Merchant Service Info

[visagephoto]

Hi All

I have just recieved confirmation that my application for a merchant account has been successful,(just waiting for the terminal to arrive).

As most of my sales take place in the clients home, I would have to phone back to the terminal to have the card details processed. Even though the card will be present for inspection at the point of sale, each transaction will still be treated as "card not present" as it can't be swiped through the terminal.

Anyway I have also run out of sales reciepts and I am in the process of printing a new batch (I print my 2 & 3 part NCRs on a laser printer) & I am considering adding fields to the back of the top copy (mine) where I can collect customer/card details to minimise disputes, charge backs, etc.

I'm aware that there are some card details that can't be kept on record, i.e. security code. could anyone advise what sort of information it would be adviseable, useful, & legal to record.

Alan

 

[Ozzy]

Hi Alan,
Have a look at this thread...

http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=1698

It seems there is a device that enables yo take the card payment there and then.

 

[visagephoto]

Thanks Ozzy

Yes there is a handheld electronic unit which operates via the Vodaphone network, The rental cost is about three times higher than for the POS terminal & I'm not sure if it works in tandem with your mobile phone (I would have to change network) or if it requires a seperate sim card & account.

As I would most likely require the static POS terminal & c/c processing is completly new to me I'm not sure that it would be wise for me to tie myself into a three year contract for both.

I'll probably have to give them a ring to clarify things. As what I want to do, is record information on the reverse of my Top copy reciept (i.e. name & address, card type, Number, V/F & Exp. dates & signature **No security Code**) which I could use to confirm the sale should the client subsequently deny the charge on their C/C statement, two or three months down the line.

One problem I can foresee, is that with the information being added to the reverse of my reciepts I would have to store it for a period of 6 yrs, to satisfy the inland revenue conditions.


Cheers

Alan

 

[Ozzy]

How about having a laptop and you take their payment there and there using an Internet payment gateway such as Nochex or Worldpay. They then sign the order confirming they have paid by credit card?
You'll need a laptop and a mobile phone to gain internet access from teh laptop.