Wireless Credit Card Processing Solutions

Definition. Wireless credit card processing services enable merchants to accept credit and debit card payments on mobile terminals at locations outside of their offices. Depending on the type of wireless credit card processing solution, the mobile terminals may be using short- or long-range networks to transmit the payment information collected from the card's magnetic stripe.

Types. There are two major groups of wireless payment processing solutions:

• Long-Range Wireless Payment Processing. Long-range wireless solutions use the same networks that cell phone carriers use for transmitting voice and data. The service is available everywhere network service is present. It is perfect for businesses that regularly accept payments at their customers' locations or at trade conventions and similar types of events.
• Short-Range Wireless Payment Processing. Short-range wireless devices use the same connectivity services that cordless phones use. The credit card processing terminal can be operational within a radius of several hundred feet of the location of its base unit which is connected to a phone line. The short-range wireless payment processing solution is perfect for merchants with limited mobility requirements, e.g. merchants who need card acceptance capabilities at different locations on their premises.

Advantages. There are several main advantages to using mobile solutions for accepting card payments:

• Additional Processing Options. A mobile credit card processing service allows you to immediately process card payments at trade shows, conventions, or on your customers' premises.
• Increased Security. With a wireless terminal the customer remains in possession of the card at all times.
• Reduced Processing Costs. Because wireless transactions are processed in a card-present environment, they generally receive the best possible rates.

Disadvantages. There are a couple of disadvantages of using mobile processing solutions that you need to be aware of:

• Equipment Cost. The price of wireless terminals is significantly higher than that of regular point-of-sale terminals and can be the deciding factor in your decision, especially if your processing volumes are low.
• Network Coverage. Generally described as the biggest draw-back, network connectivity is continuously being improved. You will need to check the reliability of the network that your prospective provider is using in the area you will be operating in before setting up a wireless merchant account.

Merchant Services Wireless Credit Card Processing Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Cole

Wireless Credit Card Processing Risk Classification

Wireless credit card processing solutions have quickly proliferated with the coming of age of the cellular phone technology. There are two different types of wireless services - short range and long range. The short-range is for merchants, who need to accept payments at their own location but do not want to be tied up to a certain spot. It has a range of several hundred feet around a base terminal. The long-range solution requires network capability and you can take it with you and use it anywhere where, as long as there is wireless connectivity.

The risk classification of a business is based on several factors. The presence of the card at the time the payment is made is where a wireless solution plays a role and helps reduce it. If a merchant accepts card payments away from his or her office by gathering the customer payment information in a form and later enters it into a terminal or keys it into a phone, this payment mode will be immediately qualified as "high risk", without even looking at the other factors. In the case of a wireless processing solution, the customer would swipe his or her card through a card reader and the transaction will fall into the "card present" category which is the first factor that is looked at when determining the risk level. As an added benefit, the merchant saves time as there is no need for additional manual data entering.

All major credit card transaction processing providers offer a wireless service and there is also a variety of terminals to choose from as well. Although their price tags are still pretty high, they have been falling steadily. There are additional credit card processing fees that are applied to wireless solutions as well. You will be paying an additional monthly fee for every terminal that you have and an additional per transaction fee. There might be an activation fee as well.

The biggest issue, when it comes to wireless card processing, however, is the availability of the wireless signal. You need to make sure that your provider's network coverage is strong in your service area, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Wireless Merchant Account Wireless Credit Card Processing Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Cole

Wireless Credit Card Processing Risk Classification

Wireless credit card processing solutions have quickly proliferated with the coming of age of the cellular phone technology. There are two different types of wireless services - short range and long range. The short-range is for merchants, who need to accept payments at their own location but do not want to be tied up to a certain spot. It has a range of several hundred feet around a base terminal. The long-range solution requires network capability and you can take it with you and use it anywhere where, as long as there is wireless connectivity.

The risk classification of a business is based on several factors. The presence of the card at the time the payment is made is where a wireless solution plays a role and helps reduce it. If a merchant accepts card payments away from his or her office by gathering the customer payment information in a form and later enters it into a terminal or keys it into a phone, this payment mode will be immediately qualified as "high risk", without even looking at the other factors. In the case of a wireless processing solution, the customer would swipe his or her card through a card reader and the transaction will fall into the "card present" category which is the first factor that is looked at when determining the risk level. As an added benefit, the merchant saves time as there is no need for additional manual data entering.

All major credit card transaction processing providers offer a wireless service and there is also a variety of terminals to choose from as well. Although their price tags are still pretty high, they have been falling steadily. There are additional credit card processing fees that are applied to wireless solutions as well. You will be paying an additional monthly fee for every terminal that you have and an additional per transaction fee. There might be an activation fee as well.

The biggest issue, when it comes to wireless card processing, however, is the availability of the wireless signal. You need to make sure that your provider's network coverage is strong in your service area, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Wireless Merchant Account Wireless Credit Card Processing Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Cole

How Wireless Handheld Credit Card Processing Can Save Your Business Time and Money

If you are in a service business, how often do you invoice someone and wait 30, 60, 90+ days to get paid. How often do you never get paid? Many of you might already appreciate the benefits of accepting Visa/Mastercard, Amex, and Discover, but currently call in/key in credit card transactions. The fact that a physical credit card is not swiped is costing your business money. It is considered a higher risk transaction and your discount rate will be higher on a non-swiped card transaction. The solution that will save your company time and money is the wireless credit card terminal.

Wireless networks have evolved to the point where they are now very comprehensive and cost effective. The following list of professions could benefit substantially from wireless processing: plumbers, locksmiths, taxis, limo’s, pizza delivery, home parties, trade show participants, flea market merchants, contractors, electricians, snow plowing, lawn maintenance and photographers. The list is endless!

We all know that it is much more appetizing to spend a little more money when you use plastic. Credit Cards also make it more possible for an impulse purchase. For example, we are currently quoting an aerial photographer that takes beautiful pictures of homes in New England, then sells the finished product to the homeowner. A wireless terminal will surely increase his business and grab many of those impulse buyers that might not have purchased with cash on hand.

In closing, many industries could benefit from a wireless hand held credit card terminal. As always, do your research before purchasing and demand that your credit card processor educate you on all aspects of your contract!

Gerald Schiano is a consultant with United Bankcard of New England. He can be reached for a complimentary analysis of your businesses current credit card processing statement or a bid on new service. http://www.unitedbankcardlowrates.com, consult@unitedbankcardlowrates.com, http://stores.ebay.com/UBC-of-NE-Accept-Credit-Cards-Now 401-404-5600

There is a reason UBC is the sixth fastest growing private company in the INC 500. Great Service & Great Pricing!

United Bankcard of New England is a proud Agent for United Bankcard a registered ISO/MSP of First National Bank Of Omaha

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