Compare These Top Vendors for Wireless Credit Card Processing

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 charge backs.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.