Local card terminal supply and setup service

Restaurants, retailers, salons, farmers' market stalls and mobile traders who want a person to set things up and answer the phone.

Margin on equipment, setup and installation fees, optional support plans and sometimes commission from the processor.

• Comfortable with technology and networks
• Patient teaching and troubleshooting
• Reliable local customer service

• Only supply equipment certified for Canadian debit and credit networks, check with your processor
• Check PCI DSS requirements for how you handle card data and keep it secure
• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether you need other cover for equipment you hold
• Check the provider contract for who is responsible for support and faulty units
• Check municipal or provincial rules for a home-based business, and French-language requirements in Quebec
• Stock tied up in terminals can be costly if sales are slow

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how much terminal stock, receipt printers and tools you buy. Stock tied up in terminals can be costly if sales are slow, so many people start small.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many businesses you sign up and what support you offer. These figures assume at least about 15 hours a week and are estimates, not guarantees.

Check that your equipment is certified for Canadian debit and credit networks with your processor, and review PCI DSS requirements for handling card data. Also check insurance, the provider contract on support and faulty units, and municipal, provincial and Quebec French-language rules.