Event and market card terminal rental

Market and craft fair vendors, food stalls, festival organizers, fundraisers and seasonal pop-up shops.

Daily, weekly or seasonal rental fees, plus a share of processing fees through your processor partner and sometimes a setup or delivery charge.

• Organizing stock and bookings
• Patient phone and in-person support
• Basic payment tech setup
• Local networking with event organizers

• Check that your processor agreement allows you to rent terminals and pass on processing, as rules vary by provider
• Terminals can be lost, damaged or not returned, so consider deposits, clear rental terms and insurance for equipment
• Mobile signal at outdoor venues can be unreliable, so test and have a backup option
• Handle card data securely and check PCI DSS expectations with your partner
• Many events are seasonal in Canada, so expect quiet winter months unless you serve indoor markets and holiday fairs
• Check whether you need commercial general liability insurance and a business licence from your municipality

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many portable terminals you stock and how you cover equipment. Consider deposits, clear rental terms and insurance for lost or damaged units.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on how many events you serve and how often terminals are rented. Many events are seasonal in Canada, so expect quieter winter months unless you serve indoor markets and holiday fairs.

Check that your processor agreement allows you to rent terminals and pass on processing, as rules vary by provider. Also check PCI DSS expectations, commercial general liability insurance and whether your municipality requires a business licence.