Not sure how to choose the best card machine for your restaurant or bar? In this article we'll help you evaluate the main options on the market based on your business's needs. Keep reading to find out more!
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Which is the best card machine? Learn how to choose
Choosing the ideal card machine for your business can be a big challenge, since there are many options available on the market, with varied features to meet different needs.
So, more important than knowing which card machine has the lowest fee or which model is the most modern is understanding how to evaluate the options, weigh everything up and select the one that is genuinely the most advantageous for your business.
So the answer to “which is the best card machine” is: it depends. Besides looking for companies with a solid reputation in the market and comparing the features and fees, you should look at some aspects of your business. Veremos tudo isso a seguir!
Understanding your restaurant or bar's needs
The first step is to identify what your restaurant or bar needs. This is essential to get the choice right.
After all, you don't need to pay a premium for a card machine packed with features you won't use. In the same way, a card machine that's too basic can limit your operation and hold back your business's growth.
So, some points you should look at are:
payment methods
Identify which payment method is most used at your restaurant or bar. That's because the fees charged for single-payment credit, installment credit and debit are different.
Do your customers prefer to pay by debit? Then it will be more worthwhile to choose a card machine with a lower fee for that payment method, for example.
It's also worth looking at which card brands are most common and which benefit cards (meal vouchers) are most used.
Having this information can help you secure perks and discounts, and also make sure you'll accept the payment methods your customers use most.
Faturamento
Do you know how much your faturamento is on debit and credit?
Depending on how much you bill, you may be able to get lower fees and, in this way, save money. So, before comparing card machines, check which revenue bracket you're in (or forecast) and be ready to negotiate.
On the other hand, if you're just starting your business, you can go for entry-level models, which usually also come with more perks for beginners, including lower fees.
Payout
How quickly do you need to receive the money from card sales?
Analyze your cash flow to understand the ideal timeframe for your business. In general, the money from debit sales is available within two days and from credit sales in 30 days, on average.
Mobilidade
Most card machines on the market don't need to sit at a fixed point of sale.
But they have different features that can make a difference depending on how much you need to move around (to take it to the customer's table or for delivery, for example).
So take these aspects into account too when choosing a card machine with the ideal connection and speed for what you need.
Customer traffic
Besides mobility, another factor to look at is the volume of customers you serve.
If your restaurant has, for example, a peak time with lots of sales, you'll need a fast card machine with a stable connection, so you can process transactions quickly and not keep customers waiting.
Team size
Don't forget to think about the size of your service team and how many card machines will be needed to process payments.
Larger restaurants may need more card machines and, depending on the rental or purchase price, the costs can end up being very high, even if the fees are competitive.
POS and management system
Integrating card machines with your restaurant or bar's POS and management system is essential to automate processes, gain efficiency, speed up the operation and simplify running the business.
So look for partner providers and find out how the integration works.
Evaluating the best card machines on the market
Once you understand your restaurant or bar's needs, you can start your research and compare the best card machines on the market to find the one that best fits what you need right now.
The main companies that supply card machines are:
- PagBank
- Cielo
- Stone
- Rede
- Safrapay
- Getnet
- SumUp
- Ton
- Mercado Pago
- C6 Pay
Check below which features you should consider when comparing them.
CHARGES
Beyond the fees charged on credit and debit transactions, there may also be a sign-up fee, machine rental or purchase, receivables advance (if you want to get paid sooner), among others.
Compare all of them against your sales volume, revenue and cash flow.
Card networks and benefit cards
Check which card networks and benefit cards are accepted, for example:
- Mastercard
- Visa
- Elo
- Hipercard
- Hiper
- Alelo
- Sodexo
- Ticket
- VR Benefícios
As we mentioned earlier, it's worth looking at which ones your customers use most. Some card machines don't accept benefit cards, for example, and that can end up hurting your sales.
Payout times
Each card machine works with different payout times for debit and credit sales. See which one is most advantageous for your cash flow. Also, if it applies to you, look into the terms for advancing receivables.
Ties to a bank
Some card machines require a tie to a specific bank. That means you'll have to open an account with that bank to receive your sales proceeds. Look closely at the rules and fees involved.
Mobility and battery
There are wireless and wired card machine options. Choose the one that makes the most sense for your business.
If you have a fixed checkout counter, you can use a wired model. It connects to the phone line and, this way, doesn't depend on Wi-Fi or mobile networks (3G/4G). Some can also be connected to a broadband internet cable.
This gives you more stability and, in some cases, you can opt for a TEF system, ideal for those with a high volume of transactions.
Learn more: TEF and POS: learn the differences and how to choose
If you'd rather have mobility to handle delivery or to take the card machine to your customer at the table, wireless models are ideal. Pay attention to the connectivity features (as we'll see below) and also to battery life.
Conectividade
There are several connectivity options and you should pay close attention to this point, because a card machine without a connection can hurt the customer experience and your sales.
They can stay connected to Wi-Fi, have their own SIM card for the mobile network (3G/4G) and also use Bluetooth to connect to a phone. In this last case, you'll need a smartphone alongside the card machine to process the transactions.
Payment types
Beyond debit and credit, there are models that enable other payment methods, such as PIX via QR Code, contactless payments using NFC technology, creating links for online payment, among others.
Offering a wider range of payment options is a way to improve the customer experience, keeping up with the trend toward going cashless.
Printing and sending receipts
There are card machine models with and without a paper roll for printing receipts. If you'd rather not print, there's the option of sending the receipt by email, SMS or WhatsApp.
Models without a paper roll are smaller and more practical, which makes them a good option for delivery, for example.
Suporte
Beyond all the card machine's technical features, it's essential to choose a company that offers good service and support.
Look into the card machine's warranty, what the service channels are and how you'll be able to get support if a problem comes up.
Integration with your management system and POS
Make sure your card machine can be integrated with your management system and POS. This gives you operational efficiency and makes running your business far easier, automating processes such as closing out the register, for example.
On the more modern models, known as smart POS, which run on Android, you can install the POS. That way, on top of a card machine, you get a mobile POS.
Use EPOC and get maximum efficiency in your operation
EPOC is a complete solution for restaurants, with POS, back office, digital menu, KDS and much more.
Our PDV runs on every Android device, including Smart POS. We integrate with the leading card machines on the market and offer the fastest, most modern system out there.
If you'd like to see how it works in practice, Schedule a free demonstration now.
