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Starting out: barbers

Your First Card Machine for Barbers: What to Get

For new barbers, start with a terminal that costs nothing upfront and has no monthly fee, such as Flatpay's at 1.49% on every card. One catch matters when you are new: Flatpay expects at least £1,100 a month in card takings (assessed over the year) or charges £39 a month. If you expect less than that at first, a pay-as-you-go reader from SumUp (£25) or Square (£19) can cost less until trade builds.

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What to start with: a portable terminal

Flatpay's terminal is free upfront, has Wi-Fi and its own 4G SIM, prints receipts and takes tips. Most service businesses need nothing more on day one.

Your set-up checklist

  • Quick taps for walk-ins at busy times
  • Tips without awkwardness
  • Low cost on small, frequent payments
  • A machine that keeps working when the Wi-Fi drops

How Flatpay covers it

  • Percentage-only pricing with no fixed fee per payment, which suits frequent small cuts
  • Terminal with a SIM built in as well as Wi-Fi
  • Tipping option on the terminal
  • No monthly fee

Worth checking first

  • Check the minimum monthly card turnover (£1,100 incl. VAT) fits your takings
  • Walk-in barbers rarely need booking software; if you do, keep your current app

Want the numbers for your business? We will arrange a free Flatpay quote and a call from a local sales manager.

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What will card payments cost you in year one?

Fees on your card takings plus the cheapest terminal each provider sells. Published rates, checked 21 October 2026.

  1. 1.Flatpay£715
  2. 2.Worldpay£720
  3. 3.Dojo£725
  4. 4.SumUp£836
  5. 5.Square£859
  6. 6.Zettle by PayPal£869
  7. 7.Stripe Terminal£913

Flatpay includes its £39 monthly charge when takings are under its £1,100 minimum. Stripe includes 10p per payment. Optional monthly plans, VAT on hardware and providers with no published rate are left out. Your own quote may differ.

Card machines for barbers near you

Other new businesses

Questions

What card machine should new barbers start with?

A portable terminal. Flatpay's terminal is free upfront, has Wi-Fi and its own 4G SIM, prints receipts and takes tips. Most service businesses need nothing more on day one.

Is a percentage fee better than a fixed fee per payment for a barber?

On small payments, yes: a fixed 10p on a £15 cut adds about 0.7% on top of the rate. Flatpay and most terminal providers charge a percentage only; Stripe adds 10p per payment.

More card machine guides

Sources, last checked 21 October 2026

Facts about Flatpay come from Flatpay's own website; to get a quote, use the form on this page.

flatpay.com (pricing), flatpay.com (pricelist), flatpay.com (terminal), flatpay.com (barbershop pos system)

Want the numbers for your business? We will arrange a free Flatpay quote and a call from a local sales manager.

Get my free quote

GetBrent is an independent UK directory. We work with Flatpay and may receive a fee if you sign up through this page; that does not change the facts shown, which come from each provider's own website or the regulator, checked 21 October 2026. Terms change, so check your own agreement.

Your First Card Machine for Barbers: What to Get | GetBrent