Not only does a Square enable merchants to accept mobile credit card payments on the go, but a Square standalone terminal is capable of turning an iPad into a powerful POS system at a checkout counter.

Other benefits of Square include simple pricing, quick deposits and a free store online.

Still, those plusses were not enough to keep a longtime personal trainer in Columbus from leaving Square for another card reader.

The trainer, who wished to remain anonymous, said Square didn’t meet his needs because it only processed credit card payments. After performing some online research, he came upon Vagaro and decided to give it a try. What Vagaro offered that Square doesn’t is the ability for the trainer to schedule client appointments in addition to accepting to credit card payments.

Accepting credit card payments is a new world for the trainer, he said, but clients clamored for another way to pay their fees in addition to cash or checks. So, four months ago, he bit the bullet and went with Square.

“It’s more convenient for clients because I can accept additional types of payments. Using the card reader also helps me keep track who has paid and who hasn’t, so it’s proven to be a time saver for me, too,” he said. While he isn’t crazy about paying the fees associated with the card reader, he said he recognizes it’s just part of the cost of doing business in today’s tech savvy world.

His advice for other small business owners considering a card reader?

“Think about the reasons you need a card reader and then look for an app or reader that accomplishes those goals. If you do that, more than likely you will find it was a sound investment for your business,” he said.

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Tami Kamin Meyer is an Ohio attorney and writer who tweets as @girlwithapen.