Payments

Cash

Simple for customers, labour-intensive for the operator.

• Use a fixed, anchored, tamper-resistant cash box with a narrow deposit slot.
• State clearly whether change is available; fixed-price packs reduce errors.
• Remove cash on an irregular but documented schedule.
• Reconcile expected cash from stock movement against actual deposits.
• Do not let cash handling compromise food hygiene.

Revolut

Use Pro or Business tools intended for trading.

Revolut Pro is designed for self-employed work and side hustles within the retail app, while Revolut Business is a separate business platform. Current merchant tools can include QR codes, payment links, readers and terminals depending on eligibility and location.

• Choose the account that matches the legal business and activity.
• Generate the code inside the approved merchant flow.
• Test from a phone that is not logged into the seller’s account.
• Use a clear payment reference or product-specific link.
• Check settlement, refunds, chargebacks, fees and account restrictions.

PayPal

Use commercial checkout rather than a friends-and-family shortcut.

PayPal Business supports payment links and QR codes that send customers to a PayPal-hosted checkout. Fees and buyer-dispute processes apply to commercial transactions.

• Use a Business account and current commercial terms.
• Show the seller or trading name the customer should expect at checkout.
• Test card and wallet paths, not only a logged-in PayPal path.
• Keep a refund and duplicate-payment routine.
• Link to the current fee page rather than printing rates in evergreen content.

SumUp

Useful when the operator is present; unattended suitability needs testing.

SumUp offers readers, Tap to Pay and remote payment links/QR codes. A standard card reader normally needs someone to enter the amount and present the device, so it is not automatically an unattended terminal.

• Confirm whether the chosen product is designed for unattended use.
• Check network, charging, weather and mounting requirements.
• Use payment links or QR codes for an unmanned fallback only where terms permit.
• Review availability and fees in the seller’s country before purchase.

Square

Payment links and QR codes can work without a full website.

Square payment links can be printed as QR codes and can allow checkout by card or supported wallets. Square also offers readers and Tap to Pay for staffed use.

• Create one link per product or a simple variable-amount option only when customers can use it correctly.
• Use an accurate business descriptor and contact details.
• Test refunds, receipts and duplicate payments.
• Check product eligibility, country availability and current fees.

QR code payments

A code is only as trustworthy as its destination and maintenance.

1. Create the code in the business payment provider.
2. Print the provider name and expected merchant name beside it.
3. Add a short human-readable URL or contact method as a fallback.
4. Laminate or weatherproof without creating glare that stops scanning.
5. Test at the installed distance, angle, light level and mobile-signal conditions.
6. Inspect regularly for stickers or tampering.
7. Maintain a replacement-date/version record whenever the link changes.

Contactless

True tap-and-go unattended acceptance requires suitable hardware and connectivity.

• Distinguish staffed Tap to Pay from an unattended terminal.
• Use only equipment and acquiring services approved for the environment and business model.
• Provide reliable power, data connection, weather protection and secure mounting.
• Plan for declines, lost connectivity, receipts and refunds.
• Keep cash or QR as a fallback only if each fallback is independently maintained.