Wireless credit card processing is very convenient for a variety of businesses. Instead of waiting for checks to clear or turning away customers because they cannot pay cash, a wireless credit card system gives you the freedom to accept any type of payment including credit cards, debit cards and checks. Once you make an initial investment in the equipment and a sign up for a merchant account to process those payments, you're ready to go.

You have many choices when picking a wireless credit card processing company. It's helpful to know some wireless credit card processing key terms when it comes to making the important decisions, such as:

1. Choosing the right wireless credit card machines.

2. Picking WiFi credit card processing, including the amount of time it takes to process a payment and where the system can and cannot be used.

3. Signing up for the right merchant account to process payments.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Know your options when choosing mobile credit card machines

There are many different types of mobile credit card machines. While many models may look similar, price and quality range from simple machines that just read the card, all the way up to credit card machines that can process payment within just a few minutes and from anywhere you are located.

I recommend: Basic wireless credit card machines are available with many software and network options, such as the Exadigm XD 2000 from Merchant Warehouse. This model includes fast upgrades and customizable options through a Linux-based system. The single terminal can access multiple lines to process payments more efficiently. If you want a machine that can imprint the card, read it and print receipts, you will want to look for all-in-one models offered by Accept Credit Cards Now.

Choose the best wireless credit card terminal processing speed

Depending on the type of network your card reader uses, it's best to choose the fastest network connection for processing payments from wireless credit card processing equipment. The most common network connections are General Packet Radio Service (GRPS) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). CDMA is faster than GPRS and raises the prices slightly between models, but it's worth the investment in the long run.

I recommend: There are many GPRS credit card machine models available from Electric Money. Or, you can choose to spend a few extra dollars and buy a CDMA credit card machine from CreditCardProcessor.com.

Find the right merchant account from wireless credit card processing companies

Before you begin to accept credit card payments, you'll have to sign up for a merchant account. A merchant account allows you to view your transactions, and after a processing fee is taken out you can see your total earnings. Merchant accounts offer different features, so shop around to find the one that best fits you business.

I recommend: Merchant Service Group offers many features that come standard with a merchant account, including multiple payment options for credit card and debit card processing. A merchant account from Charge will allow you to accept check payments for free, unlike other accounts that may charge you for this option.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before buying mobile credit card processing equipment for your business, do a little research on what type of terminal and merchant account will be the most cost-effective. The right account will minimize the fees you pay, be they flat rate or percentages of the total sale.

On-site workers (i.e. plumbers and electricians) and those who sell through trade shows have a wide range of credit-card processing options for immediate sales and possible data capture. As wireless technology evolves, you need to consider carefully which method serves you best.

Advantages of mobile commerce include:

1. Improved cash flow.
2. Secure credit and debit transactions in seconds.
3. Reduced credit-card fraud and chargebacks.
4. The ability to conduct business without phone lines.

Here are the most popular forms of mobile credit-card processing and some of the add-ons you may need.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get mobile point-of-sale terminals

POS terminals process credit or debit cards, work wirelessly or via dial-up and are secure. Some offer built-in printers and data capture options. POS terminals typically cost upwards of $1,000.

I recommend: Merchant Warehouse, Merchant Express and Windows for Devices offer a variety of options.

For the cheapest alternative, go with cell phones

Unless you process more than a few thousand dollars per month, cellphones may be the way to go. You can process payments with or without additional equipment. However, card-reader attachments, which cost a few hundred dollars, can help lower processing fees.

I recommend: Advanced Merchant Services offers card readers for cellphones.

For the most data capture, go with laptops

By attaching a credit-card reader to the USB port, a variety of software options can search, filter, sort, format, print or export data to other programs or computers. Print receipts on any plain paper printer. If Wi-Fi is unavailable, your laptop can store transactions until later.

I recommend: Merchant Equipment Store and Smart Web Designer offer PC hardware and software.

For convenience, go with PDAs

PDAs like the Blackberry deliver the wireless accessibility of cellphones and the data control of PCs. They are a sensible alternative for those who need both convenience and the ability to manage and control data.

I recommend: Air Charge and ePay Wireless offer solutions for the Blackberry or Palm.

Open a merchant account

Most banks offer services, but most operate through other processors, which may make them slower or more expensive. Search for the most affordable provider for your needs, including mobile services.

I recommend: Thompson Merchant Services and Electronic Clearing House are major providers of merchant accounts. MerchantSeek offers a database of providers who issue merchant accounts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check your cellphone or Wi-Fi range before selecting a payment method to ensure it covers your areas of operation.
• •  If you run a seasonal business you may be dropped by your carrier for nonuse between seasons. Ask about this when choosing a payment option.
• •  Avoid systems using Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD). They are reducing the coverage area and it is becoming an obsolete system.
• •  If your customers need receipts, you will need a printer. Mobile printers cost around $200.
• •  Give yourself time to set up these systems. It can be done quickly, but could take a couple of weeks.
• •  Familiarize yourself with the fees being charged. This is a complex system and there may be hidden charges if you're not vigilant.

Wireless credit card processing is very popular for many businesses. With wireless processing, you can use your credit card machine anywhere you like, whether you need an additional register in a retail space, or if you're taking your business outside to a fair or other public event. Making the most of wireless credit card processing is simple and most transactions go through in a matters of minutes, depending on the type of credit card processing machine.

Choosing the right wireless credit card processing solution is not just about the machine. There are other factors that come into play, including:

1. Wireless credit card processing companies who charge fees to process.

2. The type of WiFi or other Internet connection you use.

3. The number of customers your receive per day.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose resources to help you find the right mobile credit card processing for your business

Whether you're ready to begin accepting credit cards or you want to speed up the process by using a wireless credit card system, there are many options to consider that will be specific to your business. There are online resources that can guide you in making these first few choices.

I recommend: Proposal Portal offers a simple solution to find the top companies for wireless credit card processing. All you have to do is fill out a short form and wait for quotes to come back. Merchant Accounts Express offers a comprehensive article on choosing the right terminal for your business.

Determine how much wireless credit card processing solutions should cost

A wireless credit card terminal is not the only expense a business has to consider when processing credit card payments. You also need to consider the price of the processing service, which can range depending on the type of service you have.

I recommend: Resource Nation provides an in-depth guide on how much you can expect to pay for terminals and credit card processing fees. If you are still looking for the right credit card machine, check out this review on what to look for in a credit card machine from eBay.

Consider resources where you can get a free wireless credit card processing machine

Anyone who plans to accept credit card payments needs to have a merchant account for processing the payments. Many companies that offer merchant accounts will offer you a free wireless credit card machine. Consider these offers if you want to avoid spending money on a new credit card machine.

I recommend: Total Merchant Services offers the Hypercom Optimum T4100, or your choice of two other machines if you sign up for a merchant account with them. FreeCreditCardMachine.com has a similar plan. You get a choice of credit card machines depending on the type of business you own.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many mobile credit card machines have models that use different Internet speeds to process payments. The faster your payments go through, the more you can expect to pay.