Start with the environment in which the terminal will work. A busy bar, a repair garage and a mobile trader have different needs. Think about peak transactions per hour, the distance from charging points, mobile signal, Wi-Fi coverage and how staff hand the device between customers.
Ask for the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact model, including any published durability rating. A touchscreen or a familiar brand is not evidence of a particular drop resistance. Ask the supplier what accidental damage is covered and how replacement works, including cut-off times and exclusions.
Your total monthly transaction count is useful, but the busiest period and the time taken to complete each sale matter too. Discuss receipts, tipping, accessibility, refunds and whether a second terminal would avoid a queue.
If you have practical experience, name the model, your business type and how long you have used it. Describe the circumstances of a fault rather than assuming every device will behave the same way.