Invoices vs payment links: differences and when to use them
What's the difference between an invoice and payment link? Can it be the same thing? Compare characteristics and when to use each method.
Soldo review: smooth expense management for UK business teams
Is Soldo a business card, bank account or something more sophisticated? We tried and investigated Soldo's expense tools to find pros and cons.
QR codes are replacing barcodes: practical implications for shop owners
Linear barcodes are facing discontinuation, and QR codes will take over. Is this compulsory for UK retail shops? Why and how will it happen?
Card machine holder – what are the types and options?
What are the different types of holders for card machines? We list and describe stands, cases, mounts and more, along with photos and examples.
How to protect and extend the life of your card machine
What can merchants do to protect their card machine, and thereby extend its useful life? We've gathered the official advice to follow.
Are card machines really safe? Scams and security measures explained
What makes a payment terminal safe? Here are the security features, possible scams and preventative steps merchants can take against fraud.
What is SKU and how is it used in retail?
The meaning of SKU in retail is simple, but easily mistaken for other codes. What are SKUs and how are they used in shops and online?
What are the barcode scanner options in retail?
What barcode scanner types are there? How do they work and what are they for? We list the different setups and scanning methods.
Card not present transactions – the absolute basics for merchants
What is a card not present transaction? We explain the different types (yes, there are several), security concerns and how merchants can prevent fraud.
What to do with old credit card machines
How do you dispose of old credit card machines? Can you sell, recycle or throw them away? What about data? We explain the best course of action.
Best QR code menus for restaurants in the UK
We look at different QR code menus for restaurants, comparing simple menus with those that integrate with POS, ordering and payments.
Contact-free ordering – what are the options and how does it work?
What are the touch-free ordering systems for food and drink businesses? Step by step, we look at QR codes, delivery, pickup and self-service kiosks.
QR code menus – how does it work?
Contactless menus via QR code allow diners to order and pay themselves. How does this process work for the customer and merchant?
What is Click & Collect? How can it work for a small business?
How does Click + Collect systems work in a small business? Our guide looks at different software setups, with tips on how to do it well.
New card machine provider? How to get the best deal as a switcher
Want a better card machine deal? We go through the considerations, contract options and tips for switching to an alternative payment provider.
What to do if you’re stuck in a card machine contract
Are you left with a card machine that's too expensive, unreliable, unsuitable or not needed any more? Here's how to deal with the lock-in contract.
Why you need a backup for your card machine – and not just cash
Only got a card terminal? Don't rely on it entirely. There are several reasons why a business should accept other payment methods apart from cash.
Connectivity types in card machines – what are the options?
What are the different connection types for card payment machines? Learn how mobile networks (like 3G), WiFi, Bluetooth and LAN compare.
Xero integration with iZettle – how does it work?
iZettle integrates with Xero accounting to automatically manage bookkeeping and sales data in the same place. Let's look at costs and how it works.
Buying and renting a card machine: key differences
What are the differences between renting and buying a card machine? We consider pros and cons for the contract, fees, service and options.
Short-term card machine rental vs buying a card reader
Card terminal hire for short periods can cost more than buying a card reader upfront, so why still consider it?
Square Online Checkout review: feature-rich payment links for any purpose
We tested Square's unique stab at pay-by-link called Online Checkout. Create unlimited, fixed payment links for free - but what are the limitations?
Square Online review: user-friendly ecommerce that works with POS
How does Square Online work? With or without POS, this ecommerce platform is super-easy to set up and run at a competitive cost.
Should you accept cryptocurrencies as a small business?
Cryptocurrency options are broad, but is it worth it for a small business to accept it? We analyse pros and cons, and whether it's even legal.
ReRun Clothing: tackling throw-away culture in the running community
We interviewed ReRun, a community interest company (CIC) prolonging the life of running clothes. How do their Shopify experiences align with the cause?
Accessibility of card machines – the challenge for the visually impaired
What are the challenges for blind and partially sighted people when paying in shops? We spoke to the RNIB for their insights on accessible payments.
Should you set a minimum amount for card payments?
Some merchants still impose a £5 minimum on card payments, but is it a good idea - or even legal? Read this carefully if you're considering it.
How can a non-profit take payments online?
How do not-for-profit organisations, charities and fundraisers receive donations online? Here are the main tools, providers and what to look for.
Does the colour of card machines matter? White, charcoal grey and colourful
The card machine colour might not seem important, but we know from merchants, sales, Google and research that it may be. Here's how colours matter.
Which card machine models dominate the UK market in 2023?
Card machines are still a staple for face-to-face businesses, but which are the most promising models on the payments market?
PAX A920 terminal: unboxing, presentation and our opinion
Considering the PAX A920 card machine? We got our hands on one, unboxed it, took pictures - and discovered features you should know about.
What are the uses of a camera in a card payment machine?
Why do card machines have cameras? Present on Dojo, PAX and Ingenico smart POS terminals, what are they used for? How do they work?
What is EPOS? The basics explained
What's the definition of EPOS? Is it software, hardware or both? How does it work? So many questions, but we answer them all in plain language.
What is a point of sale (POS) in Excel? Is it worth considering?
A POS system in Excel sounds like a cheap DYI option, but is it worth the hassle? Here's how it works, along with pros and cons for retail shops.
Vend POS review UK: good all-round retail POS at a reasonable price
Solid and usable, Vend has a lot to offer. With its many features and user-friendly interface, should retailers consider it?
POS software comparison of leading till systems in the UK
We compare the five best EPOS software in the UK, focusing on key differences in cost, functionality and purpose.
Hike POS review: affordable, standard retail POS for iPad, PC and Mac
Hike is a pretty standard POS system for retailers, but has an edge over alternatives: it works on PC and Mac as well as iPad. Is it worth the cost?
iPad POS stands – the 5 most stylish and functional
What's the best iPad POS stand? We've ranked point of sale stands for iPad that pivot, swivel or are fixed.
What POS hardware do you really need in a till system?
What hardware components are most important in a POS system? We list the core POS equipment in order of priority.
POS system feature list: 50 to consider
What are the most important POS functions in a till system? We list the top 50 POS features businesses should consider.
How much does a point of sale (POS) system cost?
What does a POS system cost? We break down the price of POS equipment and software - including hidden costs.
TouchBistro review: user-friendly restaurant EPOS with good support
TouchBistro is one of the most user-friendly iPad POS systems available for UK restaurants. Is it right for your food business?
iZettle Pro review: solid hospitality EPOS for the budget-minded
iZettle Pro is a great-value, contract-free restaurant EPOS for the budget-minded, but is it right for you? We analyse features, costs and more.
The best pizza POS systems in the UK
What's the best pizza restaurant POS system with options for delivery and Click & Collect? We compare the leading software for small pizzerias.
Should you get a kitchen display system (KDS)?
What are the pros and cons of a kitchen display system (KDS)? How does it replace a kitchen printer? We define and list their unique features.
Mobile commerce trends, statistics and implications for the future
How has mobile commerce responded to Covid and the growth of ecommerce? We look at trends, stats and implications for businesses in the future.
6 best POS systems for takeaway and delivery
What are the best POS systems for takeaway, delivery, table orders and pickup? We analyse the most affordable software with most features for the price.
Weebly online store review: easy website builder with shortcomings
Is Weebly good for an online store? Since Square bought the company, we've seen problems - but there are strong features too.
Square vs Zettle: which payment and POS system is best for your business?
Zettle and Square have the same transaction fee and no fixed monthly costs, but there are other crucial differences between them.
SumUp Payment Links review: easy transaction links and QR codes from app
SumUp's mobile payments let customers pay on their phone via a link or QR code. How does it work and does the low cost mean there are flaws?
Square vs Stripe: all-in-one platform or building blocks for payments
Is Square or Stripe better for your business? Which is cheaper? The payment systems are geared towards different merchants, but there are overlaps.
7 winning ways to keep the till point organised
How do you keep a till point organised, but fetching too? We list seven ways you can maximise sales and efficiency without compromising on looks.
Epos Now vs. Vend: which POS system is best for your retail business?
Should retailers be opting for Vend or Epos Now? Our comparison between these retail POS systems reveal big differences in service, features and fees.
The iZettle Black Cab bundle – the best option to accept cards?
iZettle offers a Black Cab bundle (discontinued) with a mobile card reader, portable receipt printer and everything else you need for your taxi setup.
Best food truck POS system: 6 best for iPad and Android tablets
What POS system for mobile food trucks is the best? Our comparison of six food truck POS apps shows which is most affordable, with just the right features.
How to clean your credit card machine: tips and steps to follow
Want to prevent spreading germs or just keep your payment device in tip-top condition? Our guide tells you how to sanitise a card terminal in every way.
Can individuals get a card reader to accept payments?
Can anyone get a card machine? What if you need a card reader for personal use? Not so simple - here's who can get one for accepting payments.
Are low-cost mobile card readers a partial solution for late payments?
Mobile POS systems may be a partial solution to late payments and the inability to take credit card payments. But how, and what are the statistics?
Intuit Pay UK review – a card reader from QuickBooks
Intuit Pay by QuickBooks was a credit card reader previously available in the UK, but is now discontinued. Intuit is known for online accounting services.
Monese Business account review: ideal for EEA residents with a UK company
What's special about Monese for business? We get to the bottom of account features and costs to be wary of, but also concerns about customer service.