and mobility

Fare payments for taxis and rideshares

Healthcare and medical facilities

Bill settlements at clinics and pharmacies

Diverse Business Sector Integration

Businesses across various scales and industries are leveraging UPI QR codes to streamline their payment processes. Research from the National Payments Corporation of India demonstrates the widespread adoption of this technology, highlighting its potential to democratise digital payment infrastructure.

Primary business applications include:

Retail stores and supermarkets

Restaurant and food service establishments

Freelance service providers

Transportation and mobility services

Healthcare and medical facilities

Economic Advantages for Businesses

UPI QR codes offer significant economic benefits by reducing transaction costs and eliminating cash handling complexities. Businesses can generate personalised QR codes without substantial investment in point-of-sale infrastructure. Explore strategies for digital business transformation, which can help entrepreneurs understand the comprehensive advantages of digital payment integration.

Moreover, these digital payment mechanisms provide real-time transaction tracking, instant settlement, and comprehensive financial record-keeping. The technology enables businesses to capture valuable customer transaction data, facilitating more sophisticated marketing strategies and personalised customer engagement approaches. By embracing UPI QR codes, businesses can create a more transparent, efficient, and customer-centric financial ecosystem that adapts seamlessly to evolving digital economic landscapes.

Ready to Accept UPI QR Payments Instantly? Experience UroPay’s Effortless Solution

Are you tired of the complexity and costs involved in traditional digital payment systems? If navigating KYC procedures and dealing with payment gateways feels overwhelming, you are not alone. The article explained how UPI QR codes bring simplicity and accessibility to digital payments for all businesses, but many still struggle with high fees and delayed order confirmations. This is where UroPay transforms the landscape for small business owners, freelancers, and anyone looking to automate digital payments quickly and securely.

Discover how you can automatically confirm payments and accept UPI on your website or app with zero commission fees. There is no need for a gateway or extensive paperwork-just a straightforward way to boost your earnings and keep your workflow smooth. Get started with UroPay now and feel the relief of instant order confirmation once you receive a UPI payment. For deeper insights into optimising your payment processes, see our latest blog on digital advantage. Make the shift today and join those who no longer let payment complications hold them back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a UPI QR code?

A UPI QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that contains encrypted payment information linked to a user’s bank account, allowing for seamless financial transactions through smartphone scanning.

How does a UPI QR code work?

When a customer scans a UPI QR code using a mobile banking application, the system recognises the merchant’s identifier and initiates an immediate fund transfer from the customer’s bank account to the merchant’s account.

What are the benefits of using a UPI QR code for payments?

UPI QR codes provide several advantages, such as instant transaction processing, zero transaction charges for customers, compatibility across various banking platforms, and enhanced security through end-to-end encryption.

Can businesses of any size use UPI QR codes?

Yes, UPI QR codes can be used by businesses of all sizes, from small street vendors to large retail establishments, enabling them to accept digital payments without the need for complex point-of-sale systems.

[gaurav-mobi]

Payment Links: How They Make Selling Online Super Easy

I originally published this post on my blog https://www.uropay.me/blog/post/payment-links-how-they-make-selling-online-super-easy

You want to sell something online, but setting up a complex payment system feels like rocket science? Payment Links might just be your answer. These simple tools are basically digital bridges that connect your customers to your bank account without all the technical headaches.

What Are Payment Links Anyway?

Think of payment links as magical URLs that actually let people pay you instantly. You create a link, share it with your customer, and they click to pay - that's pretty much it. No complicated checkout pages, no confusing forms, just a straightforward way to collect money online.

A payment links generator is essentially the tool that creates these links for you. It's like having a personal assistant who handles all the technical stuff while you focus on your business.

Why Payment Links Are Actually Game-Changing

They're incredibly simple to use. You don't need to be a tech expert or hire expensive developers. Most platforms let you create payment links in just a few clicks, which means you can start accepting payments almost immediately.

Your customers love them too. Instead of filling out long forms or creating accounts, they just click and pay. This simplicity often leads to more completed transactions because there's virtually no friction in the process.

They work everywhere. You can share payment links through WhatsApp, email, SMS, or even print them on invoices. This flexibility means you can sell anywhere your customers are, whether that's social media or face-to-face interactions.

How They Actually Work Behind the Scenes

When you create a payment links, the system generates a unique URL tied to specific payment details. Your customer clicks it, enters their payment information or pays via UPI, and the money goes straight to your account if you are using UroPay else it goes to the payment gateway's bank account and they transfer to you usually in 3 days after deducting their commission and GST.

Most payment links are mobile-friendly by default, which is perfect since many customers prefer paying on their phones. They're also secure, using the same encryption that banks use for online transactions.

UroPay: A Smart Solution for Indian Businesses

If you're looking for a payment links generator that actually works for Indian businesses, UroPay offers something quite different. Rather than charging per transaction like traditional payment gateways, it works with your existing UPI account and charges just a simple flat monthly subscription fee. Checkout the pricing page for more information on how cost effective it is to use UroPay.

What makes UroPay particularly useful is that payments go directly to your bank account - no intermediaries, no waiting periods, and most importantly, no per-transaction fees eating into your profits. You just install the companion Android app, and it automatically detects when customers pay, confirming transactions in real-time.

This approach is especially helpful for small business owners who find traditional payment gateways either too expensive or too complicated to set up.

Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think

Payment links have basically changed how people sell online. They remove technical barriers, reduce customer friction, and often cost less than traditional payment methods. Whether you're selling handmade crafts or consulting services or you are a freelancer, payment links can help you accept payments professionally without the usual complications.

The best part? You can literally start using them today. Signup with UroPay and start collecting payments immediately. No KYC needed.

Ready to simplify your online payments? Check out the homepage. You can also reach out directly to me at [email protected] to learn how UroPay might work for your specific business needs.

[gaurav-mobi]

I have decided on Android for my native development

In the previous post I gave a reason of moving away from hybrid to native and the platform decision was left open. Now I have decided: for native development I will be developing for Android.

Why Android and not iOS?

Good question. To be honest, I am an Apple fan. I have MacBook, iPhone 6 and iPad 2. I love the stability of the Mac and iOS platforms and I absolutely love the ease of working. The ease is mostly over the consumer side and not on development side. Here are the reasons:

The iOS App store takes very long to approve the apps: I have 3 hybrid apps in the app stores and it took, on an average, 15 days for my apps to get approved on the iOS app store as opposed to Android which took only 4 hours to appear on the play store. This is really bad from client’s point of view and developer’s point of view. If the client is on tight schedule, they are not able to get to the market sooner. If the developer does a small mistake in the code, he/she cannot upload another build to rectify the mistake without the time consuming process. On top of that Apple takes lot of time to approve the updates also and you never know due to which reason your app will get rejected. And then the whole process starts again. Conclusion: Android is easy to push to play store and faster time to market.

Although iOS is secure, it is an hindrance for the developer: Apple came out with ATS policy where you cannot access any non HTTPS url. For this you need to either put exceptions or disable this feature altogether. When you disable it, your app might be rejected. During development you don’t need these security features. You don’t need to have a domain to access the server, an ip address can be used. But ip address is not allowed. When I am developing hybrid apps, there is a feature of live reload which uses ip address to access a local server but no, Apple will not allow it. Exception also does not work. No winder native apps are expensive to develop. Conclusion: Android does not have all these hindrances. Security should not obscure the experience.

Lot of set ways for development in iOS: You have to follow what Apple says. You cannot deviate from that otherwise your app will be rejected. Apple is like a big brother and there is no one at Apple who listens to small developers like me. Conclusion: Android is very flexible and lets you experiment with new ways to develop.

Lot of typing or steps involved to do something small in iOS: What the hell? Why should I drag and drop and customize the segue just to move from one view to another? Why can’t I just type the command to move? Why should I have to perform 3 steps just to show an alert? Yes, the native iOS development is somewhat like non RAD platform. You have to type and type and type just to do something very small. Android also has lot of typing but there are less steps involved when it comes to moving from one view to another. This is just a small example. Conclusion: Android takes a little less time when doing small things.

Target market is Android dominated: Not everyone in India can sell a kidney just to buy an iPhone or a Mac :) Yes, Apple products are very expensive in India and so is the maintenance. I can easily develop Android apps on Windows, Linux and Apple. But no, for iOS development you need a Mac. In India, the market is dominated by Android as people cannot afford to buy such ridiculously high priced Apple products. But people can easily buy and afford an Android phone. Conclusion: Apple products are ridiculously priced so Android dominates the market in India. 

These are some of the reasons I decided to go in for Android native development. I am experimenting with NativeScript and it is pretty much going to suffice my requirements.

[gaurav-mobi]

I am going to go for native mobile development

I am going to go for native mobile development. This does not sound so good when it comes to delivering on 2 platforms: Android and iOS. But this is a tough call I had to take.

Why?

Some background first. I am a developer who is not an engineering student. I self taught myself and I started off as a Web Designer and JavaScript was the obvious choice to make. Over a period of 11 years I honed by skills in JavaScript and PHP to become a full stack developer. So, the next step was mobile development obviously. I tried learning Java but vomited, I tried learning Obj-C but fainted and in the end I came back to my dear JavaScript. As a result hybrid mobile app development was the obvious choice. I tried my hands at Jquery mobile but it is awful. I was very disheartened. But then I found Ionic Framework and started developing using it.

So, you found Ionic, but tell us why, man?

Ok, ok, sorry for making you wait. Android. That is why. Ionic’s performance on iOS is off the charts but performance on Android is bad as hell. Even Android 5.1 with a super fast phone, it is bad. Taps are painfully slow and the transitions are choppy which are noticeable. I cannot remove transitions from my apps as people are so habitual of them that it is a necessity. And my clients are complaining for bad performance on Android. No matter how much I try to convince them, they don’t understand. As a result, they have bad user experience and blame the developer. For me my clients are very important and since my clients are in a market which is dominated by Android, I have to do something about it.

But wait, there is crosswalk and native transitions plugin?

Yeah, I look at them as hacks. Crosswalk adds 20MB to the app size and my clients want their apps to be lean because of connectivity problem and data usage. Native transitions plugin is good but not that good on every Android phone. 

In the end, I want a stable and reliable platform.

That is sad. So, what now?

I can’t learn Java. I just can’t. I am looking to learn Swift but there is so much typing, delegating, segues, storyboards that it puts me off. But I have found a solution: Telerik’s Nativescript. Yeah, that is a God sent thing for JavaScript Developers.

Wait, JS? That means it is another hybrid framework.

You can call it a hybrid framework but the UI and other things are native. I mean when you create a list view, the output is a native list view on both iOS and Android which is rendered natively on the phones and not dependent on web view. 

But is it good?

Don’t know. I have been toying with it but it is a promising platform. I will be watching it for couple of months and lets see where it goes.

Oh well.

Yeah, oh well. I will have to focus on perfecting one platform as I have to follow the guidelines of each but lets see whether it will be Android or iOS. I wish Android ups their OS and make it more stable but I don’t see that happening as it has gone the windows way. No control over the hardware and software.

[gaurav-mobi]

My mobile app is in app store

I developed a mobile app under my name, Where is it, couple of days back and it is now available in the android app store. You can get it from there: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.gaurav.whereisit

iOS app is also live but it is not yet released and is under review. I will post the link a soon as possible.

It took me 1 week to code the app. Yes, 1 week because it is a hybrid app with no backend and all the data is backed up on cloud. It would have easily took me 1 month to create the native app on only one platform. This is the advantage of a hybrid app. It is code once, run everywhere.

I will soon release couple of apps more. Can’t give the timeline as they are under development.

Want to get a mobile app developed? Get in touch with me on [email protected]

[gaurav-mobi]

Mobile Apps: Native or hybrid? A business perspective.

If you are a business guy with no technological bent of mind, then this post is for you. Read on.

You need a mobile app for your business or your product and when you go in the market looking for a company or a developer, you will come across lot of posts which say native is better or hybrid is the way to go. My advice? Ignore these and ask the right questions to the developer.

Your end user does not need to know the technicalities of the mobile app nor do you. You should only be concerned whether your application is fast or not and it works or not or it fulfils your requirements or not. Rest of the technology mumbo jumbo is irrelevant.

Well there is one point which will definitely impact you. The cost. Native is expensive to develop and maintain where as hybrid app is cheaper to develop and maintain. Concern your self with this point only. Use native development when you have a functionality in your app which will change something in the phone’s settings like brightness or contrast or change the screensaver or background. Hybrid apps cannot do these as they run in a sand box and don’t have access to the system preferences due to security (although they can if there is a plugin for the functionality). So, choose based on the requirement. Also, if your app is targeted to old phones, then native will help. Android has bad performance below version 3. If you are targeting versions below 3 for android, choose native. For rest hybrid is the way to go.

In short, hybrid app will suffice 95% of your requirement. Feel free to drop me an email if you have more questions. Visit my website www.gaurav.mobi

[gaurav-mobi]

Decoupled architecture

When you are creating a software product these days it is imperative to create a decoupled architecture. Gone are those days when everything was done on one server. With the advent of cloud computing, it is cheaper and reliable to not have a single point of failure.

I use the following services to create a decoupled architecture which you can also do for your next project:

Server: Digital Ocean (https://www.digitalocean.com/)

Server Control Panel: Server Pilot (http://www.serverpilot.io/)

DNS: Google Cloud DNS

Transactional Emails: Mandrill (http://www.mandrill.com)

Storage: Amazon S3

Queues & Workers: Iron IO (http://www.iron.io/)

Code Hosting: Gitlab (https://gitlab.com/)

Domain: Godaddy

Server Monitoring: Boundry (http://www.boundary.com/

Application Monitoring: New Relic

I don’t use AWS for anything else except the storage, although they provide everything under one roof, because for some they are expensive and in the past their data centre has gone down for couple of hours resulting in losses. If you choose different providers, then you choose different locations or data centres. This way not everything might go down simultaneously.

Always prepare for the worst and ensure that your customers are always happy. One bad experience wipes out all the previous good ones.

[gaurav-mobi]

What all I can do for you?

As you probably know from my website that I work on contract basis for different companies and individuals to develop software or create an IT strategy or IT infrastructure and in this post I will give you a detailed description as to what all I can do for you.

If you are a startup: Many times non technical people want to give shape to their idea(s) which need a technical co-founder. Not everyone knows a techie and not everyone knows how to hire a technical team. This is where I come in. I can work with you as a co-founder on contract basis for a pre-determined time and set the whole technical base for you like hiring the right team, develop the software, configure the servers, document the whole process etc. Or I can continue to work with you for part equity and part compensation.

If you are an individual: You want to get a software made for yourself or you want to create a proof of concept for yourself but don’t want to hire a company, then I am the right person. For a fees I can give shape to your idea(s) and vision.

If you are an SME: You are a small or medium enterprise and want to outsource your software development or hire a person to create the whole IT strategy or want to train your team in development, then you need me. I can give training to your staff and can create a learning & development course for your employees.

What I don’t do:

I don’t Design: I am not a designer and I outsource my design work to my friend who is a superb designer. But I supervise everything.

I don’t develop small websites: I don’t develop portfolios, blogs or small websites as anyone can do that for a very cheap amount. There is no challenge in that and I cannot justify the amount of fees I charge.

How much I charge?

My charges are dependent on the complexity and time required for the project. There are absolutely no charges for opinion and you are free to ask me anything related to software development. 

Any question? Then shoot me an email and I will be more than happy to answer your questions.