
If you're a small business owner, you're likely always on the lookout for ways to streamline your operations and save time. The Zettle Reader is a popular choice for businesses like yours, offering a range of benefits that can make a real difference.
One key advantage of the Zettle Reader is its ease of use - it's designed to be simple and intuitive, even for those without extensive technical knowledge. This makes it a great option for small business owners who may not have a team of IT experts on hand.
But is the Zettle Reader worth the investment? Let's take a closer look at what it has to offer and see if it's a good fit for your business.
Expand your knowledge: What Is Zettle
Setting Up the Zettle Reader
To set up the Zettle Reader, start by activating Bluetooth on both your device and the reader itself. On your iOS device, navigate to 'Settings', select 'Bluetooth', and switch it on.
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The Zettle Reader also needs Bluetooth activated, which can be done by tapping the menu button and selecting 'Bluetooth' from the options.
To establish a connection between your device and the reader, ensure that the Bluetooth status on the reader is set to 'Visible' or 'Discoverable'.
Once connected, the final step to complete the setup is to activate sales on your Zettle Reader. This can be done through the TicketCo App by navigating to the 'Sales' section and selecting 'Card Readers', then 'Zettle'.
Choose your paired device from the list and hit 'Activate' to get started.
For your interest: Zettle Card Reader Paypal
Activating Sales
To activate sales on your Zettle Reader, you'll need to navigate to the 'Sales' section in the TicketCo App. From there, select 'Card Readers', then choose 'Zettle'.
Here, you'll see a list of paired devices - simply choose the one you want to activate and hit 'Activate'. Your Zettle Card Reader is now ready to process transactions.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Monthly vs Pay as You Go Zettle
Activate Sales

Activating sales with Zettle is a straightforward process. First, you need to navigate to the 'Sales' section on the TicketCo App.
To activate sales on your Zettle Reader, select 'Card Readers', then 'Zettle' from the menu. This will allow you to choose your paired device and activate it.
Your Zettle Card Reader is now ready to process transactions swiftly and efficiently. To confirm, the final step is to choose your paired device from the list and hit 'Activate'.
Sales Tracking & Reports
Sales tracking and reports are a vital part of any business, and the Zettle Card Reader makes it incredibly easy to stay on top of your sales.
Detailed sales reports allow you to monitor your business's performance and understand the purchasing trends of your customers.
This information is invaluable for making informed decisions that can boost profitability.
The Zettle system's user-friendly interface makes it easy to view and analyze these reports.
Features and Benefits

The Zettle Reader offers a range of convenient features that make it a great choice for businesses of all sizes.
You can accept payments in-person using the Zettle Reader 2, which is a chip-and-pin, contactless, and swipe payments enabled device. It also supports mobile payments like Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay.
The Zettle Reader 2 is a durable and lightweight device that's easy to use and carry, making it perfect for businesses on-the-go. It has an 8-hour battery life, comfortably running for a full business day.
Here are some of the key features of the Zettle Reader:
The Zettle Reader also offers digital receipts, which can be sent via SMS or email, saving you money on paper rolls and ink.
Advantages of
The Zettle Card Reader offers a range of advantages that make it a great choice for businesses.
One of the key benefits is the fixed commission rate of 1.75%, which means you don't have to worry about minimum payments.

The Zettle Card Reader is also incredibly durable and lightweight, making it easy to use and carry around.
You'll also appreciate the fact that there are no fixed monthly costs or contractual obligations, giving you complete flexibility.
The Zettle Card Reader comes with a complete POS system, including a cash register, barcode reader, and more.
Digital receipts are also a feature, making it easy to keep track of transactions and provide customers with a convenient way to keep their receipts.
The Zettle Card Reader is compatible with a variety of receipt printers, making it easy to integrate with your existing equipment.
The system also includes a catalogue, stock, employee and statistics management application, giving you a comprehensive view of your business.
Quick and easy payments are also a breeze with the Zettle Card Reader, which accepts a wide range of payment methods, including credit cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Here are some of the payment methods accepted by the Zettle Card Reader:
- Visa
- VPay
- MasterCard
- Maestro
- American Express
- UnionPay
- JCB
- Diners Club
- Discover
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Samsung Pay
Features & Compatibility

The Zettle Card Reader 2 is a feature-packed device that offers a wide range of capabilities to businesses of all sizes. It connects to the Zettle mobile app via a smartphone or tablet, allowing you to use it both in a fixed establishment and on the move.
The card reader is available in three different colours: black, white, or ocean, and can be charged with a simple micro-USB cable. It also comes with a durable and lightweight design that makes it easy to use and carry.
One of the standout features of the Zettle Card Reader 2 is its ability to accept a wide range of payment methods, including chip-and-pin, contactless, and swipe payments. It also supports mobile payments such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay.
Here are some of the key features of the Zettle Card Reader 2:
- Payments: Chip-and-pin, contactless and swipe payments.
- Mobile payments: Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay.
- Wireless: Connect to Apple or Android devices via Bluetooth.
- VAT and discounts: Add VAT to receipts and customised discounts in fixed amounts or percentages.
- Tipping: Recently added a tipping feature for food and drinks businesses.
- Receipts: Send by text, email or print if you have a compatible printer.
- Refunds: Full refunds for the entire bill or individual items.
- 8-hour battery life: Comfortably runs for a full business day.
The Zettle Card Reader 2 is also compatible with a variety of platforms and systems, including iOS 12 or higher on Apple smartphones and tablets with Bluetooth, and Android 5 or higher on most Android smartphones and tablets with Bluetooth.
These features make the Zettle Card Reader 2 an ideal solution for businesses that need a reliable and efficient payment processing system.
User Reviews

User reviews of Zettle are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on the Apple Store.
The reviews on Trustpilot and the Apple Store emphasize the reliable reader and the highly user-friendly app.
The quality of the portable card reader is a major selling point, making it easy to collect payments from clients.
Users appreciate the ability to send payment links, which saves time for accounting and provides a clear visual overview.
Here are some key benefits mentioned in the reviews:
- The quality of the portable card reader
- The ability to send payment links
- The ease of collecting payments from clients
One user found the payment method "exceptional, super simple" and highly recommended it due to the time-saving benefits of managing collections and having a clear visual overview.
Pricing and Costs
The Zettle card reader's pricing model is transparent, which means you won't have to worry about hidden costs or contract termination fees.
The cost of the card reader itself is £19 + VAT for the first one, but be aware that this price is for a limited time, and the standard price is £59 (VAT not included).

There are no monthly fees, setup fees, or contracts with Zettle, which makes it a hassle-free payment solution.
Here are the key costs associated with using the Zettle card reader:
- Card reader: £19 + VAT
- Flat 1.75% per chip-and-pin payment
- Flat 2.5% for online and invoice payments
These costs are competitive with other payment solutions on the market, and Zettle's transaction fees are refunded if you need to give a refund to a customer.
Charges and Fees
Zettle charges variable transaction fees, not fixed monthly fees or maintenance fees, giving customers greater flexibility and freedom.
The transaction fee is set at 1.75% for card payments, which is at the lower end of the scale for POS systems.
This fee structure encourages businesses to offer card payments, making it a great option for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
You no longer need to worry about minimum card payment requirements to avoid fees with Zettle.
The company also doesn't charge rental fees for its card reader, which is actually for sale.
You can get your first card reader for £29, a great deal considering its real price is £59 (VAT not included).
The average rental price of a card reader in other companies is between £10 and £30, so the £29 price point is a steal.
In the long run, you'll be paying much less with Zettle than with other companies on a monthly basis, making the initial investment even more affordable.
Cost
The cost of using Zettle is transparent and straightforward. You won't find any hidden fees or contract termination charges.
The first card reader costs £29 for a limited time, but its real price is £59 (VAT not included). This is a one-time purchase, not a rental fee.
Zettle's transaction fees are 1.75% for chip-and-pin payments, and 2.5% for online and invoice payments. These fees are competitive with other popular payment solutions.
There are no monthly fees, setup fees, or contracts with Zettle. You won't be charged extra for foreign cards or refunds, and transaction fees are even refunded in case of any issues.
Here's a quick rundown of Zettle's costs:
- Card reader: £19 + VAT (initial cost)
- Card reader: £59 (VAT not included, real price)
- Transaction fees: 1.75% for chip-and-pin payments
- Transaction fees: 2.5% for online and invoice payments
Zettle's costs are designed to be flexible and adaptable to your business needs. With no fixed monthly costs, you can use their services without worrying about unexpected expenses.
Business and Integration
The Zettle Card Reader integrates seamlessly with numerous business management tools, enhancing operational efficiency. This interoperability empowers you to focus on the core aspects of your business, while Zettle handles the complexities of transactions and integrations.
The Zettle app allows you to manage your business as if it were a specialised management programme, providing a range of features to help you streamline your operations.
You can use the Zettle app to configure the catalogue to charge your customers, add a stock control, and manage employee profiles, among other things. This helps you to know at all times what you can and cannot offer to your customers.
The Zettle app also analyses your business and generates customised statistics for you, including which products sell best and the buying habits of your customers.
Integrations
Integrations are a crucial aspect of any business management system, and Zettle's integrations are no exception. Zettle integrates seamlessly with numerous business management tools, enhancing operational efficiency. This interoperability empowers you to focus on the core aspects of your business, while Zettle handles the complexities of transactions and integrations.
Zettle offers a wide range of integrations with various platforms, including accounting, CRM, and employee management systems. The company's two POS apps, AirPOS and Zettle Food & Drink, also integrate with a variety of third-party apps and systems.
Here's a list of some of the platforms Zettle integrates with:
- AirPOS
- BigCommerce
- Goodtill
- Lightspeed
- Loyverse
- PrestaShop
- Revel
- Selz
- QuickBooks
- Shopify
- Shopware
- Vend
- WooCommerce
- Tabology
Zettle's integrations also include the ability to track staff productivity in daily reports, analyse sales and staff performance with daily reports, and switch quickly between users without logging out. The company's system is designed to facilitate everyday tasks and help businesses continue using any systems they may already have in place.
What Types of Businesses Are Good For
If you're a small business owner, you're probably wondering what types of businesses are good for using a payment facilitator like Zettle. Businesses that take less than £2,000 per month in card payments are a great fit.
New businesses that want to start taking card payments quickly can also benefit from using a payment facilitator. They make it significantly easier and quicker to get set up and start transacting.
Businesses that take the occasional card payment, such as those in the hospitality industry, can also find Zettle's mobile card reader to be a strong contender. This is especially true for businesses that have a large majority of cash transactions.
Mobile food and drink vans, as well as mobile professionals like plumbers and roofers, are also well-suited for using Zettle's mobile card reader.
Here are some examples of businesses that might be a good fit for Zettle:
- Small retailers
- Mobile professionals: plumbers, roofers, etc.
- Pubs, cafes, B&Bs
Comparison and Evaluation
Zettle Reader offers a fixed payment rate, which means you don't have to worry about minimum transactions and the commission of 1.75% is one of the lowest in the market.
In comparison to other card readers like SumUp and Square, Zettle Reader provides a comprehensive payment solution, especially for traditional businesses that handle all their payments over the counter.
The Zettle Reader 2 card reader can be combined with the other elements of the POS system to offer customers a convenient and secure payment experience at the best possible price.
Here's a brief comparison of the costs involved with Zettle Reader and other card readers:
Zettle Reader's fixed payment rate and comprehensive POS system make it a worthwhile option for small businesses with low volumes of card transactions.
Compare Machine Costs: One-Off vs Monthly
When evaluating machine costs, it's essential to consider both one-off and monthly expenses.
Payment fees reduction is a significant aspect to consider when comparing machine costs.
To make an informed decision, let's break down the costs into a clear and concise table.
Card fees audit is a crucial step in understanding your current costs and identifying areas for reduction.
Online payments and POS payments are also essential to consider when evaluating machine costs, as they can impact your overall expenses.
A fresh viewpoint: Quickbooks Payments Card Reader
How Others Compare
Let's take a closer look at how other card readers compare to the ones we've already discussed. Square and Zettle by PayPal are essentially tied in terms of monthly costs, but they also offer free, heavily-featured POS platforms in addition to their card readers.
The device cost of these card readers varies, with Square's costing £16 + VAT, Zettle by PayPal's costing £19 + VAT, and SumUp's costing £29 + VAT.
If you're processing a high volume of payments, PayPal Here might work out as the most affordable option, despite having a higher device cost.
Transaction fees for chip-and-pin payments are another important consideration. Square and Zettle by PayPal both charge 1.75%, while SumUp charges 1.69%.
Settlement time is also a factor, with Square offering instant settlement for a 1% fee, or as soon as the next business day. Zettle by PayPal takes 1-2 business days, while SumUp takes 2-3 business days.
Here's a quick comparison of the transaction fees for chip-and-pin payments:
Ultimately, the best card reader for your business will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.
Is It Worth It?
Zettle's fixed payment system is a major plus, eliminating worries about minimum transactions and offering a 1.75% commission rate, one of the lowest in the market.
The comprehensive payment solution Zettle provides is particularly beneficial for traditional businesses, such as shops, that handle all their payments over the counter.
Zettle's combination of the Zettle Reader 2 card reader with its POS system offers a convenient and secure payment experience at a competitive price.
Unlike other similar companies, such as SumUp or myPOS, Zettle's all-in-one solution is a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline their payment processes.
Zettle's commitment to quality and value is evident in its service, making it a preferred option for many card reader users.
Disadvantages
Zettle's limitations are worth considering before committing to their service. One notable disadvantage is that they only offer one card reader model, which may not be as versatile as their competitors.
You'll also need to purchase an accessory if you want to print tickets, which might be an added expense. Payments take a bit of time to process, typically 2 to 3 days to be credited to your bank account.
This means you won't have immediate access to your earnings if you receive payments via Zettle. This could be a drawback for some businesses that rely on timely payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Zettle reader?
A Zettle reader is a portable card reader that allows anyone to accept card payments anywhere, anytime. It's a simple and convenient way to get paid, track sales, and manage stock levels with the Zettle Go app.
Can I use Zettle without a card reader?
Yes, you can use Zettle without a card reader, as your mobile device can be used as a payment terminal. Simply download the PayPal Zettle app and start accepting payments with a tap.
What is Zettle on my credit card statement?
Zettle on your credit card statement indicates a payment processed through PayPal's card payment system, often used by small businesses and vendors for secure transactions
How do I use my Zettle Card Reader 2?
To use your Zettle Card Reader 2, simply ask the customer to enter their PIN on the card reader. This will securely process their payment
Can I have two Zettle card readers?
Yes, you can have two Zettle card readers, with the first one costing £29 and additional readers priced at £59 each. You can accept all major cards, including Amex, with a flat rate of 1.75% per transaction.
Sources
- https://orderific.com/blog/zettle-card-reader/
- https://entrepreneurhero.org/pos/zettle-review/
- https://posland.org/card-reader/zettle-review/
- https://www.zettle.com/gb/help/articles/undefined/gb/help/articles/1083264-zettle-reader-and-connectivity
- https://www.merchantsavvy.co.uk/credit-card-machines-readers/zettle/
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