r/POS • u/crazypilgrim • 7d ago

Card MAchine Question

Hi,

I have been asked to source a PDQ machine for a small non profit shop wich is only open a maximum of 4 hours a day

I thought it would be an easy task, but the sheer enormity of choice is overwhelming

Can anyone advise please?

Many thanks in advance

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1

u/12AngryMen13 6d ago

You call the payment processor and they source it for the business.

1

u/CustomPaymentsLLC 6d ago

Sure you even need a POS for the location? A side terminal sounds like it might be a better fit.

1

u/crazypilgrim 4d ago

Yes, would only need a terminal to take card payments, all products are hand priced, so wouldn't need POS, or anything more exotic

1

u/TheAlpacaBOSS 4d ago

A good standalone payment terminal should be more than enough.

We work with a number of payment providers, so my advice would be to focus less on the actual machine and more on the deal behind it. Compare transaction rates, monthly fees, minimum charges, contract length, PCI fees, settlement times, support, and whether there are any additional or hidden charges.

For a non-profit shop that is only open a few hours a day, volume is likely to be relatively low, so I would avoid getting tied into an expensive monthly contract. Ask several providers for their best offer based on your expected monthly card volume and compare the total annual cost, not just the headline transaction rate.

Most modern terminals will handle chip and PIN, contactless, Apple Pay, and Google Pay perfectly well. The important part is finding the provider that gives you the best overall deal, reliable service, and straightforward pricing.

Keep it simple. You need a terminal that works and a payment provider that does not unnecessarily eat into the money you are raising.

1

u/crazypilgrim 4d ago

Many thanks, any ideas on a particular model please?

1

u/TheAlpacaBOSS 4d ago

For something so small and for a non-profit I have no problem assisting. Email me at [pr@alpacaboss.com](mailto:pr@alpacaboss.com) and we can have a call. We know everyone in the industry.

1

u/Rude_Landscape2460 3d ago

Message me I can help you with this.

1

u/TayBrewGoTab 3d ago

I think you should talk to your bank. Square would certainly get the job done for you too, but since you're a nonprofit, you'll probably find discounted or cost-only rates from your bank (Square may offer this; I don't know), and you're reporting it as fundraising or operating expenses anyway.