Which Terminal Should I Use?

Merchants aren’t usually educated on exactly what they are looking for. They will typically hear about a specific machine from a friend, another business, or simply by searching through search engines. It is up to us to guide them in the right direction in terms of what machine is best for their business. All of the terminals and printers basically do the same thing. Unless there is a specific application a merchant is looking for their equipment to do, they are usually better off buying a machine that is inexpensive.

Another common reason for a specific terminal would be for a merchant that wants an terminal that will make the transaction time only 2-3 seconds. (really Fast)

RETAIL MERCHANTS

Most retail merchants will be shopping for a terminal/printer combination. As a merchant with swiped transactions, they will be looking for ease of use. The best equipment would be a simple machine with not a lot of fluff. Some examples:

We are no longer compatible to download any VERIFONE OMNI TERMINALS (3730-3740-3750) MODEL

MOTO / KEYED-FACE-TO-FACE MERCHANTS

<!- -block–>With these accounts there are several avenues to explore with your merchant.

TERMINAL ONLY OPTIONS

We would recommend the same terminals for MOTO and Keyed face to face merchants as we would for retail merchants.  They are also looking for simple machines with not a lot of fluff.

GATEWAY / VIRTUAL TERMINAL OR SOFTWARE AUTHORIZE.NET, PC CHARGE, GLOBALPAY ETC.

For a small monthly fee, your merchant can access a website to key in the cardholder information and easily run their transactions although some merchants shy away from this additional fee.

There is better tracking of charges when run on a gateway as opposed to a terminal, with more features available for reporting.

Optional card reader to upgrade account to swiped interface.

LODGING MERCHANTS: TERMINAL OPTIONS ARE LIMITED FOR THESE MERCHANTS

Hypercom T7Plus, T4210, T4220

Specific programming to the industry

Software ‰ЫТ IC Verify

Computer based IP transactions

Easier reporting

Equipment

WIRELESS MERCHANTS

Designed for merchants who do not have phone lines to run transactions.

Wireless  Nurit 8020, WaySystems MTT, WaySystems 5000, Verifone VX610.

Monthly access fee of $25 and one time activation fee of $35 for the ability to run real time transactions.

Different network providers GPRS provided by AT&T and CDMA supported by Verizon Wireless. The best choice would depend on the merchants area.

INTERNET MERCHANTS

Aimed at merchants selling their products or services through a website

Virtual terminals  Authorize.net

Fully integrated with most shopping carts for a real time online transaction

ADDITIONAL TERMINAL OPTIONS

Multi-Merchant

Multi-merchant is an advantage that only some terminals have the capability of doing. This gives merchant(s) the ability to add an additional merchant to the same terminal. Ideal for a doctors offices/stylists. Instead of buying 5 terminals for 5 doctors/stylists, you can have 1 terminal and add additional merchants to the terminal. By simply pressing the correct keys on the terminal, you can scroll through to the doctor who wants to use the terminal allowing each doctor to have their own merchant account on the same terminal.

(See Equipment Overview on AIC for recommendations).

Multi-Application

A multi-application terminal has a lot of memory so that it can carry multiple applications (check program, gift cards, age verification, etc.). Most terminals only have the memory for a standard merchant account file, whereas a multi-application based terminal allows for the merchant to add additional services to the terminal.

(See Equipment Overview on ISO HQ for recommendations)

IP Terminals

IP Compatible terminals allow merchants to use a high speed internet connection to process credit cards. An Ethernet cord is plugged directly into the terminal to provide a quick turnaround on transaction timing. IP Terminals cut the overall transaction time in half, provide speed and convenience to the customer, and are an ideal solution for business owners using a high speed DSL/Cable internet connection. This is an ideal solution for merchants that turn over customers quickly, such as coffee shops, restaurants, fast food, car washes, etc.

(See Equipment Overview section on AIC)