A PDQ (course of information rapidly) machine is a tool utilized by a service provider that, because the identify suggests, rapidly processes and approves card transactions.
So what’s the distinction between a PDQ and a card fee machine? There isn’t one. PDQ, card machine, chip-and-pin machine – they’re all totally different names for a similar factor – a tool that permits you, the service provider, to take card funds out of your buyer.
However what are the several types of PDQ machine? How does a PDQ machine work? How a lot does it value? And the place can you purchase one?
This web page will make it easier to unravel card fee machines and get you prepared to begin taking card funds right now.
How does a PDQ machine work?
As soon as a buyer has tapped the machine, or inserted their card into the slot and entered their PIN, the machine authorises the fee (offered there are adequate funds within the buyer’s account), and sends the fee to your service provider account.
As soon as the fee is obtained from the card-issuing financial institution, the funds might be transferred to your small business checking account.
Varieties of PDQ machine
There are three varieties of PDQ machine:
- Countertop – a hard and fast terminal on the until in a retailer. Nice for outlets
- Transportable – a unit that’s nonetheless tethered to a location however operates utilizing wifi, so will be
- Cell – a small, transportable machine that makes use of cell information to take card funds on the go
Which kind of PDQ machine ought to I exploit?
Several types of PDQ machines swimsuit several types of companies. Although your small business could have quite a lot of card machines to be able to have a extra complete funds setup.
Countertop
Countertop card fee gadgets are related to a base station at a hard and fast fee level in your retailer. They depend on your broadband router and mains electrical energy to work.
Who ought to use it?
Any enterprise with a hard and fast level of fee or gross sales counter, corresponding to a store or salon.
Execs
· Dependable level of sale that doesn’t have to be charged
· Normally offers you entry to essentially the most aggressive transaction charges
Cons
· No mobility in anyway, even inside your premises
· Clunky, old style gadgets
Transportable
Transportable card fee machines have a docking station, however are powered by a battery, enabling you to hold them round and take funds from anyplace inside your small business premises.
Who ought to use it?
Good for a restaurant or cafe, permitting your workers to take tableside funds
Execs
· Way more mobility than a countertop card machine
· Extra trendy, modern designs
Cons
· Must be charged
· Can fail if Wi-Fi sign is poor
Cell
Cell card fee machines are the latest breed of gadgets, counting on cell information to mean you can take card funds from anyplace, whether or not you’re in the midst of a area or on a busy road. They’re sometimes small and compact, and cost flat charge transaction charges with out tying you right into a contract.
They are often paired with a cell receipt printer and enhanced with docking stations for a extra full fee level setup, however typically ship receipts by e mail.
Who ought to use it?
Pop up outlets, road meals distributors, market merchants, and any enterprise on the transfer
Execs
· Provides you absolute flexibility to take funds from wherever you might be
· Modern and compact designs are each sensible and aesthetically pleasing for a small enterprise that wishes to mission a contemporary picture
Cons
· Could be unreliable in case you’re in a spot with poor cell sign, leaving you unable to take card funds
· Normally solely accessible with a flat charge transaction charge
PDQ machine prices
PDQ machines can be found to hire or purchase from any main fee processing or service provider companies supplier.
Relying on kind, the gadgets themselves can value something from £15 to upwards of £150. Although with countertop and transportable gadgets, it’s commonest to hire them for between £15 to £25 a month.
Whereas we’ll be gadgets, it’s necessary to know that PDQ machine prices don’t exist in a vacuum. Should you’re shopping for a tool from a selected card machine firm, you’ll even be utilizing their fee processing companies – it’s all one bundle. Which means being subjected to any month-to-month charges and transaction prices.
These ongoing prices range from supplier to supplier, so it’s value looking round for a charge construction and pricing mannequin that works for your small business.
Let’s evaluate the prices of some well-liked PDQ machines.
Ingenico Desk/5000
Kind: Countertop
Machine value: £15 per thirty days
Transaction charge: from 0.99%
Month-to-month charges: Depending on contract
Stats
· 320g
· 3.5” color contact display
· 3G, WiFi and/or Bluetooth
The Ingenico Desk/5000 is among the newest countertop card readers available on the market. This excessive spec machine accepts all fee sorts, and comes absolutely kitted out with a collection of apps which can be simple to handle from its 3.5” color contact display. It’s nice for resorts, eating places, cafes, and retail. Accessible via Evalon. You’ll must create an account and submit an utility earlier than you’re authorised for the machine.
Tyl (by NatWest) Clover Flex
Kind: Transportable
Machine value: £15.99 + VAT per thirty days
Transaction charge: 0.2%-3.5% + 20p-40p depending on gross sales quantity
Month-to-month charges: None
Stats
· Weighs 453g
· 5” touchscreen
· 12-month contract
The Clover Flex is a transportable PDQ machine with an unlimited 5” touchscreen that offers you entry to quite a lot of helpful apps. That does make it heavy in comparison with different transportable machines, nevertheless it packs lots into its dimension, basically appearing as an all-in-one POS system for your small business. You’ll be able to entry transaction charges as little as 0.2%, however you can be tied right into a four-year contract.
SumUp Air
Kind: Cell
Machine value: £29 excl. VAT
Transaction charge: 1.69%
Month-to-month charges: None
Stats
· 142g
· 500 transactions on a single cost
· Electronic mail and SMS receipts
This compact, light-weight cell card reader is right for companies on the transfer and has top-of-the-line battery lives of any comparable cell PDQ machine. It’s yours for a one off value of £29, and doesn’t require you to signal a contract or pay any ongoing charges. To set it up, simply pair the machine along with your smartphone.
Shopping for a PDQ machine
When you’ve determined which sort of PDQ machine finest matches your small business wants, you’re able to make a purchase order.
With the likes of SumUp or Sq., it’s as simple as visiting their web site and shopping for it outright – you possibly can obtain your PDQ machine within the submit and be able to go inside minutes.
With bigger fee processing corporations, and countertop or transportable gadgets, you typically want to talk to a gross sales rep to agree on fee phrases and set up a contract. These gadgets will also be extra difficult to arrange and also you’ll be renting moderately than shopping for.
Should you’re nonetheless not sure, why not use our comparability device? It’s fast, free and simple. Simply reply a number of easy inquiries to obtain quotes right now.
See additionally: 10 card fee machines ideally suited for a small enterprise
