subject: Getting A Free Credit Card Terminal -- How To Choose The Right One [print this page] A free credit card terminal can save your business a lot of money, but if you choose the wrong one it can become the source of a lot of hassles and disgruntled customers. This is why a quality credit card processing provider will offer several different kinds of free credit card terminals ranging from the very basic all the way up to the latest models loaded with features. But, how do you know which one best fits your requirements? You'll need to identify your needs and match them to the various terminal choices. Here's how.
Wired Or Wireless Free Credit Card Terminals
The first thing to consider when choosing a free credit card terminal is how much portability you'll need. If you're consistently on the road with your business, you'll likely find wireless equipment to be the best plan of action. A free credit card terminal with a store and forward feature would also work since it stores the information until you connect it to a phone line.
If you do have access to a phone line and don't need that much portability, try a traditional, wired version. However, you'll need to remember the phone line cannot have call waiting or be interrupted during the time it will require to complete the transaction. Therefore, you need either a dedicated line or a line shared with a fax or modem. You can also use terminals that connect through an IP connection, which doesn't require a dedicated phone line and will only takes 2-3 seconds to complete the purchase.
Will You Need A Free Credit Card Terminal With Special Features?
It's important to consider all of the special features and additional needs you'll have when looking at the various free credit card terminals on offer. If you have multiple merchant accounts, you'll need a system that can handle it. In fact, you can get some styles that can handle up to nine different accounts. Another important accessory you'll want to consider is a pin pad which you will need for processing debit cards.
Additional Considerations
Before trying to decide which free credit card terminal you need, you'll want to view your business as a whole. Do you have space for the terminal so that it's convenient for you and your staff to use? Also, who will set it up and how much will it cost you? If you will be setting it up yourself, is there a technical support or customer service line available for you to call? Who will make the repairs if something should go wrong? These things are normally covered by your processing services when you're using free terminals, but make certain you know the answers to these questions before moving forward.
Free credit card terminals are a great way to cut down your business expenses and even some of the hassles of setting up and maintaining them, but you need to determine the one that best meets your needs. When you choose the right free credit card terminal, however, you can offer your customers added conveniences that will boost sales and improve your company's profits.
