Diagnose fast
Most outages are connectivity, not hardware. Check whether other devices on the same network are online, then power-cycle the terminal and base. If the terminal connects but declines every transaction, the issue is upstream at the acquirer.
Have a fallback ready
Every business taking cards should have a second route to payment.
- A pay-as-you-go mobile reader kept charged in the back office
- A payment link you can text from a phone
- Clear bank details for a same-day transfer on larger sales
Know your support SLA
Ask what the replacement terminal turnaround is before you sign. Next-day replacement is standard from good providers; some offer nothing at all, which you only discover on your busiest Saturday.
Want this reviewed for your business?
Send us a recent bill and a consultant from our Cardiff office will tell you, honestly, whether you are paying more than you need to.