Equipment Guide

While some companies pose as credit card processing companies, they really could more accurately be defined by their terminal sales and leasing practices. At Vantage, we are not equipment driven nor do we rely on terminal sales to keep us in business.

Since our inception in 1996, we have not leased a single terminal. Get the real story on terminal leasing before you sign a personal guarantee on a lease document. Each of the terminal systems we offer for purchase only cost a couple of hundred dollars, and we reprogram most units on the market today for free.

As you know nothing is free. Free equipment offers are laden with monthly and annual service fees, long-term contractual obligations and you never own the terminal so you can't keep it at the end of your commitment. Before you fall for “Free”, think of it as a red fag and closely examine all the fine print to find the catch.

Begin with a professional consultation to identify the right solution for your business. If that decision leads to the need to acquire a stand alone credit card processing terminal, carefully consider the following:

• Avoid over paying, however strongly consider more than initial equipment costs when shopping. Yes, there will always be someone who will sell you something cheaper but what is the overall cost of ownership.
• Be aware that there are companies that artificially lower the price of equipment simply to lock merchants into long-term processing contracts with stiff cancellation and early termination fees. 
• Consider that proper programming is key to implementation success.
• Having your equipment warranty with your processor will save you time, effort and shipping costs in the long run, so choose your processing partner and your terminal purchase as a package based on overall value - a fair deal on both.
• You get what you pay for.
• Equipment that was originally deployed as “Free” but was not returned to the processor can often be found on auction sites. Pay special attention to this risk because these units contain a proprietary chip so that it cannot be reprogrammed for your needs.
• Proprietary equipment that will only work on a single processing network will drive up your processing cost in the long run. Choose a unit with many network certifications.
• Is the terminal PCI Compliant? Effective January 1, 2008, Phase 1 of the Visa Payment Application Mandates stipulates that no merchant may be boarded on any processor where the payment application is non-compliant. Many units may currently work (grandfathered in) but the ability to support, change programming or reprogram may be discontinued requiring a hardware upgrade. Check with us first.
• Read the stipulations of the price agreement. Is price only valid if you process with them? Is the warranty based on a lease agreement? What is there a warranty/guarantee/return policy? How are shipping, handling, programming and taxes charged?
• Be careful when purchasing used or refurbished terminals. There are many changes in the industry with manufacturers discontinuing terminals and processors retiring payment applications.

At Vantage:

• We will reprogram your existing terminal or newly purchased terminal for free.
• Our terminals come with a 1-year warranty and unlimited Personal Service.
• All terminals can be purchased on a 3-payment plan over 90 days without interest. (Billing on the 5th of each month so depending on agreement date could be almost 120 days.)
• We will replace our terminals (except wireless) not under warranty for a flat fee $249.
• Our prices include Programming, Taxes, & UPS 2nd Day Air.

For Equipment or Supply Orders: Phone 800-397-2380 | Fax 770 928-9328 | support@vantagecard.com

POS Equipment Overview:

Integrated units, internal PIN pads, check readers, smart cards, wireless, Internet access, touch screens - the list is growing everyday. Manufacturers are continually looking to the future as they build in new technologies.

For many merchants, new terminal technology is a must. But which bells and whistles do you really need? It's important not to get sidetracked by equipment features that don't really add value. There is no lack of qualified equipment from which to choose. With so many choices out there, it can be hard to know what's best for your business.

Vantage recommends Verifone. Visit Verifone.com for a complete list of all solutions then let us help you evaluate your needs and requirements to select, program and implement your payment technology.

We offer our units at low cost, we do not tie you into a lease, and we service and support everything we sell. Please complete the short form below to be contacted by a payment specialist who can answer your questions and provide a detailed quote for service. To have an instant quote emailed to you now, use the MerchantRates calculator . We look forward to working with you.