Card payments have overtaken cash payments as the preferred form of payment, so small businesses must ensure they have an easy-to-accept method for them. Fortunately, there are various mobile card machines and countertop card readers that make accepting cards simpler.
These devices, often linked to an app, enable customers to tap their contactless or chip-and-pin cards for payment. Furthermore, they offer the capability of tracking transactions and sending invoices as well as other features that can help streamline your business operations.
Wireless
Wireless card payment machines are mobile devices that can be used to process payments in various locations. They have become increasingly popular within the hospitality industry, allowing customers to pay at their table instead of waiting at a main till point.
Department stores may also utilize them for payment at trade shows, markets, sporting events, and food trucks; this gives you the ability to reach a wider audience and expand your business beyond what you might have ever imagined.
These devices operate through built-in Bluetooth and connect wirelessly to the internet, processing customer transactions and verifying there are sufficient funds for the purchase. Once this process is complete, they can print a receipt for customers to take away with them.
Wireless systems not only offer a more efficient checkout experience, but they can also offer significant security advantages as they are less vulnerable to skimming and fraud than traditional wired terminals. Furthermore, many wireless terminals come equipped with PIN verification features which guarantee that criminals would never be able to use your customers’ cards for fraudulent activities.
Mobile merchants enjoy a host of advantages from these devices, including shorter lines and greater versatility when checking out. Furthermore, they support multiple forms of payment like credit/debit cards, cash, and checks.
Wireless devices offer businesses that have customers who spend a lot of time away from the office or who work at different times during the day an ideal solution. These businesses can benefit from having access to technology at any location and in any weather condition.
Furthermore, they can be connected to cellular networks up to 4G, meaning even if Wi-Fi or cell signal strength is weak, payment processing and authorization still take place. This makes them ideal for businesses dealing with customers who may not always have reliable internet connections such as food delivery services or those operating out of remote areas.
Mobile
Mobile card payment machines make it simple to accept card payments wherever your business takes you, from the shop floor to trade events. Plus, they offer in-app payments which let customers use their mobile devices just like on a traditional e-commerce site.
Chip-and-PIN, contactless and EMV cards can all be accepted using these devices. When a customer swipes or taps their card against the terminal (for contactless payments), data from that card is read through a network to a payment processor who then verifies if there are enough funds in the customer’s bank account to process the transaction. After the verification has been done, money will be moved into the merchant’s account.
These systems are more intricate than their virtual counterparts, yet they still provide an efficient method for taking payments from customers. Indeed, these payment gateways have become more commonplace than ever before.
These devices typically connect to a smartphone or tablet and enable you to accept payment from any customer, in-store or online. Some even support multiple payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay, making them ideal for smaller businesses that need to accept various kinds of payments from customers.
The main advantage of these machines is that you don’t need a dedicated merchant account and can often avoid costly rental contracts or other fees. Some providers charge a flat monthly fee, while others may take up to 2.5% of the transaction value as their fee.
In the UK, you have several payment options for these devices. TakePayments and WorldPay are two of the most popular.
They offer a selection of card readers and contract lengths tailored to your business’ monthly turnover figures. Plus, there are no setup or exit fees.
The Barclaycard Anywhere card reader is an ideal solution for small businesses that need to accept credit, debit, and digital payments in-store or on the go. It comes with a pay-as-you-go contract and boasts one of the lowest transaction fees on the market.
Countertop
Countertop card payment machines are ideal for businesses with fixed payment points, like grocery stores or small retail shops. These terminals connect to your merchant account through either telephone or Ethernet lines and read the chip on customer credit and debit cards. Once recorded, data is sent directly to the card machine provider and funds should be credited back into your bank within 2-4 working days (depending on which merchant service provider provided it).
Some countertop credit card readers offer features like a PIN pad and receipt printer, while others can be integrated with a POS system. Having such a terminal makes it simpler for you to serve customers who wish to print out their receipts.
If your business requires constant mobility, a mobile card reader could be the ideal solution. These devices are battery-operated so they can be taken from place to place without needing electricity; however, be sure of the location of your business and whether or not there is strong Wi-Fi coverage available in the area.
Portable card machines are a popular option for restaurants and cafes. These battery-operated devices connect to your Wi-Fi network, allowing them to be moved around your premises to take payments. While these may not be as secure as countertop card readers, their portability makes them an appealing alternative.
Be mindful of the cost when purchasing these machines, which can vary significantly based on features and models. Most come with a monthly subscription as well as transaction and authorization fees which range from 1.3% +3p for debit cards up to 2.3% +3p for credit cards.
Worldpay and Takepayments Plus offers free card machines for business use, making them ideal for entrepreneurs who don’t want to commit to a long-term contract.
In addition to free card machines for business, you can pay a fixed monthly fee for an advanced card terminal. These machines provide real-time reporting on sales and inventory as well as up-to-date accountancy reports. They could especially benefit small businesses that want more advanced features like payroll management.
POS
Point-of-sale (POS) card payment machines are the hardware that accepts and processes credit and debit cards. They’re an increasingly popular choice for businesses with many customers, though POS systems can either be purchased or leased depending on how merchants want to manage cash flow.
A Point-of-sale (POS) machine can range in price from $500 to $1,500, depending on the features desired and your business requirements. Costs typically include an upfront hardware fee, software charges, and payment processing charges.
Some POS systems also provide extra features like marketing, online ordering, or gift cards for customers. These helpful tools save staff time, make the POS more efficient, and ultimately help your business expand.
The ideal POS systems are user-friendly and take less than 15 minutes to learn, giving your staff more time for customer interaction. Some providers even provide onboarding services to make the transition as seamless as possible.
Card machines offer a convenient way to expedite payments, especially with contactless technology. They’re capable of processing transactions up to PS100 with just a tap on any countertop, portable reader, mobile or integrated reader.
In the UK, there are various POS card machines to choose from. While some are ideal for small businesses, others offer higher costs and can be utilized in larger venues.
Some of the more expensive options offer superior customer experience features, however, they may also be costlier to run. When selecting a point-of-sale machine for your business, ensure it offers flexibility and provides features tailored specifically towards your budget and operations.
When searching for a mobile or desktop system, selecting the ideal POS card machine is paramount to helping your business flourish. These solutions offer greater insight into sales and inventory, more automation, and an effective way to manage finances. Moreover, they reduce staff shortages’ impact on operations.
