Know These Points before Using Card Payment Machine for Your Business

Small businesses are now realising the advantages of adapting to modern technology. More and more companies are starting to accept cashless payments to improve their sales, retain customers, and keep up with the competition.

The numbers clearly show this trend. In 2016, the total number of credit card payments amounted to over 110 billion. You can’t go wrong with using a card payment machine for your business. 

What do you need to know about card payment machines?

The payment process

Several parties are involved during a card transaction: the cardholder, merchant, card association, acquiring and issuing banks, and lastly, the payment processor. 

Surprisingly, despite the numerous parties involved, credit card transactions are quick and convenient. The entire process goes something like this:

1. The customer purchases an item and pays with the card.

2. The card is swiped through a terminal which recognises its card processing company.

3. The card processor authorises the transaction if the card has enough credit to cover the purchase.

4. The card processor sends the payment to the acquiring bank.

The types of machines

There are different kinds of card payment machines, and the best choice really depends on what features are the most appropriate for your type of business. Here’s a quick look at the options: 

1. Countertop machines

These devices are stationary and are usually placed on top of a counter. They can connect via broadband or a phone line and require a power source to function. Countertop card machines are used in clothing stores and supermarkets. 

2. Portable machines

These devices have two components: a movable terminal and a base unit. The terminal can be taken to a customer within a certain distance, while the base serves as a stationary charging unit for the machine.

Portable card machines are often used in restaurants, bars, and cafes. 

3. Mobile machines

These devices work similar to portable card payment machines but have a wider range of connectivity. Mobile card terminals function via a phone network and can be taken on the move.

Astounding Portable Credit Card Machines for Faster and Effective Transactions

 What is the best way to take quick, hassle-free payments from your customers? There’s a popular device that can offer just that, and more: Portable credit card machines. 

Investing in a portable card machine is the way to go when you are looking to boost your sales. These lightweight devices are especially useful for businesses in the food and beverage industry. Restaurants, cafés, and pubs all need an efficient payment method to improve their customer service.  

What makes portable credit card machines special?  

1. Mobility

Customers would rather sit at their tables and enjoy their food and their company. There’s no reason to disturb them when it comes time to pay the bill. Instead, you can bring the card reader directly to their tables. The portable card machine’s terminal can be taken as far as 50 meters, which is enough for any small to the medium-sized establishment. This easy mobility is possible thanks to a Bluetooth connection that allows the terminal and the base unit to connect and communicate with each other.

2. Cost-effectiveness

It’s no secret that portable card machines cost more than the regular card reader. However, the extra expense is worth it. One device can be shared between multiple employees, decreasing the need for another unit. This actually saves money. 

3. Functionality

Leading providers offer portable credit card machines that can take contactless payments, so your business can quickly start adapting to modern payment standards, such as Android and Apple Pay. The device collects data via a broadband or phone connection. Once the payment has been processed and approved, you’ll receive the funds in as fast as 2 to 4 days. 

Do you want to find out more about portable card machines? Consult a trusty online comparison tool to discover the rental costs and features of leading providers in the UK.

Advantages of Using a Card Reader for Payments in the UK

 Taking card payments is a step to keeping your business thriving and growing successfully in the long run. After all, not all customers may prefer to pay in cash. Even for a small business, card readers in the UK make sense as they could entice more customers to buy from it. Your competitors are likely accepting card payments already, so isn’t it about time you do, too? Just be sure to get the right card reader that suits your business needs and budget to experience these benefits: 

• Draw more customers into your business – It can be frustrating for customers when they store they want to buy from does not accept cards. With a card reader, you can cater to any customer, especially those who prefer to pay with their card. High-quality card readers accept payments from major cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Maestro. 

• Boost your profits - If your business isn’t accepting cards, it could lose customers, and your profits may dwindle. High-quality card readers in the UK may influence buying behaviour and encourage customers to buy more since they are not paying with cash. That means more earnings for you. 

• Avoid money hassles – You could run out of loose change and notes if you take cash payments all the time. When that happens, it could inconvenience the customer, and the checkout process can take too long. Card readers also reduce the need to store too much cash on-site, which could help increase your security, as that helps reduce fraud and theft. Modern card readers in the UK are equipped with the latest PIN and chip technologies, address verification services, and 3D secure features to keep both you and your customers safe when making cashless transactions. 

• More convenient to use – It’s so much easier to pay by card, and some card readers already support contactless payments or e-wallets, so your business can start catering to customers who may want to pay that way.

Portable Credit Card Machines for Small Business – Overview and Features

 These days, it is easier for a small business to start accepting cashless payments with credit and debit cards. All it needs is a terminal with the right features. However, not all terminals are alike, as some might be better for certain types of businesses. For instance, portable credit card machines for a small business might make sense for a bar or pub, a coffee shop, or a restaurant. That’s because they allow the terminal to be brought to the customer within 50m of the base unit, and prevents the need for the wait staff to bring the customer’s credit card to the POS area, as that could result in privacy issues, theft, or unauthorised use.

Portable credit card machines are great for small business because they are lightweight and small. They can take payments anywhere within the premises using a Bluetooth connection. They work like a cordless telephone, so when they are not in use, they can be placed back on their base unit. That way, they can also be recharged. They often come with a charging unit, which you can plug near a counter or a till for easy access. Receipts can be printed directly from the unit to keep transactions hassle-free.

Although they are more expensive than countertop credit card machines, portable units may be practical for a small business with multiple staff who might need to share one machine to process card payments. Portable credit card machines also make sense for small business that is looking to accept other cashless or contactless payments options, such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, and other mobile wallet services. Those features can be enabled as standard.

Consider finding portable credit card machines for small businesses online, preferably with a price comparison tool that can help you know their critical features and costs at a glance. Make sure that you can compare the machines from leading providers.

Facts You Need to Know About PDQ Machines

 PDQ is an acronym for “Process Data Quickly” and is mainly used in the UK. A PDQ machine is an umbrella term used to describe devices that process credit and debit card transactions.

More and more customers nowadays prefer to use credit or debit cards instead of cash payments. The use of PDQ machines is starting to become a standard practice in small businesses and large corporations alike. The machines offer a highly secure and convenient way to process cashless transactions.

There are many types of PDQ devices, each tailored to different kinds of businesses:

Countertop Machines

Countertop machines are stationary devices that need to be plugged into a power socket. These are ideal for businesses that want to concentrate on accepting payments from one point in the store. Countertop machines are the cheapest type of PDQ device available.

Portable Machines

Portable machines can be brought to different locations in the establishment within a certain distance. These are perfect for food businesses such as pubs, restaurants, and cafes.

Mobile Machines

Mobile machines are best for merchants who are always on the go. They require a mobile network to function. The mobile machine is lightweight, sleek, and compact.

Different types of PDQ machines also accept different types of payment methods:

PIN and Chip

The PIN and Chip method was created to secure payments made by card by storing authorisation data on an embedded semiconductor chip. This is the most commonly used method for card payments.

Contactless

Contactless payments involve the use of RFID and antennas embedded in the card. This method was devised to minimise long queues. Most contactless transactions are limited to a certain amount to keep the customer protected from fraud.

Mobile Payment

Mobile payments are fairly new to the industry. You would need a mobile phone to make mobile payments. Popular mobile payment methods include Apple Pay and Google Pay.

There is much more to know about PDQ machines — the facts listed here are simply an overview. It is recommended that you research subscribing to any PDQ payment method and make use of an online comparison tool to decide what machine is best for your business.

Buy a Card Machine and Simplify Your Daily Transactions!

Credit cards are taking the spotlight from cash as the king of the modern economy. Now that cashless transactions and online payments are prevalent, the ability to accept credit card payments is crucial to running a successful business, both online and off. This is why retailers should buy a card machine and subscribe to the right service that will allow their business to process credit card payments to add to their cash-based transactions.

The benefits of investing in credit card machines and upgrading POS systems are endless. These improvements can help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty and allow your business to secure its place as a legitimate operation. Credit cards are almost like exclusive luxury badges and when and where people can use them to pay for their needs, increases their sense of belongingness and in turn, trust in your business.

Business owners should buy a card machine to facilitate fast and easy payments. Credit card payments can help boost your business’ sales by providing your customers with multiple and convenient payment options. By broadening your acceptable payment modes, you also widen your client base, which is significant in this day and age when people rarely if ever carry cash and instead have multiple credit cards in their wallets.

Another reason to buy a card machine for your business is that your competition probably has one. When business rivalry is fierce, you don’t want to get left in the dust by like businesses able to accept multiple modes of payment from clients. Accepting major credit cards will give your business a great edge over businesses that are stuck with their cash-only policies.

Credit card payments also take advantage of impulse purchases by allowing customers to afford almost anything they set their eyes upon instantly, even when they don’t have cash on hand—their credit card can instantly and conveniently cover their impulse purchases.

3 Benefits of Portable Credit Card Machines for Small Business

If you still don't have a portable credit card machine for your small business, now is the time to get one. Buying a portable credit card machine may easily be one of the best decisions you can ever make for your business. Whether you're running a coffee shop or a fashion retail store, you will benefit from accepting card payments from your customers. Here are three advantages of using a portable credit card machine for small business.

Take payments anywhere = do business conveniently  

A portable credit card machine is designed with a separate unit that you can carry and use while you are a few meters away from the terminal. This way, payment transactions can happen anywhere within your shop. This will cut the queues and will allow you to serve more people. This is not only more convenient for you but for your customers as well since they won't have to line up at the terminal or counter to make a purchase. 

Provide faster payment transactions = improve customer service

Did you know that portable credit card machines for small businesses can also print receipts? This is such a significant feature because it makes payment transactions hassle-free. Customers will be able to complete their purchases without having to wait too long in the line. You can go where they are, swipe their card (or tap), then give their receipts. This faster transaction often translates to better customer service, and thus, boosting customer satisfaction.

Accept various types of payments = expand your customer base 

If you want to appeal to a wider range of customers, you have to cater to a wider variety of payment preferences. After all, different types of customers prefer to pay differently. If you only accept cash, then you are driving away those who prefer using cards. Offering card payments, as well as online or e-wallet payment options, will invite a wealth of new customers to your shop.  

Top Five Facts on Mobile Card Payment Machine in the UK

Never underestimate the power of mobile card payment machines in the UK. They may be small but they can do a lot for your business. Functioning like a countertop card machine, a mobile card payment machine is designed to let you process payment transactions with different credit card companies and banks. However, they come without the wires—this makes them more portable and easier to use.

Interested? Here are four more facts about mobile card payment machines in the UK that you must know.

1. It lets you do business anywhere 

Mobile card payment machines in the UK let you do business while on the go. That's why they are recommended for contractors, builders, photographers, drivers, and other professionals who offer services wherever and whenever. With this card machine, you can accept payments pretty much anywhere.

2. It can print receipts 

Receipts are essential to any business. They are also important to customers. Receipts are proofs of purchase; they offer peace of mind to buyers, showing them that they are transacting with a legitimate business. Like a POS machine, a mobile card payment machine also has the capability to print receipts. The only difference is that it is more affordable and it doesn't need a separate unit to print receipts.

3. It can legitimize your business

Aside from printing official receipts, there are other ways mobile card payment machines can legitimate your business. Accepting payments from major credit card companies creates an impression that you or your business can be trusted. This is especially true if the mobile card payment machine that you use is from a reliable service provider.

4. Broadens your customer base

By not limiting yourself to cash-only payment policy and offering card and e-payment options, you will be able to cater to more customers. And as you gain more customers, you will be able to boost your sales.

3 Effective Outcomes of Using Card Payment Machines in Business in the UK

The number of establishments using card payment machines in businesses in the UK is continuously growing. And with consumers looking to limit physical contact these days, cashless payments are expected to dominate in the coming years. As experts observed, a lot of buyers avoid touching cash as much as possible so as not to catch the virus. They see cashless payments as a safer way to pay. 

This means that it’s time to incorporate a card payment machine in your business in the UK. Here’s how you can benefit from having a card payment machine. 

1. Boost sales 

The saying is true “time saved is money earned.” If you want to earn more money, you need to look for ways to speed up your business transactions. Using card payment machines in the business in the UK is one effective way to do this. They help you accept payments, be it a credit card or debit card or digital payments, quickly by simply chipping, tapping, or swiping. As you process more payments in less amount of time, your business can generate more sales.  

2. Expand your customer base

The popularity of card payment machines in businesses in the UK is not only because of the convenience they offer. Business owners adopt card payment systems because these tools open up more opportunities to grow their customer base. When you do this, you can cater to those who like to pay in cash as well as those who prefer using their cards or e-wallets for buying goods and services, effectively expanding your market. 

3. Improve customer trust

Impressing buyers is a great technique to build rapport. How will investing in a reliable card payment machine can improve your image? Well, according to research, businesses that have a card payment system are perceived as more legitimate and more trustworthy. Customers like to be given various payment options, allowing them to pay in any way they prefer.  

Guide to Compare Credit Card Processing for Small Businesses

One of the challenges as a small business owner is finding ways to improve your bottom line. Accepting credit card payments can be helpful, but you need to make sure that you have the right credit card machine and merchant account that will suit the type of business you are running. There may be a lot of options available, and to make an informed decision, you need to take some time to compare credit card processing for a small business. There are online tools that can help you explore quotes and features at a glance, so you can pick an appropriate credit card processing service that will be affordable and ideal for your business in the long run.

As you compare credit card processing for small business, be sure to look into the following factors before you make your decision:

• Fees – Determine the cost of processing credit card payments by adding the credit card processing fees to the price of the card machine. Keep in mind that fees will vary per merchant account, as well as per your business, but be on the lookout for costs like the payment gateway, card machine price, interchange fee, early termination fee, transaction fee, monthly minimum fee, and chargeback fees.

• Types – There are three types - ISO, high-risk, and aggregate merchant accounts. Small businesses typically get aggregate accounts, as they only charge you when you make a sale and they usually do not have monthly and set-up fees. Independent Sales Organisation (ISO) accounts are flexible and suitable if you are the only merchant with high sales volumes. If your business is considered high-risk (i.e. travel, healthcare, or subscription service), be sure to check high-risk merchant accounts when you compare credit card processing for small businesses.

• Your likelihood of approval – Merchant account providers look at the age of your business, credit history, and any previous credit card processing services you may have had in the past to determine your credibility.

• Cards acceptable – Make sure the most common cards are acceptable as you compare credit card processing for small businesses.  These include Visa and Mastercard, as but some may also accept JCB, Solo, Switch, Diners Club, and American Express.

Compare The Best Mobile Card Readers in the UK

Looking for the best mobile card reader in the UK? Understanding the different types of systems there are is a good place to start. From the outset, you want a mobile card reader that is equipped to handle different kinds of payment options, from mobile wallets to chip cards, and even more traditional magnetic strip credit cards. An advanced device that can accept these kinds of payments is definitely a better choice over other systems that is limited to one type of card.

This said, staying up-to-date with more advanced technologies isn’t always the easiest nor the cheapest option, especially for small businesses. The best mobile card reader in the UK is one that accommodates the needs of your business and your customers, first and foremost. Advanced features are a great bonus if you can afford them and if market demands are moving toward their use. EMV chip card readers, for instance, are rising in popularity, as more and more banks and credit providers prefer EMV chips over traditional magnetic stripes, which have long been used in credit and debit cards. The EMV chip card is developed and managed by leading credit card companies like American Express, JCB, Discover, Mastercard, Visa, and UnionPay. It is a more secure technology than older magnetic stripe swiping technology that businesses and consumers are used to because it uses a fresh encryption for each transaction.

Systems that allow for mobile wallet transactions are also ideal, because not only are customers inclined to leaving cash at home, they are also more comfortable leaving home without their wallets. Modern customers are becoming accustomed to using their smart phones to conduct retail transactions through built-in apps and mobile wallet systems that are linked to their credit cards. These mobile technologies make use of NFC or Near Field Communications, which allow for wireless and contactless payments between card readers and smart phone devices.

Get Benefits for Your Small Business While Offering Card Machines to Customers

Credit cards continue to be a preferred payment method in most businesses. Customers are likely to prefer buying from you if you are able to provide them with a convenient way to pay. Although it is common for small businesses to accept cash, a card machine can be a great addition to offer more convenience to customers. Nowadays, you can find a credit card machine for a small business in the UK to get you started in accepting cashless payments easily and securely. By allowing card payments, you could boost your sales and make transactions more effortless in the long run, so you can make your business grow.

No matter what industry your small business belongs to, there is a suitable credit card machine for it. If you bring your services to customers, like in the case of taxi drivers, photographers, and plumbers, and builders, there are mobile credit card machines that can connect securely to a 3G mobile network to take payments. If you have a humble café, bar, or restaurant, you may want to consider a portable credit card machine for your small business in the UK, so you can take the payment process to your customer while they are seated.

Accepting credit cards can be a significant feature to small businesses because it gives the impression that the service or shop is legitimate. Moreover, it can attract the attention of customers who prefer to pay with their credit cards. Some machines have a built-in reader for mobile wallets that offer more convenience to customers. This way, a credit card reader for the small business in the UK may even boost sales.

If you want to avoid the hassle of dealing with bad checks, you may want to adopt a high-quality credit card reader for your small business in the UK. It may even improve your cash flow and help you keep up with your competition. Over time, you will find that credit card processing can be cost-effective. Just be sure to find the right service and device by comparing machines and merchant account providers.

5 Ways to Boost Your Sales with The Best Mobile Credit Card Readers in the UK

For your business to thrive, you need to be able to provide convenient payment options to your customers. Most customers are likely to have at least one credit card, and many of them may even prefer to use their card or any mode of cashless payment like mobile wallets and debit cards to pay for goods and services anywhere. That said, it may be in your favour to get the best mobile credit card reader in the UK. It will allow your business to take card payments no matter where you go.

The best mobile credit card reader in the UK is perfect for businesses with a low turnover that is under £1.5k, as well as for small start-ups, freelancers, and one-man-band businesses. It may also be practical for businesses that provide mobile services, like hairdressing, pet grooming, and spas. With the right mobile credit card reader, you should be able to boost your sales in the following ways:

1.      Bring convenience to your customers – The devices are small and compact, and they can easily be connected to your tablet or smartphone, so you can take credit card payments no matter where you go.

2.      Keep track of transactions – Monitor payments and sales using an app that works with the best mobile credit card reader in the UK.

3.      Choose reputable providers – Consider mobile card readers from iZettle and Sumup. You can use online comparison tools to compare their features and prices on the spot to make an informed decision.

4.      Email invoices – Go paperless by allowing your system to deliver an invoice to your customer via email.

5.      No long-term contracts – Designed for flexibility, the best mobile credit card reader in the UK does not come with extensive binding contracts. In any event that you want to switch providers or upgrade your business setup, you can easily make changes without being restricted by the device that you use for card payments.

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