When To Replace A Card Machine

Card machines are a crucial part of any business and we have to be able to rely on them. If you process multiple transactions every day, a failing card machine can be a serious problem. But how long do card machines last? And how do you know when they’re approaching the end of their lives?Here at Business Quotes, we’ve spent a lot of time studying card payment machines and we’ve got some good news; they last for ages. The average card machine will handle about ten years worth of regular use, so long as it’s kept in good condition. If you can avoid spilling liquids on it, dropping it or any other mishaps, you can expect to use the same card machine thousands of times. However, as time goes by, there are a few warning signs to watch out for. If you notice any of the following, it might be worth replacing.

Slower Payment Processing

One sign of a failing card machine is slower payment processing. You may notice that your card terminal takes longer to handle a transaction and this can be incredibly frustrating. It could be because of outdated software, network connectivity, or just damage from everyday wear and tear, but it has the same effect. 

Now obviously, there’s bound to be a day when your machine works slower than normal, but don’t be alarmed unless it happens repeatedly. If you often find yourself waiting patiently for your card machine to work while an extended queue of customers gets increasingly frustrated, it may be time for an upgrade.

No Wireless Option

Wireless payment terminals are a common sight nowadays, but that wasn’t always the case. For years card machines required ethernet cables to work. If your machine has no wireless functionality, it’s an older, outdated model. Swapping to a modern one will mean you can take it anywhere, opening your business up to the world of markets, festivals and other public events. 

Vulnerability

Fraud and data theft can do terrible things to a business’s reputation. Even if you don’t do anything wrong, if a customer gets their information and money stolen while using your services, they’re unlikely to return. Older card machines aren’t always up to date on the latest security requirements and are more vulnerable to criminals. If you notice yourself having to handle the aftermath of more fraudulent transactions or compensating customers for losses, you should give serious thought to a new card machine. 

Increasing Costs

There’s no such thing as a free card machine, but if your transaction fees start to creep up, it might be time for an upgrade. Like the processing speeds, this isn’t immediately noticeable, but if one day you realise that more and more of your profits go towards your card machine fees, we’d recommend finding a new provider. 

No NFC Compatibility

Near-Field Communication has become increasingly important for card machines in recent years. It’s a technology that allows data to be exchanged wirelessly between two devices and allows you to handle transactions from mobile phones, smart watches, tablets and other devices. Systems like Apple Pay rely on NFC, so if your card machine doesn’t have this, you’re alienating potential customers. 

Keep all these points in mind and you’ll get a good idea of when you’ll need to replace a card machine. They are built to last and can withstand more punishment than you might expect, the real danger is failing to keep up with the latest technology. A broken screen or damaged keypad can be repaired, but if your card machine can’t handle modern payment types properly, it’s no longer fit for purpose. 

Once the time comes to find a new card machine, Business Quotes can help. We have years of experience helping companies of all sizes find the right equipment. Click on the comparison tool below and we’ll find you the perfect card machine.