Manual credit card machine: perfect low cost option for small businesses
If you run a small business, a manual credit card machine is a perfect low cost option for conduction the payment operations. This type of equipment produces imprints of your clients' credit card details for processing the transactions.
Before making up your mind concerning the purchase, it is always recommended to study the subject carefully, to have a closer look at all the models and styles available on the market, and to define the most suitable variant for your company. Lots of factors should be considered here, but may it not scare you off: it is guaranteed that a proper device will appear to be a nice investment and start paying the money back pretty soon.
A manual credit card machine can serve as the main device for conducting transactions, or as alternative one if you want to make sure that a working process will not be interrupted in case some problems occur to your functioning equipment.
Depending in the focus and type of your business, you can choose between in-store and portable machines.
Without a doubt, the first option is more suitable for a static business, which does not require any changes of location for sales. A standard in-store model easily fits on the counter without occupying too much space, and extremely easy to use. In order to get an imprint of a client's credit card, you will require carbon paper. The manual credit card machine will operate when you slide a handle over the card placed with the carbon paper.
Another option is to get portable imprinters. These machines are small in size and light, which makes them easy to carry and to operate on the go. They work similarly to the mobile phones, working in the range of GPRS coverage and even out of it, thanks to an advanced and convenient feature called “store and forward”. This kind of device is suitable and in some cases even absolutely irreplaceable for mobile businesses, which involves travelling salesmen, food delivery, taking part in trade shows and exhibitions, arranging sales on flea markets and mall kiosks, providing services on the clients site and so on. The manual credit card machine would broaden the range of targeted clients, as lots of people prefer using a plastic card instead of carrying large amounts of cash. Moreover, it would add professional touch to the way your company deals with customers and enhance your brand image.
If you are not sure which type of the equipment will work better for you, it is always possible to rent a credit card machine and to test it in the process of daily activity. Usually credit card machines rental companies provide the services of all the installations necessary, so you can concentrate on the business strategies instead of bothering about setting up processes. The manual credit card machine can be rented for a long period, in case you are going to use it on a regular basis, or just for a single event, for example for a seasonal fair or exhibition of products.
Whichever option you choose, make sure you utilise the capabilities of your card processing device for the fullest, as it can benefit your business in so many ways.