In the face of COVID-19, “business as usual” is anything but. Countless merchants are rethinking business operations and adapting in the face of unprecedented disruption.
The ability to accept debit card and credit card payments is a critical consideration. Merchants depend on physical terminals to complete card-present transactions, but many businesses can’t accept in-person payments due to social distancing guidelines.
Businesses are adapting to the new normal in thoughtful ways. Sit-down restaurants are shifting to phone orders for delivery and curbside pickup. Small retailers that thrive on in-person browsing are showcasing their products on social media, taking orders over the phone, and shipping their goods direct to consumers. Service providers are requiring prepayment over the phone for transactions they would otherwise conduct in person.
This is a monumental shift in payments behavior for both customers and merchants. It can also open businesses to risk. There is the operational risk of recording payment information incorrectly, leading to failed transactions that may require time intensive follow-up. Security risks also arise when busy employees write down card information instead of keying it in securely, opening the possibility of data theft and misappropriation.
Credit card terminals are designed with safeguards to protect businesses from these risks. So, what’s a business to do when in-person payments aren’t an option?
A solution like Virtual Terminal can help. It gives businesses the ability to accept payments over the phone quickly and securely to keep commerce moving. Here’s how it works:
1. Connect Virtual Terminal
Implementation via a payment processor should be quick and easy.
2. Access Virtual Terminal with any connected device
Virtual Terminal doesn’t require special hardware or equipment. Access it anytime and anywhere using existing desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.
3. Create a custom interface
Virtual Terminal should be completely configurable. Only display the fields that are most relevant.
4. Accept and process card-not-present payments
Accept debit card, credit card, and ACH transactions over the phone by keying in payment information to Virtual Terminal’s secure interface. It isn’t just for sales – Virtual Terminal can also process refunds, voids, authorizations, captures, and credits.
5. Reduce PCI DSS compliance scope
Virtual Terminal provides a secure interface to process payments without touching a merchant’s systems, thereby reducing the scope of PCI DSS compliance. It should also tokenize sensitive account holder information for an extra layer of security.
6. Get real-time responses
Process payments in real-time, with instant responses and transaction confirmations.
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