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Starting out: bookshops

Your First Card Machine for Bookshops: What to Get

For new bookshops, 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.

Get a free Flatpay quote

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

  • Barcode scanning (ISBNs)
  • Events and signings
  • Gift cards
  • Modest margins, so fees matter

How Flatpay covers it

  • POS with barcode scanner option
  • Portable terminal for events
  • No monthly fee
  • The same rate for every card type

Worth checking first

  • If you order stock through a book wholesaler system, check whether it needs to link to your till
  • Check the monthly minimum card turnover

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 bookshops near you

Other new businesses

Questions

What card machine should new bookshops 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.

What matters most in a card machine for a bookshop?

Low fees, because book margins are thin, and a till that scans barcodes. Use the calculator to compare a year of fees at your takings.

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 (bookshop)

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 Bookshops: What to Get | GetBrent