The card machines uno recommends for most garden centres come with low card rates and dependable integration with their POS systems. Every card machine uno recommends for garden centres transacts within 3 seconds over Wi-Fi or built-in 4G - everywhere from the main tills to the outdoor areas.
Updated:
What is the best card machine for a garden centre?
The best card machine for a garden centre is billed on the Component billing model, because it brings the lowest card rates and works with the POS a garden centre already uses. The card machine uno recommends to garden centres on that billing model is the PAX A920, which integrates with the majority of third-party POS systems that specialise in garden centre sales.
Garden centre sales range from a trolley of bedding plants to nurtured trees, and on sales of that size, the Component billing model’s fees and charges are trivial when set against the savings its lower rates deliver.
Does a garden centre need fixed or portable card machines?
A garden centre doesn’t have to choose: every card machine uno matches to garden centres can sit at a fixed checkout or be operated within other buildings, or at the furthest greenhouse - either on Wi-Fi or mobile networks. Each has a built-in multi-network 4G SIM to automatically switch between EE, Three, Vodafone, and O2, so payment can be taken without relying on Wi-Fi being available.
With all-day battery life, each accepts contactless, Chip & Pin, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Smart Devices, effortlessly prints receipts when required, and transacts within 3 seconds to keep spring and bank holiday queues moving.
Can a garden centre’s card machines work with its existing POS?
Yes, the card machines uno recommends can integrate with existing third-party POS systems, so a garden centre keeps a POS it may have already invested in. Each sale’s total passes from the POS to the card machine seamlessly, with nothing requiring keying more than once - significantly reducing the risk of errors, and improving efficiency.
For a garden centre looking to either add a POS, or replace its existing solution, the Hybrid billing model provides an integrated POS and card machine package with no upfront cost.
Can a standalone card machine be right for a garden centre?
Yes, a standalone card machine is available for smaller garden centres or plant nurseries taking fewer card payments. For smaller merchants, uno recommends card machines using the Blended billing model that have zero rental or other monthly charges, and have excellent connectivity using multi-network 4G. Rather than being billed monthly, their Pay-As-You-Go fees are deducted daily, with next-working-day payouts, and the card machines even have a free, basic POS system that may be useful for smaller plant centres.
Garden centres come in all shapes and sizes, and each has its own unique trading pattern - which is why every line of a garden centre’s processing breakdown needs analysing, so that all factors of its trading pattern are taken into consideration. uno’s process identifies precisely where time and money are being lost by the business, shortlists the best options available, installs and demonstrates the chosen solution, and continues to support the merchant throughout the life of their contract - and beyond.
What should a garden centre check before choosing a card machine?
6 things worth checking before choosing a card machine for a garden centre: the card rates applied, when processing fees are taken, monthly charges, payout days, any Point of Sale, and signal across the whole site.
Card rates - rates that vary by card type, or one rate for all card types
Processing fees - whether deducted from daily takings, or billed monthly
Monthly charges - rental, PCI, or minimum monthly charges on top of processing fees
Payouts - next working day, or every day of the week to include weekend takings
Point of Sale - whether the card machine integrates with an existing POS, comes in a POS package, or has a built-in, basic POS
Signal - built-in 4G that switches between all four UK networks, from the main tills to the furthest greenhouse
How the three billing models compare for garden centres
Component
Card rates
variable rates - dependent on card type
Processing fees
deducted monthly
Monthly charges
machine rental, PCI, MMSC
Payouts
next working day, or 7 days a week at extra cost
POS
integrates with existing third-party POS systems
Signal
automatic switching between Wi-Fi and all four UK mobile networks
Pros & Cons
lowest rates, but ‘per-transaction’ fees added. 12-month contract commitment
Best for
garden centres with larger basket sizes, multiple sites, or an existing third-party POS system
Hybrid
Card rates
same rate for all card types
Processing fees
deducted daily
Monthly charges
POS / hardware rental
Payouts
next working day
POS
integrated POS & card machine package, with no upfront cost
Signal
automatic switching between Wi-Fi and all four UK mobile networks
Do garden centres get next-day payouts for their card machine takings?
Garden centres get next-working-day payouts with the card machines uno recommends, so a weekend’s takings are paid out on Monday. As weekends are when many garden centres are busiest, uno can also offer a 7-day payout option at extra cost with the Component billing model, paying out every day of the week.
Can a garden centre’s plant main tills, café and outdoor areas share one card machine account?
Yes. Card machines at a garden centre’s main tills, café counter, and outdoor areas can all be run through one account, paying out to the same bank account, next-working-day.
Does a garden centre pay more when customers use business cards?
On the Component billing model, yes: its card rates vary by card type, so business and international cards cost a garden centre more to accept than everyday consumer cards.
Ready to choose the right payment solution for your business?
