Card terminal hire for markets and events

Market stallholders, food truck owners, pop-up traders, community event organisers and festival coordinators.

A hire fee per terminal per day or weekend, plus optional setup or on-site support fees. Some arrangements also share in processing fees, depending on your provider agreement.

• Setting up and troubleshooting portable devices
• Organised stock and booking management
• Clear communication under time pressure
• Customer service at busy events

• Check your agreement with the provider allows you to hire out terminals and who is responsible for the merchant account
• Lost or damaged terminals: plan deposits, hire terms and insurance for equipment
• Weak mobile coverage at some venues, so have a backup plan
• Check card security and privacy requirements with your provider
• Public liability insurance is worth checking, especially if you work at events
• Check state or council rules if you operate from home or store equipment there

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many terminals you buy, your booking tools and insurance for the equipment. Plan for deposits and hire terms to cover loss or damage.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many terminals you hire out, how often, and the events in your area. Results will vary from month to month.

Things to check: your provider's agreement allows hiring terminals and who is responsible for the merchant account, card security and privacy requirements, public liability insurance, mobile coverage at venues, and rules for storing equipment at home.