FAQ - Uk Business Buddy

Merchant services FAQs

Payments on the go

Q: We have an event marquee with bar. Is it best to have a portable card machine, or mobile card terminals?

A: This depends on whether your events will allow for people to purchase drinks from their table during the event. For some formal events it may not be appropriate to leave the seating area, in which case a mobile card terminal would be a great choice. For social events such as wedding receptions or music gigs, a portable card machine will be perfectly suited to your needs. Both portable and mobile options are fully integrated with your main server in the building.

Q: How does a mobile card reader work?

A: If you want to take payment at outside events such as festivals or conferences, a mobile card terminal is a must. They work by using GPRS (general packet radio service). They come with a SIM card (subscriber identification module), which allows the customer transaction to be wirelessly recorded to your merchant service.

Q: Is it worth getting a portable card machine when I already have a POS system on my till desk?

A: Good question. If you’re in the food and drinks industry, say a cafe or pub with seating, we would suggest that a portable card reader increases your customers’ positive experience by being able to serve them right from the table. This increases rapport and allows your customer to feel you have taken good care of them. If sales depend on the customer visiting your POS desk, then a portable card reader won’t be of much use. However, it can also be used as a contactless card terminal.

Technical support

Q: I own a busy shop. How long does it take to swap the POS system over?

A: We do not want to disrupt your normal hours of operation. For retailers it is vital that you can continue to take customer payments without disruption. This is why we always arrange a time and day suitable for you to make the changeover. The work usually takes around an hour before we’re ready to test.

Q: What support can I get if my card reader goes wrong?

A: You will have initial training on troubleshooting. If none of these tactics work you have 24/7 access to a UK based Business Buddy for all your technical support. If you wish to speak to someone, you can call our freephone number: 0800 046 1804, or for emergencies you will be given your Business Buddy’s mobile phone number at the time of installation.

Q: What is an integrated POS system and why do I need one?

A: An integrated POS system simply means more than one till can both talk to the merchant service server. If you have more than one payment desk, your POS machines will need to be integrated to produce accurate transaction accounts at the end of the day. This is also important to integrate portable card payment machines and desk top POS systems. However, integrated may also refer to sync between stock control and even the kitchen for placing food orders.

Q: I don’t want the hassle of changing my POS system machines, can I just upgrade my software and still save money?

A: Of course! You do not have to change your machines in order to benefit from our merchant services cost reductions.<

Becoming a team member

Q: How do I become telemarketer for UK Business Buddy?

A: UK Business Buddy telemarketing jobs are self-employed and highly flexible. That’s why payment is based on performance. Simply put, for every contract we sign that has been made possible due to your input, you will receive £50. Telemarketers set up agreements for Business Buddy Associates to visit the business owner so they can see how savings can be made. There may be some cold calling involved, but there is absolutely no selling – we do not push our contacts.

Q: What does being an Associate for UK Business Buddy mean?

A: Business Associates have a customer facing role. You will be asked to attend a meeting that has been set up by one of our telemarketers or yourself, during which you show the business owner how savings can be made on their merchant services. All we need to do this is to compare a copy of their customer transaction statement with our alternatives. Associates are then asked to continue the customer development by making the comparison presentation. There are no pushy sales techniques involved. If you’d like to become a team member, please get in touch on 0800 046 1804 or email hello@ukbusinessbuddy.com. There is more information on our Become a Business Associate page.