takepayments blog.
Wednesday, 11 September 2024
Is it time to update your payment system? Signs your POS system is out of date
One of the most important elements of running a successful business is the ability to process payments quickly and efficiently. Needless to say, when your card machines are down or acting slow, not only could this mean that your customers have to wait, but it could end up costing you potential sales. Thankfully, it's usually a quick fix by updating the software or upgrading to a newer point-of-sale (POS) model – but when is the best time to make these changes to your system?
Thursday, 04 July 2024
Tips versus service charge: How should businesses accept and allocate gratuities
While there’s no expectation to tip in the UK, 60% of Brits said they’d add gratuity if impressed by the service, and 1 in 3 people stated they were likely to tip independent businesses to show their support. Therefore, it's a good idea to learn more about tips and service charges so you don’t miss out on hard-earned money. However, as a business owner, it’s also important to know your responsibilities for distributing your tips amongst your staff.
Wednesday, 03 July 2024
What is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)? How it works for small businesses
As a small business, upgrading or expanding your payment options is a no-brainer. Giving your customers more ways to pay not only makes your business more accessible, but offering multiple ways to pay can increase revenue by nearly 30%. We all know what the benefits of card are, so let’s look at another payment method that’s been taking the world by storm: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL).
Tuesday, 25 June 2024
Start-up and small business grants in the UK: Updated for 2024
Every penny counts for new businesses. It’s estimated that 20% of start-ups fail within their first year, which means that a helping hand could be the lifeline they need to keep going. Whether your store needs a renovation or you have an exciting project in the pipeline, a cash injection can be a vital source of funding for many start-ups or SMEs in the UK. However, applying and successfully securing them can sometimes feel like an uphill challenge.
Thursday, 25 April 2024
What is card payment security: 8 ways to protect your customers
UK Finance’s Half Year Fraud Update for 2023 revealed that £258.9 million had been lost to card fraud in the first half of 2023. And it’s not just shoppers who are being duped out of their hard-earned cash. Juniper Research predicted that eCommerce businesses lost up to $48 billion due to online payment fraud in 2023.
Friday, 22 March 2024
PCI DSS 4.0: how to comply with the latest changes
Running a business brings some big rewards but also comes with many responsibilities, from managing taxes to invoicing. One of these obligations is being compliant with the required payment regulations and standards, which is crucial for protecting your business and customer trust. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard version 4.0 (PCI DSS 4.0), the latest update to card payment security standards, introduces a new wave of requirements that businesses must meet before the deadline.
Monday, 11 March 2024
Which is the best card payment machine for my business?
Gone are the days when you had to be glued to your till to take card payments. The landscape’s constantly evolving, and with that comes more and more choice. So, if you’re a merchant looking to upgrade your existing terminal for something faster and more efficient, knowing which is the right fit can be overwhelming.
Friday, 22 December 2023
What is an acquirer? A guide to merchant acquirers for small businesses
Did you know that over 65 million debit card transactions are made each day in the UK? Whether it’s a quick contactless tap on public transport or an online purchase from an e-commerce retailer, an acquirer plays a role in every single one of those transactions. But what is an acquirer and how are they involved in card payments?
Thursday, 21 December 2023
9 bank cards explained: What are credit, debit, virtual cards and more
Bank cards are a staple in wallets all over the world. From a restaurant owner eyeing a speedy transaction solution to an online startup seeking a secure payment method, the choices are vast and varied. Lost your card? No worries, a virtual card has got your back. Managing business expenses? A corporate card might just be your new best friend. However, with such a wide range of choices, knowing the differences and understanding which option best suits your needs can be challenging.