Organising an event involves countless details—venue, marketing, staffing, and logistics. But one crucial aspect that can make or break your event’s success is how you accept payments. While cash has been the traditional method, more and more attendees expect fast, secure, and convenient card payments.

Here’s why investing in a card payment machine is a game-changer for your event:

1. Convenience for Attendees

Gone are the days when people carried large amounts of cash. Most consumers prefer paying by card or mobile wallets (like Apple Pay and Google Pay). By offering card payments, you:

• Reduce long queues (speeding up transactions)

• Cater to impulse buyers who may not have cash

• Provide a seamless checkout experience - especially for online ticket sales.

2. Increased Sales & Impulse Purchases

Studies show that people tend to spend more when paying by card than with cash. If you’re selling tickets, merchandise, food, or drinks, a card machine can boost your revenue by making it easier for customers to make quick purchases without worrying about ATM withdrawals.

3. No Trade-Offs With Your Existing Business

Hosting events shouldn’t mean sacrificing your core business. If you own a bar, tavern, or bottle store, you may occasionally organise off-site events—but doing so shouldn’t force you to close your main location or lose out on regular sales. By using separate payment solutions for events (rather than pulling terminals from your bar), you avoid disrupting daily operations and keep revenue flowing in both streams. This way, you maximise earnings without trade-offs—your bar stays open for walk-ins while your events run independently. Smart event planning means growing your business, not cannibalising it.

4. Security & Reduced Risk

Handling large amounts of cash comes with risks:

• Theft or loss

• Human error in giving change

• Fake currency concerns

With a card machine, transactions are secure, traceable, and automated, reducing fraud risks and ensuring you get paid instantly.

5. Professional Image

Accepting card payments makes your event look more professional and trustworthy. Attendees will perceive your brand as modern and customer-friendly, which can enhance their overall experience.

6. Faster Transactions & Shorter Queues

Nobody likes waiting in long lines. Card payments process in seconds, keeping queues moving quickly. This is especially important for:

• Food and drink vendors

• Merchandise stalls and;

• Ticket sales at the gate.

7. Easy Tracking & Reporting

Card payments automatically record sales, making it easier to:

• Track revenue in real time

• Reconcile finances post-event

• Generate reports for accounting

8. Flexibility for Online & Offline Sales

Many modern card machines also support:

• Contactless payments (ideal for fast transactions)

• Online pre-sales integration (if you sell tickets in advance)

• Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay)

Which Card Machine Should You Choose?

Tosa Pay offers you as an event organiser an option to rent or lease our card machines for the duration of your event. 

Options include:

• Countertop Card Machines – such as Tosa Pay’s Thathazonke, are ideal for fixed stalls such as bars and food merchants at an event.

• Cloud POS Systems – best for medium to large events to manage stock and sales and generate reports at the end of your event.

If you need to rent a card machine today for your next event, contact our sales team by booking a call here and a sales agent will be in touch to walk you through all the requirements and costs.

Why should you rent a card machine for your event instead of buying?

Leasing a card machine for your event instead of buying one can be a smart choice for several reasons:

1. Cost-Effective for Short-Term Use

• Events are typically once-off or occasional, so buying a card machine outright may not make financial sense.

• Leasing avoids the high upfront cost of purchasing a terminal.

2. No Long-Term Commitment

• Buying a card machine may tie you into contracts or require ongoing fees even when not in use.

• Renting allows you to use the machine only when needed, with no long-term obligations.

3. Access to Latest Technology

• Leased machines are often newer models with updated features (contactless payments, faster processing, better security etc.).

• Buying could mean your device becomes outdated quickly.

4. Flexibility for Different Events

• Tosa Pay offers portable and multi-network machines suitable for festivals, markets, or pop-up events.

• You can choose different models based on the event size and needs.

5. Maintenance & Support Included

• If the machine malfunctions, Tosa Pay usually replaces or repairs it quickly, onsite or remotely.

• Buying means you’re responsible for troubleshooting or repairs.

6. Avoid Depreciation & Resale Hassles

• Card machines lose value over time, and selling a used one may be difficult.

• Leasing means no ownership worries.

7. Scalability for Peak Demand

• For large events, you can lease multiple machines temporarily without investing in extra hardware.

When Buying Might Be Better

• If you host frequent events (e.g., weekly markets), owning could be cheaper long-term.

• Some businesses prefer owning for full control over hardware.

For most events, leasing is the better option—it’s cost-efficient, flexible, and hassle-free. 

Final Thoughts

In today’s cashless society, a card payment machine is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. By offering multiple payment options, you improve customer satisfaction, increase sales, and streamline operations.

Don’t let outdated payment methods hold your event back—go cashless and watch your success grow in the events space!