Card payment machines are an efficient and time-saving way to accept credit, debit and digital payments from customers. Not only do they increase capacity, but they can also accelerate sales processes by speeding up transactions.
Card readers come in various forms and can be purchased or rented outright with either an upfront cost or monthly fee. Because these devices can be expensive, it’s essential to compare all costs and fees before agreeing to a contract.
Wireless
Wireless card payment machines are ideal for businesses that operate outside traditional retail outlets. Not only do they offer customers flexibility and convenience, but also help eliminate long lines at checkout. Furthermore, wireless card payment machines provide a more secure payment process while cutting operating expenses.
Wireless processing refers to a credit card terminal, keypad, and display screen that work independently of a phone line or internet connection. These terminals can be connected with smartphones or other portable devices to accept payment for goods and services on-the-go. This method is commonly employed in taxi driving, delivery services, and any other service requiring employees to process payments away from an established point.
Mobile card readers are an effective way to make sales in restaurants, bars, coffee shops and other establishments that require more of a hands-on approach. These devices are user friendly and usually linked with a mobile POS system; this enables staff members to receive card data from customers as they enter through the door.
Some mobile card readers even come with an integrated printer, making it simple to take payments and print receipts on-the-spot. These are especially popular in pubs and restaurants where customers often place multiple orders.
When shopping for a wireless card reader, take into account both your requirements and budget. Selecting an appliance that meets both of these factors is the best way to guarantee you get value for your money.
When selecting a payment machine for your business, make sure it can accept all major credit cards including VISA and Mastercard as well as foreign payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay. This is essential to the success of your venture.
Another essential factor to consider is the card reader’s transaction fees. Since these will make up a substantial part of your card processing costs, you should thoroughly compare them in order to find the most cost-effective option for your business.
Some companies require you to have a business account in order to use their card readers, while others offer one-time links for customers to click and enter their credit card info. After doing this, the company will handle the transaction on your behalf and guarantee its secure processing within minutes.
Portable
Portable card payment machines in the UK make it simple for you to accept payments anywhere on your premises. They’re perfect for restaurants, bars, cafes, beauty salons and more – perfect for accepting payments on-the-go!
They provide a seamless integration with your till system, freeing up time to focus on running your business. Furthermore, they save money by reducing data entry requirements.
For small businesses, the ideal mobile card payment machine should be able to process both chip-and-PIN and contactless transactions. Furthermore, it should be PCI compliant and wirelessly connect with your Wi-Fi network in order to guarantee secure communication between your business and customers’ banks.
You can find a range of hardware accessories to make your card machine even more efficient. These include barcode scanners, label printers, receipt printers and cash drawers – all designed to streamline payment processing.
Furthermore, some portable card payment machines can be connected with a mobile phone or tablet app for additional functionality. This gives your staff the freedom to go wherever they need to and process payments on-the-go, increasing sales while building customer loyalty.
Another advantageous feature of a mobile card reader is its capability to connect to Wi-Fi or 3G, enabling you to accept card payments from outside your business as well. This can be especially advantageous if you plan to expand and boost revenue through additional services offered.
Alternatively, card machines designed for fixed locations such as stores or till points within them can be utilized. These typically feature good connectivity and accept chip-and-PIN and contactless card payments along with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
These card payment machines for small businesses in the UK offer competitive fees and great features. The iZettle Card Reader 2 is ideal for lower volume of transactions as it’s user-friendly with a flat transaction fee, while SumUp Air is one of the cheapest options on the market with its straightforward transaction fee and no monthly charges.
Countertop
Countertop Card payment machines are ideal for businesses with a fixed till point and customers who expect to pay at the same place every time. Examples include newsagents, takeaways and barbers who often handle high volumes of transactions and require speedy processing before moving onto the next customer.
Small businesses with low turnover should consider renting card terminals, which can be rented with contracts of up to 18 months. Although their rental costs tend to be lower than other card terminals, they still provide all the advantages associated with more costly models.
These card machines attach to an Ethernet cable or phone line and accept credit, debit, and digital wallet payments. Some even support contactless cards.
In the UK, several companies provide card payment machines for businesses to rent. These include iZettle, Square and WorldPay.
iZettle has quickly become one of the UK’s most popular card readers for smaller businesses, offering an affordable solution that can be used both offline and online with iZettle e-commerce. Plus, it’s user friendly with no setup fees attached!
Square is a relatively recent player in the UK, but it’s quickly established itself as an indispensable provider of card payment solutions for small businesses. Its Card Reader 2 model is one of the most affordable available, which has contributed to its rise to become such an attractive option for entrepreneurs.
WorldPay is a major credit card processor in the UK, offering a Simplicity plan for businesses with an annual turnover below PS100k in card payments. They also provide a Custom plan which caters to higher-turnover businesses.
They offer a number of features to assist you with running your business, such as real-time reporting and accountancy-ready sales reports. Furthermore, they have an optional feature called ‘Faster Payments’ which ensures funds are sent to your account within one day.
These card readers are an excellent way to draw in more customers and boost revenue. Furthermore, they will reduce the amount of cash you keep in your store, which can be a huge benefit for small business owners.
EPOS
In retail settings, EPOS systems are commonly utilized to accept payments. This could include card methods like chip and pin, contactless or Apple/Android Pay as well as cash. These transactions can be processed through various hardware options like cash drawers, receipt printers, barcode scanners and card machines.
These systems are created to assist retailers and other businesses manage their operations more effectively. This includes accounting, customer management, inventory tracking, staff management and reporting tools. Furthermore, it can be utilized to link multiple stores or branches together into one central system for easier management and control.
It is essential to note that many of these systems are cloud-based. This means they operate online and sync across devices, ensuring all sales, inventory and data records are updated in real time.
Some of these systems are fixed at the checkout counter, while most are mobile and allow sales associates to take payment wherever they go. This makes the process more efficient, plus it improves customer service levels.
A reliable EPOS system can be a game-changer for retail businesses. Not only does it boost revenue, keep inventory costs low, but it also provides customers with an improved experience when they visit your store.
Before selecting your point-of-sale (POS), ask yourself what features you want from it. For instance, if you plan to expand sales, an EPOS that integrates with your website or ecommerce platform could be ideal.
When planning for card payment fees, you should take into account both your budget and how much you are willing to spend. Small businesses may want to look into all-in-one providers that provide both payment processing and POS systems at an affordable monthly cost.
Another important factor to consider when purchasing POS software is whether it’s compatible with your existing hardware. Doing so can save money in the long run since you won’t have to invest in new equipment.
Once you have a clear understanding of your business needs, it’s easy to start comparing the EPOS options available to you. A reliable provider should offer an experienced account manager and 24/7 customer support to guarantee maximum efficiency from their POS software.