Want to accept cards but don’t know where to start? No worries, here are some considerations around equipment and how you trade.

 

Equipment

 

How does accepting cards fit with how I trade?

Consider your location. If you’re out and about, reception and coverage may be something to bear in mind. But also consider your set-up and how you serve customers.

If you trade from a fixed location, it’s easy enough to fix the card terminal in place, too. However, if you pass the card reader to customers across a counter or bring it to their table, consider portability, robustness, how you’ll print receipts and whether wireless options are available.

If you trade online, secure payment via your checkout page may be what you need, rather than equipment. Similarly, if you trade on the telephone or via mail order, then a virtual rather than a physical terminal may meet your needs.

 

Should I buy, rent or lease terminal or equipment?

Consider upfront costs, the length of the contract term, plus arrangements for repairing or upgrading equipment.

 

What’s included in the bundle (card reader, printer, reader clip or mount etc.)?

Some providers let you choose what you need and charge you accordingly. Others have an off-the-shelf bundle and may/may not let you add to it.

 

Trading

 

Which sales channels can I accept card payment through (e.g. face-to-face and/or on a website and/or on the telephone)?

There are different ways to accept cards. Think about what’s most relevant for your business and how to make it work for you. For example, how you could sell online for collection or return in-store. Or sell in-store for delivery later.

 

How do you envisage your business developing over the next couple of years?

Think about whether you plan to expand across new sales channels or geographies (domestically and overseas). Similarly, whether your product range or sector focus will change. This may influence the type of supplier and card acceptance deal you choose.

 

What specific services does the supplier offer for my sector?

Most providers offer a standard package for general retail and food and beverage sectors. But if you run a small hotel or guest house or a mail order or subscription business, for example, and have sector-specific requirements, quiz prospective suppliers on their services.

 

Which currencies does the supplier support?

If you trade online or have physical stores in more than one country, it makes sense to price in local currency. Find out whether prospective suppliers can help with this and how settlement of card sales works.

 

What apps are available to connect card acceptance cards with other aspects of my business?

Card acceptance could help you run other parts of your business digitally. For example, inventory and stock management, accounting and reconciliation, staff rotas. Some suppliers host apps marketplaces, where you can download the apps relevant to your business.

 

Be sure to check out our 10 more questions when considering card acceptance. These include considerations around set-up and cash flow, fees and choosing a supplier.