Taking cards without a connection
Most modern mobile terminals can store card payments when there is no signal and send them when the connection returns. The risk is that a card may be declined when it finally reaches the issuer, and you have already handed over the food. Set a sensible offline limit, turn offline mode on only when needed, and reconnect as soon as you can.
Planning for event days
A festival can bring a week's sales into one afternoon. Providers watch for sudden spikes, so tell yours about big events in advance and ask for a monthly limit that covers your peak. Bring a second terminal, a battery pack and a phone hotspot from a different carrier.
Pricing for a truck
Most truck tickets are small to medium, so the fixed fee per transaction matters. Avoid monthly minimums, annual fees and long equipment leases. Many trucks run on a phone-based tap-to-pay app plus a backup reader. Cash discount programs are legal in many places but check state rules and how your regulars will react.
Catering and private events
Private events and catering bring larger tickets, often paid in advance. Take deposits by invoice with a written agreement so a cancellation does not turn into a chargeback.