For the past two years, I’ve had a card machine at Candy Floss Events, and while it was a necessary step after the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also been a frustrating and costly experience. Before the pandemic, cash was king—people carried money with them to events, making transactions quick and easy. But when events started returning after lockdowns, I noticed a huge shift. Suddenly, fewer people had cash, and I was losing more sales than ever before. It became clear that I needed a card reader to keep up with customer demand.
At first, I thought having a card machine would make things easier. But, as is always the case with these big companies, they design their systems to be overly complicated and time-consuming for small businesses. From setup issues to constant updates and connection problems, using a card reader has often been more hassle than it’s worth. And then came the hidden fees—the real kicker. Transaction charges, rental fees, and sneaky additional costs quickly started adding up, eating into the profits of small businesses like mine. The frustrating reality is that while card machines are now essential for events, the high costs and complexity make it harder for independent traders to thrive.
Another major issue is the delay in receiving payments. Unlike cash, which is immediate, card payments can take days to process. Many providers hold onto funds for 24 to 72 hours, and in some cases even longer, which can be a real problem for small businesses that rely on steady cash flow. Having to wait for money to clear, especially after a big event, makes it harder to cover expenses, restock supplies, and keep things running smoothly.
One example of how payment processors are making things harder for small businesses is Worldpay. In recent years, they have changed their system to be less transparent, making it difficult for businesses to understand their pricing structure. Many small business owners struggle with unclear fees, making it nearly impossible to predict monthly costs accurately. Additionally, Worldpay’s complex fee system includes hidden charges that can quickly add up. While they offer a range of payment solutions, their contracts require careful scrutiny to avoid unexpected costs. This lack of transparency makes it even more challenging for small businesses to manage expenses and stay profitable.
While I still accept card payments to keep up with demand, I always encourage customers to bring cash whenever possible. Not only does it make transactions smoother, but it also helps small businesses avoid unnecessary charges that add up over time. So next time you're at an event, consider carrying cash—you’ll be supporting local businesses in more ways than one! Every pound that goes directly into a trader’s till instead of through a payment processor makes a real difference in keeping small businesses alive and thriving. Let’s keep cash in circulation and support local businesses the best way we can!
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