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Starting out: hairdressers

Your First Card Machine for Hairdressers: What to Get

For new hairdressers, 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

  • Card tips that reach the stylist, recorded properly
  • Deposits and protection against no-shows
  • A terminal that moves from chair to chair
  • Fast checkout when the next client is waiting

How Flatpay covers it

  • A portable terminal with its own 4G SIM and Wi-Fi, so it goes to the chair
  • Tipping can be switched on on the terminal
  • One flat rate on every card, so premium and business cards cost the same
  • Installed and set up for you on site, with training

Worth checking first

  • Flatpay does not advertise online booking, so pair it with the booking app you already use
  • Ask how card tips are reported, so your tips records are easy to keep

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 hairdressers near you

Other new businesses

Questions

What card machine should new hairdressers 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.

Do I have to share card tips with my staff?

Since 1 October 2024 employers in Great Britain must pass all tips, including card tips, to workers in full, keep a written tips policy and keep records for three years (Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023).

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 (salon)

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 Hairdressers: What to Get | GetBrent