Home > Articles > Zettle Review: Is It Right for Your Business? (2024)

Zettle Review: Is It Right for Your Business? (2024)

September 08, 2023
Written and researched by experts at AvadaLearn more about our methodology

By Sam Nguyen

CEO Avada Commerce

In this article, we’ll take you on an informative journey through the world of Zettle, the all-inclusive solution for your business needs.

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Key Takeaways

  • Zettle, affiliated with PayPal, offers a wide range of tools, from card readers to POS apps, empowering small businesses to compete effectively.
  • Zettle’s e-commerce integrations sync inventory across platforms, centralizing management for a seamless online and in-store experience.
  • Zettle’s card reader is exceptionally portable and accepts diverse contactless payments, ensuring secure transactions without a merchant account.

What is Zettle? Brief Overview

Zettle, a PayPal-affiliated fintech company, is revolutionizing the way small businesses operate. It offers a range of innovative solutions, from mobile card readers to point-of-sale apps, enabling small enterprises to compete effectively. With a diverse lineup of financial products, including payments, point of sale, funding, and partnership applications, Zettle caters to various business needs.

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One of Zettle’s standout features is its user-friendly card reader technology, which facilitates seamless card payments anywhere, anytime. The free Zettle Go app simplifies transactions, sales tracking, and inventory management. The recently introduced Zettle Terminal combines a card reader with a point-of-sale app for comprehensive business management.

Zettle’s commitment to transparency is evident in its pricing model: no startup costs, lock-in contracts, or hidden fees. Instead, businesses receive a robust toolkit to start, run, and expand their operations. Backed by PayPal, Zettle is a trustworthy partner dedicated to empowering small businesses to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. 

Zettle’s Main Features

Zettle E-commerce

Zettle’s e-commerce integrations offer a streamlined solution to help you build and manage your online store with ease.

Whether you’re embarking on your journey to create an online store or already have an established virtual storefront, Zettle’s e-commerce integrations provide a seamless bridge between your products, inventory, and sales platforms. With automatic syncing, your entire inventory remains up-to-date across all your channels.

Bringing Everything Together

When you integrate your e-commerce platform with Zettle, the power of centralization becomes evident. Your inventory data and product information are brought together in one place, simplifying your management tasks. 

The advantages of this integration are:

  • Sync Online and In-Store Inventory: Keep your online and physical store inventory in sync effortlessly, preventing confusion and overselling.
  • Centralized Product Library: Manage your products directly within Zettle’s centralized product library, eliminating the need for juggling multiple platforms.
  • Automated Inventory Tracking: Bid farewell to the tedious task of manually tracking inventory changes between different platforms.
  • Real-time Data Tracking: Gain a comprehensive view of your growth across various sales channels through real-time data tracking.

Uniting In-Store and Online Experiences

The benefits of Zettle’s e-commerce integration extend beyond numbers and statistics. Business owners like Sarah Smith, the owner of June Woods, highlight the convenience and efficiency this integration brings. Sarah explains, “We don’t have to do things twice; we don’t have to make sure items are taken off once they’re sold. It’s done automatically.”

How to get started

Embarking on the journey of integrating Zettle with your e-commerce platform is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to seamlessly connect your online store and unlock the benefits of centralized management.

  1. Log In

Begin by accessing my.zettle.com, your gateway to Zettle’s suite of tools. Once inside, navigate to the Integrations section located in your Backoffice menu. This is your starting point on the path to enhanced e-commerce capabilities.

  1. Browse Categories

Within the Integrations section, you’ll find various categories representing different apps and platforms. Your task here is to select the category that aligns with the specific app you intend to integrate with Zettle. By choosing the right category, you’re setting the stage for a harmonious connection.

  1. Connect

Having chosen the relevant category, delve into it to explore the available integration options. 

Among these options, locate the app that you wish to integrate with Zettle. Click on this desired integration to open its dedicated page. 

Here, you’ll find the pivotal “Connect” button. Give it a click and watch as you’re seamlessly redirected to the login page of your chosen integration’s account.

  1. Integration Completed

Congratulations are in order! 

You’ve successfully connected your chosen app with Zettle. At this juncture, you’ve established the foundation for a unified e-commerce experience. To harness the full potential of this integration, take the final step: opt to import and sync products, prices, and other relevant information. This step will amplify the efficiency and streamline the operations of your online business.

Zettle Card Reader

Zettle’s card reader emerges as a top-notch solution for managing payments within retail environments. One captivating aspect of this device is its exceptional portability, allowing business owners to accept card payments from virtually anywhere. 

Notably, what sets it apart is that users aren’t obligated to have a merchant account to process card payments.

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Additionally, the company has undergone a significant transformation of this device. The latest version offers effortless synchronization with your mobile device via Bluetooth. This advanced iteration readily accepts contactless NFC payments from a diverse range of brands:

  • Maestro
  • JCB
  • Diners Club
  • Apple Pay
  • Google Pay
  • American Express
  • Visa Electron
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • V Pay

With a battery life lasting up to 8 hours, the device can handle around 100 transactions. Zettle not only ensures secure transactions but also implements robust data encryption measures. 

Zettle Pricing

Zettle understands that different businesses have different requirements, and that’s why they offer a variety of hardware options to choose from. The pricing for Zettle’s POS hardware is designed to be accessible and affordable:

  • Card Reader: For just $29, you can get your hands on the first card reader. If your business demands multiple card readers, additional units are competitively priced at $79 each. This flexibility is perfect for businesses with varying checkout points or multiple employees serving customers.
  • Terminal: The terminal serves as a central hub for your transactions, and Zettle offers two pricing options for it. The terminal-only option comes in at $199, providing a sleek and efficient payment solution. If you’re looking to streamline operations further, the terminal with a built-in barcode scanner is available for $239, enabling quick and accurate product scanning.

Zettle’s hardware options cater to businesses of all sizes, ensuring that you can choose the solution that best aligns with your operational needs and budget constraints.

In addition to its hardware offerings, Zettle’s transparent transaction fees contribute to the attractiveness of the platform. Knowing exactly what you’ll be charged for each transaction helps you plan and manage your finances more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the transaction fees:

  • Card-Present Transactions: When your customers make purchases in person, Zettle charges a standard fee of 2.29% of the transaction amount, along with a fixed $0.09 fee per transaction. This straightforward pricing ensures you’re aware of the costs associated with every sale.
  • Manual Card Entry Transactions: In cases where you need to manually enter card information, perhaps for phone orders or when a customer forgets their card, Zettle charges a fee of 3.49% of the transaction amount, accompanied by a $0.09 transaction fee.
  • QR Code Transactions: For businesses embracing modern payment methods like QR codes, Zettle offers a competitive fee of 2.29% of the transaction amount, coupled with a $0.09 transaction fee.
  • Invoicing (PayPal Payments): For the convenience of invoicing your customers through PayPal, Zettle applies a fee of 3.49% of the transaction amount, along with an additional $0.49 fee per transaction.
  • Invoicing (Cards and Alternative Payment Methods): If you choose to use invoicing for card payments and alternative methods, Zettle’s fee stands at 2.99% of the transaction amount, plus a fixed $0.49 transaction fee.
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Zettle POS System

When it comes to the Point of Sale (POS) system, Zettle shines remarkably. The system’s proficiency is hard to overlook, as it aligns software and hardware seamlessly to deliver a superior user experience. This optimization ensures that the POS App operates flawlessly on both Android and iOS platforms.

It’s important to note that the App serves as the conduit for processing payments with the card reader. With its user-friendly interface, the dashboard hosts an extensive toolkit that empowers merchants to execute transactions in a professional manner. The Zettle Pro POS has been thoughtfully tailored to cater to the unique needs of business owners running bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Highlighted App Features:

  • Customized Receipts: Users have the freedom to personalize receipts, adding a touch of brand identity.
  • Staff Account Management: The App facilitates the creation and management of staff accounts, ensuring smooth operation.
  • Transaction History: Zettle’s App maintains a precise record of transaction history, offering insight and accountability.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Generating reports and tracking sales over specific timeframes is made effortless, aiding in informed decision-making.
  • Product Management: The merchant enjoys the ability to upload products, variants, and photos, streamlining the sales process.
  • Data Export: Data can be easily exported via Excel, enhancing convenience for further analysis and record keeping.

Convenient Hardware Solutions:

Zettle’s hardware components prove indispensable for in-store retailers, offering a range of benefits. The Zettle store kit, priced at £738, encompasses:

  • Receipt Printer: Facilitating swift and organized transaction documentation.
  • Card Reader: An essential tool for processing payments securely and efficiently.
  • Cash Drawer: A fundamental element for organized cash handling.
  • Tablet Stand: Providing a stable and accessible platform for your tablet, ensuring seamless interactions.

The Zettle POS system thus forms a cohesive ecosystem, combining efficient software with practical hardware to optimize every facet of in-store transactions.

Zettle Customer Support

When you need help, Zettle is there to support you every step of the way. 

They have a physical office in London and are active on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. 

If you have any questions, you can simply call their official mobile number (020 3984 8464) on weekdays. And if you have a quick question, you can easily use their live chat box.

For those using the Go Plus plan, the support hours have been extended from 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 5 pm on weekends. This means they’re mostly available when you need them. 

With Zettle’s customer support, you have a reliable friend to assist you in your business journey.

Zettle Pros and Cons

Zettle Pros 👍

  • User-Friendly Interface: Zettle’s simplicity shines through; creating an account is all it takes to start managing payments and expenses effectively.
  • No Monthly Fees: Zettle’s absence of monthly fees is a major plus, earning it high marks for its pricing structure.
  • Effective Till Management: Zettle excels in till management, even surpassing the top-ranked Square. Its repeat payment option is particularly valuable for vendors with smaller product lists.
  • Unmatched Portability: The Zettle card reader’s 100% portability means you can process payments from major credit cards wherever you have a signal.

Zettle Cons 👎

  • Higher Transaction Charges: Payment links come with a transaction charge of 2.5% per sale, which may be perceived as relatively expensive. While setup fees remain affordable, this is a point to consider.
  • Payment Settlement Time: Zettle’s payment settlement can take 2-3 working days, which could be seen as a drawback for those seeking quicker access to their funds.

Izettle Go Plus: FAQs

No, Zettle does not impose a monthly fee on its users. However, it’s important to note that while there isn’t a fixed monthly cost, Zettle does have per-transaction fees that apply, so it’s not entirely cost-free to use the service.

Indeed, you can use Zettle without a card reader. Zettle offers a convenient feature known as “Tap to Pay.” This allows you to accept contactless payments through digital wallets or by tapping your customer’s card on the back of your phone.

However, if your customer wants to pay with a card that requires insertion into a card reader, you can suggest alternatives like another card or a mobile wallet (such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or Google Pay). Additionally, you can send them a Payment Link for payment via their phone.

If you’re an online seller, Square could be more suitable due to its advanced online capabilities, including a virtual terminal for desktop payments and email invoicing for service sectors. The Square app’s keyed entry option is particularly helpful for transactions where the card isn’t physically present.

Yes, you can use Zettle without a phone. All you need is a tablet or smartphone with a WiFi or 3G/4G connection. With the Zettle Go app and the card reader connected via Bluetooth, you’re all set to manage transactions seamlessly. Zettle also offers an integrated solution called the Zettle Terminal. This device comes equipped with the PayPal Zettle app built-in, eliminating the need for a separate smartphone or tablet. With the Zettle Terminal, you can effortlessly handle inventory, update stock, and accept payments all in one convenient device.

Zettle Review: Final Words

So, whether you’re venturing into the e-commerce arena for the first time or looking to enhance your current setup, Zettle is certainly a contender worth exploring. Empower your business with Zettle today and unlock new dimensions of growth and success.


Sam Nguyen is the CEO and founder of Avada Commerce, an e-commerce solution provider headquartered in Singapore. He is an expert on the Shopify e-commerce platform for online stores and retail point-of-sale systems. Sam loves talking about e-commerce and he aims to help over a million online businesses grow and thrive.