I'm receiving a proliferation of calls from merchants who need mobile credit card processing and do not want to invest in costly wireless units.  Many merchants feel that they've invested a lot of money for their smart phones and that viable processing solutions should be directly available through such expensive hardware. 

I just received a call today from the proud owner of a $600 Android who exclaimed: "I've invested a small fortune for this phone.  Don't you think it should come with all the bells and whistles, including the ability to accept credit cards?"  I responded, "Ah, it very well may provide the perfect foundation to process credit cards as long as you avail yourself to ROAMpay.

Indeed, ROAMpay provides a specialized application to accept credit cards, and even has a concomitant reader for business folks who need to swipe their customers' cards.  Of course, ROAMpay is not compatible with all phone units, but the number seems to be growing daily, and includes units such as the Blackberry, Android, iPhone, iPad, and even other types of mobile devices, such as PCs and MACs.  Roam Data, the company that has rolled out such impressive technology, offers a list of supported phones.  Here, you can see which phones may be used in conjunction with the swiper to swipe credit cards and which ones work with the ROAMpay application to key in credit cards. 

If you're excited about the prospect of turning your mobile device to a POS unit, you should first examine a merchant account provider that resells ROAMpay.  Of course, evaluate the full scope of fees, including the additional ones assessed as a result of using ROAMpay.  Once you make your selection, the processor's technical department can build the necessary files to make ROAMpay's system complete and functional.  The shipping or deployment department can also send a reader for merchants who need swipe card capability.  (You'll eventually connect the reader to the headphone jack.)

Downloading the application is a snap and you should be able to access it in no time, inputting your secure credentials.  You'll soon be ready to accept your first credit card.

First, indicate that it's a credit sale, then input the amount of the sale, and if applicable, you'll then indicate that it's a swipe transaction.  The customer's truncated credit card information will then appear on the screen.  Subsequently, you'll be able to write notes, if you wish, about the transaction, and email a receipt to the customer.

You'll then submit the transaction for authorization.  Let's assume it's a successful transaction ... sold America!  The funds then get deposited into your bank account.

Of course, ROAMpay allows merchants to perform other actions aside from processing credit cards. Voids and refunds can also be facilitated through the system, and cash transactions may be run and recorded as well.  The system has store and forward capability and offers transactional history reports.  

ROAMpay is a useful, comprehensive tool, but I wish that it would automatically include a printer to print receipts.  However, you can purchase a separate printer to accomplish this task, and as a reminder, receipts may be alternatively emailed.

Merchants on the go (plumbers, electricians, craft show merchants, etc.) -- particularly folks who already have smart phones -- should investigate the smart technology that ROAMpay offers.  

(Warning - Promotion Declaration: Our merchant account company is offering a "25-25 roampay deal."  Here, for a one-time activation fee of $25, and less than $25 per month, you can get your mobile unit to accept credit cards.  The monthly fee includes roampay, PCI compliance, and the statement fee.  We're selling the reader for $45 + shipping.

Please call (973) 448-9701 or email, info@intelli-collect.com for details and complete pricing on our merchant roampay account.)