6 signs it’s time to upgrade your card payment machine
Are you starting to experience problems accepting card payments? Maybe it’s time to upgrade to a better card machine
A card payment machine has become an essential part of running a business.
- They’re fast
- They’re efficient
- They’re something your customers expect you to have
Not just a Chip and PIN card machine.
Customers now expect other functions to be available as standard.
If you run a business, you might already accept card payments.
But, if you’ve been using the same card machine for years, you might have started to notice a few problems.
Technology moves quickly in business.
And payment technology is no exception.
In this guide we’ll highlight some signs that it’s time to upgrade your card payment machine.
Your card machine runs slowly
One of the main benefits of a card payment machine is transaction speed.
Card payments are much faster than cash, allowing you to accept transactions quickly and simply.
Your card payment machine should allow you to serve more shoppers, reducing queue times.
Over time, your card payment machine may become less efficient, not functioning at the same level it used to.
If you start to experience problems with your terminal’s speed, it’s time to upgrade.
You can’t accept contactless card payments
Contactless card payments are quickly becoming the go-to payment method for busy customers.
In the last few years, we’ve all been encouraged to move to contactless to make payments in a safer, more hygienic way.
Consumers across the UK took this advice on board and are using contactless cards and mobile wallets more regularly.
They expect contactless payments to be available wherever they shop - whether you’re the local corner shop or the big supermarket.
If you’re still relying solely on Chip and PIN to accept card payments, you might want to try a new contactless card machine.
Your software is out of date
Are you experiencing problems with your card terminal?
Do you find yourself having to restart or reboot your machine more often to overcome problems?
This could be a sign your payment software is becoming outdated.
If your current supplier isn’t able to supply you with the best software updates, you should consider upgrading to a more modern card payment machine.
Your business isn’t ready for future payment developments
The payment industry moves quickly.
Only a few years ago, cash was the dominant payment method, with most consumers choosing to use notes and coins.
Then debit cards and Chip and PIN came along.
However, in the past few years, contactless card payments have reigned as the most popular choice.
This is due to a rise in emerging payment technology, such as mobile wallets. Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay are now widely used by smart device owners.
In fact, many of these apps are pre-installed on every new phone sold and enabling mobile payments on a smartphone is now a part of the initial device set-up.
Who knows what new payment technology is around the corner?
Upgrading your terminal ensures that you future-proof your business.
You’re not using a card machine suited to your business needs
When first starting to accept card payments, many businesses choose a countertop card terminal.
They’re the most widely recognised card payment machine and are simple to use and cost-effective.
However, as your business grows, you may need a different type of terminal.
Portable and mobile machines allow you to take payments anywhere on your premises, or even out on the road.
They’re a great upgrade option for a growing business, allowing you to create a more flexible payment process for their customers.
Your card machine is too expensive
We’ve talked about the hidden costs involved in card payments many times before.
It’s a huge worry for independent business owners, who find themselves paying over the odds for accepting card payments.
Switching suppliers to get a better deal is common practice in the merchant services industry, and will allow you to get a better card payment machine to boot.
Here at Handepay, we’re dedicated to helping independent businesses like yours to save money and access top of the range card payment machines.
If you’re looking to upgrade, get in touch with us today.
One of our friendly experts can help you understand your current card payment costs and recommend the best payment hardware.
