Dojo Card Machine Review

By Olivia Johnson - Trusted UK Business Expert

4th of October 2024

5 minute read

In the fast-paced world of commerce, finding the right Point of Sale (POS) terminal can be crucial for small businesses. Among the myriad options available, Dojo emerges as a beacon of promise, offering a mobile card machine solution tailored for the needs of modern enterprises. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the depths of a Dojo card machine, exploring its features, contract terms, pricing structures, and overall suitability for various business models.

Unveiling Dojo: A Merchant’s Companion Dojo, a subsidiary of Paymentsense, burst onto the scene in late 2020, bringing with it a sleek and innovative touchscreen card machine designed to revolutionize payment processing for small businesses. At its core, Dojo offers a versatile solution that transcends traditional POS systems, allowing merchants to accept contactless and chip card payments from leading brands such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and more. Whether at the counter, on the move, or within the confines of a bustling establishment, Dojo’s mobility and adaptability make it a formidable ally for merchants seeking to streamline their operations and enhance customer experiences.

Using A Dojo Card Machine Mobile Touchscreen

Pros and Cons

Navigating the Terrain Before delving deeper into the intricacies of Dojo, let’s first assess its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

  • Flexibility: Dojo offers the flexibility to buy out existing contracts, making it an attractive option for merchants seeking to escape the shackles of restrictive agreements.
  • Monthly Plans: With Dojo, merchants have the option to opt for monthly plans, providing greater financial freedom and flexibility.
  • Expedited Payouts: Dojo ensures next-day payouts, enabling merchants to access their funds swiftly and efficiently.
  • Advanced POS Terminal: The Dojo terminal boasts robust features and functionality, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Cons:

  • Contractual Obligations: While Dojo offers short-term contracts, merchants with lower turnover may find themselves bound by a six-month commitment.
  • Fee Structure: The viability of Dojo’s monthly fee hinges on achieving a certain threshold of sales volume, potentially posing challenges for businesses with lower turnovers.

Selecting Dojo: Is it Right for You? In assessing the suitability of Dojo for your business, several factors warrant consideration. If you find yourself ensnared in a cumbersome card machine contract and yearn for a more agile and cost-effective solution, Dojo presents a compelling option. However, it’s essential to evaluate your sales volume and operational requirements to determine whether the benefits outweigh the associated costs.

Exploring the Depths

A Closer Look at Dojo’s Offerings As we embark on our journey to unravel the intricacies of Dojo, let’s navigate through its key components:

Card Machines:

  • Dojo offers a single card machine under its ‘Dojo Go’ plan: the PAX A920 smart POS terminal.
  • Equipped with a 5″ HD touchscreen, WiFi, and 3G/4G connectivity, the PAX A920 embodies convenience and efficiency.
  • From standalone operation to seamless integration with compatible POS systems, the PAX A920 caters to diverse merchant needs.

Contract:

  • Dojo provides merchants with the option of monthly rolling contracts or six-month commitments, depending on their turnover.
  • While the absence of long-term commitments is appealing, businesses with lower turnovers may face constraints under the six-month contract.

Pricing:

  • Dojo’s pricing structure encompasses a fixed monthly rental fee along with transaction-based charges tailored to individual business requirements.
  • Transparency and flexibility are paramount, ensuring merchants have a clear understanding of their financial obligations.

Transfers and Loans:

  • Dojo facilitates next-day settlements, empowering merchants with expedited access to their funds.
  • Additionally, Dojo offers business funding options through YouLend, providing a lifeline for enterprises in need of financial support.

Remote Payments:

  • Beyond in-person transactions, Dojo caters to remote payment needs through intuitive solutions such as payment links and virtual terminals.
  • This versatility enables merchants to embrace omnichannel commerce and cater to evolving consumer preferences seamlessly.

    Navigating Alternatives

    How Does Dojo Stack Up? While Dojo shines as a beacon of innovation and flexibility, it’s imperative to juxtapose its offerings against market alternatives:

    SumUp and Square:

    • SumUp and Square offer competitive pay-as-you-go rates, making them appealing options for businesses wary of monthly commitments.
    • However, the absence of monthly fees may not necessarily translate to cost savings for all merchants, warranting careful consideration.

    Takepayments:

    • Takepayments emerges as a viable alternative to Dojo, offering personalized service and competitive rates tailored to individual business needs.
    • Despite Dojo’s simplicity and transparency, Takepayments’ personalized approach may resonate more strongly with certain merchants.

    Eligibility and Onboarding

    The Path to Partnership Before embarking on your journey with Dojo, it’s essential to understand the eligibility criteria and onboarding process:

    • Dojo welcomes a wide array of businesses, with certain exceptions such as high-risk industries and charitable organizations.
    • The onboarding process is streamlined and efficient, with merchants receiving their card machines within a week of signing the contract.
    • PCI-DSS compliance requirements are straightforward, ensuring that merchants adhere to stringent security standards without undue complexity.

    Embracing Excellence

    Customer Service and Reviews As a testament to its commitment to customer satisfaction, Dojo boasts a robust support infrastructure and garners widespread acclaim from merchants:

    • Merchants benefit from comprehensive support services, with dedicated teams available seven days a week to address queries and concerns.
    • Positive user reviews underscore Dojo’s efficacy and reliability, reaffirming its status as a preferred choice among merchants seeking unparalleled service and support.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Dojo stands at the vanguard of innovation, offering merchants a compelling blend of flexibility, affordability, and efficiency. As businesses navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace, Dojo emerges as a trusted ally, empowering merchants to seize opportunities, streamline operations, and delight customers at every turn. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned merchant, Dojo beckons, inviting you to embark on a journey of growth, prosperity, and success.

    FAQ

    What is Dojo, and how does it work?

    Dojo is a smart POS terminal designed for small businesses, offering a mobile card machine solution that accepts contactless and chip card payments. It operates through a touchscreen interface and can be used on the go, at the till, or within premises. Payments are processed in real-time, and merchants can track transactions and sales through the Dojo app or web portal.

    What are the main features of the Dojo card machine?

    The Dojo card machine, primarily the PAX A920 smart POS terminal, boasts features such as a 5″ HD touchscreen, WiFi, 3G/4G connectivity, tip acceptance, and a built-in receipt printer. It can operate independently or integrate seamlessly with compatible POS systems, offering versatility and convenience to merchants.

    What contract options does Dojo offer?

    Dojo provides merchants with the flexibility to choose between monthly rolling contracts or six-month commitments, depending on their turnover. Monthly plans are available for businesses with annual card turnovers above £150,000, while others may opt for a six-month contract initially, transitioning to a monthly rolling basis thereafter.

    What are the fees associated with Dojo?

    Dojo’s pricing structure includes a fixed monthly rental fee, transaction-based charges tailored to individual business needs, and additional service-related fees. Transaction rates vary based on turnover, card type, and payment method. Merchants should consult with Dojo representatives to obtain a comprehensive understanding of applicable fees.

    How quickly are funds settled with Dojo?

    Dojo ensures next-day settlements, allowing merchants to access their funds promptly and efficiently. Funds are transferred to the merchant’s linked bank account by 10 am the following day, including weekends and bank holidays, at no additional cost.

    Can Dojo accommodate remote payments?

    Yes, Dojo offers solutions for remote payments, enabling merchants to accept payments online or over the phone. Payment links can be generated through the Dojo browser account, while virtual terminals on the PAX A920 terminal facilitate card payments on behalf of customers.

    Is Dojo suitable for businesses with lower turnover?

    While Dojo caters to businesses of all sizes, merchants with lower turnovers may find the six-month contract option more suitable. However, it’s essential to evaluate individual business needs and financial considerations before committing to a contract with Dojo.