Short answer
Yes, you need a separate card machine if you want to take physical card, contactless, or mobile payments in your salon. While your booking software manages your diary and takes online booking deposits, you still need a physical device on your reception desk to process payments when a client checks out.
How in-salon checkout works
When a client finishes their appointment, you'll use your till software to calculate the final bill. In Luminate, the quick POS checkout displays what the client owes, showing any pre-payments or online deposits they've already made. This means you don't have to work out the numbers in your head while your client is waiting.
You'll then type that remaining amount directly into your separate card machine. The client taps or inserts their card, the machine approves the payment, and you click checkout in your app to close the ticket. It's a simple, two-step process that keeps your books straight without needing a complicated hardware connection.
Balancing online deposits and in-salon checkout
Taking online deposits is the easiest way to protect your salon from no-shows. When clients book online, Luminate takes a card deposit based on the service they've chosen.
Online payments are processed through Luminate's card processing, which costs 2% plus 20p. For example, a £20 online payment costs 60p, and a £50 online payment costs £1.20. There are no monthly gateway fees or setup costs, so you're only charged when an online payment is actually taken.
Because these deposits are paid upfront, the balance they need to pay at your reception desk is lower, meaning you'll process smaller amounts on your physical card machine. If a client doesn't pay their online deposit within 30 minutes, their booking is automatically cancelled, freeing up the space in your drag-and-drop calendar for someone else.
What to look for in a card machine provider
Don't just sign up with the first provider you find. Card terminal companies have different structures, and some of them love to hide costs. If you aren't careful, you can end up paying far more than you expected. Here's what you should check before you sign:
- Contract length. Some providers tie you into long-term contracts with hefty exit fees. Look for monthly rolling terms so you're not stuck if you want to switch.
- Terminal fees. Check if you're renting the physical machine or buying the machine outright. Renting fees add up quickly if you have multiple terminals, so check their pricing page for current rates.
- Transaction rates. You'll pay a percentage on every sale. Compare these transaction rates on their pricing pages carefully, because a small difference will affect your profit over a year.
What this means for your salon
You'll need a physical card machine on your counter to process payments at checkout, as your diary software runs on your screen. Pairing your separate card machine with Luminate's quick POS checkout keeps your records accurate without locking you into expensive, integrated hardware setups. You can choose any card machine provider that fits your budget while managing your online bookings and deposits through Luminate.