Community Corner
Why Card Machines Are Essential for Your Automobile Business
The importance of payment methods may come as a surprise to many automobile businesses.
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In the UK, there are over 42,000 automobile repair businesses, including mechanical services, body shops, and auto glass repair businesses. When we need to visit one of these garages, several factors come into play. From price and reputation to payment methods, these are all important considerations for your customers.
The importance of payment methods may come as a surprise to many automobile businesses. But did you know that card payments are the preferred method in the UK? We now choose the speed and security of chip and PIN, contactless, and digital wallets on our smartphones.
UTP provides a variety of card machines ideal for all automobile businesses, offering some of the lowest transaction rates in the industry. Here are the card machines they recommend for your business.
Why Use Card Machines in My Automobile Business?
Did you know that cash payments account for only 14% of all payments in the UK? We now prefer to use credit or debit cards for their speed and convenience. Whether you're a mechanic, body repair specialist, or operate an auto glass repair business, accepting card payments is essential. But why do customers prefer not to pay with cash?
Since the pandemic, the use of contactless cards and digital wallet payments has surged. In fact, 45% of us now leave the house carrying only our mobile phones for payments. This means that for nearly half of the population, an unexpected incident requiring a trip to the garage could mean relying solely on their mobile phone to make payments. Garages that only accept cash risk turning away customers in such situations.
The cost of automobile repairs and maintenance can be high. For many, paying larger sums on a credit card offers more flexibility and a safer option. Credit cards are safer to carry than cash and offer stronger fraud protection than debit cards. Beyond the ease and convenience of card payments, many customers feel safer using them. In fact, 71% of people don't feel safe carrying cash, especially when faced with high automobile repair costs, where carrying large sums of cash can be risky.
What Card Machine Is Best for My Automobile Business?
For automobile businesses with a single payment point, UTP recommends their countertop card machine. This device connects to the internet by Ethernet cable or wirelessly and is designed to remain at a till. For MOT centres, and body shops, countertop card machines are ideal.
If your business offers roadside services, you will need a mobile card machine. These card machines offer multiple connectivity options, including GPRS, 3G, 4G, WiFi, and Bluetooth, enabling you to take payments on the go. The UTP Max automatically connects to the strongest signal, ensuring your business never misses a sale. For long days and last-minute call-outs, you need a card machine you can trust. The UTP Max features a super-long battery life and comes with a charging base.
Another card processing option to consider for your automobile business is a Virtual Terminal. This allows you to take payments from customers even when they are not physically present. You can send a payment link directly to your customer or enter their details into the Virtual Terminal to complete the transaction. Many automobile businesses use a Virtual Terminal to collect deposits or for sourcing parts.
UTP card machines accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Customers can pay via chip and PIN, contactless, or with their digital wallets.
Why Choose UTP Card Machines for My Business?
In addition to offering a variety of card machines for business, UTP also provides free benefits to their customers. These include Faster Processing, which ensures your business is funded faster than with other card processing companies. Your business can receive payments after each transaction, hourly, or at the end of the working day. Another free service UTP offers is UTP Shield, their anti-fraud software, which alerts you to any suspicious transactions.
On average, UTP save their customers 33% on transaction rates. To find out how much money you could save or to learn more about UTP’s products, visit their website or call 0330 99 99 300.
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