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Paid and Free Credit Card Terminals -- Should You Go Wired or Wireless?
The style of a paid or free credit card terminal is one frequently neglected feature. Either style works, of course, but each one has its own benefits and weaknesses. Select the wrong style and you may find yourself limited in the services you can offer. This leads to a huge inconvenience and a potential loss of revenue.
Wireless Paid, Rental, and Free Credit Card Terminals
Wireless terminals use radio frequency in the same way as wireless Internet, GPS, and other portable electronic devices. Through an 802.11 WLAN or Wireless Local Area Network connection, the terminal sends digital data through the air over short distances, directly to the processors. This can be a network designed for satellite television or one created for cell phones.
One of the biggest benefits to this style is portability. It doesn't matter whether you have a booth at the local flea market, are a delivery driver, or run a taxi, you can bring these small machines with you wherever you go, streamlining the payment process.
Wired Credit Terminals
Wired systems work much like older dial-up modems. It sends a signal through the telephone that connects with the processor and sends the signal to the card company who issues a request to the issuing bank. There, they approve the purchase and send a deposit transaction allowing the retailer or business to complete the transaction.
Whether you buy a high-end model or a refurbished model, credit card terminals that are wired are thought to be more reliable. However, this is starting to change with advances in technology. They cost less and can mount in place to prevent damage. Unfortunately, it means you can't take it with you if you decide to offer delivery or try a little on-the-road sales. It will also need a dedicated phone line. Many terminals can share a phone line, but if by choosing this option, the merchant risks the transaction being dropped if it gets interrupted during transmission.
Which Style Should You Choose?
When it comes time to choose which style to buy or select as your free credit card terminal, you need to match the benefits and downfalls of each and compare them with the needs of your business. If you will be doing trade shows, booths, or catering to the customer, you should buy or choose a free wireless credit card terminal. If you own an automotive garage, grocery store, or other retail business that doesn't require you to do business outside your store, you might want to select a wired model.
Whether you buy one or get one free, credit card terminals are an integral part of your business finances. Instead of focusing purely on price, be sure to consider the benefits of each style to choose the one that will allow you to do what you need to grow your business.
About the Author Christine O'Kelly writes for the payment processing experts at BluePay who offer free credit card terminals to their clients. Besides a free credit card terminal, these merchant account experts process payments from around the globe while offering the highest security.
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