Choosing the Best Credit Card Machine for Your Business

Types of Payment Accepted

Given the above, the first factor to consider is an obvious one. The more types of payment your EFTPOS machine can accept, the more convenient the payment experience is for your customers. They are able to pay using their preferred method of payment. Accepting a diverse variety of payment methods may also allow you to transact with more diverse customers. 

If you want to provide an even better customer experience, look for a merchant services provider that won’t charge you extra for processing AMEX fees — such as Zeller Terminal. That way, you won’t need to pass the additional cost on to your customers with a surcharge.   

As well as the ability to accept all debit and credit cards, you should look for credit card readers for businesses that make it possible for customers to use their smartwatches and mobile phones to pay. This way, you’ll be able to serve customers on the go. Walkers, for example, often stop by coffee carts to purchase a cappuccino to go. They might not have their wallet with them, but if they can pay with their smartwatch, they’re more likely to come back.

Connectivity

Another important consideration is connectivity. While many credit card machines connect to the internet via WiFi, you’ll want one that also offers the ability to insert a SIM card. This way, if you’re out of WiFi range, you can still accept payment from customers. You’ll save yourself (and your customer) the frustration of having the communication between the payment network, processing bank, card issuer, and terminal interrupted mid-purchase.

For example, if you run a restaurant, your WiFi might not reach the tables on your patio. With SIM connectivity, your customers won’t want to have to come in to pay — or wait for the connection to start working. There’s a number of other benefits for pay-at-the-table technology, which you can read about on the blog.

By choosing an EFTPOS machine that can connect to the internet by both WiFi and SIM Card, you’re also protecting your business from losing revenue in the event of an internet outage — in a storm, during scheduled maintenance, or any other situation that is out of your hands. 

Speed

A reliable connection, that works using both WiFi and SIM connectivity, isn’t enough on its own. Your EFTPOS terminal also needs to be fast. If you’ve ever had to wait a minute or two for a customer’s payment to go through, you already know how important this is.

In today’s modern world, customers are used to paying quickly for products and services. If you can’t accept payment quickly and conveniently, the last interaction the customer has with your business is a frustrating one. You want a credit card machine that works fast.

Transaction visibility

If you’re using a credit card machine to accept payment from customers, but you can’t see a list of the transactions you’ve completed, you’re flying blind. 

This is especially important if you run a multi-location business. The ability to view a live transaction history — for every credit card terminal used across your business, in any location — is crucial to understand how your business as a whole is performing at any moment in time. Zeller Dashboard provides all of this insight and more, helping you to run a more efficient business.  

Upfront Cost

The cost of credit card machines can vary widely. There’s not only the upfront product cost to consider. Depending on which EFTPOS terminal provider you go with, you may have to pay terminal rental fees, software update fees, service fees, and more.

Transaction Costs

Another cost to consider is transaction costs. These can add up, so find out what they are for the different credit card machines you’re considering. You may need to consider the card mix most commonly used by your customers. 

All payments tapped, dipped or swiped to Zeller Terminal cost just 1.4%. A flat transaction rate allows you to estimate your fees in advance, and manage your cash flow accordingly.  

Aesthetics

These days, so much in business is about branding. The aesthetics of your store is important, and everything in-store contributes to the look and feel of your brand — including your front counter, and everything on it. Your credit card terminal is one of the few elements of your store that every customer will interact with. 

Like everything related to branding, having an aesthetically pleasing credit card terminal will help them remember that your store has a certain look and feel.

Ease of Use

The credit card machine you choose needs to be easy to use both for you and your customers. Find a machine that charges quickly, works fast, connects easily to the network, and that connects to any of your internal or external software automatically.

On the customer end, you want it to be intuitive. For example, it should be easy to use the Tap & Go functionality and see at a glance whether the payment has been processed.

If it’s difficult to use, customers won’t only be frustrated. They’ll also wonder why you haven’t invested in a technology that’s easier for them to use, considering how many options are currently available.

Meet Zeller 

Now that you know what to look for when choosing the best credit card machine for your small business, you might be ready to find the best credit card machine for you. If that’s the case, look no further.

Zeller Terminal is a next-generation EFTPOS terminal With Zeller, you can accept, manage and spend the funds you accept from customers — while making it easier for you to manage your finances and track your spending.