-FAQ AND SOFTWARE DOWNLOAD-

 

 

-ABOUT PHONE SWIPE-

 

What is Phone Swipe?

Phone Swipe is a free app and card reader accessory that transforms your smartphone into a mobile point-of-sale terminal, allowing you to accept credit card payments anywhere you go.

 

Who can use Phone Swipe?

 

Phone Swipe is for small to mid-size businesses, especially merchants who find themselves on-the-go and in need of a wireless merchant account. Businesses ranging from quick-service restaurants (hot dog vendors, cafes, etc.) to retail (art dealers, jewelers, souvenir shops) to services (electricians, plumbers, landscaping) will appreciate the portability that Phone Swipe offers.

 

How does mobile processing benefit me and my business?

 

Phone Swipes mobile processing program offers an individual or customer an alternative payment option by allowing them the ability to pay with a credit card. This allows the seller or merchant to accept card payments from someone who is not carrying cash or checks on hand. In a recent report for VISA, results revealed:

 

 

 

-GENERAL/ MOBILE PAYMENT PROCESSING-

 

What advantages are there to mobile processing for the customer?

Mobile processing is extremely convenient for the customer in that it provides an additional option for payment when cash or checks are not available. In addition, the technology behind mobile processing affords proof of purchase for the consumer in the form of e-mail receipts.

 

What advantages are there to mobile processing for me, the merchant?

Processing credit cards through your mobile device provides additional outlets for selling by increasing your market reach. In addition, the flexibility to accept multiple forms of payment allows for the possibility to sell products and services that are more costly than one typically keeps in cash. In terms of record keeping, mobile processing organizes inventory and processing data into easy to search reports.

 

How is mobile processing more convenient?

It allows for a worry-free approach to accepting payment. No longer will you miss a sale if the customer doesnt have the cash on them. Accepting credit cards in addition to cash or check makes it easier for both you and customers to complete a transaction.

 

How does mobile processing increase my reach?

Using a mobile device to process credit cards provides you the freedom to leave brick-and-mortar storefronts behind and physically go to the places your customers are.

 

How does mobile processing increase my sales?

Customers arent as likely to have large amounts of cash on hand as they are to have credit cards with them. By accepting credit cards, you ensure that you are able to accept whatever form of payment your customer may have.

 

 

-USING PHONE SWIPE-

 

What do I need to use Phone Swipe?

You will need an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, the application, and a merchant account. Phone Swipe will be available for Android and BlackBerry smartphones soon.

 

When can I start using Phone Swipe to accept credit cards?

Pending approval of your merchant account, youll be able to start accepting credit cards with Phone Swipe.

 

Will Phone Swipe work on my phone?

Currently, Phone Swipe is only available for Apple mobile devices. However, apps for the Android and BlackBerry smartphones will be available in the future.

 

Do I need an Internet connection to use Phone Swipe?

Yes, you need a wireless plan that includes Internet access.

 

What type of cards can be accepted?

Credit cards for Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

 

Can I process a transaction outside of the United States?

No, currently, all credit card transactions must be in the United States.

 

 

-APPLICATION QUESTIONS-

 

Where can I get the app?

Download the application for FREE at the App Store.

 

Is a PASSWORD required?

No, you are not required to set up a Password. However, we recommend you set a Password as an added security measure to prevent unauthorized usage of your Phone Swipe account.

 

How many digits can my PASSWORD be?

Your Password must be a 5-digit number.

 

I forgot my PASSWORD. What do I do?

You are given 3 tries to unlock the app. After three unsuccessful attempts, you will be prompted with your Password Hint. If you are unable to enter the correct Password after three more attempts, you will be asked to answer your Security Question. If you are still unable to answer correctly, you will be asked specific account information to recover your PASSWORD.

 

What if I receive a phone call or text message during a transaction?

Press Decline or Close to complete your transaction. If you hit Accept or Reply, the application will close and your transaction will end.

 

Can I accept tips?

Yes, you can set up to allow for tips. Turn tips on or off and let your customers choose by percent or dollar amount.

 

Can I add in sales tax?

You can turn on a default sales tax or the app can automatically calculate the tax rate based on your location.

 

How do I give a customer a receipt?

You can e-mail a receipt to your customers.

 

 

-HARDWARE QUESTIONS-

 

What iPhones will the Phone Swipe card reader work with?

Currently, the card reader will work with an iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, iPod touch, or iPad with minimum iOS of 3.0.

 

Where can I get the card reader accessory? Does it cost anything?

After you have been approved for a merchant account, you will be sent a free card reader accessory. You will need to pay a $19.95 Shipping & Processing Fee.

 

What if something happens to my card reader accessory?

There is a 12-month limited warranty on card reader accessories.

 

Do I have to use the card reader accessory to process a transaction with Phone Swipe?

No. While we recommend you always swipe, you can manually key in a transaction if you are having problems swiping or if you do not have your card reader accessory with you.

 

If I have more than one card reader, can I use it using one merchant account?

Yes, you can use one merchant account with multiple card reader accessories.

 

-MERCHANT ACCOUNT-

 

What is a merchant account?

A checking account established by a merchant (you) with a merchant processor (like Global Merchant Services) to receive payment for credit card transactions. A unique and secure merchant identification number is assigned to identify each merchant to the merchant processor for accounting and billing purposes.

 

Why do I need a merchant account?

A merchant account keeps you in control of your money, whereas sharing an account can lead to both you and your money becoming vulnerable to potential fraud. Without a unique merchant account, you dont know who is using the account and you could end up paying higher rates when processing transactions.

 

How do I get a merchant account?

You can apply online at www.globalmerchantservices.com or contact your sales account executive.

 

How long does it take before I receive payments?

Your funds will be available within two business days.

 

What are the fees?

When you process a transaction, you will pay a low transaction rate. Ask your Sales Account Executive for details.

 

What is a transaction rate?

This is a service cost that is charged on a per transaction basis. Phone Swipe has rates dependent on how you process a transaction, i.e., swiped or keyed.

 

What is the difference between a swiped and a keyed transaction?

Once your account is approved, well send you a FREE card reader so you can start swiping transactions instead of manually keying in transactions. A swiped transaction is when you swipe a credit card through the card reader. A keyed transaction is when you hand type the credit card information into the application.

 

When you swipe a credit card, you receive lower rates than when you key the credit card information. Swiped transactions also provide added security against disputed (chargeback) sales. We encourage you to always swipe a credit card when processing a sale. Of course, you can still key in the credit card information if needed.

 

Is Phone Swipe safe to use?

Yes! The safety and security of you and your customers are our highest priority. We work hard to ensure that credit card data doesnt get stored on the phone, the application, or the terminal. Also, we utilize end-to-end encryption that ensures each and every transaction is protected.

 

How does Phone Swipe reduce fraud?

Previous credit card processing methods often resulted in the imprinting and storing of credit card data. Businesses can reduce the possibility for fraudulent activity by processing transactions immediately using end-to-end encryption. With this method, credit card data is not stored and is not accessible after the sale.

 

 

-DOWNLOADING PHONE SWIPE-

 

Once you are approved, download the FREE PHONE SWIPE application to your phone.

Then you can start processing sales, even before you receive your card reader.