Card Payments at Markets: What Traders Told Us
Earlier this year, we asked our members to share their real-world experiences of taking card payments while trading at markets and events. The feedback was gathered anonymously and focused on what actually happens on trading days.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. Your input helps highlight the practical challenges traders face across Ireland.
What we heard from traders
Card payments are now expected
Almost everyone who responded accepts card payments, many full-time. Even traders who prefer cash said they’ve lost sales when cards weren’t available.
“Even traders who normally prefer cash said they’ve lost sales when card payments weren’t available.”
Connectivity is the biggest challenge
Poor mobile signal and unreliable Wi-Fi are still the most common issues. Many traders said card payments work in some locations but fail in others, especially outdoors, in rural spots, or at temporary sites. Several traders even had to stop taking card payments mid-event because of connectivity problems.
“Traders said that better connectivity would make card payments much more reliable, especially when mobile signals are inconsistent or unreliable.”
“Some traders reported having to stop accepting card payments mid-event due to poor signal or Wi-Fi issues.”
Reliability depends on location, not setup
Traders described their experiences as “mostly reliable” or “mixed, depending on location.” This shows that challenges often lie outside the trader’s control.
“Reliability varies by location, what works at one market may fail at another, even with the same setup.”
Fees and hidden costs matter
Rising fees, unclear contracts, and cross-border charges were frequently mentioned. For traders selling lower-value items, these costs can eat into margins, and many noted that high or hidden fees are deal breakers.
“High fees or hidden charges were described as deal breakers, particularly for traders selling lower-value items.”
Speed affects sales
Slow or timed-out payments can cause queues, frustration, and even lost customers—particularly for food traders during busy periods.
“Many traders highlighted that slow payments can lead to lost customers and frustration during busy trading days.”
Support makes a difference when things go wrong
Several traders highlighted the difficulty of getting help when a device fails, won’t pair, or needs updates mid-event. Good support was described as a major positive when available.
“Traders said that having access to reliable support when things go wrong is a huge relief during busy trading days.”
Where we go from here: Why this matters
This survey has given us a clear picture of what traders face every trading day. It’s about more than convenience, it’s about income, customer experience, and fairness.
Without your feedback, we wouldn’t have the insight needed to raise these issues with organisers, highlight gaps in infrastructure, or support traders in making informed decisions about payment systems.
Your responses help us:
Show organisers the real challenges traders face
Advocate for better Wi-Fi, signal, and infrastructure at events
Help traders make informed choices about payment solutions
Strengthen the collective voice of our community
A huge thank you to all who contributed. This is exactly why our community is so valuable, sharing experiences openly helps everyone trade smarter, safer, and more successfully.
We will continue to use surveys like this to highlight the realities of market trading and to make sure traders’ voices are heard where it counts.
We want to hear from you!
If there’s anything about your small business you’d like to share, tips, challenges, successes, or something you’d like us to highlight to the wider community, let us know. Your experiences help us support traders, spark ideas, and keep our community connected.
For more Information, Guides Help, Support or Advice. Get in touch with IOMST and become a member today!
Grainne & Greg
The Irish Organisation for Market and Street Traders (IOMST) is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of market and street traders across Ireland. We provide support, advice, and information to help traders navigate regulations, protect their rights, and grow their businesses. Stay informed and connected with IOMST’s weekly newsletter and practical resources. Click here to find out more or become a member click here.