Stripe vs Square vs SumUp: Which Payment Option Is Best for Dog Groomers?
Choosing the right payment provider is an important decision for any dog grooming business. The right setup can reduce admin, protect you from no-shows, and make it easier for clients to pay on time — without awkward conversations.
At GroomSlot, we integrate with Stripe, Square and SumUp, giving groomers the freedom to choose the payment provider that suits their business best. In this article, we’ll look at the strengths of each option and who they’re best suited for.
Stripe: Powerful Online Payments & Deposits
Best for: Groomers who want flexible online payments, deposits, and automation.
Stripe is one of the most widely used online payment platforms in the world, and for good reason. It’s especially strong when it comes to online bookings and deposits.
Pros of Stripe for dog groomers
- Ideal for online booking deposits
Stripe works seamlessly with online booking systems, making it easy to take deposits or full payments at the time of booking. - Highly automated
Payments, refunds and failed charges can all be handled automatically, reducing admin time. - Clear, transparent pricing
Simple pay-as-you-go fees with no monthly contract. - Scales as you grow
Works just as well for solo groomers as it does for larger salons.
Things to consider
- Stripe is primarily designed for online and card-not-present payments, so it’s less focused on in-person card readers.
Summary:
Stripe is an excellent choice if you want to protect your income with deposits and keep everything running automatically in the background.
Square: Simple In-Person Payments with Online Flexibility
Best for: Salons or groomers who take a lot of payments in person.
Square is well known for its easy-to-use card readers and straightforward setup. It’s a popular choice for grooming salons that take most payments face-to-face.
Pros of Square for dog groomers
- Easy in-person card payments
Square’s card readers are simple, reliable and widely used. - No monthly fees
You only pay per transaction. - Quick setup
You can get started with minimal technical knowledge. - Works well for busy salons
Ideal if clients usually pay at pickup.
Things to consider
- While Square does support online payments, it’s generally less flexible than Stripe for advanced deposit or automation workflows.
Summary:
Square is a great option for groomers who mainly take payments in person and want a simple, familiar system.
SumUp: Affordable & Portable for Mobile Groomers
Best for: Mobile groomers and sole traders who want low-cost, portable payments.
SumUp is especially popular with mobile dog groomers thanks to its affordable card readers and simple pricing.
Pros of SumUp for dog groomers
- Low-cost card readers
Ideal if you’re just starting out or working on the road. - No monthly fees
Pay only when you take a payment. - Very portable
Small, lightweight readers that work well for mobile grooming vans. - Easy to use
Minimal setup and no technical complexity.
Things to consider
- SumUp is more focused on in-person payments and is less advanced for online deposits compared to Stripe.
Summary:
SumUp is a strong choice for mobile groomers who want reliable card payments without high upfront costs.
Why Offering Multiple Payment Options Matters
Every grooming business works differently. Some groomers prefer taking deposits upfront, others take payment on the day, and many do a mix of both.
By supporting Stripe, Square and SumUp, GroomSlot lets you:
- Choose the provider that fits your workflow
- Accept payments your clients are comfortable with
- Reduce no-shows with deposits where needed
- Avoid being locked into a single payment system
Which Payment Provider Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple guide:
- Choose Stripe if:
You want online booking, deposits, and automation. - Choose Square if:
You mainly take payments in person at a salon. - Choose SumUp if:
You’re a mobile groomer or want the lowest-cost, portable option.
And the good news?
With GroomSlot, you’re not locked in — you can pick the payment provider that works best for your business.
Final Thoughts
Getting paid shouldn’t be complicated or stressful. The right payment setup helps protect your income, save time, and create a smoother experience for your clients.
That’s why GroomSlot integrates with Stripe, Square and SumUp, giving UK dog groomers flexible, reliable payment options — whatever way they work.