subject: Choosing The Right Credit Card Processing Terminal [print this page] If you're thinking about obtaining a merchant account so that your business can accept credit cards, you are most likely wondering what type of credit card terminal will be very best for you. There are lots of things to take into account when selecting your terminal; allow me to share a few of the most significant aspects of your choice.
First off, ponder if you truly need a credit card terminal. If you operate a mail order business or take sales over the Internet, you most likely don't need a terminal, but if you operate a business where you deal with your clients in person, you will wish to have a machine where they are able to swipe their cards.
Next, you should consider the kind of connection your terminal needs to have. The old credit card machines made use of a telephone line to connect and complete the transaction. This is still a good choice if you have a dedicated phone line (or can share a phone line between the card terminal and your fax machine, for example).
Newer models make use of Internet connections as well as wireless connections, which might be a better option if your business is already wired for Internet. Talk to your payment processing company to determine what sort of transmission type is best for you.
You also require to consider precisely what you need your credit card terminal to perform. Would you like it to print out 2 receipts automatically, for example, or would you instead use carbon paper? Or would you prefer a terminal that includes a pad and electronic pen so the customer can "sign" directly on the terminal?
You can also get Tap and Go terminals that enable customers with certain cards to literally tap their cards on the machine and get instant approval. Customers without those cards can still swipe their regular credit card, and no signature is required.
Another option you might wish to consider is whether you would like a credit card terminal that can also enable you to accept debit cards. These machines have a keypad that enables users to enter their PIN number.
Accepting debit cards is great for you because you do not pay all the fees you pay if you accept a debit card without allowing the customer to key in his or her PIN. It's a really secure transaction method and something you certainly should think about.
When thinking of what type of credit card terminal to get, consider all your choices and weigh your needs and the needs of your customers against the price of different terminals your payment processor offers. Some processors even provide equipment for free, which makes it even more attractive to obtain all of the features you want.
