Leckhampton Local History Society writes: we would like to be able to offer members and visitors the option of contactless payment when (for example) we are selling publications at events such as guided walks followed by tea and cakes. Previously we have only used cash or cheques but many people seem to have almost stopped using cash during the pandemic.

Systems from Zettle and Sumup are widely used by small traders and would provide exactly what we need. Unfortunately, they appear only to accept not-for-profit organisations which are either registered at Companies House or are registered charities; we are neither. I wonder if any member organisations have any relevant experience or advice on this?

We would welcome it on leckhamptonlhs@gmail.com .

This is a common problem for voluntary organisations, as generally it's uneconomic to have a contracted card machine for sales less than £1,500 per month. Non-contract products are available from companies such as Zettle, Stripe, Sumup or Square. An informal (and far from ideal) solution to this problem is to "outsource" the taking of payments to one person, who can set up a non-contract card account as an individual / sole trader and manage these ad-hoc small payments on behalf of the society. Naturally much depends upon the society's structure and personnel willing or able to undertake this. 

Paul Carter, BALH Digital Manager