Does CenPOS support printing credit card receipts to a receipt printer from the web? If so what receipt printers does it work with and do you recommend? If the user can print to a laser, inkjet or other printer, the user print to a receipt printer. Install a driver just like with other printers.

CenPOS is accessed via the internet by logging in to a secure web page, including the virtual terminal, electronic billing presentment and payment portal (EBPP), etc. When a transaction is completed by the merchant, a receipt automatically appears. In the virtual terminal navigation  go to> administration> merchant> processing data tab, the merchant can turn on options to print, email, or both for receipts. When an email address is entered within the transaction, a receipt is automatically emailed.

Printers I recommend:
Epson TM-T20 Point of Sale Thermal Receipt Printer.

Recommended as the lowest cost option for lower volume needs. It’s a very reliable printer.

• All-in-one-box accessories and software
• Printing up to 150 mm/second
• two year manufacturer warranty
• Price: can usually be found online under $175, as of first quarter 2013.

Star Micronics, Inc TSP100 futurePRNT

This product has been on the market since at least 2008. It’s also a diehard and has options suitable for restaurants such as a food guard.

• All-in-one-box accessories and software
• Printing up to 150 mm/second
• three year manufacturer warranty
• Price: can usually be found online in the low $200 range, as of first quarter 2013.

Both of the above printers can be used as wireless units with an additional interface. Wireless receipt printers are higher cost to purchase and have higher paper costs too.

Accept credit cards on your smart phone or mobile device using your existing merchant account and the CenPOS payment network. The CenPOS mobile app is free. There are no additional fees above standard CenPOS usage rates. CenPOS is sold as SaaS and merchant rates vary by business volume and type of use.

ID-Tech makes a wide variety of reliable  mobile swipe products that are compatible with CenPOS mobile apps. Visit their web site for other options.

 TOP 3 recommended MOBILE CREDIT CARD READERS:

1. The iMag is an encryption capable MagStripe reader, also made by ID Tech. There are multiple versions, including one for iPhone 4. Encrypted MagStripe Reader for iPhone 3G/3GS, iPhone 4, and iPod Touch. (Reads tracks 1, 2, and 3, bi-directional reading capabilities. For the power Apple user on a budget, the slim sleeve becomes a part of the phone and attaches at the bottom so you can still use your headset if desired. $61 at barcodesinc.com.

2. The Linea-pro 4 turns iPhone and iTouch into a powerful point of sale solution. It includes a 1D or 2D barcode scanner, a 3-track magnetic stripe reader, and a rechargeable battery extender in a compact protective case. As you can see from the picture, it’s nicely wrapped around your iPhone or Itouch. Purchase at Infinite peripherals or contact your CenPOS relationship manager. Choose this if you’re a heavy user and want a slim design, or integrated bard code reading, or integrated drivers license reading.  MSRP $599 and up.

3. http://www.idtechproducts.com/products/mobile-readers.html. The Shuttle, Two-Track Secure Mobile MagStripe Reader- is compatible with almost everything. DRAWBACKS:  Because it plugs into the audio port, the app will open and close repeatedly, making this the least desireable for smooth, fast  transactions. Works with new and old Apple products like iPhone 3, 3G, 4, 4S and iPad 2, iPad 3, and tablets. The rubberized grip that touches the top of your smart device keeps it from slipping. Most other products on the market do not address this simple fix to an old problem- if the reader moves while swiping, contact may not be good and the user has to swipe a second or third time. Choose this if you are looking for low cost, versatile mobile reader. $48.50 at barcodesinc.com. 

Notes: CenPOS mobile app is free. Merchants need to contact CenPOS sales to open an account, which includes free virtual terminal, free mobile app, 7 years of data stored, remote user management, and many other benefits. CenPOS is a scalable hosted payment processing network supporting multiple payment methods. The CenPOS gateway connects to your existing merchant account. Merchants can purchase hardware from any source. Global Channel Sales & Business Development, Christine Speedy, 954-942-0483.

What is the best iPhone credit card reader? The Linea Pro, by Infinite Peripherals, was popularized as the hardware used in Apple Retail stores to facilitate rapid customer checkout. The Linea Pro is a sleeve for an iPhone or iPod touch. Merchants also need an iPhone app for credit card processing.

MOBILE HARDWARE: Linea Pro

The Linea Pro is a sleeve for an iPhone or iPod touch. In addition to providing a moderate level of durability and protection to the iPod touch, it also offers a hot-swappable battery that not only powers the scanner but also serves to keep the iPod fully charged. The Linea Pro has both a 1D/2D barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reader, which makes it perfectly suited for applications like retail point-of-sale where the product can be scanned and the customer’s credit card swiped. The Linea Pro is the perfect device for many types of applications, and although the latest version now supports the iPhone 4/4S and iPod 4th Gen, the Linea Pro does not work with the iPad. $499-599, ipclineapro.com.

iPHONE RECEIPT PRINTING:

Linea Pro offers a a few portable printer options. Star Micronics America has announced the availability of iOS and Android drivers for all of its printers. The drivers allow end-users to utilize Star Micronics printers in tandem with Apple iPad™, iPod Touch®, iPhone® and Android devices to generate receipts and perform related functions in retail and restaurant environments.  The TSP100ECO is a popular receipt printer priced at about $235 online.  They also offer a line of portable receipt printers.

MOBILE SOFTWARE:  Linea Pro is a hardware only company. Special software must be used to process the information captured by the barcode scanner and magnetic stripe reading feature. Linea-pro does not come with any included software.

IPHONE CREDIT CARD APP:  CenPOS Mobile

Transform your Apple device into a secure credit card terminal allowing you to accept card swiped, hand keyed and tokenized transactions. CenPOS Mobile is your entry point into the CenPOS community connecting you to all of your CenPOS payment acceptance platforms- including retail, online, ecommerce, phone orders, kiosk, and electronic bill presentment and payment. Access detailed reporting for transactions that occur throughout your business enterprise, not only on your CenPOS Mobile device. Our unique offering does not require you to change financial services providers, and is easy to implement. The app is free. CenPOS SaaS pricing is based on business volume.

CenPOS Mobile Features

• Receive credit card authorizations quickly and securely on the go.
• Full transactional array including: Sale, Repeat Sale, Create Token, Authorization, Force, Return, Credit, and Void
• Capture signatures electronically by having the customer sign on your CenPOS Mobile Device.
• Deliver customized receipts instantly to customers by email.
• Easy enterprise level reporting that allows you to view all payment activity through CenPOS. Payments made through your CenPOS Mobile device, retail location, and ecommerce website can all be seen in one location.
• Generate credit card authorizations by either swiping a credit card, manual entry, or through the use of a token*.
• Payment information is hosted and not stored on your CenPOS mobile device.
• Free software and no surcharge to use any of our other products
• 7 years data storage vs typical 12 to 18 months
• Remote supervisor approval, cashier permissions, and password change/ unblock

* Tokens are unique randomly generated alpha numeric character sets that replace the credit card information so that data can be securely stored for repeat and recurring sale needs.

INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS: IPHONE 4, LINEA PRO 4 AND CENPOS MOBILE work together to create efficiencies, mitigate internal and external fraud risk and control credit card processing expenses.

• Business to Business:  Sales representatives capture credit card swipe at time of order with ‘dummy proof ‘ prompts, eliminating exposed credit card numbers on paperwork; store data for future payment processing. Qualify for both retail and MOTO interchange rates for lowest costs for each transaction type.
• Non-profit and event fundraisers: speed up checkout for silent auctions and capture valuable data about your donors using QR code and other options.
• Automotive industry: new car dealers deliver parts and record date, time, location when signature captured. License scann
• Restaurants: pay and sign at the table
• Casino:  Credit at the table (Regulatory restrictions may vary.)
• Retail: Integrated bar code reader and payment app, holistic solution for multi-channel sales back office reporting.
• Telecom: Holistic solution for customers to pay bills in store at kiosk, buy new services on devices you sell, and pay bills online.
• Pawn & gun shops: integrated scanning of drivers license.

WHAT MERCHANTS NEED TO KNOW

iPhone vs iPad:  The iPad solution is a bit clunkier due to the size of the iPad and method to attach peripherals. The iPhone sleeve is very thin and wraps around the iPhone. Which is best? It depends on your situation. For a fixed cashier station, the iPad may be the better choice, while for walk-around, the iPhone may be the best option.

Key- entered transactions: If you key enter a transaction on a retail merchant account, you’re required to get a signed receipt to defend against disputes. The assumption is that the customer is present, but the card didn’t swipe, so it’s a face to face transaction. CenPOS offers an alternative option. The merchant can choose to have all key-entered transactions submitted with the MOTO, or card not present, indicator. This is a key differentiator of other products. Call for details.

WHERE TO BUY:

Contact Christine Speedy 954-942-0483 for the entire range of products in this article, including CenPOS direct. Merchants can buy hardware from any source. We’re hardware and payment processor neutral.

The Ingenico 5100 dual comm countertop terminal and cost effective solution for low to mid- volume transaction levels. It has a built in pin pad for debit card pin code entry and the unit is small enough to hand over to customers to enter their pin number. It’s smart card capable, plus fully EMV and PCI PED approved.

The i5100 is an IP -enabled countertop transaction terminal capable of operating in either dial up or IP communication modes. Operating in IP mode, the transaction speeds are decreased to as few as 4 seconds, thus offering the merchant improved checkout speed and service. Capable of handling credit, debit, and other magnetic card transactions such as loyalty, prepaid and more, the i5100 is a versatile, robust and cost efficient way for merchants everywhere to accept electronic payments.

Dimensions(*)
Width: 21.00 cm 8.27 in Height: 7.50 cm 2.95 in
Lenght: 9.50 cm 3.74 in Weight: 600.00 g 1.32 lb
Built in features:
Print:
* 15.00 lines/second print speed

Display:
* 128*64 Pixels
* Monochrome
* Backlit

Keypad:
* 18 Keys
* Backlit
* Smart card reader EMV 4.0 certified Level 1 and 2
* Magnetic card reader

Certain features are optional, please consult the datasheet to get more information
Wide area network communication:
* ISDN modem
* Dial up modem
* A Plug>It slot enables merchants to expand the terminal communication capabilities to include Wi-Fi and external GPRS.

Peripherals:
* RS 232

PROS

Small size, low cost, proven reliability, dual comm makes for easy back up if one communication system goes down.  No separate pin pad. Works with most processors so you can switch without having to buy new equipment.

CONS

If the pin pad fails, the entire unit needs to be sent out for repair and key injection again.

Can I use the 5100 for multi-merchant ?
No, the 5100 is not a multimerchant terminal.

MSRP $299

3D Merchant i5100 terminal price

The First Data FD300 Ti terminal is the ideal solution for operations that want a a desktop terminal  to keep track of sales for separate businesses (as many as 99) that are housed at the same location. Its multi-merchant capability allows each owner to conveniently designate which business the sale is applied to at the time of the purchase. Each merchant receives an individualized statement listing only his own transactions in an easy-to-read format.

FD300ti multi-merchant terminal data sheet (pdf download)

The pin-pad for pin debit is an optional add on. FD30 contactless pinpad provides convenience in busy high volume settings.  The FD10 is about half the price.  Since pin debit is nearly the same cost as signature debit at this writing, smaller service oriented merchants will want to weigh the cost benefit, since chargebacks tend to be infrequent in those industries. Additionally, the actual use of the pin pad tends to be low in multi-merchant settings, negating the potential benefits. Finally, with 2011 pending federal legislation, signature debit may eventually be the same cost as pin debit.

MSRP $599. Click here for our Credit Card equipment and FD300 terminal price list.

So many small business owners are upset about their credit card processing costs, I’ve put together this special deal for beauty salon and spa merchant accounts. If you follow my blog, you already know that I normally specialize in $1M plus size accounts. This deal is win-win because I’m extending preferred larger account pricing to small businesses, where there is potential for more than one merchant account on site.

SALON and SPA MERCHANT ACCOUNT SOLUTION

Do you rent chairs? Pay workers on actual work performed?

3D Merchant Account Salon special:

- One credit card terminal can host up many unique merchant accounts. This is called a multi-merchant account terminal. Management can add and delete accounts as contractors come and go.

- Each contractor has their own merchant account, with their own agreement.

- Every account approved within 1 business day.

Benefits for Salon Owners:

- Eliminate bookkeeping nightmares.

- Provide valuable incentive for quality independent contractors to work at your salon.

- Minimize risks to salon.

- 24 hour support line.

-    Happy workers bring in more business and stay longer, reducing turnover which saves you time and improves profits.

Benefits to Salon workers:

- Can add tips to their sales, potentially increasing their pay, making them happier.

- Funds deposited in bank accounts in 1-2 business days.

- No big equipment investment. Ready to start almost immediately.

- Our Multi-merchant deal is better than obtaining their own small business merchant account deal.

- Optional Quickbooks software plugin.

- Set the equipment to batch out daily automatically; reduces costs from accidentally forgetting to close out.

Costs:

- Hardware

o FD300 PCI Compliant multi-merchant terminal. Lease for $ 24.95/mth, 3 years.[1] Includes overnight replacement guarantee. (other equipment and purchase options available)

o Built in pin-based debit capable, reducing costs of processing; Typically $.35-.90 per transaction instead of percent of sale.[2]

o Recover equipment costs with a small monthly rental fee added to contractors.

- Merchant account fees start at 1.35% for debit and 1.89% for credit, plus $.20 per transaction.

OPERATIONS:

Management will have own unique login. When someone leaves, they can delete the user.

- Each user has own password. This eliminates error of entering transactions to the wrong account.

- Adding another merchant is a phone call from the terminal for a ‘partial download’, which can be done in minutes.

For an apples-to-apples price comparison with your current processor, please fax a recent statement with cover including contact information to 954-942-9804. If your account is up and running this month, all application and cancellation fees will be waived forever, plus I’ll ship your terminal free, pre-programmed and ready to go. Just plug it in and start processing.

Call Christine 954-942-0483

http://www.3Dmerchant.com

The NURIT 8020 is the best wireless terminal with pin debit available today. It’s a PCI PED approved secure handheld solution and probably the best selling wireless payment device in the world.

There are four reasons this unit should be at the top of your wireless terminal list.

First, the PED or Pin Entry Device meets 2010 pin debit standards. Not all units being sold on the internet meet this standard so merchants need to be careful in choosing. The PED is integrated into the handheld unit and is standard, not an option. All you need is the right merchant account to take advantage of pin debit rates transactions. Even though pin debit rates are increasing, merchants will still benefit from reduced risk by eliminating chargebacks.

Second, it has electronic signature capture. With the large memory capability, this can again help you reduce risk if you have back office operations to integrate to (for signature, not card data storage).

Third, it’s EMV approved. In a global world, this provides additional capability to accept a wider variety of cards including chip-based payment cards.

Fourth, the Nurit units have a long history of reliability both for the unit and connectivity.  Connect via Wifi, GSM, phone and TCP/IP.

If you have one event a year, this is could be over-kill, but it also depends on what you have at risk for that one day.

The number of wireless credit card machines coming on the market is exploding, but for ‘road warriors’ this is a great dependable unit with all the features a merchant could want- there is no better at the time of this writing.