| Business Payments |
Card payments account for 1.69% of personal services spending where published, covering salons, barbers and therapists. Booking-linked payments, deposits to reduce no-shows, tipping and typical turnover fees are key considerations. Providers offer integrated solutions, but costs vary. Always compare terms, including interchange caps and terminal contracts.
Card machines for salons and personal services support bookings, deposits, and tips, with 1.69% of personal services spend on cards where published.
KEY FACTS
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LAST REVIEWED 2026-09-06
Booking and payment in one
For salons, barbers and personal services, card machines increasingly link directly with booking software. This integration allows clients to pay a deposit or full amount at the time of booking, reducing administrative work and improving cash flow. When a client books online, the payment is taken automatically, and the appointment is confirmed only after successful authorisation. This approach minimises the risk of forgotten payments and simplifies reconciliation.
Providers such as SumUp, iZettle and Square offer apps that sync with popular booking platforms like Booksy or Fresha. These systems often include payment links sent via SMS or email, enabling clients to pay remotely. For businesses that take bookings over the phone, a virtual terminal can process card payments without a physical machine. The key benefit is a seamless experience: the client pays when they book, and the salon receives funds typically within one to two working days.
However, integration quality varies. Some providers charge extra for advanced features, and not all booking platforms are compatible with every card machine. It is essential to check whether the provider supports the specific booking software used. According to UK Finance data, card spending on personal services accounts for 1.69% of total card spending where published, indicating a growing trend towards cashless transactions in this sector.
Deposits and no-show protection
No-shows are a significant problem for salons and personal services, leading to lost revenue and wasted time. Taking a deposit at the time of booking is an effective way to reduce no-shows, as clients have a financial commitment. Card machines that integrate with booking systems can automatically charge a deposit, often a percentage of the service cost or a fixed amount. For example, a salon might require a 20% deposit for appointments over £50.
If a client cancels within a specified period, the deposit can be retained, compensating the business for the lost slot. Some providers offer features to manage deposits, such as automatic refunds for cancellations made within the policy. Others allow manual refunds through the app. The ability to take deposits is particularly useful for high-demand services like bridal makeup or specialist treatments.
It is important to note that taking deposits may be subject to card scheme rules and consumer protection laws. Businesses must clearly communicate their deposit and cancellation policies. The Payment Systems Regulator has capped initial terminal contracts at 18 months, giving businesses more flexibility to switch providers if deposit features are inadequate. Always check the provider's terms regarding deposit handling and refunds.
Tipping
Tipping is common in salons and personal services, and card machines make it easy for clients to add a gratuity. Many modern card machines allow the client to select a tip percentage or amount on the screen before completing the transaction. This feature is often built into the payment app, and the tip is settled separately or together with the main payment. For businesses, this simplifies tip distribution among staff.
Providers like iZettle and Square offer tipping options that can be customised, such as preset percentages (5%, 10%, 15%) or a custom amount. Some machines allow tips to be added after the service, for example, when the client pays at the counter. The salon can then allocate tips to individual employees based on their records.
It is essential to consider how tips are processed and whether any additional fees apply. Typically, the card machine provider charges the same transaction fee on the total amount, including the tip. This means the business absorbs the cost of processing tips. Some providers may offer separate tip accounts or reporting features. When comparing providers, check if tipping is supported and whether there are any extra costs. According to industry data, card spending on personal services is 1.69% of total card spending where published, indicating a shift towards cashless tipping.
Countertop vs mobile
Salons and personal services often need flexibility in how they take payments. Countertop card machines are fixed units that sit at a reception desk, ideal for businesses with a permanent location. They offer fast chip and PIN transactions, often with a receipt printer. Mobile card machines, on the other hand, are portable and connect to a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. They are useful for therapists who visit clients at home or for salons that want to take payments at the styling chair.
Countertop machines typically require a phone line or internet connection, while mobile machines use Wi-Fi or mobile data. Some providers offer hybrid devices that can be used both as countertop and mobile. The choice depends on the business model. A busy salon with a reception desk may benefit from a countertop machine with a fast processor, while a mobile beautician might prefer a lightweight card reader.
Costs vary: countertop machines often come with a higher upfront cost or a monthly rental, while mobile readers are usually cheaper or even free with a pay-as-you-go plan. Transaction fees are similar, but some providers charge a lower rate for countertop transactions. The Payment Systems Regulator has capped initial terminal contracts at 18 months, so businesses are not locked in for long periods. Consider the typical transaction value and volume when choosing between countertop and mobile.
Worked example
Consider a small salon with an average appointment value of £40. The salon processes 20 card transactions per day, six days a week. This equates to 120 transactions per week and approximately 6,240 per year. If the salon uses a provider charging a flat rate of 1.5% per transaction, the annual card processing fees would be calculated as follows: total annual card turnover is £40 multiplied by 6,240, which equals £249,600. The fee at 1.5% is £3,744 per year.
However, many providers charge a monthly fee in addition to transaction fees. For example, a plan might cost £20 per month plus 1.5% per transaction. The annual cost would then be £240 in monthly fees plus £3,744 in transaction fees, totalling £3,984. Alternatively, a provider offering a lower transaction rate of 1.2% but a higher monthly fee of £30 would result in annual fees of £360 plus £2,995.20, totalling £3,355.20. This shows that comparing both the monthly fee and the transaction rate is crucial.
Additionally, if the salon takes deposits for bookings, the deposit amount is subject to the same transaction fee. For instance, a 20% deposit on a £40 appointment is £8, and the fee on that deposit is 1.5% of £8, which is 12 pence. Over a year, with 1,000 deposits, this adds £120 in fees. Businesses should factor in all costs when choosing a provider.
Provider fit
Choosing the right card machine provider for a salon or personal service business involves assessing features, costs, and contract terms. Key features to consider include booking integration, deposit handling, tipping, and whether the device is countertop or mobile. Providers such as SumUp, iZettle, Square, and Worldpay offer various solutions, but not all support every feature.
For example, some providers offer free mobile readers with pay-as-you-go pricing, while others require a monthly subscription for advanced features like booking integration. It is essential to compare the total cost of ownership, including transaction fees, monthly fees, and any upfront costs. The Payment Services Regulations have introduced measures to make it easier to switch providers, such as capping initial terminal contracts at 18 months and requiring clear summary boxes.
Additionally, consider the interchange fees, which are capped at 0.2% for consumer debit cards and 0.3% for consumer credit cards under the Interchange Fee Regulation. Providers may add their own markup on top of these caps. A provider that passes on lower interchange costs may offer more competitive rates. Always read the terms and conditions, and check if there are any hidden charges for refunds, chargebacks, or early termination. The table below summarises key features to compare across providers.
| Feature | Provider Support | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Booking integration | Varies by provider | Provider websites |
| Deposit handling | Offered by many | Provider terms |
| Tipping | Common | Provider apps |
| Countertop option | Available | Provider range |
| Mobile option | Widely available | Provider range |
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Disclaimer. This guide is editorial information drawn from primary sources. It is not financial, legal or tax advice and does not recommend any provider. Figures are those published by the named sources on the review date and may change. Kael Tripton Ltd receives no commission, referral fee or lead payment from any provider named on this page. |
Frequently asked questions
Best card machine for a salon?
The best card machine for a salon depends on specific needs such as booking integration, deposit features, and whether you need a countertop or mobile device. Providers like SumUp, iZettle, and Square offer versatile options. Compare transaction fees, monthly costs, and contract terms. Look for features like tipping and integration with your booking software. The Payment Services Regulations cap initial terminal contracts at 18 months, giving you flexibility to switch if needed.
Can I take deposits to stop no-shows?
Yes, many card machines allow you to take deposits at the time of booking. This can be done through integrated booking systems or manually. Deposits reduce no-shows by making clients financially committed. You can set a fixed amount or percentage, and refund policies can be managed. Ensure your cancellation policy is clear. Some providers offer automatic deposit handling, while others require manual refunds. Check the provider's terms for deposit features.
Do card machines integrate with booking software?
Many card machines integrate with popular booking software such as Booksy, Fresha, or Mindbody. This integration allows automatic payment collection when a client books online. You can also send payment links via email or SMS. However, not all providers support every booking platform. Before choosing a provider, verify that your specific booking software is compatible. Integration may require a monthly subscription or additional fees.
How do tips work?
Tips can be added to a card payment either by selecting a preset percentage or entering a custom amount on the card machine's screen. The tip is processed as part of the transaction, and the provider charges a fee on the total amount, including the tip. Some providers offer separate tip reporting, making it easier to distribute tips to staff. Ensure your provider supports tipping and understand any associated costs.
Is a monthly fee worth it for a salon?
A monthly fee can be worth it if it includes valuable features like lower transaction rates, booking integration, or advanced reporting. For a salon with high transaction volume, a lower transaction rate may offset the monthly fee. Calculate your annual card turnover and compare total costs under different plans. For example, a plan with a monthly fee and a lower rate might be cheaper overall than a pay-as-you-go plan with a higher rate.
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