Are More Businesses in Cheshire Going Digital? Exploring New Payment Options for Traders

For quite some time now, traditional local markets and small businesses across Cheshire have been defined by simple transactions, cash in hand, change in the till, and friendly face-to-face interactions. That exchange of notes and coins has long been part of the routine. These days, though, customers often hesitate at the counter, scanning for a card reader. If they don’t find one, they sometimes leave empty-handed. It's a small moment, but one that’s becoming increasingly common.

The broader national picture backs this up. In 2024, nearly 95% of eligible in-store card payments in the UK were made using contactless methods. That method now accounts for over a quarter of all UK payments, and it's not just younger shoppers driving the trend. People over 65 are currently the fastest-growing group using contactless, with more than 84% making payments this way last year.

In Cheshire, many local councils already support digital services. Community bookings, permits, and small-business-related services can often be paid online, showing that infrastructure to support digital payments is already well established. On top of that, new tools like a private cryptocurrency wallet are finding their way into more industries. These options provide alternatives to cash or traditional bank transfers and are being considered by some traders looking to expand their payment offerings.

It’s no longer just about availability; the question for small businesses is whether digital tools make operational sense. Some are already adapting, using inexpensive mobile card readers and apps that can turn an Android phone into a full contactless POS terminal. These are generally simple to install and need little training, making them a practical option for sole traders or small teams.

Digital payment systems also offer direct business benefits. Traders who adopt them often report that customers tend to spend more. It’s not just about convenience, it’s also about visibility and efficiency. Each transaction is recorded instantly, sales summaries can be pulled at the tap of a screen, and bookkeeping becomes less time-consuming. For independent traders who manage their own accounts, these features are especially useful.

That said, it’s not all upside, as some traders, and many of their customers, still prefer cash. There are practical reasons for that. Many are cautious about privacy, especially when every transaction leaves a digital footprint. Others worry about losing sales if a system crashes, a battery dies, or signal strength drops during busy hours.

Costs also matter, and most digital payments come with processing fees. While small on paper, they can reduce margins over time, particularly for traders selling low-priced items. Confidence in the technology is another concern. Some business owners feel unprepared to handle unexpected issues with mobile POS systems, such as software bugs or device incompatibility. These common mobile POS problems and their solutions are being addressed more frequently by service providers, but they remain a sticking point for some.

A measured rollout may help. Instead of requiring all traders to upgrade immediately, business forums and local organisations could offer a voluntary pilot programme. A few participants could test out digital tools, receive training, and share their experiences with others. This would allow those hesitant to learn from real-world feedback before committing.

Elsewhere in the region, some businesses are blending offline and online approaches. A popular model is to take orders during the week through social media or messaging apps, then arrange pickup on designated days. In many cases, customers pay in advance using secure digital platforms. This kind of hybrid system suits customers who want the reliability of pre-ordering and the personal connection of collecting items in person.

Marketplaces across the country are shifting at different speeds. Some remain primarily cash-based, while others have fully embraced digital. Regardless of where they are on that journey, one thing is consistent: consumer expectations have evolved. Shoppers increasingly assume they’ll be able to pay digitally, and when that option isn’t available, it can come as a surprise.

Looking ahead, mobile and contactless payments are expected to continue growing steadily. Projections indicate consistent year-on-year increases in digital transaction volume across both urban centres and rural communities. For traders in Cheshire, staying competitive might mean exploring at least some level of digital integration.

There’s no single correct pace, and digital payments won’t suit every trader or every customer. But offering more than one way to pay could make a meaningful difference, especially as more people move away from carrying cash. Adapting doesn’t mean abandoning traditional methods, it simply creates more options and more flexibility for businesses trying to serve today’s customers in a way that makes sense for them.