Wireless Credit Card Machine

If you plan to accept credit cards for your business, you will need a credit card machine. It is important that you have some way of accepting credit and debit cards, since most of your customers are likely to use some form of plastic in order to pay for their products and services. The type of credit card machine you get depends, in large part, on the needs of your business. Different machines offer different features, and can be used for different types of businesses. While most types of credit card terminal will work with any stationary business, if you have a mobile business, it is a good idea to consider a wireless credit card machine.

What is a wireless credit card machine?

From the name, it is fairly easy to guess that a wireless credit card machine operates without needing to be plugged into something. Generally, a wireless credit card machine will send its information through airwaves, much as your cell phone or PDA works. (In fact, there are some software programs – somewhat expensive – that will allow you to process credit cards using your smart phone.) This wireless machine allows you to take your customers’ payment no matter where you are.

Wireless credit card machines are especially useful for those who have a small, mobile business. Many artists and others find a wireless credit card machine helpful, since they can take it with them to art shows. If you set up concessions (such as a sno cone shack or some sort of other food cart), you can also find a wireless credit card machine useful. It can also be useful for those with a small storefront with small amounts of credit card payments. You can purchase one terminal to share amongst two or three cashiers, and move it as needed, without having to worry about unplugging and plugging back in.

One of the main advantages to a wireless credit card machine is the fact that most of these devices come with storage capability. You might not be in a place where you can transmit your transaction information. In these cases, your terminal will actually store all of the information and save it for later. As soon as you can make the transmissions, the stored information will be run and authorization obtained.

Drawbacks to a wireless credit card machine

Even though a wireless credit card machine can be convenient and useful, there are some drawbacks. The biggest drawback is cost. A wireless terminal costs more than a comparable model that plugs in to something. For a less expensive, new model, you might pay $300. Models with more features and capabilities usually cost right around $500 – $700. In some cases, a wireless credit card machine can cost $1,000. You will have to carefully consider your needs, and whether a wireless terminal is right for you before deciding to buy. If you have a small business, you may only be able to buy one or two terminals. You can usually get a refurbished wireless credit card machine, but in these cases it is usually best to get one with a guaranty or warranty, since you want to make sure that it works properly.

Another drawback is that you often need a power source. If your wireless terminal runs off battery power, you will have to remember to recharge it. If you don’t have a chargeable battery, you will still need to use a power cord. Finding power for your wireless credit card machine is something that you will regularly have to consider.

In the end, companies that will best benefit from a wireless credit card machine are those with a degree of mobility. Carefully consider your options, and determine your needs, before making a final decision on the type of credit card terminal that you get.