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Processing Credit Cards On the Go With A Wireless Machine

Undoubtedly the biggest innovation to hit the credit card processing industry in the last 5 years has been the wireless credit card terminal.    Being able to accept a credit card and get an instant approval  on-the-go was a god send to many merchants.   However the history of wireless processing  did have a bit of a rocky beginning.  Early networks had spotty and unreliable converge, and some networks were taken off line due to technical and financial issues, leaving merchant’s who purchased devices for those networks with nothing more than an expensive paper weight.

Fortunately today’s modern wireless service providers like the Apriva® GPRS wireless network have solved the early problems and have given mobile merchants a great, reliable tool for doing business most anywhere they need to go.   The network actually incorporates the services of more than one wireless service and “roams” for the strongest signals from those available at the location you happen to be.   The system uses the digital networks which are also used for text messaging.  These networks often function where voice networks do not.  There are several companies that manufacture wireless credit card terminals.  The supported network is determined by a “Sims Card” installed in the unit, similar to cellular phones.

Other than the obvious advantage of being able to do business almost anywhere, there are some other benefits of a wireless credit card machine including:

• Lower Rates and Fees – keyed-in transactions (card not present) have a higher “interchange” which is the cost of the transaction to the merchant bank.  Accordingly you will always pay higher fees for a transaction without the card being swiped, but by having the ability to slide the card through the machines reader, you will get the lower, “qualified” rate.
• No Phone Line Needed – even if you are operating in a retail setting, you can avoid having to pay for an expensive land line phone by simply using a wireless terminal along with your wireless or IP based phone system.
• Portability – most modern wireless terminals like the Nurit 8000 furnished by Total Merchant Services, are totally self contained and are designed for hand-held use.  There is no need to carry around modems, printers or any other hardware.
• Security – Wireless transactions are secure over a modern network like the Apriva
• Instant Approval – You will know immediately if the transaction has been approved or declined and you avoid the risk of having to take a chance on the cards validity.  Transactions normally only take 3-5 seconds.

Because the terminals are wireless, light-weight, they can go anywhere that you need to do business.   At a show, convention, on a sales call, sporting event or maybe in someone's own home you can now accept credit and debit cards quickly and reliably.  Being a standalone wireless unit might seem as though it would have its constraints but the benefits massively outweigh any limitations. Many buyers have concern over giving out their credit card info, but by swiping the card the customer knows their card information will not be copied, lost, hacked or sold.

To make sure you get equipment and services that are up-to-date and compatible, choose a reliable merchant services provider like Total Merchant Services.  Avoid costly mistakes like buying a used terminal online that is no longer compatible with any modern wireless network.  When you are setup and receiver your terminal, your business will now be ready to process cards any anytime, anywhere with all the advantages of being in a retail store environment. The best benefit of all is your bottom line.  Watch your sales increase when you customers know they can use their credit or debit card to purchase your products and services!

Marc Kenyon
Regional Sales Manager
Total Merchant Services
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