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.
