The use of wireless terminals is on the rise to lower processing costs and reduce fraud. There are a few types of wireless terminals to choose from; WiFi, Bluetooth and Cellular. 

WiFi wireless terminals have been in the recent spotlight with Ingenico's release of  their "Pay-at-Table" program and Verifone was quick to follow suit with their "ON THE SPOT" program-which includes TablePAY, CarsidePAY, CounterPAY and DeliveryPAY. With both of these manufacturer programs the cardholder never has to let their card leave their hand.

With the use of Cellular wireless terminals, cardholders no longer have to give their credit card information over the phone. This also gives the merchant the opportunity to have the transactions swiped instead of keyed, reducing the risk for chargebacks. Restaurants are not the only merchants that benefit from wireless terminals. Taxi and limo services can now swipe their transactions and know that the funds are available. Merchants that travel to tradeshows or carnivals no longer have to fear that the funds will be available when they run credit cards after the show. You are also able to earn residual income on the gateway fee and per transaction fee for cellular wireless terminals.

Remember to build value into the increased cost for wireless terminals. Most of these terminals retail from $250.00 to over $1000.00. However, if it reduces risk and lowers transaction qualification the Return on Investment is well worth it.

At the end of April, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed the "Identity Theft Prevention Act." The objective of this bill is to fortify efforts to provide additional measures to prevent and also alert consumers who may be at risk of identity theft.

The bill was presented by Senator Ted Stevens, a Republican representing Alaska and also the Committee Vice Chairman; Daniel Inouye, a Democrat representing Hawaii and also the Commerce Committee Chairman; Senator Gordon Smith, a Republican representing Oregon; Senator Mark Pryor, a Democrat representing Arkansas; and Senator Bill Nelson, a Democrat representing Florida. In addition to the prevention and alert system, the bill would require the Federal Trade Commission to regulate and enforce the guidelines and an option for protection will be offered to consumers to freeze their credit. The Senate will consider this bill at a later date.

Information provided from a Press Release of the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation, dated 04/25/07.

These markets are traditionally keyed, sell wireless and qualify the transactions

• Concerts
• Couriers
• Charters
• Delivery Services
• Events
• In-home Sales/Services
• Kiosks
• Limo Services
• Locksmiths
• Plumbers
• Taxi Services
• Towing Services
• Trade Shows