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 enables 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 start out taking card funds at present.
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 (supplied there are enough funds within the buyer’s account), and sends the fee to your service provider account.
As soon as the fee is acquired from the card-issuing financial institution, the funds will likely be transferred to your online business checking account.
Varieties of PDQ machine
There are three sorts of PDQ machine:
- Countertop – a set 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 could be
- Cellular – a small, transportable gadget that makes use of cell information to take card funds on the go
Which kind of PDQ machine ought to I take advantage of?
Several types of PDQ machines swimsuit several types of companies. Although your online business could have a wide range of card machines so as to have a extra complete funds setup.
Countertop
Countertop card fee gadgets are related to a base station at a set 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 set level of fee or gross sales counter, reminiscent of a store or salon.
Professionals
· Dependable level of sale that doesn’t must be charged
· Normally offers you entry to probably the most aggressive transaction charges
Cons
· No mobility by any means, even inside your premises
· Clunky, old school 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 online business premises.
Who ought to use it?
Excellent for a restaurant or cafe, permitting your employees to take tableside funds
Professionals
· Way more mobility than a countertop card machine
· Extra fashionable, modern designs
Cons
· Must be charged
· Can fail if Wi-Fi sign is poor
Cellular
Cellular card fee machines are the most recent 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 discipline or on a busy road. They’re usually 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 usually ship receipts by e mail.
Who ought to use it?
Pop up retailers, road meals distributors, market merchants, and any enterprise on the transfer
Professionals
· Offers you absolute flexibility to take funds from wherever you’re
· Glossy and compact designs are each sensible and aesthetically pleasing for a small enterprise that wishes to venture a contemporary picture
Cons
· Might be unreliable in case you’re in a spot with poor cell sign, leaving you unable to take card funds
· Normally solely obtainable with a flat charge transaction charge
PDQ machine prices
PDQ machines can be found to lease or purchase from any main fee processing or service provider providers supplier.
Relying on sort, the gadgets themselves can value something from £15 to upwards of £150. Although with countertop and transportable gadgets, it’s commonest to lease them for between £15 to £25 a month.
Whereas we’ll be gadgets, it’s essential to grasp that PDQ gadget prices don’t exist in a vacuum. For those who’re shopping for a tool from a selected card machine firm, you’ll even be utilizing their fee processing providers – it’s all one bundle. Meaning being subjected to any month-to-month charges and transaction prices.
These ongoing prices differ from supplier to supplier, so it’s value looking round for a charge construction and pricing mannequin that works for your online business.
Let’s examine the prices of some well-liked PDQ machines.
Ingenico Desk/5000
Kind: Countertop
System value: £15 per 30 days
Transaction charge: from 0.99%
Month-to-month charges: Depending on contract
Stats
· 320g
· 3.5” color contact display screen
· 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 set of apps which are simple to handle from its 3.5” color contact display screen. It’s nice for lodges, eating places, cafes, and retail. Obtainable via Evalon. You’ll have to create an account and submit an utility earlier than you’re authorized for the machine.
Tyl (by NatWest) Clover Flex
Kind: Transportable
System value: £15.99 + VAT per 30 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 conveyable PDQ machine with an unlimited 5” touchscreen that provides you entry to a wide range of helpful apps. That does make it heavy in comparison with different transportable machines, however it packs quite a bit into its measurement, primarily performing as an all-in-one POS system for your online business. You may entry transaction charges as little as 0.2%, however you may be tied right into a four-year contract.
SumUp Air
Kind: Cellular
System 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 probably the greatest 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 gadget along with your smartphone.
Shopping for a PDQ machine
When you’ve determined which sort of PDQ machine finest matches your online 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 publish and be able to go inside minutes.
With bigger fee processing firms, and countertop or transportable gadgets, you usually want to talk to a gross sales rep to agree on fee phrases and set up a contract. These gadgets will also be extra sophisticated to arrange and also you’ll be renting quite than shopping for.
For those who’re nonetheless not sure, why not use our comparability software? It’s fast, free and straightforward. Simply reply a number of easy inquiries to obtain quotes at present.
See additionally: 10 card fee machines supreme for a small enterprise
