Sales are the lifeblood of every business. Whether you are Apple or a small business owner sales are always a priority. It is important to make it as easy as possible to buy from you and recent technological advances have made accepting card payments easier and more cost effective for many small businesses.
Mobile Chip and PIN
The latest mobile chip and PIN machines work with a smartphone or tablet to process payments. They connect to the phone wirelessly and payment is approved via an app on the mobile device. Suitable for sole traders, small and medium size businesses.
iZettle
Features
- Free app
- Chip and PIN reader €59/£59
- Charges: 2.75% per transaction. No setup or monthly fees
- Technology: Bluetooth
- Cards Accepted: All major cards inc Visa, Mastercard and American Express
- Available for iPhone, iPad and Android
To take a payment the merchant opens the app on their mobile device and inputs the amount and a description. The chip and PIN reader is then handed to the customer to put in their card and enter their PIN. The transaction is processed via the phone signal and when approved a receipt is sent to the customer’s email address. Funds are transferred into the merchant’s bank account 7-10 days later.
iZettle mobile chip and PIN readers are available in the UK, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Germany and Spain. To order one visit their website > iZettle.
*Tip: If you want to sign up but don’t wish to do so through Facebook opt for a business account.
Payleven
Features
- Free app
- Chip and PIN reader €49/£49 (+VAT)
- Charges: 2.75% per transaction. No setup or monthly fees
- Technology: Bluetooth
- Cards Accepted: Visa and Mastercard
- Available for iPhone, iPad and Android
To take a payment the merchant opens the app on their mobile device and puts in the total (and photo if required). The chip and PIN reader is then handed to the customer to put in their card and enter their PIN. Payment is approved using the phone’s mobile signal and a receipt is sent to the customer’s email address. Funds are transferred into the merchant’s bank account 5-11 days later.
Payleven mobile chip and PIN readers are available in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland and Brazil. You can order one directly from their website > Payleven.
Sumup
Features
- Free app
- Card reader £79
- Charges: 2.75% per transaction. No setup or monthly fees
- Cards Accepted: Visa, Mastercard and American Express
- Available for iPhone, iPad and Android
The card reader works with an app and payment is made through the chip and PIN terminal. Once the payment is approved via the phone signal a receipt is sent by email or SMS. Funds are transferred into the merchant’s bank account 7-10 days later.
Sumup chip and PIN card readers are available in UK, Ireland, Germany and Austria and can be ordered from their website > Sumup. For a £20 discount use code CPM20 when you order a terminal.
Conclusion
Small businesses now have several low cost ways in which to accept card payments. Mobile chip and PIN readers connect to the mobile device using Bluetooth which makes them convenient. The price is £49 – £79+ and with no contracts they offer an inexpensive and flexible way for small businesses to accept cards.
Before making a decision it is worth checking other websites such as the app stores to see what current customers think. The market is also changing rapidly and there are now several alternatives in the UK.
* Updated 2.10.14
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