The choice between card machines is simple.
If you only rarely or very occassionally take card payments or low value transactions, then get one of the machines that connect to your mobile phone like the ones offered by Worldpay. These are not card terminals but a key pad where a payment card is inserted and the PIN is keyed via the keypad. The mobile phone processes the transaction.
PROS: No rental fee.
CONS: Relies on reception from your mobile phone to operate. Not as versatile as a card terminal. Not a proper terminal.
If you regularly take card payments or higher value transactions, then get one of the true card termianls. These connect via a in built SIM card to any network offering the strongest signal at that time and are entirely independent of your mobile. These are proper card terminals like the ones in shops, restaurants and in every walk of life but a monthly fee is required. The terminal itself processes the transaction via Streamline, so you know immediately if the customer has the funds available to pay you.
PROS: Does not rely on reception from your mobile phone to operate. Much more versatile as a non dedicatedcard terminal. A proper terminal like the ones available in shops and restaurants worldwide.
CONS: A monthly fee is required.
I worked very hard to get a discount for forum members and to get Cardsave to become sponsors of this forum. The deal that is now available from them is that discount. Just click on the link on the forum. Mention to their sales department is from the Plumbers Forum and you'll get the discount.
I am working with them to secure another deal, like the non rental machines offered by Worldpay. Cardsave will offer lower transaction fees than the other companies for forum members. This is NOT yet available so please don't ask Cardsave for this yet. It will be rolled out very soon.
Darren, it takes about 2-3 weeks to set up a card terminal. A credit check is required, your bank needs to be informed and payment arrangements made into your account and your terminal is then sent to you. In the meantime, if you do go down this route, why not set up a Paypal account for taking card payments until everything is set up? The monthly rental fee is added/split between jobs, so the machine pays for itself and customers are not only pleased with the convenience of paying by card, but they are also impressed. I no longer accept cheques. Payment from your customers is cleared immediately and available in your account in 3 working days.
I've emailed you the contact details for their area rep.
