How to Find the Best Card Machines For Small Business
As cash payments decline and card transactions increase, it’s becoming a necessity for sole traders and small businesses to invest in a card machine. However, finding the right machine can be daunting with a range of different options available.
The first step is to assess your business’s needs. Consider the number of card types you want to accept, what transaction volume you expect and what other functionality you’ll require – such as customer-facing displays and the ability to email receipts. You should also think about whether you’ll need to connect your card reader to a cash register, which will affect its size and power requirements, or if you’d prefer it to be mobile with a built-in battery and Wi-Fi or cellular data connectivity.
Next, compare payment processing fees to find the best value machine for your business. Some companies offer a fixed monthly fee for hardware and a set rate of transaction fees for all customers, while others structure their pricing differently. Look for options that provide competitive rates and transparent pricing based on the type of transaction, including tiered or wholesale pricing. You can also check that the provider has a good reputation and offers customer support during business hours.
Some of the best card machines for small business come from companies with a proven track record. For example, the Ingenico ICT220 countertop device is a reliable option for chip and PIN payments and integrates with third-party POS systems to give merchants a complete solution. Alternatively, you might want to opt for an mPOS machine such as the myPOS Go or the myPOS Carbon, which are compact and portable with a high-resolution screen that supports a variety of features such as loyalty programmes, e-commerce and gift cards. card machines for small business