How to Avoid Downtime When Switching Card Machines

March 14, 2025
8 min read

Switching card machine providers can help your business save money, process payments faster, and improve customer experience. But one major concern for many businesses is downtime—the risk of being unable to take payments during the transition.

The good news? With the right approach, you can switch to a better payment provider without losing sales. This guide will walk you through how to change card machines smoothly, avoid disruption, and keep your business running as usual.

If you’re still deciding which provider to switch to, check out our comparisons:

yetipay vs Square

yetipay vs Dojo

yetipay vs SumUp

Why Businesses Switch Card Machine Providers

Many businesses switch payment providers because of hidden fees, slow transactions, unreliable support, or outdated hardware.

Common Issues That Lead to Switching

Problem How It Affects Your Business
Unreliable customer support Delays in fixing issues impact sales
High transaction fees Profits are reduced with every payment
Slow transaction processing Longer queues frustrate customers
Expensive or outdated hardware Card machines fail or slow down over time

If any of these sound familiar, switching to a provider that offers better pricing, faster transactions, and real support could be the right move. Our switching guide explains how to do it step by step.

How to Switch Without Downtime

Downtime can be avoided by carefully planning your transition and ensuring you have a backup plan. Follow these steps to switch smoothly and continue accepting payments without interruption.

Step 1: Check Your Current Contract

Before switching, check the terms of your existing provider. Look for:

Notice periods (how much time you need to give before cancelling)

Exit fees (some providers charge to leave early)

Equipment return policies (do you need to send back rented devices?)

Understanding these details ensures you don’t pay unnecessary costs during the transition.

Step 2: Choose Your New Provider and Order Your New Machine

When selecting a new provider, look for:

Fast transaction speeds to keep up with demand

Transparent pricing to avoid surprise costs

Reliable support to help with setup and troubleshooting

yetipay offers high-performance card machines with 24/7 support, so businesses can transition smoothly. If you’re unsure which provider is best for you, these comparisons may help:

yetipay vs Takepayments

yetipay vs Worldpay

Step 3: Set Up and Test Your New Card Machine Before Cancelling the Old One

To ensure a smooth transition, follow these steps:

1. Set up your new card machine as soon as it arrives.

2. Process a test payment to confirm everything works.

3. Train your staff so they feel confident using the new device.

Keeping both machines active for at least a few days ensures your business can still accept payments while you finalise the switch.

Step 4: Notify Your Old Provider and Return Equipment If Needed

Once you’re happy with your new setup, contact your previous provider to:

Confirm the cancellation date so they stop charging you.

Arrange for equipment returns to avoid extra fees.

If you’re switching to yetipay, our team helps make this process as smooth as possible.

Step 5: Inform Your Customers About the Change (If Necessary)

For most businesses, switching card machines is seamless and customers won’t even notice. But if you’re moving to a new payment experience, such as adding contactless tipping or mobile payment options, letting customers know can help them adjust.

What Happens If There’s an Issue During the Switch?

Even with careful planning, unexpected issues can happen. Here’s how to handle them:

Potential Issue How to Resolve It
New machine isn’t processing payments Check internet connection and reboot device
Staff unsure how to use new system Provide quick training before the switch
Temporary downtime due to provider setup Use an alternative payment method like cash or mobile wallets

yetipay offers 24/7 support to help businesses troubleshoot any issues immediately, ensuring payments stay up and running.

Final Thoughts: Switching Without Disruption

Switching card machine providers doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, you can upgrade your payment system without losing sales.

To recap:

Plan ahead and check contract terms before switching

Set up and test your new machine first before cancelling the old one

Keep both machines running temporarily to avoid downtime

Ensure staff are comfortable with the new system

If you’re ready to switch, our step-by-step switching guide provides everything you need to know.

Still exploring your options? See how yetipay compares to other providers:

yetipay vs Square

yetipay vs Dojo

yetipay vs SumUp

Upgrading to a faster, more reliable payment provider can boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction. yetipay makes the switch easy, so you can focus on growing your business.

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