With the rise of festivals, pop-ups, and street food markets in recent years, the way people make payments has also undergone a significant change. Gone are the days of carrying around wads of cash or constantly searching for an ATM. Instead, the trend has shifted towards non-cash payments, making transactions faster, easier, and more secure. As a UK small business owner or SME, it is crucial to stay up-to-date with these changes and offer your customers a variety of payment options. In this article, we will explore 8 payment systems that are perfect for festivals, pop-ups, and street food markets.

1. Contactless Card Payments

One of the most popular payment systems among small businesses is contactless card payments. With the rise of technology, most people now have contactless cards, making it a convenient and preferred method of payment. This system allows customers to simply tap their card on your payment terminal, making transactions quick and easy. For small businesses that are just starting out, contactless card payments are a great option as they usually come with low setup fees and transaction charges.

2. Mobile Payments

In today’s digital age, more and more people are using their mobile phones to make payments. With mobile payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay, customers can simply use their phones to pay for their purchases. This not only makes the payment process faster but also eliminates the need to carry around physical cards. As a small business, you can easily set up mobile payments with a smartphone and a card reader, making it an affordable and convenient option for festivals and pop-ups.

3. Digital Wallets

Digital wallets, such as PayPal and Venmo, are another popular payment option for festivals and pop-ups. Customers can link their bank accounts or credit cards to these platforms and make payments with just a few clicks. With digital wallets, you can also send invoices and receive payments online, making it a great option for small businesses that offer online ordering or delivery services.

4. QR Code Payments

QR code payments have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a fast and secure way for customers to make payments without the need for a card or even a smartphone. As a small business, you can generate a QR code for each transaction and customers can simply scan it with their smartphone to complete the payment. This is a great option for festivals and pop-ups, as it eliminates long queues and reduces the risk of theft.

5. RFID Wristbands

For festivals and events where customers need to make multiple purchases, RFID wristbands are an excellent payment option. Customers can load money onto the wristband and use it to make purchases at different stalls and food trucks. This not only makes transactions faster but also reduces the risk of losing cash or cards. As a small business, you can easily set up a cashless payment system with RFID wristbands, making it a convenient and secure option for both you and your customers.

6. Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are essentially similar to gift cards, but with an added advantage of being reloadable. Customers can load money onto the card and use it to make purchases at your festival or pop-up. This is a great option for customers who do not want to carry cash or for those who are trying to stick to a budget. As a small business, you can offer prepaid cards as a way to attract customers and increase sales.

7. Digital Invoicing

Digital invoicing is a convenient option for small businesses that offer services or products online. With digital invoicing systems, you can create and send invoices to customers, and they can make payments directly through the invoice. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of delayed or missed payments. As a small business, you can choose from a variety of digital invoicing platforms, such as QuickBooks, FreshBooks, or Zoho Invoice, depending on your needs and budget.

8. Cryptocurrency Payments

Cryptocurrency has been gaining popularity in recent years, and it has also made its way into the world of payments. While it may not be a mainstream option just yet, accepting payments in cryptocurrency can set your small business apart from competitors and attract a growing market of tech-savvy customers. You can set up a cryptocurrency payment option through platforms like BitPay or Coinbase Commerce, making it an easy and secure option for festivals and pop-ups.

In conclusion, as the number of non-cash payments grows, it is important for small