It’s rush hour. The queue’s building. The card machine’s taking its time. And just like that, you’ve got frustrated customers and missed sales. Sound familiar? For business owners, especially in retail, food service, and markets, slow payments are frustrating and bad for business.

The truth is, customers expect quick, efficient service. And if they have to wait too long to pay, some might just walk away. Let’s help you fix that.

5 ways to speed up sales at the till

If long queues and slow payments are getting in the way of great service (and more sales), it’s time to switch things up. Here are five simple, effective ways to serve customers faster and keep your till moving no matter where you do business.

Go digital and give your customers more ways to pay

Cash might still be common, but limiting yourself to cash slows down the payment process. You have to count notes, give change, and deal with the risk of theft or loss.

Speed things up by offering card payments, tap-to-pay options, or even QR codes. Your customers will thank you for the convenience!

Use contactless payment methods

Contactless card payments are no longer just a “nice-to-have.” They’re expected, especially in busy spots like coffee shops, salons, and takeaway joints.

With a tap-to-pay option like iK Tap on Phone, there’s no fumbling with PINs, no delays. It’s in, out, and on to the next sale.

Train your staff on speedy sales

A fast system is only as fast as the person using it. Even the best tech can slow down if your team isn’t confident with it. Make sure your staff know how to use your point-of-sale tools properly, from ringing up items to handling different payment methods.

Bonus tip: Do short refresher sessions during quiet hours to keep everyone sharp and ready for rushes.

Keep your tech charged and connected

Nothing slows down a queue like a dead device. Whether you're using a card machine, smartphone, or tablet, make sure your devices are always ready. A flat battery or poor signal can bring everything to a halt.

Quick fix: Get a payment that has all-day battery life and dual SIM connectivity like the iK Flyer, so you’re always open for business!

Choose a payment solution that works for you

You don’t need a bulky till or an old-school card machine to take payments anymore. Today, there are smarter, simpler ways to get paid wherever you do business.

Look for a solution that’s portable, easy to use, and doesn’t need constant charging or strong WiFi to function, like the iK Flyer and iK Flyer Lite.

Speed = Service

At the end of the day, faster payments mean better service, shorter queues, and happier customers. And in a competitive market, that can be the difference between a once-off visitor and a loyal regular.

So, take a look at your current setup. What’s slowing you down at the till? Try one or two of these tips and see the difference speed can make to your sales.