Magnetic stripe card readers no longer qualify as retail business luxuries. In an era when quality customer service and convenience is expected faster than the speed of light, magnetic readers are essential.
Luckily, magnetic readers themselves have evolved significantly to provide you with even more versatility. Vendors can now outfit a multitude of retail management systems with retail card readers. In addition, magnetic card readers can connect to anything from a cash register to a PDA, which is good news for those who want to make their business more efficient and customer-friendly while on the road.
It's possible to find a magnetic card reader to fit your business needs online. While shopping on the web, keep the following in mind:
1. Consider what type of device you'll connect the magnetic stripe reader to, such as a PDA, personal computer or register.
2. Determine whether you'd like your magnetic stripe card readers to multitask, like including "smart card" capabilities.
3. Purchase test cards to try out and develop your new magnetic stripe readers.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get your magnetic swipe card reader to multitask
Smart card technology provides an extra level of safety and protection for your business. Many magnetic swipe card readers come with this technology already built in.
I recommend: A
USB smart card reader from the manufacturer Cherry is a versatile choice, as is the
Hercules Hardened Hybrid reader with smart card technology.
Take your mag stripe readers on the road
If your card swiper needs to travel with you, consider a device that can connect to a laptop computer or handheld PDA. Your customers will appreciate the fact that you offer the option to pay with a card.
I recommend: The
DigiSwipe card reader hooks up to most standard laptops and PDAs.
Test out the magnetic strip reader
Purchase magnetic test cards to make sure your magnetic card readers are operating correctly--from cards that act as brand new credit cards to those that simulate scratched or damaged cards.
I recommend: Q-Card makes a multitude of
test cards to cover all your bases.
Research different magnetic swipe card reader brands
A number of sites allow you to sort through card swiper options by manufacturer, which helps you shop around for the best magnetic card reader for your needs, at the best price.
I recommend: Visit the
Barcodes Inc. website for a comprehensive breakdown of card swipers by manufacturer.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- To avoid any suspicion of identity theft or fraud, try to make sure your cash registers are hooked up to your business' point of sale terminal. With this configuration, cashiers won't have to run cards through multiple magnetic stripe readers, a practice that can raise a red flag for skimming with many consumers.
The official source of Magnetic Stripe Card Readers is
the Magnetic Stripe Card Readers page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
ESPRE Partners Surplus Equipment Sales - Symbol EquipmentSurplus Equipment Sales including large Symbol inventory. We sell hundreds of models of scanners, mobile computers, accessories and POS equipment.
www.espre.net
Magnetic Stripe Card ReadersBroad-line distributor web site features real-time stock status and pricing, online ordering, RFQ, technical support, product datasheets and photos.
www.digikey.com
Magnetic Stripe ReadersOffers factory direct pricing on magnetic readers and POS equipment including all-in-one terminals, PIN pads, swipe terminals, and receipt printers.
www.merchant-accounts.com
ID Card ReaderSupplies access authentication systems including magnetic stripe smart cards and ID badges for controlling access to facilities and networks.
www.fargo.com
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