How to Handle Payments at Your Loppa
If you’re hosting a home pop-up in the UK, you want to make sure you think about your payment options. The smoother your checkout, the higher your sales; and the more professional your event feels.
Why Payment Setup Matters at a Home Pop-Up
At an in-home pop-up shop, buying decisions are often emotional and spontaneous. Any friction at checkout, such as slow bank transfers, missing change, technical issues, reduces conversion.
The goal is simple; make payment fast, make it feel secure, avoid awkward delays and protect your profit margins.Below are the three most practical payment methods for UK home pop-up hosts.
1. Accepting Cash
Cash payments are simple and fee-free.
Pros:
No transaction fees
Instant access to funds
No technology required
Cons:
Many UK shoppers don’t carry cash
You need change available
Harder to track sales
Security risk in a home setting
Best Practice if you accept cash:
Keep a float with £5, £10 notes and some coins
Record each transaction right away
Store money securely and discreetly
While “cash only pop-up shop” may sound simple, most UK buyers now expect card acceptance.
2. Card Payments Without a Terminal
It’s 2026. You no longer need a card machine for your pop-up shop. If you’re hosting a one off pop-up you definitely don’t want to bother ordering and setting up a terminal.
With Tap-to-Phone (SoftPOS) technology, your smartphone becomes a contactless payment device. Customers simply tap their card or mobile wallet directly onto your phone.
This is currently one of the best payment solutions for small UK pop-up shops.
SumUp – Tap to Pay
No monthly fees
No hardware required
Approx. 1.69% per transaction (see site for current fees)
Accepts contactless cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay
Best for: First-time pop-up hosts who want simplicity.
myPOS – myPOS Glass
Tap-to-phone payments
Includes business account
Instant settlement
Percentage + small fixed fee structure
Best for: Sellers wanting immediate access to funds.
Why Card Payments Increase Sales at Pop-Ups
UK consumer behaviour shows that card payments increase sales at pop-ups. It leads to higher average basket value when paying by card, faster checkout and greater perceived professionalism.
For most home pop-up shops in the UK, card acceptance is no longer optional, it’s expected.
3. Bank Transfer Apps
Some hosts prefer direct transfers, especially for higher-priced items.Two widely used services that also cater to international customers:
Revolut
Instant transfers between Revolut users
Payment links
QR codes
UK and multi-currency accounts
Good for: Tech-savvy audiences and cross-border buyers.
Wise
Multi-currency accounts
UK bank details
Low international transfer fees
Good for: Hosts selling to international customers.
Are Bank Transfers Ideal for In-Home Pop-Ups?
Not always.
Transfers can:
Slow down checkout
Require manual confirmation
Create “I’ll send it later” risk
They’re best used for:
Higher-ticket items
Custom orders
Pre-orders
For spontaneous purchases at a pop-up event, card payments remain faster.
What Is the Best Payment Setup for a pop-up?
Do you need a card machine to host a Loppa?
No.Tap-to-phone apps like SumUp or myPOS Glass allow you to accept contactless payments directly on your smartphone.For most Loppa hosts, the optimal structure is the ability to accept either card payments or transfers and to accept cash as a backup. This combination covers nearly all UK buyer preferences while keeping checkout friction low.
Final Thoughts for Loppa Hosts
The best payment system is the one guests barely notice.
At an in-home pop-up, atmosphere drives sales. Your checkout process should feel smooth, discreet and efficient. Not transactional or complicated.
If you’re hosting through Loppa, think of your payment setup as part of your event design. The easier it is to pay, the more likely your guests are to buy and come back to your next event.
Happy Hosting!
