There is no single payment terminal that is right for every business.
The best solution depends on where customers pay, how employees serve them, average transaction size, processing volume, connectivity, and whether the business needs payments to stay at the counter or move throughout the operation.
Before choosing equipment, start with the same factors that should guide any processing decision.
What Should a Business Consider First?
Processing Volume: Seasonal and lower-volume businesses may need flexible options with fewer fixed costs, while higher-volume businesses may benefit from equipment and pricing designed for frequent daily use.
Transaction Size: Customers may use debit cards more often for smaller purchases and rewards cards for larger purchases. The average ticket can affect processing costs and the type of checkout experience customers expect.
Business Type: A retail store, automotive shop, medical office, restaurant, and mobile service business may all accept cards, but their customer flow and equipment needs can be very different.
Card Present or Card Not Present: Transactions completed by tapping, dipping, or swiping a card generally have different pricing and risk considerations than payments entered manually, invoiced, or accepted online.
Once those basics are clear, the terminal conversation becomes much easier.
PAX A920: A Smart Terminal for a Modern Checkout
The PAX A920 can be a strong option for businesses that want a modern payment experience with support for chip cards, contactless payments, and mobile wallets. It works well when the business wants a smart terminal experience at a counter with additional flexibility.
Possible fits include automotive repair shops, restaurants, salons, medical offices, retail stores, professional service businesses, and other companies that want an updated customer-facing device.
Dejavoo Z8: Straightforward Countertop Processing
The Dejavoo Z8 is a dependable option for businesses that need traditional countertop payment acceptance. It may be especially useful for a company replacing outdated equipment or reviewing a monthly terminal payment or lease.
Possible fits include retail stores, auto parts businesses, automotive repair shops, medical and dental offices, salons, professional offices, and businesses with a designated service counter or front desk.
Learn more about the Dejavoo Z8
Clover Flex: Bring Checkout to the Customer
Clover Flex is a portable terminal that allows employees to accept payments away from the main counter. Customers can complete the transaction where they are being served instead of being directed to a separate checkout area.
Possible fits include restaurants, automotive service departments, healthcare offices, contractors, salons and spas, larger retail environments, and businesses that attend events or serve customers in multiple areas.
Which One Is the Right Fit?
The answer is not based on the terminal name alone. It depends on how the business operates.
Choose a countertop-focused option when most customers pay at a front desk, register, or service counter.
Consider a smart terminal when the business wants a more modern customer experience and updated payment capabilities.
Consider a portable option when employees need to bring checkout to a table, waiting area, service bay, or customer location.
Review both the equipment cost and processing statement before replacing or adding a terminal.
A Simple Next Step
1. Map the customer’s payment journey from service or purchase through checkout. 2. Identify the features the team actually needs, including portability, contactless acceptance, receipts, connectivity, and reporting. 3. Compare the current equipment and costs with TMC’s terminal options. |
Match the Terminal to the Business Compare TMC’s terminal solutions and talk with the team about the way the business accepts payments. |
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