With contactless payments being used more often, many of our members have asked us about card payment solutions. Having a card machine available is likely to encourage more spending and help your PTA raise more funds at events where some attendees may only have card on them.
Parentkind undertook a review of the card processing market and evaluated offers being made by various companies including rates, fees and service. SumUp offers a cost effective and practical solution for PTAs.
Society is increasingly using less cash, and paying small transactions by card has become much more common. Introducing the ability to pay by card for some of the larger value stalls like bar or BBQ, or for tickets for events will encourage spending (and you won’t need to send people off to the nearest cash machine!)
What documentation is needed?
Opening an account only takes 5 minutes and is done online. You will need to pay for the reader by your personal debit or credit card, and you will also need to enter your PTA bank details so that it links up with the card reader. You will need to register and complete the Account Information section, we suggest that you answer the options as follows:
- What is the legal type of your business? Answer other legal type
- What type of business is it? Answer Other
- How would you categorise your business? Answer Charitable Organisation
- Business Location? We suggest using the school address.
- Webpage? We suggest using the school one unless the PTA has a separate website
- Business Owner? We suggest adding the chair of the PTA and the treasurer or the person responsible for the application
SumUp will conduct checks and make contact if further information is required. If you experience any issues during the application process please contact SumUp at support@sumup.co.uk or call 020 3510 0160 (Mon-Fri 8:00am-5pm) – if they are unable to resolve the issue please contact our member support team who will endeavour to help via info@parentkind.org.uk.
I am not a member of Parentkind, can I still register?
The SumUp offer is only available to Parentkind members. If you would like to take advantage of this offer but are not a member, please first speak to our membership support team who will be happy to talk you through the wider benefits of joining. These include:
- Up to £10 million public liability insurance for fundraising activities.
- Member Support Line (0300 123 5460) for queries during business hours.
- 24/7 unlimited access to PTA Expert, the go-to resource for PTAs.
- Fast track charity registration.
- Legal guidance on PTA issues.
- Charity Commission-approved Model Constitution
- Website packed with up-to-date information and a directory of trusted local suppliers.
- Bi-weekly newsletter with helpful hints, tips, offers and information.
- Other member offers such as access to training, Booker for wholesale shopping, a discount on raffle tickets and many others.
Contact our Member Support team on 0300 1235460 or at info@parentkind.org.uk.
We already use SumUp can we take advantage of the offer?
Sorry the SumUp Parentkind offer is only available to new applications via the Parentkind dedicated page: sumup.co.uk/parentkind.
We already use an alternative company, can we still take advantage of this offer?
There is nothing stopping a PTA having more than one card processing company. Our suggestion would be to look at what you are currently paying and see if it makes sense to move. SumUp has a low transaction fee of 1.69% and no monthly fees.
Can I have more than one card reader?
A second can be ordered but will cost the full price of £29.
If you are using your Air Card Reader at an event we suggest that you place stalls close to each other that are likely to want to use the machine or you have a helper that is a quick runner!
How do I show that we now take cards?
SumUp provide you with downloadable assets such as posters, visa signs etc that can publicise that you can accept cards. These should be displayed whenever possible to show cards can be used for payment.
How easy is the Air Card Reader to use?
What about fraud and chargebacks?
How do I manage my account?
There are many tools available online in your SumUp account to review transaction data and manage your relationship.
I need further help, where do I go?
SumUp has a very comprehensive knowledge centre that should be able to answer any further questions.
What if I am due to stand down from the PTA?
If you are the registered point of contact with SumUp contact them at support@sumup.co.uk or call 020 3510 0160 (Mon-Fri 8:00am-5pm) to change these details. Please also hand over the card reader etc to the person who is taking over your role.
How do I change the main point of contact on our SumUp account?
The lead contact on your account can be changed at any time by contacting SumUp at support@sumup.co.uk or call 020 3510 0160 (Mon-Fri 8:00am-5pm).
Complaints Procedure
If you have a complaint in the first instance please raise this with SumUp at support@sumup.co.uk or call 020 3510 0160 (Mon-Fri 8:00am-5pm). If you are not satisfied or they were unable to assist please contact Parentkind with the full details via info@parentkind.org.uk with the title of SumUp Complaint. Parentkind will seek to address any legitimate complaint directly with the SumUp management team. Please include all relevant details including, transaction dates, the nature of your complaint, what steps have been taken already to resolve it and your contact details.
I can't find the answer I am looking for
If your question has not been answered in these FAQs please email info@parentkind.org.uk and we will respond within three working days.