How to Switch Card Machine Providers

Why Businesses Switch Providers

UK businesses switch card machine providers for several compelling reasons, most commonly to reduce costs, improve service quality, or access better features.

Common Reasons for Switching

High transaction fees: Discovering you’re paying 1.9% when competitors offer 1.3% on similar volumes costs hundreds to thousands annually.

Poor customer support: Slow response times, unhelpful staff, or inability to resolve technical issues during business-critical periods.

Unreliable equipment: Frequent terminal failures, connectivity problems, or outdated hardware affecting customer experience.

Business growth: Outgrowing pay-as-you-go providers as volumes increase, or needing features your current provider doesn’t offer.

Contract ending: Fixed-term contract expiring presents opportunity to review options without penalty.

Better features needed: Requiring inventory management, employee tracking, accounting integration, or multi-location support your current provider lacks.

Slow settlement: Cash flow issues from 5-7 day settlement when competitors offer next-day.

Hidden fees discovered: Unexpected charges appearing in statements after signing up.

When Switching Makes Financial Sense

Calculate if savings justify switching effort:

Current costs: £250 monthly in transaction fees + £30 monthly service fee = £280/month = £3,360 annually

New provider costs: £180 monthly + £15 monthly fee = £195/month = £2,340 annually

Annual savings: £1,020

Switching costs: £200 early termination fee + £150 new terminal + 4 hours staff time

Net first-year savings: £670

Second-year savings: £1,020 (no switching costs)

If annual savings exceed £300-500, switching typically worth the effort. If contract has early termination fees, ensure savings over 12-24 months justify the exit cost.

Step 1: Review Your Current Contract

Before contacting new providers, understand your current contractual obligations.

What to Check

Contract end date: When does your fixed-term contract expire? If it ends in 3-6 months, waiting might save exit fees.

Contract type:

• Pay-as-you-go: No contract, cancel anytime
• Monthly rolling: Typically 30 days notice
• Fixed-term: 1-3 years with early termination fees

Notice period: How much advance notice must you give? Common periods:

• Pay-as-you-go: Immediate to 7 days
• Monthly rolling: 30 days
• Fixed-term: 30-90 days before expiry to avoid auto-renewal

Early termination fees: If you’re in a fixed-term contract, what penalties apply for early exit?

Common structures:

• Flat fee: £200-£1,000 regardless of remaining term
• Remaining months: Charged monthly fee × months left on contract
• Percentage of estimated future revenue: Rare but expensive

Equipment obligations:

• Do you own or rent terminals?
• If renting, must you return equipment?
• Are there penalties for damaged equipment?
• If you purchased terminals, can you use them with new provider? (Usually no – terminals are provider-locked)

Auto-renewal clauses: Many contracts auto-renew for another term unless you provide notice 30-90 days before expiry. Missing this deadline locks you in for another 1-3 years.

Finding Your Contract Documents

If you can’t locate your contract:

• Check email for original agreement sent when you signed up
• Log into provider’s online portal (often has contract details)
• Call provider and request contract copy
• Check filing cabinet or business documents folder
• Ask your accountant (they may have copy from initial setup)

Providers must provide contract details upon request. If they refuse or make it difficult, that’s a red flag and another reason to switch.

Calculating Exit Cost vs Savings

Example scenario:

Current provider: 18 months remaining on 3-year contract

Early termination fee: £500

Current monthly costs: £280

New provider monthly costs: £195

Monthly savings: £85

Payback period: £500 ÷ £85 = 5.9 months

After 6 months, you’ve recovered exit cost and start saving. Over remaining 18 months, you save: (18 – 6) × £85 = £1,020.

Decision: Worth switching despite exit fee.

Step 2: Research and Compare New Providers

Don’t jump to the first alternative. Compare multiple providers systematically.

Gather Information You’ll Need

New providers will ask for:

• Monthly card turnover: Average from last 3-6 months
• Number of transactions: Monthly average
• Average transaction value: Total turnover ÷ number of transactions
• Card type split: Percentage debit vs credit vs Amex
• Business type/industry: Retail, hospitality, services, etc.
• Processing history: Years in business, chargeback history
• Terminal needs: Countertop, portable, mobile, quantity needed

Having these figures ready ensures accurate quotes rather than generic estimates.

Which Providers to Consider

If you’re currently pay-as-you-go (SumUp, Square, Zettle):

Consider switching to traditional providers if:

• You’re processing £10,000+ monthly consistently
• You’ve been in business 12+ months with clean history
• Lower transaction percentages will save significant money despite monthly fees

Compare: Worldpay, Barclaycard, Takepayments, Elavon

If you’re with traditional provider:

Consider switching to:

• Another traditional provider with better rates (shop around)
• Pay-as-you-go if volumes have decreased and monthly fees no longer justify cost
• Specialist providers if you need specific features your current provider lacks

What to Compare Beyond Price

Total costs at your volumes: Calculate actual monthly costs including transaction fees, monthly charges, terminal costs spread over 24 months.

Contract flexibility: If leaving restrictive contract, avoid jumping into another long-term commitment unless rates justify it significantly.

Settlement speed: Confirm new provider settles faster than or equal to current (don’t downgrade cash flow).

Features you actually need: Ensure new provider supports integrations, reporting, or specific functionality you use regularly.

Support quality: Read recent reviews specifically mentioning customer service and technical support.

Terminal quality: If upgrading equipment, check terminal reliability reviews.

Getting Accurate Quotes

Contact 3-5 providers. For each:

1. Provide accurate volume and transaction data
2. Request complete fee schedule (transaction rates, monthly fees, all charges)
3. Ask about setup costs and whether they can be waived
4. Clarify terminal costs (purchase vs rental, upfront vs spread)
5. Confirm contract terms and notice periods
6. Request written quotes (not verbal estimates)

Be honest about switching from another provider. Many providers offer “switcher” incentives like waived setup fees or better introductory rates to win business from competitors.

Step 3: Give Notice to Current Provider

Once you’ve chosen a new provider and confirmed they’ll accept your business, formally notify your current provider.

How to Give Notice

Method matters: Check contract for required notice method:

• Some require written notice by post
• Some accept email
• Some require calling and receiving cancellation reference

Whatever method, get confirmation:

• Postal: Send recorded delivery, keep receipt
• Email: Request read receipt, save sent email
• Phone: Note date, time, person spoken to, reference number

Notice Letter Template

“` [Your Business Name] [Your Address] [Date] [Provider Name] Merchant Services Department [Provider Address] Dear Sir/Madam, Re: Termination of Merchant Account – Account Number: [Your Account Number] I am writing to give formal notice of termination of our merchant account with [Provider Name], effective [Date – typically 30 days from letter date or contract end date]. Account Details: – Business Name: [Your Business Name] – Account Number: [Account Number] – Registered Address: [Your Business Address] [If applicable: Please arrange collection of rented terminal equipment at your earliest convenience. Terminal serial numbers: [List terminals]] [If applicable: Please confirm the early termination fee of £[amount] as stated in our contract dated [date]] Please confirm receipt of this notice and provide: – Final settlement date – Final transaction cutoff date – Equipment return instructions (if applicable) – Final statement issue date Please confirm this cancellation in writing to [your email address]. Yours faithfully, [Your Signature] [Your Name] [Your Position] “`

What Happens After Notice

Retention attempts: Expect your current provider to contact you offering:

• Reduced rates to match competitors
• Waived monthly fees
• Upgraded equipment
• Better support promises

Should you stay? Consider retention offers if:

• Rates now genuinely match or beat alternatives (get it in writing)
• Issues were support-related and they offer tangible improvements
• Staying avoids exit fees and transition hassle

Don’t stay if:

• Offers are temporary (3-6 months) then revert to high rates
• You’ve already lost trust in the provider
• New provider offers significantly better features you need

Final Billing

Clarify with current provider:

• Final transaction date: When will they stop accepting transactions?
• Outstanding settlements: When will pending transactions be paid out?
• Final statement: When will it be issued?
• Pro-rata monthly fees: If you’re paying monthly fees, will they charge full month or pro-rata?
• Exit fee billing: When will termination fee be charged?

Step 4: Set Up New Provider Account

While serving notice with your current provider, complete setup with your new provider.

Application Process

Standard merchant account applications require:

Business documentation:

• Certificate of incorporation (limited companies)
• Business bank statement (last 3 months)
• Proof of business address (utility bill, lease agreement)
• VAT registration certificate (if VAT registered)

Director/owner information:

• Photo ID (passport or driving license)
• Proof of address (utility bill, council tax)
• Credit check consent

Processing information:

• Previous processing statements (last 3-6 months)
• Explanation for switching (underwriting assesses risk)
• Website URL (if processing online)

Underwriting and Approval

Timeline:

• Pay-as-you-go: Same day to 24 hours
• Standard merchant accounts: 2-5 business days
• High-risk or complex cases: 5-10 days

What underwriters assess:

• Business legitimacy and trading history
• Director credit history
• Processing history (volumes, chargeback ratio)
• Reason for switching (frequent switches are red flags)
• Industry risk level

How switching affects approval:

Switching once after 12+ months with current provider: Normal, no issues.

Switching multiple times in 12 months: Red flag, may face higher rates or application decline.

Tip: Be honest about why you’re switching. “High fees” or “needed better features” are acceptable. Being vague raises suspicion.

Terminal Setup

Terminal delivery: Typically 3-5 working days after approval.

Setup requirements:

• Charge terminals fully before first use
• Connect to Wi-Fi (portable terminals) or test GPRS (mobile terminals)
• Process test transactions (provider usually provides instructions)
• Ensure receipts print correctly
• Test contactless, chip and PIN, and any special features

Staff training: Don’t assume new terminals work identically to old ones. Train staff on:

• Processing payments
• Issuing refunds
• Reading transaction reports
• What to do if terminal fails
• How to contact support

Step 5: Manage the Transition

The critical period between stopping with old provider and fully operating with new provider requires careful management to avoid payment processing downtime.

Transition Timeline

Day 1-7: Application phase

• Submit application to new provider
• Continue using current provider
• No impact on business operations

Day 8-14: Approval and setup

• New provider approves application
• Terminals ordered and delivered
• Continue using current provider

Day 15-20: Testing phase

• New terminals arrive
• Set up and test thoroughly
• Process few test transactions
• Still using current provider for customer transactions

Day 21-30: Overlap period (recommended)

• Run both providers simultaneously for 3-7 days
• Process some transactions on new system, some on old
• Identify any issues before fully switching
• Staff get familiar with new system

Day 30+: Full switch

• Stop using old provider entirely
• Process all transactions on new system
• Return old equipment if rented

Running Dual Systems

Although it costs a bit extra (you’re paying fees to both providers briefly), running both systems for 3-7 days significantly reduces risk:

Benefits:

• If new system has issues, you still have backup
• Staff learn new system without pressure
• Customers don’t experience payment problems
• You can test different transaction types

How to do it:

• Keep old terminals active alongside new ones
• Alternate between systems during overlap
• Compare reports from both providers
• Verify settlements arrive from both correctly

Cost: If you’re processing £10,000 in the overlap week and split 50/50 between systems, you pay fees on £5,000 to each provider. Worst case extra cost: £50-£100. Worth it for peace of mind.

Avoiding Payment Processing Downtime

Downtime = lost sales. Strategies to prevent it:

Don’t cancel old provider until new system is tested and working: If you give 30 days notice immediately, ensure new provider is fully setup before day 30.

Have backup payment options ready: During transition:

• Accept bank transfers for larger amounts if card processing fails
• Have manual card imprinter as last resort (old-fashioned but works)
• Consider PayPal Here as emergency backup (instant setup)

Schedule switch during quiet period: Don’t switch during peak trading times. Best times:

• Restaurants: Quiet weekday afternoon
• Retail: Mid-week, not weekend
• Avoid: Month-end, holidays, busy seasons

Test thoroughly before going live:

• Process test transactions of various amounts
• Test refunds
• Verify contactless works (common issue if not configured properly)
• Check receipts show correct business information
• Confirm settlements arrive in correct bank account

Step 6: Update Business Systems and Information

Switching providers requires updating various business systems and documents.

Website and Marketing Materials

Website payment badges: Update “We accept” badges showing card provider logos.

Checkout pages: If you display payment processor name, update it.

Payment terms: Update any documents referencing your payment processor.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Accounting software: If you had integration with old provider, set up new integration:

• Xero: Connect new payment provider account
• QuickBooks: Update payment processor connection
• Sage: Reconfigure payment import

Bank reconciliation: You’ll have two sources of card payments for a month or two (old provider’s final settlements + new provider’s ongoing settlements). Tag them appropriately in accounting records.

Chart of accounts: If you track payment provider fees as separate expenses, update account names or codes.

Recurring Payments and Saved Cards

If you process recurring payments or have saved customer card details:

Stored card data: Cannot transfer between providers (PCI-DSS rules). Customers must provide card details again.

How to handle:

• Email customers before switch explaining change
• Provide link to update payment details
• For subscriptions: Process one final payment on old system, then migrate
• Have customer service team ready for queries

Direct debits: If you also use direct debits, those aren’t affected by card provider switch (different system entirely).

Staff Training and Processes

Update procedures documentation:

• How to process payments (new terminal steps)
• How to issue refunds (different process with new provider)
• Support contact information (new provider’s number/email)
• What to do if terminal fails

Train all staff: Don’t assume they’ll figure it out. Dedicate time to:

• Demonstrate new terminal operation
• Practice processing test transactions
• Show how to access reports/transaction history
• Explain any new features (tipping, split payments, etc.)

Customer Communication

Most switches are invisible to customers (they just tap their card). Communicate if:

• Terminals look significantly different (set customer expectations)
• Payment process changes (e.g., adding tipping option they weren’t asked before)
• Stored card details need updating (subscriptions/recurring customers)
• There’s any expected temporary payment disruption

Sample customer notice (if needed):

“` We’re upgrading our payment system! From [date], we’ll be using new card machines to process payments. What this means for you: – Faster transactions – Same payment methods accepted (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, contactless) – [Any new features: e.g., “Email receipts now available”] If you have a stored card with us for recurring payments, you’ll need to update your details. We’ll email you separately with instructions. Thank you for your patience during this short transition. “`

Step 7: Return Old Equipment (If Applicable)

If you rented terminals from your previous provider, you’re required to return them.

Equipment Return Process

Get return instructions from provider:

• Return address
• Whether they provide prepaid shipping label
• Deadline for return (typically 14-30 days after contract ends)
• What to include (terminal, cradle, power adapter, cables)

Document condition before returning:

• Take photos of terminals showing condition
• Note serial numbers
• Package carefully (you’re liable for damage in transit)
• Use tracked shipping with proof of delivery

Keep proof of return: If provider later claims you didn’t return equipment or returned damaged terminals, you need evidence.

Unreturned Equipment Charges

Providers charge for unreturned terminals:

• Basic countertop: £100-£200
• Portable terminal: £150-£300
• Mobile terminal: £200-£400
• EPOS systems: £500-£2,000+

These charges are enforceable contractually. Return equipment on time to avoid them.

What If You Purchased Terminals?

Terminals you purchased are yours to keep, but:

Cannot use with new provider: Payment terminals are “locked” to specific providers and cannot be reprogrammed for another.

Options for old terminals:

• Sell on eBay/Gumtree (someone else using same provider might buy)
• Keep as backup (if you ever return to that provider)
• Recycle responsibly (electronic waste recycling)
• Donate to charity (some providers accept old terminals)

Resale value: Expect 20-40% of original purchase price for working terminals less than 2 years old.

Step 8: Monitor and Optimize

After switching, monitor performance to ensure you’re getting expected benefits.

What to Track (First 3 Months)

Total monthly costs: Compare actual costs to quoted costs. Verify:

• Transaction fees match quoted rates
• No unexpected charges appearing
• Monthly fees are as agreed

Settlement speed: Confirm funds arrive when expected. If quoted next-day settlement, verify it’s actually happening.

Terminal reliability: Track:

• Connection failures
• Declined transactions (high decline rates suggest configuration issues)
• Customer complaints about payment process

Support responsiveness: Note response times when you contact support. Compare to previous provider.

Feature functionality: If you switched for specific features (reporting, integrations, etc.), verify they work as expected.

Calculate Actual Savings

After 3 months, calculate realized savings:

Previous provider (3-month average): £840

New provider (3-month actual): £585

Monthly savings: £85

Annual projected savings: £1,020

If savings are significantly less than expected, contact new provider to understand why. Possible causes:

• Volumes higher than estimated (recalculate whether rate is still competitive)
• Card mix different than expected (more credit than debit = higher fees)
• Unexpected fees not disclosed during sales process
• Promotional rate ended (some providers offer 3-6 month intro rates)

Address Issues Quickly

If you encounter problems with new provider in first 3 months:

Don’t wait and hope they resolve: Contact support immediately and document:

• Date and time of issue
• Who you spoke with
• Reference numbers
• Promised resolution timelines

Escalate if necessary: If frontline support doesn’t resolve issues, ask for supervisor or account manager.

Consider switching again if:

• Rates are significantly different than quoted
• Service is worse than previous provider
• Issues persist despite escalation
• Contract has cooling-off period (typically 14-30 days)

Most providers offer trial periods. If it’s truly not working, better to switch again quickly than endure poor service for years.

Common Switching Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: High Exit Fees Make Switching Uneconomical

Problem: Your contract has £800 exit fee and you only have 6 months remaining.

Solutions:

Wait it out: If savings don’t justify exit fee, mark calendar for contract end and switch then. Meanwhile, obtain quotes from new providers so you’re ready.

Negotiate exit fee: Some providers reduce or waive exit fees if you explain financial hardship or business closure.

Spread cost: Some new providers offer to cover switching costs (paying your exit fee) in exchange for longer-term contract with them. Calculate if this is worthwhile.

Challenge 2: Customers Have Stored Card Details

Problem: You run subscriptions and 500 customers have saved card details with old provider.

Solutions:

Gradual migration:

1. Continue using old provider for existing recurring payments
2. Use new provider for all new customers
3. Email existing customers requesting card details update
4. Migrate customers in batches as they update information
5. After 3-6 months, most customers migrated

Automatic migration (if available): Some providers offer card migration services where they contact cardholders’ banks to update billing arrangements. Ask new provider if this is available.

Challenge 3: Integration with Current Software Breaks

Problem: Your accounting software was integrated with old provider, new provider doesn’t have same integration.

Solutions:

Native integration: Check if new provider has different integration method (API vs pre-built plugin).

Third-party tools: Use Zapier, Make, or similar automation tools to connect new provider to your accounting software.

Manual export/import: Download transaction reports from new provider, import to accounting software. Time-consuming but works.

Factor into decision: If integration is critical, prioritize providers with native integration to your essential software.

Challenge 4: New Provider Declines Your Application

Problem: You’ve given notice to current provider, but new provider declines your application.

Solutions:

Understand why: Request specific decline reason. Common causes:

• Poor director credit history
• High-risk industry classification
• Insufficient trading history
• Previous processing issues (chargebacks, fraud)

Apply to alternative provider: One decline doesn’t mean all will decline. Try 2-3 others.

Use payment consultant: We know which providers accept specific industries and risk profiles. Can save time and improve approval odds.

Stay with current provider if necessary: If you cannot secure alternative, withdraw your cancellation notice (if within window) or negotiate new contract with current provider.

Challenge 5: Unexpected Downtime During Switch

Problem: New terminals arrive defective or connectivity issues prevent processing on switch day.

Solutions:

Preparation prevents this:

• Test new terminals thoroughly before switch date
• Run dual systems for overlap period
• Have backup payment options ready

If it happens anyway:

• Contact new provider support immediately
• Use backup methods (bank transfer, PayPal, temporary pay-as-you-go provider)
• Revert to old provider temporarily if still active
• Reschedule full switch until issues resolved

When NOT to Switch Providers

Switching isn’t always the right move. Stay with current provider if:

Savings are minimal: Less than £200-300 annually doesn’t justify effort and transition risk.

You’re in first 6 months with current provider: Give them fair chance. Switching frequently damages your processing record.

Current provider resolves your concerns: If you raised issues and they fixed them (better rates, improved support), staying avoids transition hassle.

New provider has worse features: Don’t sacrifice functionality for slightly lower fees if features are business-critical.

You’re planning business closure: If closing within 6-12 months, not worth switching effort.

Contract exit fee exceeds 2-year savings: Math doesn’t work unless your business is severely overpaying.

Using Payment Consultants for Switching

Independent payment consultants like We Tranxact streamline the switching process:

• Compare multiple providers simultaneously: We obtain quotes from several suitable providers rather than you contacting each individually
• Handle negotiations: We negotiate rates and contract terms on your behalf using provider relationships
• Review exit costs: We calculate whether switching makes financial sense given your specific circumstances
• Manage applications: We handle paperwork and underwriting process, saving your time
• Coordinate transition: We help schedule switch timing and ensure smooth handover
• Provide support: We’re available during transition if issues arise

Our service costs businesses nothing – we’re compensated by providers when we refer customers, keeping our advice independent.

When consultants are especially helpful:

• You’re uncertain which new provider suits your needs
• You want to compare multiple options without multiple applications
• You’re in high-risk industry needing specialist providers
• You don’t have time to research and coordinate yourself
• You want someone managing the entire switching process

Reference Data

For comprehensive UK payment processing costs, timelines, and provider comparisons, view our complete UK payment processing data reference guide.

Switching Providers – Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to switch card machine providers?

Switching takes 30-90 days typically: 2-5 days for new provider approval, 3-5 days for terminal delivery, 7-14 days for testing and staff training, plus 30 days notice period to current provider (if required). Pay-as-you-go to pay-as-you-go switches can be faster (1-2 weeks) with no notice periods.

Will I lose money during the switch?

No, if managed correctly. Run both systems for 3-7 days overlap, avoiding payment processing downtime. You’ll pay fees to both providers briefly (typically £50-100 extra) but this is worth it for smooth transition. Outstanding settlements from old provider will still be paid out according to their settlement schedule.

Can I keep my old card machine terminals?

If you purchased terminals, you own them but cannot use with new provider (terminals are provider-locked). If you rented terminals, you must return them within 14-30 days after contract ends or face unreturned equipment charges (£100-£400 per terminal). Card machines cannot be reprogrammed for different providers.

What happens to recurring payments when I switch?

Stored card details cannot transfer between providers (PCI-DSS rules). You must: email customers before switch explaining change, provide way to update payment details, process final payment on old system before migrating, or temporarily run both systems for recurring customers while gradually migrating them to new provider.

How much does it cost to switch providers early?

Early termination fees vary by contract: Pay-as-you-go providers charge £0 (no contract), monthly rolling contracts typically £0 or one month’s fees, fixed-term contracts charge £200-£1,000 flat fees or remaining months’ fees. Check your specific contract for exact terms. Some providers waive fees if you’re switching due to business closure or financial hardship.

Can I negotiate with my current provider to avoid switching?

Yes. When you give notice, many providers offer: reduced transaction rates to match competitors, waived monthly fees for 6-12 months, upgraded equipment, or improved support promises. Accept retention offers only if savings are guaranteed in writing, issues that prompted switching are genuinely resolved, and you haven’t already lost trust in the provider.

What if the new provider declines my application?

If declined: request specific reason (credit issues, high-risk industry, insufficient trading history), apply to 2-3 alternative providers (one decline doesn’t mean all will decline), use payment consultant who knows which providers accept your industry, or withdraw cancellation notice with current provider if still within notice period and negotiate better terms.

Do I need to tell customers I’m switching providers?

Usually not – most switches are invisible to customers (they just tap their card). Communicate only if: terminals look significantly different, payment process changes (new features like tipping), stored card details need updating for recurring payments, or there’s expected temporary disruption. Otherwise, customers won’t notice or care about backend provider change.

Can I switch if I’m in a 3-year contract?

Yes, but you’ll pay early termination fees. Calculate: (new provider monthly savings × remaining months) minus exit fee = net benefit. If positive and significant (£500+), switching makes sense despite exit fee. If you’re within 6 months of contract end, waiting is often more economical unless you’re severely overpaying.

How do I avoid switching provider problems?

To ensure smooth switch: check current contract for exit fees and notice requirements before committing to new provider, test new terminals thoroughly before going live with customers, run both systems for 3-7 days overlap period, schedule switch during quiet trading period not peak times, train all staff on new terminals before cutover date, and have backup payment options ready in case of issues.

Related Payment Processing Guides

• How to Choose a Card Machine Provider
• Card Machine Provider Comparison UK
• Merchant Account Fees Explained
• How to Get a Merchant Account UK
• Best Card Machines for Small Business

UK Payment Industry Resources

• UK Finance – Payment Standards
• Financial Conduct Authority – Payment Services
• Visa UK
• Mastercard UK

Switch to Better Payment Processing

Paying too much or unhappy with your current card machine provider? We help UK businesses switch providers smoothly, comparing multiple options and managing the entire transition process.