01 / THE COST CONVERSATION
Compare the whole setup.
Keep the answers in writing.
Bring this worksheet to each provider conversation. Use the same expected card sales, average ticket and payment methods so the comparisons mean something.
What will this actually cost?
| Ask for the written detail | Provider / option A | Provider / option B |
|---|---|---|
| Provider name + quote date | ||
| In-person pricing + per-payment charge | ||
| Keyed / online / other payment pricing | ||
| Monthly plan + other recurring fees | ||
| Reader, terminal, printer + accessories | ||
| Equipment ownership / financing / lease | ||
| Refund, dispute + optional feature fees | ||
| Contract term + cancellation conditions |
Check the transaction basis. Use sales and average tickets that both include—or both exclude—the same items. Ask whether processing fees apply to the full amount including tips and sales tax, and request a representative statement example.
Charges or terms to clarify before signing
02 / THE SERVICE CONVERSATION
Will it work where you work?
Get answers for your exact device, software plan and selling locations. A feature on a product page may have device, account or network requirements.
Which connection does this setup need? Does cellular service cost extra? What happens when the event network becomes congested?
Which methods work offline? What are the amount and time limits? When must payments reconnect, and who bears the loss if one is declined later?
What battery life should we expect? What are the charging, heat, moisture and mounting requirements? What equipment should stay in the truck?
Can staff handle modifiers and order corrections quickly? What are the tipping and receipt options? Who sets and verifies tax settings?
What are the cutoff, weekend and holiday rules? What can cause a delay or hold? Is faster funding available, what does it cost, and are we eligible?
Is support available during our service hours? How do we check unuploaded or unsettled payments and reconcile orders, tips and deposits?
This worksheet does not assess eligibility or promise approval, fees, equipment performance or funding speed. Confirm current requirements and terms with the provider. Keep completed notes securely; do not include card numbers.