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.

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.