How a cheap payment terminal can end up costing you more

There are many providers of payment terminals, which can make the choice seem straightforward. However, the difference is often not just in the device itself, but in the associated costs. A terminal that appears inexpensive upfront can turn out to be more expensive in the long run.

What should you look for when choosing a payment terminal?

As a new entrepreneur, you mainly want a solution that is secure, practical, and affordable. Start with the basics. A payment terminal must meet the required security standards and certifications. If you buy from an official supplier, this is usually taken care of. With a second-hand device, this is less certain.

Next, consider how you will use it. Will the terminal stay in one fixed place, such as on a counter? Or do you need flexibility, making a mobile terminal a better fit?

Costs are just as important. It’s not only the price of the device that matters. Transaction processing fees, monthly costs, and other charges all determine what you ultimately pay. Also consider how many transactions you expect to process each month.

The purchase price is only one part of the equation

Many entrepreneurs mainly compare the purchase price of a payment terminal. That’s understandable, but it doesn’t give the full picture. With almost every solution, you also pay for processing transactions. This can be a fixed fee per transaction, a percentage of your revenue, or a combination of both. This is often where the biggest differences between providers arise.

Some providers offer a terminal at a low price, which is attractive, especially in the early stages. However, this is sometimes offset by charging a percentage per transaction. As your number of transactions and revenue grow, these costs can increase significantly. Because everything works smoothly, you often only notice this later. A low entry price can therefore still lead to higher monthly and yearly costs.

As your transaction volume increases and you’re paying a percentage of your revenue, switching to a provider with lower transaction fees is often more cost-effective. You can quickly recover the purchase cost and reduce ongoing fees, ultimately improving your margins.

Why fixed rates give you more control

To accurately predict costs, it helps to look beyond the price of the terminal and focus on the total cost. At Buckaroo, we use fixed starting rates*. This gives you a clearer idea of what to expect. As your transaction volume grows, it provides more control over costs and reduces the risk of surprises.

It also makes comparisons easier—not just based on the purchase price, but on what payments actually cost in practice.

Een voorbeeld van het verschil in kosten *

In dit voorbeeld laten we zien wat het verschil in kosten tussen twee leveranciers die transactiekosten rekenen op basis van een omzetpercentage en Buckaroo. Bij Buckaroo betaal je binnen je bundel een vast tarief per transactie. 

* No rights can be derived from this information. Prices exclude promotions or custom rates.