Card payments are on the rise, making it increasingly important for your business to accept them. Whether you need a mobile, wireless or countertop card machine, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The top card payment machines UK are lightweight and user-friendly, featuring features like EPOS integration. So which one is right for your small business?
Mobile
Card payments are becoming more and more popular with customers, making it essential for small businesses to accept them. This is especially pertinent in the hospitality sector where table-side payments can make a real difference.
One of the best ways to do this is with a mobile card machine. This wireless device connects to a mobile network and allows for transactions from any location. These lightweight machines can easily be carried around, working on various networks including GPRS and roaming SIMs.
Restaurants, bars and cafes should consider using these as they offer customers a more personal experience while providing them with an easy payment method for drinks or food. Staff or you can use them, making them perfect for small businesses that don’t have the space or time to install a point of sale (POS) system in-store.
There are various models to choose from, but they all use the same basic technology. This means you can take payments with a card from anywhere within range of the reader and the chip and PIN process will begin automatically.
A quality mobile credit card machine for small business should provide a dependable, stable connection and be able to run for at least eight hours without needing recharged. They’re ideal for restaurants or bars as you can use them by yourself or your staff members and offer more personal interaction with customers.
Another viable option is the iZettle app-based reader, which offers very low transaction fees and no monthly charges. Plus, it accepts all major cards and comes with its own free payment app to make managing payments even simpler.
When searching for a mobile card reader for your small business, you should prioritize ease of use, compatibility with your industry and an attractive design. Many top providers include these features in their offerings.
Wireless
Wireless card payment machines enable you to accept credit and debit cards without the need for a wired connection, making them ideal for businesses that travel frequently – such as food trucks and pop-up shops – or who want to accept payments in unconventional settings like open air markets, fairs, or festivals.
These systems can also be employed by delivery businesses, who can accept payments without needing to make a phone call. Furthermore, they can be utilized at trade shows or events to allow your business to expand its reach at minimal expense.
These devices are powered by a long-life battery, meaning they can handle numerous transactions throughout the day. Depending on which model you select, these batteries typically last between 2 and 100 transactions before charging is needed.
Some wireless card terminals are portable, meaning they can be moved around your business by store associates. This helps avoid queues at the checkout and reduces congestion on your shop floor.
Furthermore, some of these devices come equipped with an in-built receipt printer, saving you both time and money by cutting down on paper consumption for customer receipt printing. This translates to more sales processing capacity and superior service for your customers.
Most wireless card machines are compatible with a wide variety of merchant accounts, so you can find one that works for your business. However, be sure to double-check with the account provider your specific requirements to guarantee that the wireless terminal you select works in their system.
Many of these systems are highly affordable, and the monthly fees depend on what kind of connectivity your business requires. This will influence the overall cost, so it’s essential to get a sense of what each provider has to offer when shopping around.
Most wireless credit card systems are secure, and can be used both online and offline. When connected to the internet, all transaction information is stored in a cloud-based system that’s encrypted for protection from intrusion. When your connection drops, this data is sent to a secure server where it’s processed and authorized for payment.
Countertop
Countertop card payment machines are a popular choice for many small businesses. They work best in businesses with one fixed location where all cards are processed, as they tend to be the most dependable and cost-effective options available.
These countertop credit card machines are permanently connected to a connection, such as broadband internet or a phone line, providing a secure transaction environment. This makes them suitable for many industries from tradesmen to taxi drivers.
These devices make it simpler for customers to pay for their goods and services, as payments can be processed in one central location each time. Furthermore, some have built-in printers which may be helpful if you don’t want to use a receipt.
Some of the top brands to consider include Ingenico, Verifone and Castles Technology. These companies provide a comprehensive selection of card reader and credit card machine solutions for UK businesses.
When selecting a card machine, there are several features to take into account such as the type of payment accepted and its extra capabilities. Some models are better suited for larger operations with high throughput than others.
Some provide payment solutions such as Apple and Google Pay. These can be useful for certain businesses, like restaurants and cafes, where it’s essential to accept various card payments.
Another option is to invest in a portable card reader. These can be ideal for various mobile businesses such as food trucks and pet groomers.
Retail stores looking to add more flexibility at their point of sale should consider investing in these devices. They connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or 4G and support EMV, magstripe and contactless payments.
When selecting a credit card machine, connectivity should be the top priority. If your business is situated in an area without reliable internet service, this could present an issue.
To avoid this issue, invest in a high-quality card machine with powerful, long-lasting batteries. Furthermore, training your employees on how to utilize the device correctly and keep it secure are two great solutions.
EPOS
EPOS card payment machines are an efficient way to expedite your sales process. They eliminate the need for customers to dig around in their pockets for cash and wait for staff members to verify it’s the correct amount. This fast and equitable payment option works great even in smaller businesses with limited staff resources.
An EPOS system allows you to accept all major card payment methods, including contactless, chip and PIN, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Furthermore, you can set up various payment options like split bills or gift cards to better manage cash flow.
Your EPOS system can also send email receipts to customers and notify them via SMS or email, giving you the chance to build customer lists for re-engagement. Furthermore, it helps quickly calculate taxes and apply discounts based on location or time period – an excellent way to boost sales while making life simpler for your customers.
An effective EPOS system can boost productivity for your staff members, with the capacity to manage inventory management, customer relationships, generate reports and close sales quickly. Furthermore, it will alert you when stock levels are low based on current demand, vendor lead times and sales rates.
These EPOS systems can even display an appropriate upsell at the point of sale, providing a great way to boost revenue while meeting customers’ needs. Furthermore, they’re user-friendly so you don’t have to spend time training new staff members.
Some of these EPOS systems can be integrated with other hardware, like a printer or barcode scanner, making them much more versatile. This makes them ideal for smaller businesses that have mobile operations, like cafes or restaurants that sell on the go.
Finding the ideal EPOS can seem intimidating, but with some research you should be able to find one that meets your requirements. It’s essential to identify which problems you want the system to solve so that your decisions are informed by actual needs.
