Selecting discount credit card machines isn’t something a merchant should do without checking first with his or her merchant services provider. The credit card company that processes sales transactions really had the final word on what machines they use.
For example, the best discount credit card machines are Class A certified by major platform manufacturers such as Global, Vital and First Data. However, it’s the credit card processing company that decides which terminals they’ll support, and which machines they won’t support. Most reputable vendors will gladly exchange any terminal that a merchant discovers isn’t supported by a processor. Naturally it saves time, trouble and frustration to check with the service provider first before buying wireless terminals.
In addition, most discount credit card machines aren’t what’s known as “plug and play” devices. “Plug and play” means that it’s possible simply to plug the terminal into a power source and use it immediately without any need for set-up. With credit card terminals, the processing company provides software that handles the transaction. This computer program usually can be downloaded over a telephone line, and the programming completed with the help of the provider’s customer service department. Sometimes a discount credit card machine vendor will offer customers the option of having a terminal programming in advance.
Finally, Visa/MasterCard regulations require all PIN pads to be to be encrypted by an approved electronic security facility. Each processing company has a unique encryption, so it’s necessary to send a PIN entry device to the security agent for set-up before it’s used.