Credit Card Processing Equipment

With almost three times as many debit and credit cards as there as people in the United States, operating a cash-only business no longer makes sense. Customers expect to be able to pay for purchases both large and small with plastic. If you are looking to expand your payment options you will need credit card processing equipment. Depending on your needs there are several options to choose from.

Common credit card processing equipment can be grouped into four categories: Point-of-sale systems, stand-alone terminals, wireless/WiFi systems, and virtual terminals.

Point of sale systems. Point of sale (POS) systems are quickly replacing your typical cash register. Most units are advanced computers that operate, as the name suggests, at the point of sale (where and when a customer makes a purchase). These units accept cash and process debit and credit cards. The most comprehensive POS system, the HP rp5000, includes a scanner which eliminates manual entry. A touch screen makes it easy to operate, and advanced technology allows this POS system to report real-time sales activity, track inventory with ease, track customer histories, and virtually eliminate paperwork.

Stand-alone terminals. For vendors on the go, or those with a smaller budget, a stand-alone credit card processing terminal may be more appropriate. These compact units save space but still offer secure debit and credit card processing. Many can support value-add features like age verification, check processing, or loyalty card acceptance. Some units, like the FD300, have special features like a touch screen.
Wireless/Wifi systems. Wireless credit card processing terminals can be used anywhere there is a wireless network. This means multiple units can be used without the need for a dedicated phone line for each one. Surprisingly, most of these units are faster than those using a traditional modem. The Commerciant Mobilescape units offer the added benefit of instant online account access, next-day maintenance, and access to the Sprint PCS nationwide network.
Virtual Terminals. PCCharge is a software that will turn any PC into a secure credit card processing terminal, eliminating the need for other equipment. It can be used as is, or it can be incorporated into an existing point of sale system. In addition to credit cards, it can process almost any kind of payment method: debit cards, EBT, gift/loyalty cards, and checks. It is a cost effective solution for large businesses and mom-and-pops alike.
If you are not sure what kind of credit card processing equipment is right for you, consider consulting with an expert. A merchant account services provider, like Veritrans LLC, that provides top-of-the line credit card processing equipment, will offer their consultation at no charge. By examining your business model they can make recommendations for what equipment will best suit your needs.
Credit cards are so common these days that not accepting them can no longer an option. Fortunately, you do have the option of choosing the credit card processing equipment that is best for you and your customers. Whether you need a comprehensive point of sale system, or a small and simple stand-alone, there is a wide variety of easy-to-use, secure equipment available—whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong.

About the Author:
Ethan Luke. Credit Card Processing - Affordable and reliable Credit Card and Merchant Account services from Veritrans.