Sonya Angus was delighted to receive a 31% saving on card terminal fees, simply by switching payment processor.
Following a successful career as a fashion buyer for a large department store, Sonya decided to follow her dream and open her own store. Based in Aberdeen, Sonya Angus Gifts, Furniture and Interiors opened in November 2016, stocking a quirky range of luxurious yet affordable pieces.
The shop has grown quickly over the past 18 months, doubling its suppliers in just one year and receiving recognition across Scotland. The store was awarded ‘Best gift shop’ at the Aberdeen Business Awards 2018, with Sonya named ‘Retails rising star of the year’ by the Aberdeen Evening Express.
Switching payment processor allowed Sonya to receive great savings and a more personal service:
“Owning my own store had always been my dream, so I was thrilled to find the perfect location in Aberdeen. I’ve worked in large department stores as a buyer for the majority of my career, however opening my own shop involved a lot of costs.
From the beginning, I knew that it was important that my store was able to accept card payments. I’d originally signed a contract for 18 months with a large payment processor, but was disappointed to receive a letter telling me that my costs were set to increase after just one year.
Around this time, a Handepay advisor visited my store, and let me know that I could make savings by switching payment processors. As I was still in my first year of business, shopping around for a cheaper deal hadn’t crossed my mind. When I discovered I could save 31% just by switching payment processor I was delighted!
We take around 80% of our payments on card, with lots of customers choosing to pay using contactless. This means that it’s important to find a cost-effective payment processor, to make sure I make as much money possible on each sale. With the savings I could make, it would have been silly not to switch.
My Handepay advisor was fantastic, she was so friendly and helpful. It was great to deal with someone face to face, and I received such a personal service from her. She even came to help me install the terminal!
Running a business can be expensive, so it was refreshing to make a saving on a business expense for once. The money I’m saving all goes back into the company to help it grow! Finding a cost-effective payment processor was great as no one pays in cash anymore, I don’t know how business owners survive without accepting cards!”
