Hypercom terminals are widely recognized as the world's leading countertop and mobile payment terminals because of their ability to expedite the fast and secure transmission of vital financial and business data. Over the past decade, card payment terminals have become a vital part of nearly every checkout lane and customer service counter in retail and service establishments across the country.

The majority of today's consumers expect to be able to pay with either a credit or debit card, making Hypercom POS terminals a mainstay of the 21st century. There are many varieties of Hypercom POS terminals, differentiated primarily by their functions and features. The most popular terminals Hypercom offers are its:

1. T-series POS terminals in both countertop and handover models for small retailers

2. L-series multi-application terminals for multi-lane retailers

3. M-series wireless and palm-sized terminals for mobile applications

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

Consider a T-series Hypercom terminal for your small- to mid-sized business

The type of business you run and the volume of business you do has everything to do with what type of Hypercom POS terminal or terminals you should invest in. There are plenty of options available, so it should be as simple as matching a product to your need.

I recommend: Hypercom Optimum T4100 POS terminals from Merchant Warehouse are the perfect choice for small businesses looking for speed, integration and security. Ballistic Merchant Services carries the popular Optimum T2100 POS terminals. Two nice handover models from Hypercom's T-series POS terminals are available at POS Online Store. Save some money with a refurbished T-series terminal from Discount Credit Card Machine.

Select the L-series Hypercom terminals if you have multiple lanes

Hypercom's newest L-series models include large, full-color touchscreen displays that ensure an easy and intuitive customer payment experience and an exclusive bi-directional magnetic stripe reader that enables cards to be swiped in any direction. These two new models (the L4150 and the L4250) replace the popular Optimum L4100 POS terminals, which currently are available only on the used and refurbished market.

I recommend: Hypercom's new L4150 POS terminal is ready to see and to ship at CDW. Optimum L4100 prices can be very attractive on the used market. Head over to Datamax System Solutions or Micro Associates to see what you can find.

Get up and go with an M-series Hypercom terminal if you need to be mobile

In keeping with our increasingly wireless world, Hypercom is forging its way into the wireless payment terminal market with mobile terminals that will allow you to take payment on the go, in temporary locations or at remote points of service. Although still in its infancy, wireless payment is the fastest-growing segment of the point-of-sale industry. This exciting market is opening the doors to new vertical markets, new merchants and new ways to increase revenue.

I recommend: Merchant Equipment Store and Advanced Merchant Group both carry Optimum M2100 POS terminals. If you're interested in the more feature-rich M4100 series, explore your options at Hypercoms.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although used and refurbished POS terminals might be tempting because of their lower price, know that you might have difficulty with service, support and repairs down the road, especially with discontinued models.
• •  Some suppliers of Hypercom terminals offer lease options. Explore your options and know what you're committing to before sealing the deal to avoid getting stuck with outdated or obsolete equipment down the road.