When a card is swiped through an electronic POS terminal, an electronic request is submitted to the processing network for authorization. Upon receiving the request, the network electronically determines whether the cardholder’s account is valid and if funds are available to cover the transaction. If so, an authorization code, guaranteeing your access to the funds, is transmitted to you. Your POS terminal or computer prints a receipt for the customer to sign and return to you.

Discussions about pricing are a huge part of setting up a merchant account in preparation for accepting credit and debit cards. And it’s not unusual for merchants to scratch their heads over how the rate they will need to pay for each transaction processed is determined.

In determining whether to accept your application for a merchant account, the provider will look at the length of time you’ve been in business to ensure that you understand the market in which you operate, know the potential business risks you face, and more. Your credit rating will be examined to assess how well you have repaid past loans, and if you’ve had any liens, judgments or bankruptcies filed against you.

Experts have long pegged the average return from a computerized POS system at five times the annual investment, reflected in higher profits—for example, a $20,000 hike in profits would be garnered by a store with sales of $200,000 per year and a $4,000 annual in investment in computerization.  But where do these increased profits come […]

Regularly monitor and test networks. All access to network resources and cardholder data must be tracked and monitored, and regular testing of security systems and processes is required.

In the first part of this series, we defined the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) and explained why retailers and restaurant operators can’t ignore it. Now it’s time for a closer look at the actual mandates of the standard, which is built on several principles that incorporate a total of 12 requirements. To be in compliance with PCI DSS, you must…

By now, almost everyone in the retail and hospitality industry has heard rumblings about PCI (Payment Card Industry) compliance and the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). But what exactly is it, and why should you sit up and pay attention? For one thing, if you don’t, your business may be at stake.

There’s no denying that loyalty programs have caught on with consumers–the average household has a dozen loyalty memberships, according to Consumer Reports. However, half of all consumers carry just one or two loyalty club membership cards with them at any one time, meaning retailers and restaurant operators must become increasingly creative with the structure of their loyalty programs.

(Part Two of a Series) Like customer loyalty programs themselves, customer loyalty program applications aren’t created equal. The most effective customer loyalty programs are based on the most comprehensive solutions. When evaluating different options, look for the following features: Multiple vehicles for rapid access to individual customers’ information–for instance, by swiping a membership card through […]

A well-honed customer loyalty program not only bolsters your potential to attract the attention of consumers who have never before visited your establishment; it also turns new customers into repeat customers who’ll be only too happy to spread the word about it to others.