Business

PDQ Machines – What are they?

Published

5 years ago

November 26, 2019

Quite simply put, a PDQ machine (also more commonly known as a card machine) allows businesses to take payments quickly and easily from its customers. In todays’ world more and more shoppers are carrying less cash and more plastic meaning that the demand for merchants to accept card payments is at an all-time high.

It was only a decade ago believe it or not that retail transactions with cards were seen as tedious, with signatures being required and the back & forth of receipt signing. Todays’ machines however can process payments in seconds and this is convenient for both shoppers and merchants alike.

Just what is a PDQ Machine though?

PDQ stands for ‘Process Data Quickly’ – it’s fundamentally just a machine that accepts our credit cards and bank cards – the chances are you’ve probably used one in the last week.

Most people in the modern world today won’t wait around for their transactions to complete and that’s why the demand and evolution of the PDQ machine was an absolutely pivotal one.

PDQ machines approve payments quickly and securely by reading the information relayed to it from a chip embedded in the card and importantly, can work both in person or indeed over the phone by disclosing your card information and manually inputting this into the machine.

Just how to does it work?

PDQ machines can vary somewhat from device to device and some may have slightly different features, but the foundation of the machine works as follows:

1 – the chip and pin – customer enters their debit or credit card into the machine and inputs their pin

2 – An authorisation is requested – the machine triggers a request for payment approval from whoever the customers’ issuer is (I.E HSBC, Lloyds etc)

3 – Authorisation is granted or denied – Once the terminal gets the all clear the credit processor (someone like WorldPay for example) would then begin moving funds

4 – Fund are transferred – money received.

Here’s a visual of that process:

How much do PDQ Machines cost?

The average PDQ machine price varies and is typically based on your monthly sales and individual requirements – but typically from £30 – £300.

However, as well as the initial cost for the PDQ machine itself, there are other ongoing costs that you can expect when taking payments – these include:

Till roll (for receipts)
Monthly fees (not all payment processors will do this)
Transaction fees

Entirely dependent on your cashflow and circumstances, some small businesses opt to rent / hire PDQ machines instead of just buying them outright. This could be a better option for you in the long term if you don’t want to part with lump sums at the beginning.

Rounding up

Customers today thrive on convenience and the expectation for small businesses (and large businesses alike) to offer simple, swift payment solutions is extraordinarily high. Businesses need to go the extra mile to ensure that they keep customers happy and that the purchase experience is a positive one.

Not taking a variety of payment methods leaves you vulnerable to losing out on custom which is why a PDQ machine is becoming almost essential in all retail environments of today.

Business

This Skincare Tech Startup Is Changing the Face of Beauty

Published

1 week ago

September 24, 2024

Rosario Farell

People want healthy skin to look and feel their best, which also means they want products that deliver visible results. Despite technological advancements, many consumers still grapple with common skin concerns like wrinkles, dark spots, and acne. The market is flooded with products promising miraculous results, yet few deliver. This is where Solawave comes in.

A leader in skincare technology, Solawave is redefining healthy skin by making advanced skincare accessible and effective. Solawave offers a transformative solution to common skin problems by combining cutting-edge technology with a sleek design. Their flagship product, the Radiant Renewal Red Light Therapy Wand, has taken the beauty industry by storm.

The Problem: Limited Access to Effective Skincare Solutions

Many topical treatments fail to deliver lasting results, and professional office treatments are often expensive and inaccessible. Solawave addresses this by offering high-quality, affordable skincare tools that provide spa-like results at home, ensuring professional care is available to everyone.

The Solution: Solawave’s Unique Approach

One example is the Solawave Wand, which integrates four potent technologies into one: red light therapy, galvanic current, therapeutic warmth, and massage to improve skin tone, texture, and overall appearance, merging professional-quality treatments with the convenience of at-home use for a modern, intuitive skincare experience. This revolutionary multi-modality tool offers a complete solution that saves time and money by addressing several skin issues simultaneously.

The Story Behind Solawave

Andrew Silberstein founded Solawave after battling severe acne his entire life. Andrew learned about the advantages of red light therapy after experimenting with a variety of therapies, including Accutane, which is often very harsh on the skin. However, he discovered that red light office treatments were expensive and other treatments like chemical peels were painful and inconvenient.

Andrew set out to find a solution that combined the comfort of at-home use with the success of expert treatments to make effective and affordable skincare more accessible.

Unique Products and Services

Solawave offers a wide range of skincare products, including at-home red light therapy, all of which are designed to address skin issues safely and effectively. Their Radiant Renewal Wand is a multiple award-winning tool that revitalizes the skin and supports healthy collagen while diminishing the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, puffiness, and blemishes.

Solawave distinguishes itself from other skincare companies by embracing core values that drive its success, including:

Modern Technology: Proprietary technologies provide more thorough and structured skincare treatments by combining many modalities into a single device.

Accessibility: Solawave makes advanced skincare available to everyone by providing professional-grade equipment at a reasonable cost.

User-Friendly Design: Products are designed to be simple and comfortable, encouraging regular usage and improving outcomes.

Customer-Centric: Customer input is used to create and improve products on a consistent basis. According to Solawave reviews, it’s clear that customers feel heard and valued by the company.

Since its founding in 2020, Solawave has gained an excellent reputation in the skincare industry. The Radiant Renewal Wand is one of the most popular skincare tools on the market, and the brand has earned over 20 honors for its innovative and effective products.

Dermatologists and plastic surgeons who have endorsed Solawave products attest to the company’s success and dependability of its products. With more than 700,000 satisfied clients, the business has become a celebrity go-to for skincare, and prominent retailers, including Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Goop, are now carrying the company’s products.

The Future of Solawave

Solawave aims to make high-quality, affordable skincare equipment accessible to customers worldwide. In addition, they are committed to expanding their product line to include spa-quality at-home skincare solutions, such as body care items, that bring professional results into everyday routines.

Red light therapy devices are changing at-home skincare regimens, and Solawave is well-positioned to maintain its leadership position in skincare products because of its dedication to practical design, competitive pricing, and tangible outcomes. Their technology and equipment can help improve your skincare routine, regardless of whether you’re suffering from issues with your skin, a skincare fanatic, or looking for anti-aging therapies.

Visit the Solawave website today and embrace the future of skincare.