Handepay Card Machine Review
8th of December 2024
4 minute readLooking for a reliable card machine? We’re here to help! Our review of the Handepay Card Machine will guide you through its features and benefits.
The Handepay Card Machine is a reliable payment device that helps businesses accept card payments easily. It offers quick transactions, secure processing, and user-friendly features suitable for various business types.
Handepay provides card machines and remote payment solutions with simplified pricing plans. Geared towards small businesses, is the lengthy contract worth the cost savings promised? Let’s look into our Handepay card machine review.
Overview of Handepay Card Machines
How It Works
Handepay is an independent sales organisation (ISO) offering card machine packages at competitive, straightforward prices. Merchants can also access a virtual terminal for telephone payments, payment links, and an online payment gateway.
The company provides card terminals via Merchant Rentals, which shares the same ownership and address as Handepay. The card processing contract is typically with EVO Payments or Worldpay.
Merchants with an EVO account gain access to the Business Resource Centre, an online portal for monitoring sales, reports, and chargebacks in real-time.
If approved, merchants can start processing card payments typically within three working days.
Card Machines
Handepay offers a few card machine models from Castles Technology, suitable for portable, mobile, and stationary use. Previously, Handepay provided Spire Payments machines, but these have since been replaced by Castles Technology devices.
- Mobile & Portable Card Machine: Vega 3000 V3M2
- Portable: Uses WiFi, 50m range
- Mobile: SIM card connects with GPRS
- Features: Wireless with long battery life, no EPOS integration
- Countertop Card Machine: Vega 3000 V3C
- Must be plugged in for power and connectivity via phone line or broadband
- No EPOS integration
All card machines come with built-in receipt printers, backlit PIN pads, and colour displays. They accept various payment methods including Visa, Mastercard, chip and PIN, swipe, and contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay). However, premium card schemes like American Express may incur additional costs.
Contractual Commitment
Handepay’s contracts range from 12 to 36 months, with some merchants signing up for as long as four years. Contracts auto-renew for an additional 12 months unless cancelled at least three months in advance. Early termination fees apply, covering the remaining contract costs.
Many customers have noted a lack of transparency regarding auto-renewal, so it is crucial to understand the cancellation terms clearly before committing.
Handepay Fees
While Handepay advertises “simple pricing with no hidden fees,” specific costs are not listed on their website. Merchants must contact Handepay for a bespoke quote.
Handepay does not charge for:
- Monthly minimum card processing fees
- Registration and setup
- PCI-DSS compliance
- Chargebacks
The costs include monthly terminal rental and transaction fees, which vary based on business type, turnover, and card type. Handepay’s “Price Challenge” promises to beat existing fees or pay £1,000, potentially buying out old contracts.
Online Payment Tools
Handepay offers various online payment methods:
- Virtual Terminal: Manual card payments via card machine or web browser
- Pay by Link: Send payment links via email, text, or social media
- Online Payment Gateway: Integrate online checkouts for ecommerce platforms
- Recurring Payments: Subscription services for an additional setup fee
Online payment tools are available for a monthly fee, with plans starting at £9.99 + VAT.
Customer Service and Reviews
Handepay’s customer support is provided by EVO or Worldpay for merchant accounts, and by Merchant Rentals for card machines. Support is available 24/7. Issues are initially addressed through remote troubleshooting, followed by terminal replacement if necessary.
Customer reviews are mixed, with common complaints about contract auto-renewal, unhelpful support, and deceptive sales tactics. It is advisable to thoroughly read contract terms before signing.
Pros
- Simplified cost structure
- Customised packages
- Includes a merchant account
- Can beat the customers current costs and buy them out of existing contracts
Cons
- Lack of transparent fees
- Requires contract lock-in
- No EPOS or accounting software integrations
- Customer support can be unreliable
Verdict on Handepay Card Machine
Handepay offers simple pricing with no hidden fees, but transparency is a concern as specific costs are not readily available. The main downsides are the long contracts, auto-renewal, and lack of POS integrations. While the card machines meet basic needs, they are not as advanced as those from more popular brands.
The £1,000 price challenge is a significant incentive for those seeking a better deal. However, businesses should carefully consider the commitment duration. Stable businesses may find the fixed package suitable, but newer or fluctuating companies should ensure they are comfortable with the contract length.
Conclusion
Handepay is a viable option for small businesses needing straightforward card payment solutions, provided they are aware of the contract terms and potential hidden fees. The price challenge offers a compelling opportunity to save on processing costs, but due diligence is essential before committing to a long-term agreement.
FAQ
What types of payments can the Handepay Card Machine accept?
The Handepay Card Machine accepts Visa, Mastercard, and other major card types. It also supports contactless payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Is there a monthly fee for using the Handepay Card Machine?
Handepay offers competitive pricing with no hidden fees. Details on monthly charges can be found on their official website.
How secure is the Handepay Card Machine?
The Handepay Card Machine uses advanced encryption to ensure all transactions are secure. It complies with industry standards to protect your business and customers.
Can I integrate the Handepay Card Machine with my existing POS system?
Yes, the Handepay Card Machine seamlessly integrates with various POS systems, making it easy to manage your sales data.
What kind of customer support does Handepay offer?
Handepay provides 24/7 customer support to assist with any questions or issues you may have with your card machine.
Is the Handepay Card Machine portable?
Yes, the device is lightweight and portable, allowing you to use it in different locations as needed.
How fast are the transactions processed?
Transactions with the Handepay Card Machine are processed quickly, reducing wait times for your customers and enhancing their experience.
Do I need any special training to use the Handepay Card Machine?
No special training is required. The machine is user-friendly, and the setup process is straightforward.
What is the warranty on the Handepay Card Machine?
Handepay offers a warranty on their card machines. Please refer to their official website for detailed warranty information.
Can the Handepay Card Machine handle high volumes of transactions?
Yes, the Handepay Card Machine is designed to handle high volumes of transactions efficiently, making it suitable for busy businesses.
By following this structure, you can provide a comprehensive and engaging review of the Handepay Card Machine that is both informative and easy to understand. Whether you are a small business owner or managing a larger operation, the Handepay Card Machine offers features and benefits that can enhance your payment processing and overall business efficiency.