Wireless credit card machines hold the future of credit card processing. Wireless credit card machines offer businesses the ability to process credit and debit card at virtually any location. There are several common pitfalls not found with traditional credit card terminals that a potential buyer can fall into if not careful when looking to purchase a wireless credit card terminal. Wireless coverage availability, and outdated equipment top the list for the most common problems found when purchasing a wireless credit card machine.

Common Pitfalls

Pitfall - 1, Outdated Equipment, Outdated Networks
It is often very easy to find a 'very low' priced wireless credit card terminal on ebay or at other marketplaces. Many of these terminals use outdated processing networks, and what was a wireless terminal, will no longer work for wireless processing. Many Nurit 3010, and Nurit 2090 wireless terminals use a network called the CDPD network. This wireless network is all but abandoned for credit card processing and you will not be able to use this terminal for wireless processing.

Make absolutely sure that the wireless terminal that you are buying is not one made for the CDPD network. If the seller does not know, or will not disclose what network the terminal is programmed for, then do not buy the terminal. In general, if the offer just sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Also, many merchants that are selling their used terminals may have no idea what network the terminal operates on. Whatever the case, you need to make sure the terminal is not programmed for the CDPD network.

Pitfall - 2, Wireless Processing, Wireless Service Coverage
The ability of being able to process anywhere at any time is a great asset for many mobile businesses. But, don't confuse the coverage area that your cellular phone gets with what is available for wireless processing. Wireless credit card terminals currently operate on three wireless networks; the Motient, Mobitex, and GPRS Edge networks. All three of these networks are considered business class networks and have much better data service, speed, and security than traditional cellular networks. Wireless processing networks also have a much smaller cellular coverage area than cellular phone networks.

Wireless Networks Overview

GPRS vs. Motient and Mobitex
Wireless networks are by nature a confusing topic. The Motient and Mobitex networks are completely different networks but wireless terminals normally use both, so I group them together. GPRS on the other hand is a completely different technology.

GPRS offers the best signal and widest coverage of any network available. Motient and Mobitex have good coverage in urban areas, but several states have no Motient or Mobitex coverage at all. GPRS has some coverage in every state. In general you want to purchase a GPRS enabled terminal. The Nurit 8000 GPRS is currently the only widely accepted terminal that operates on the GPRS network. Lipman, the manufacturer of the Nurit 8000 has discontinued all other wireless terminals in favor of the Nurit 8000 GPRS.

Mobitex / Motient Coverage:

GPRS Edge Coverage (Dark Blue):

What is important is to ensure that there is sufficient coverage in the areas that you intend on using your wireless terminal. You also have the ability to plug your terminal into a standard phone line if wireless coverage is not available.

General Features

Wireless credit card terminals are almost identical to land line terminals except they operate on cellular networks, and use a battery instead of a power cord.

ebay's guide to purchasing credit card terminals offers great information on the basic features of credit card terminals that applies to wireless terminals in addition to land line terminals.

Other Features
Store and forward is a feature that will store a credit card transaction when wireless coverage is not available. You can later process the transaction when you connect the terminal to a phone line or coverage becomes available. Wireless terminals can be but are not always programmed with this feature. Your service provider will need to setup a store and forward application for your terminal.
 
There are also a variety of accessories for wireless terminals that are useful for some but normally not needed. These include docking stations, extra batteries, and high gain antennas.

Summing it up
Before you purchase a wireless terminal, make sure you are buying a terminal that is still able to process wireless. Make sure there is sufficient GPRS Edge, Motient, or Mobitex coverage in the area that you intend on processing, unless you have access to a phone line. And, make sure you are aware of any fees that will be incurred from your service provider for processing with a wireless terminal. Following these tips will help you avoid any unsuspecting problems when your business needs a wireless credit card terminal.