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What is a PDQ machine?
When you run the business of your dreams, accepting payments should never turn into a nightmare. Today, offering card payment options to your customers is the only way to get paid quickly, safely and hassle-free. Our short guide provides a simple but full outlook on PDQ machines to help you decide what is best for your business.
What is the difference between a PDQ machine and other card machines?
The answer is simple: there isn’t one! If you accept card payments, the device you are using whether you call it a “card machine” or “chip and PIN” is a PDQ machine.
PDQ machines can handle different payment types. Let’s explore the pros and cons of them, from most to least popular:
Chip and PIN
Most common card payment method
Easy to use: customer inserts card and enters PIN
Quick, safe, efficient
Contactless
Quickest card payment method
No PIN code required, card never leaves customer’s hand
More hygienic (no touching = reduces spread of germs)
Can also be performed with a phone or a smartwatch
Capped at £45 to avoid fraud
Magnetic Stripe
Old fashioned card payment method
Customer swipes card and signs a receipt
Still common in the US and in tourist spots
Highest risk of fraud
Why invest in a PDQ machine?
Cash is no longer king, and in the digital world we live in, it’s the norm to shop cash-free. This shift is good news, as card payments offer key benefits – especially for small businesses.
Which PDQ machine features should you look out for?
With so many PDQ machines available, how do you avoid the jargon and find out which one is right for you? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Let's have a look at the key features you should never overlook.
Opt for a PDQ machine offering these features:
Connection and activation via an app: this allows you to get set up quickly, take payments on the go and manage your business – all from your phone.
Durability and speed: quick charge, long-lasting battery and fast payments are a must so you never keep your customers waiting.
Your funds handled seamlessly: deposits should be fast, be trackable in a Business account and include an option to transfer funds to your bank account with no extra fee.