Archive for the ‘Equipment-POS’ Category

RoamPay vs CenPOS mobile payments solution review

Monday, July 30th, 2012

This review of ROAMpay X, ROAM Data’s flagship mobile payments product which converts a mobile device into a secure POS terminal,  focuses on key differences between RoamPay and CenPOS, a fast growing payment processing platform.   As a disclosure, your writer can offer most mobile applications to merchants, including RoamPay and CenPOS.

This review targets businesses with revenues from all sources exceeding $1M annually. Typically,

  • The business has ‘interchange plus’ pricing for their merchant account.
  • Mobile is only one method for accepting credit cards throughout the organization.

“ROAM Data, Inc. is the leading global mCommerce platform provider extending both physical Point of Sale (POS) and virtual eCommerce to the mobile environment.”

Key RoamPay mobile solution features:

  • Low cost solution for business to consumer retail sales.
  • Roampay provisions by phone number.
  • Mobile and virtual terminal interface for sales is the same look and feel. Overall functions are nearly identical.
  • To facilitate entering a customer’s address information, there is an optional reverse phone lookup field by entering customers phone number.
  • Optional Roam Offers service allows merchants to push out deals.
  • Stores encrypted transactions on the device when offline. User will be reminded to upload transactions when they can connect and login again.
  • Users can view sales data for 30 days on the mobile device and 90 days on the virtual terminal. Some data may be exported.
  • API’s are available.

“CenPOS is an intelligent payment processing network that streamlines the payment experience for businesses and consumers by using state-of-the-art technology to replace inefficient, outdated payment systems. Our comprehensive and holistic approach to payment processing is easily implemented and scalable to your business.”

Key CenPOS mobile solution features:

  • Most cost efficient solution for larger businesses and business to business. CenPOS technology helps merchants save up to 1.05% per transaction, depending on the card type and other factors – with their existing merchant account.
  • CenPOS has a scalable mobile solution- merchant administrators enable users on the platform via a virtual terminal. There are no per user or per device fees or administration. With custom roles, custom permissions, and infinite controls, the merchant mitigates both internal and external risk.
  • Mobile and virtual terminal interface for sales is the same look and feel, but the platform also includes additional modules and features. CenPOS is a scalable platform with a robust set of tools for varying departmental needs ranging from reconciliation to remote supervisor transaction override to custom reports. User permissions, access and alerts are managed by appropriate administrators.
  • Especially useful for B2B, health membership clubs, and storage companies, customers can swipe their card and store encrypted and tokenized for recurring billing later. Uniquely, CenPOS will represent the initial transaction as retail, and subsequent transactions as card not present, mitigating risk and qualifying transactions for lower interchange rates in some cases.
  • Merchants can choose what data to collect and use for data mining.
  • CenPOS stores data for 7 years.

LOGIC DIFFERENCES: Like most mobile payment apps, CenPOS has a significant operational differences than other applications, such as what happens when you key enter a credit card on a retail merchant account?

I had a very difficult time digging in to the details of what the Roam product line can and cannot do. Either there are many limitations, or the information is simply not shared online.

RoamPay CenPOS Comments
FUNCTION/SCREENS cash, credit, offline sale, void, refund, inquiry, change password TRANSACTIONS:Sale, void, quick return, voice auth, auth, quick force, credit, create token sale, repeat sale, positive card.  Tips and sales tax also shown.REPORTS:reprint, transaction search, cashier report, supervisor approval, transaction locations.

SETTINGS:

change password, restaurant mode (tax/tip) on or off. Robust reporting with 7 years data stored.

Roampay appears to be a single user single account solution, but if true, I’m sure that will be updated in the near future.CenPOS is a scalable solution with remote deployment. It includes a virtual terminal to manage user permissions- 100% customizeable- and access. CenPOS supports many sales functions any merchant desires, plus offers strict user permission controls, for example, blocking refunds or voids if desired. While CenPOS does not support ‘cash’ today, there are POS solutions with integrated CenPOS that do, including CenPOS POS.

Transactions completed on any mobile device are instantly available on the virtual terminal. Supervisors can override to approve transactions from a mobile device or any computer (authorized).

Payment processing Works with First Data Nashville, Chase Paymentech Tampa, Global East, Sage Payment Solutions . Offline transactions – When cellular signal is not available, transactions can
be stored securely and uploaded at a later time when your network is
accessible.
Works with all major credit card processors.Does not support store and upload later. All transactions are in real time. User could call office and have a transaction entered via a virtual terminal. RoamPay is a RETAIL solution.CenPOS supports more processors, and more importantly, more transaction types for both retail and card not present.
How to buy
Contact your credit card processor Buy direct or through authorized resellers
Costs Fees are per device- contact your processor. There is usually a set-up, monthly fee, and transaction fee. CenPOS customers get the mobile application free with unlimited users. CenPOS accepts payments via all inputs- brick and mortar, ecommerce, online, mobile, kiosk etc. providing a robust SaaS to help merchants mitigate risk, manage costs, and reduce PCI burden.
HARDWARE RoamPay encrypted reader. Hardware vendor agnostic. Popular choices are IDTech encrypted readers including IDTech Shuttle, IDTech iMag Pro, IDTech UniMag II.  Choose only encrypted magnetic stripe readers for PCI. ID Tech recently added a new product for phone jacks (all Androids use phone jack card reader) that has a rubber piece that helps keep it from slipping. Droid mobile payments users have always lamented the slip problem for all brand readers.CenPOS is compatible with the same hardware that Apple uses in it’s stores for ‘anywhere’ checkout that includes a bar code reader.
Hardware cost Usually included with set up fee ranging from $99 to $249. $35-139, and up to $350 for other  high volume multi-purpose options.  If you have an Apple product, choose a reader that plugs in to the bottom. Users prefer them to reduce retries and for the sturdier feel.
COMPATIBILITY iPad, iPhone, Android, Blackberry, PC/mac. Same solution for devices and computers. iPad, iPhone, Android, iTouch, PC, Mac, and tablets.Features vary by product to take advantage of each devices’ unique attributes.
EXTRAS Roam Pay is owned by ROAM Data, which was acquired by Ingenico in 2012. They’ve announced an NFC solution will launch in mid-2012. Cenpos solutions include Virtual Terminal, Dashboard, Retail signature capture, EBPP, Recurring billing, Online Payments, Kiosk, open source ERP, open source ecommerce integrations. Level II and level III data supported to reduce corporate and p-card processing costs.CenPOS is privately held and has announced support for EMV will be offered. RoamPay is a solid mobile solution with many innovations expected to come.CenPOS is a more robust solution for existing operations that include multiple payment acceptance points, including retail, online, kiosk and mobile. CenPOS is an entire PCI compliant payment solution that can be integrated with your software. Open source shopping carts, ERP, secure online pay pages and more.
roampay mobile card readerRoampay uses the audio jack only. The standard sale screen is ready to go for restaurants.

iphone mobile payment app

idech mobile reader

IDtech imag pro, above, plugs into the power slot on an iPhone. It is shown with an an unknown application screenshot.
CenPOS mobile app screen below. Users only see tabs for functions they have permissions for- this screen shows all available. 

iphone payment

Not shown in image- “positive card”, used for zero dollar authorization to validate a card before storing for later billing.

 

Comparing CenPOS and RoamPay is like comparing apples and oranges. They are nothing alike, but they both have a place in the mobile payments space and they are both growing fast. As a standalone restaurant application, Roampay is better with it’s tax and tip.  As an integrated solution, CenPOS is better with it’s flexible, scalability.

DISCLAIMER: This review uses publicly available information posted on the competitive product web site as of 7/25/2012. The review does not include the credit card processing, just the mobile application. RoamPay is a registered trademark of ROAM Data, Inc..

WHERE TO BUY

RoamPay can only be purchased through your merchant services provider.

CenPOS is sold through direct agents and resellers. Click here to become a CenPOS customer.  Or call the hotline at the top of this web page.

How does card reader and pin debit pad with Skipjack compare to CenPOS?

Friday, July 13th, 2012

Credit card processing is evolving from dial up terminals to web based virtual terminals, even for the retail environment. These hosted solutions are not all alike. Addressing just the pin debit function for payment processing, CenPOS and SkipJack perform differently. The hardware set up for each in this scenario is a virtual terminal, magnetic stripe card reader and pin pad.

  • The Skipjack user must look at the consumer card and ask if it will be ‘debit or credit’.
  • The CenPOS user will automatically prompt the customer for their pin number IF it fits the merchant settings.

What’s the difference?

With Skipjack, employee decisions at the point of sale impact merchant risk and cost of accepting credit cards. With CenPOS, the customers and employees are prompted automatically to achieve the desired result at the point of sale. CenPOS is an intelligent payment platform that routes transactions based on merchant settings for risk tolerance and payment costs.

Statistically, CenPOS merchants achieve a national average of over 75% pin debit conversion. Merchants can verify this information for their account in the executive dashboard, and also create alerts for their conversion rate, such as if it falls below a certain percent.  While I don’t know other product statistics, published reports of aggregate retail merchants are substantially lower- less than 30%; most businesses I encounter  have under 10%.

What’s the merchant benefit to increase pin debit conversion?

  • 14 days for a dispute period vs 120 day for signature debit.
  • Tougher to lose disputes.
  • Dues and assessments do not apply.
  • Additionally, the Durbin Amendment requires 2 debit networks on every card. With CenPOS least  cost routing, the debit transaction will be routed to the lower cost network, according to all applicable rules.

DISCLAIMER: This review uses publicly available information posted on the competitive product web site as of 7/01/2012. The article does not address all features, just the pin debit conversion. Skipjack is a registered trademark of Skipjack Financial Services, Inc.

EDITOR CHRISTINE SPEEDY COMMENTS:

  • According to their web site http://www.skipjack.com/solutions.aspx?cmsphid=85781357|4347063|2831168, “PIN-based debit is currently available only for Canadian merchants.” However, I don’t think that is accurate.
  • Regardless of the features you need, CenPOS generally outperforms Skipjack when all the facts are compared, especially for automotive and business to business applications.
  • API is available to integrate into ERP and other software packages.

WHERE TO BUY

CenPOS is sold through direct agents and resellers. There is also a referral program. Click here to become a CenPOS agent, reseller, or referral partner.  Click here to become a customer or call the hotline at the top of this web page.

Hypercom Optimum T4205 Review from $139

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

Who should buy the VeriFone’s Optimum T4205? It’s a Dial Solution For Small Businesses That Doesn’t Compromise.

VeriFone’s Optimum T4205 is everything small merchants need, nothing they don’t. Built on the successful T4200 platform, it can run existing T4200 applications without modification or re-certification. 24MB of total memory is standard, with an ARM9 processor for fast transactions and multi-application support. It’s PCI PED approved, so it supports debit with or without external PIN pad. Optional EMV reader for Chip and PIN transactions is available.

COMMENTS: If you have a compatible pin pad, you may want to keep using it. If your device gets the pin debit encryption blown, you’ll have to send the entire unit out for repair, instead of just the pinpad. On the other hand, if you don’t accept pin debit now, it only costs a little bit more to get a new terminal. Because it’s so inexpensive, I do not recommend buying the 3 year overnight replacement guarantee. Instead, if it breaks and you can’t afford the downtime, just buy another one.

HARDWARE: The unit is small and rugged enough for most uses. Since it doesn’t require an external pin pad, you’ll be passing it back to the customer after you swipe if you have pin debit enabled on your merchant account.

PROS: Integrated pin debit, and optional EMV make this unit a low cost choice that will almost certainly meet PCI compliance standards for many years.

CONS: Requires a phone line, an extra expense for a small business.

3D Merchant RECOMMENDS FOR:  Very small businesses with low average ticket, low risk, 100% card swiped transactions. Examples: Pediatricians, rural businesses, seasonal businesses, gift shops. For higher volume small businesses, if you have internet access at the POS, contact us for alternative solutions.

Specifications From Verifone, which acquired Hypercom some time ago:

Simple, Easy-To-Use Features

  • Runs familiar T4200 family of applications without need for re-certification
  • Large, ADA-style, 19-key layout allows for easy key recognition
  • Slim form factor makes it perfect for handover installations

Speed, Power, Performance

  • V.34 modem provides superior performance for faster downloads and transfers
  • The ARM9, 32-bit processor provides speed and functionality
  • 24MB standard memory to easily handle software size increases and value-added applications, such as gift and prepaid

High Security, Great Value

  • PCI PED approved for PIN transactions
  • Peripheral options include check imagers, PIN pads and contactless check readers
  • Meets the most stringent security regulations in the industry
  • HyperSafe®32 architecture protects against unauthorized loading of applications

COST:

Online stores range from $140 to $169

3D Merchant price: $99 with a new merchant account, $139 without, plus $10 flat rate shipping. Continental USA only.

 

What are USB port requirements for Cenpos credit card swipe and check reader?

Thursday, June 14th, 2012

If the merchant wants to swipe, they will need 2 usb ports, 1 for the mag swipe and one for the rdm check reader?

Yes. Any swipe device accepting credit cards must be directly plugged into the computer, tablet, or smart phone, not a usb hub.

4 Orbital Virtual Terminal pitfalls for business to business

Tuesday, June 5th, 2012

The Chase Paymentech Orbital Virtual Terminal and Gateway is a mature credit card processing solution for card not present merchants. In this article we expose the  shortcomings for B2B merchants using the VT as of June 2012.

1. The virtual terminal supports card-not-present transactions only.  The limitation reduces merchant flexibility.

  • Mobile payments has created a  new opportunity for B2B merchants to accept payments in person, mitigating risk,  potentially reducing cost of accepting credit cards, and providing benefits of electronically stored signed receipts.
  • B2B merchants also accept checks, but the Orbital Electronic Check function is available only to Paymentech merchants, and only to those merchants processing on the Salem platform. This severely restricts who can use the service and eliminates portability.
  • Paymentech does have the iTerminal for retail transactions, but it this is a separate program from the virtual terminal. Transactions key entered on the iTerminal are considered retail transactions requiring face to face and signed receipt.

2. The Orbital Virtual Terminal does not require additional data for Purchasing Cards.

  • Statistics prove over and over that virtual terminal users will consistently do what’s required and nothing more, putting merchant profit margins in the hands of their employees. Users simply bypass any fields that are not required. How does this impact profits? For example, the interchange rates for MasterCard commercial, Business Enhanced, Business World and Business World Elite cards issued in the U.S high end is 3.17% and $.10/transaction and the low end is Commercial Data Rate 3 at 1.92% + USD 0.10. Large tickets are as low as 0.70% + USD 0.00. One of the key factors to qualify for the lower rates is sending the right data with the transaction.

3. The Orbital Virtual Terminal stores transaction records for 6 months.

I think that’s a misprint, but that’s what their web site says. http://www.chasepaymentech.com/faq_orbital_virtual_terminal.html

4. There is no transaction search by customer name.

So simple, yet so annoying. Ask any merchant who does transaction research for troubleshooting issues and this is sure to be a top pet peeve.

How we fix these problems with the CenPOS virtual terminal and gateway:

  • CenPOS supports transactions from all inputs including mobile, virtual terminal, online payments, EBPP, retail, ecommerce. Equally important, CenPOS recognizes card present vs card not present, and delivers the appropriate transaction indicator code for processing. This will mitigate fraud risk, mitigate losses from disputes, and reduce the cost of accepting credit cards.
  • Does your gateway help you qualify for the lowest interchange rates possible? CenPOS prompts for exactly the information needed for every card type- including level III data. The user has no decision making power. At the other extreme, some gateways require all the extra fields get completed- what a collossal waste of time.  CenPOS prompts for just the right information for that card type- nothing more, nothing less.
  • Merchants can access real time reports for 7 years.
  • Merchants can search by many fields, including customer name, and custom fields that you create on the fly.

DISCLAIMER: This review uses publicly available information posted on the Chase Paymentech web site as of 6/5/2012. The review does not include the processor, just the virtual terminal. It is not a comprehensive review of all the positive nor negative points. Merchants should identify and talk to a sales consultant to determine the best solution for their situation. Contact 3D Merchant Services for both the Orbital and CenPOS solutions. Each has a place in the market and we’ll help guide you to the right solution for your business.

 

Transfirst Transaction Express Gateway vs CenPOS payment cloud

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

Following the Transfirst review with Transaction Express Gateway,  this article shows a direct comparison of two gateways. Because CenPOS is more than a gateway, and is a complete cloud payment processing platform, the differences are significant when you dig in beyond the surface of accepting credit cards.

When you first look at the chart below, it seems that the gateways are very similar. If you think all gateways are alike, you’re wrong.

For example, if your company is primarily business to business, it’s virtually impossible to qualify transactions correctly for the lowest interchange. Why? Because there are so many rules about how and what data to capture. Some businesses try to deal with that by entering lots of information on every transaction. What a colossal waste of time!

A traditional gateway has some fields that are required and some that are not. You decide what to enter.  All transactions are processed as Retail or MOTO, however  your merchant account was set up.

The CenPOS gateway doesn’t leave decisions up to employees. When the card number is entered, the intelligent gateway identifies all the relevant factors for the merchant and then automatically prompts for just the information needed for that transaction. Nothing more, nothing less. Users do not get to decide what to enter. CenPOS will process as a MOTO or retail transaction based on merchant and system defined rules, not a one-time merchant account set-up.

Payment Gateway Features As Listed on Transfirst 5/25/2012
Payment Gateway TransFirst® Transaction Express CenPOS
Gateway Features Online Retail MOTO Mobile Online Retail MOTO Mobile
Connection methods black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Customer Support black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Support via Phone black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Merchant Interface black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Virtual Terminal/ Batch Upload n/a black checkmark n/a checkmark yes n/a checkmark yes n/a
Security and Compliance black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Shopping cart – supported black checkmark n/a n/a n/a black checkmark n/a n/a n/a
Virtual Point Of Sale black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark n/a checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Mobile App (note 1) n/a ? ? black checkmark n/a checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
VALUE ADDING PRODUCTS
Recurring Billing black checkmark black checkmark checkmark yes note 2 checkmark yes note 2
Secure Card Data Storage black checkmark black checkmark checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
ACH Check Processing future future future checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Advanced Fraud Protection ? ? ? ? checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
THIRD PARTY SOLUTIONS
API black checkmark black checkmark black checkmark checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Shopping Carts black checkmark n/a n/a n/a checkmark yes n/a n/a n/a
Point of Sale Solutions n/a n/a n/a checkmark yes n/a checkmark yes
Kiosks n/a n/a n/a n/a checkmark yes n/a n/a
Mobile Device integrations n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a checkmark yes
Payment Gateway Features DIFFERENTIATORS
Note 1 1. Are all payment sources integrated to a single hub for Transfirst? That is, can you view all transactions and reports from the virtual terminal?2. If you have a MOTO merchant account, but add a mobile device, will those transactions qualify at retail interchange rates? If you have a Retail merchant account and also set up recurring billing, are your recurring billing transactions presented with the MOTO indicator to qualify for card not present interchange and proper receipt requirements? With CenPOS, the answer is yes.

Note 2

CenPOS empowers merchants to swipe the first transaction, and store the payment data for future card not present needs. All of the payment information needed to qualify the transaction properly for future card not present transactions is automatically collected. The initial transaction will qualify for RETAIL and the subsequent transactions will qualify under MOTO rules. Both are represented properly to mitigate risk of chargebacks from disputes with regard to proper receipt and signature requirements.
“Company” or “Family” contract management for recurring billing checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Electronic Bill Presentment & Payment no no no no checkmark yes
Capture accounting codes at time of payment authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Secure Online Paypage authorize.net no icon checkmark yes
Change installment or recurring pay date after started ? ? checkmark yes checkmark yes
Variable recurring billing- encrypt and tokenize no Tokenize-yes. Method not known. no checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
7 years data storage and retrieval, including signature capture authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Automated email transaction alerts- custom criteria no no no no checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Dashboard and corporate hierarchy reports authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Custom Crystal Reports – actionable data intelligence authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Customer transaction Search by name authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes
Integrated ACH/check processing authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon authorize.net no icon checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes checkmark yes

Companies change processors every 2-3 years on average because they are looking to reduce expenses. What you really need to do is switch to the industry’s only intelligent gateway, which uses a variety of proprietary methods to positively impact EBITDA. Cenpos is the only intelligent gateway to automatically optimize payments for EBITDA improvement. CenPOS removes users from making decisions that can negatively impact profits through a variety of proprietary methods.

Another significant difference is portability. With CenPOS, a merchant can change processors with minimal business disruption. The merchant CenPOS account is updated with the new processor account number.  It won’t impact stored payment data (tokens), reports, 7 years transaction history and insights, online payments, internet integrations etc. Because Transaction Express is proprietary to Transfirst, when you switch processors, you lose not only the data, but you may need to update everything else – equipment in the field, mobile apps, web integrations and more.

 

WHERE TO BUY

CenPOS is sold through direct agents and resellers. There is also a referral program. Click here to become a CenPOS agent, reseller, or referral partner.  Click here to become a customer or call the hotline at the top of this web page.

Transfirst Review

Tuesday, May 29th, 2012

Transfirst Merchants had a .10% increase in their merchant discount rate last month, resulting in an uptick in calls from merchants searching for other options. I have no way to know how widespread the increase is, but thought now would be an appropriate time to write a review.

BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1995, Transfirst is a privately-held direct processor that lists over $15 billion in portfolio additions on their web site through mergers and acquisitions. Their objective is to help merchants with technology and product differentiation.

SALES & PRICING

Like most processors, they use both an internal sales force and independent sales agents. As well, prices are subjectively offered to merchants based on a number of different factors. Transfirst agreements may include a cancellation fee at the end of the term or liquidated damages for early termination. This is not typical in todays market, so merchants should exercise caution.

comment: A merchant educated about interchange, and identifying negotiable and non-negotiable fees,  will always have an advantage negotiating “Schedule A”.  General contract terms are usually not negotiable with any processor and merchants frequently sign ackowledgement that ‘cross outs and deletions’ will be ignored.

TECHNOLOGY

Transfirst launched it’s own gateway in 2011, Transaction Express. The gateway works with multiple end points, including retail, mobile and integrated web services. It supports recurring and tokenization.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

Merchants often don’t know what they’re missing until they need to use it. Here are some things you should know:

  • Search by or view customer name in settled batch is NOT AVAILABLE.
  • Data is stored for only 13 months.
  • Does not support signature capture for retail.
  • It is unclear how multiple merchant accounts are managed. Does the user choose whether to use the retail or moto account, or does the gateway automatically switch depending on how the transaction is received? This is a SIGNIFICANT since it will impact fees, fraud risk, and ability to defend against disputes.
  • Does not support level III data.
  • The gateway is an integral service with their processing. Merchants who desire to switch processors at any later date will lose all their stored payment data/token capabilities.
  • Their gateway does not currently support ACH, though it will in the future.

CONCLUSION

Transfirst has made a critical step for client retention and growth with Transaction Express, and their mobile app. That puts them ahead of some players in the market and behind some others. In our opinion, there are better options for both merchant services and technology.

DISCLAIMER

Data was obtained almost exclusively from publicly available information on the company web site. If there is an error, your correction is welcome.  This author sells and markets competitive services.

 

Magtek Qwickpay Mobile Review

Wednesday, May 16th, 2012

Qwickpay is a mobile POS application offered by Magtek, manufacturer of card readers. It’s a smart play by Magtek to ensure market share in the fast growing mobile payments market.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

COMPATIBILITY 5/2012

  • iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch and iPad compatible

FUNCTIONALITY

  • The POS software will auto populate sales tax and tip if you like as a standard setting.
  • Supports sale, void, refund and “protection code” which is for consumers who have a QwicKey.
    • Presumably consumer adoption will increase the key to make this to make this feature useful. (Consumers purchase the QwicKey service, then generate one time use Qwick Codes [Formerly Protection Codes]. These one-time codes can be redeemed by a PCI compliant, ROC certified Payment Processor. A Merchant and online store can accept a Qwick Code in lieu of cardholder, personal account data.
  • Supports signature capture and email receipt.
  • Includes a virtual terminal, however it is not recommended that transactions are key entered.
  • magtek qwickpay mobile payments
  • magtek qwickpay mobile payments

UNIQUE CLAIMS ABOUT THIS MOBILE PAYMENT SOLUTION:

  1. Uses MagnePrint®,a dynamic card authentication technology based on the unique physical properties of the magnetic stripe, also referred to as the stripe’s digital identifier or (DI). It provides validation that the card itself is genuine and that its encoded data has not been altered.
  2. Immediate encryption (Triple DES) of all cardholder data with a derived unique key per transaction (DUKPT).
  3. Immediate tokenization or “substitution” of all cardholder data

THE INSIDE SCOOP- WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW

  • Users: This is really a one user system. If you wanted two users or more, you’ll need to tag to multiple merchant accounts, or at the very least, need a unique merchant account TID for each one. If the user is no longer authorized, you’ll have to get the device back or shut down the TID.
  • Does it support level 2 data as specified in the FAQ? Yes, but the use won’t know when they need to enter extra data, or what that data is, so chances are, they’ll never qualify for lower level 2 data on business cards.
  • Key entered: It is clearly NOT recommended, as indicated by large red print, for key entered transactions for a number of different reasons.
  • MagnePrint- How much safer is this than simply verifying the last 4 digits from the front of the credit card?
  • Encryption- there are a number of different ways to protect the cardholder data. This is a solid method, but not the only valid solution.

 

COMPARE TO CENPOS ENTERPRISE MOBILE:

There are numerous differences and here are a few highlights:

  •  MANAGE FEES PAID. CenPOS dynamically identifies the card issuing bank and method of input (swipe or key enter) and automatically collects and delivers the optimal data for lowest risk and interchange rate. QwickPay does not do this.
  • MANAGE USERS/ RISK: CenPOS admin can manage an entire workforce in the field to accept payments and change permissions or access remotely. Users have the same priviledges on the virtual terminal.  QwickPay does not allow for multiple users or user management. Additionally, CenPOS uses a variety of proprietary and merchant managed rules to manage risk, including automatically declining certain transactions, remote supervisor approval option, and automated email alerts.
  • MANAGE BUSINESS: CenPOS reporting is extensive and easy to use. Qwickpay is limited and you even have to select which card types (Visa, mastercard etc) you want for each and every transaction.
  • BUSINESS EFFICIENCY: CenPOS uses a single hub to accept payments from all sources- web, mobile, retail, kiosk etc, manage users, and access reports. QwickPay has none of these capabilities.
  • COSTS: Qwickpay is cheaper with a one time fee. CenPOS charges per transaction fees, and has a $50/mth minimum.
  • OTHER: CenPOS does not currently calculate tax & tip.

I RECOMMEND QWICKPAY FOR:

  • YES. One man businesses.
  • YES. Businesses with a single person on the road that accepts payments.
  • LIMITED. Businesses that are primarily card not present, but which occasionally would like to get a card swiped while on the road to mitigate risk. Note: this would be for a card not present account with card not present rates, but you’d benefit from a signature on file and some fraud protection.
  • NO Businesses with more than one person who would need, or with a mix of card not present and card swiped transactions.

COST

  • Qwickpay prices are determined by resellers.
  • 3D Merchant price for QwickPAY (Apple) – one time charge of $90. – includes iDynamo SCRA*. No transaction or other fees.
  • 3D Merchant price for QwickPAY (Android)  – one time charge of
    $130. – includes application, set up, and BulleT SCRA. * No transaction or other fees.
    *  Requires new merchant account with guaranteed price match to your existing merchant account.

WHERE TO BUY

  • Qwickpay is sold through limited authorized resellers, usually payment processors. Call yours to ask for pricing and availability.
  • A merchant account is needed.
  • Contact 3D Merchant Services for QwickPay or CenPOS