Options Available For a Mobile Credit Card Terminal
If you are exploring the possibility of using a mobile credit card
terminal, there are several decisions that you must make. Those
decisions will often relate to how and where you intend to use the
device, but most commonly, the decisions will have more to do with what
works best for your business, your budget, and your customer's
requirements. Let's take a look at the most common options that must be
considered when you are shopping for these devices.
Should you
lease or purchase the device? Many companies that sell these devices
give you a choice between leasing and purchasing. If you will just be
using the device for one event, obviously you might want to lease.
However, since these devices can be used anywhere, including your usual
business location, you may determine that purchasing, or signing a
longer lease, may be the best business decision you could make, from a
financial standpoint.
What features do you require for your
mobile credit card terminal? Don't make the mistake of thinking that
all terminals have the same features - they don't. Some do not have the
store and forward feature, which could be vitally important depending
on where you will be using the device. Some devices do not print out
receipts, which could be a deal ender for many of your customers. Some
devices will allow you to press in credit card information, but not to
swipe credit cards, which your customers may prefer.
The styles
of devices also vary, in terms of appearance and size. Some are
designed to sit on a counter, desk or other flat surface, and some are
handheld. There are many styles that can be used in either way. Which
style will work best for your business? As with most technological
devices, the smaller the device is, the more it may cost.
Will
you use your current processing company, or will you need a new
processing company? Some processing companies are not set up to process
your credit card transactions when they are conducted with a Mobile Credit Card Terminal. Many of the companies that sell these devices
also offer credit card processing. Check with your current processing
company to see what your options with them are.
While most of
these devices are wireless, this isn't true for all mobile devices.
Some still require access to electricity and telephone lines, but these
are not provided in all venues. Where it is provided, there is
typically an additional charge for the use of these utilities, which
can make the venue a great deal more expensive. In most cases, a
wireless device is best, as they can be used in any venue.