U.S. Wireless Data introduces credit card terminal for mobile businesses … cellular coverage more comprehensive than wireline

Mobile Phone News,  March 7, 1994  

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U.S. Wireless Data recently introduced a fully integrated wireless mobile credit-card terminal designed specifically for businesses on-the-go.

Companies using the 0S-50 terminal can control bad debt, improve cash flow and increase sales by accepting credit cards and checks safely, whether business is in the store, in an outdoor market or anywhere in between.

The system utilizes an on-line electronic verification process to access account information. Once a customer's credit card has been approved, the transaction is issued an authorization code, and funds are electronically captured. Because each transaction begins by the unit electronically reading the card's magnetic strip, users can glean accurate information and reduce the chance of fraud from lost, stolen, or physically altered plastic cards.

When the funds are approved and are electronically captured, they are deposited automatically into the merchant's account, usually within 24 to 48 hours. In addition to the authorization of credit cards, a user can connect a fax machine or laptop computer for performing business anywhere that there is cellular service. "Many credit card processors weren't using cellular in the design of their systems," said Mike Brisnehan, U.S. Wireless Data chief financial officer. "We saw a niche there that no one was taking advantage of."

...Cellular Coverage More Comprehensive Than Wireline

"The coverage over cellular is more comprehensive than a regular system over wireline," Brisnehan said. "It [the system] allows a merchant to get money into an account faster then knuckle-buster credit card machines from anywhere they are doing business."

The terminal includes a 3-watt cellular RF unit and a 24-column printer that provides receipts every time a transaction is made. The terminal weighs less than 6 pounds, making it easy to transport anywhere business activities need to be performed.

In addition to traditional retail sales, the terminal supports such business activities as: home delivery, repair, maintenance, and cleaning services; product sales that generally are made in the home or in remote locations; pizza and fast food delivery; taxicab, limousine and other transportation services; outdoor marketplaces, art and craft fairs, concessions and shows; towing and mobile auto repair services; and surface parking facilities. The suggested retail price for the POS-50 is $2,195, with various financing opportunities offered to customers.

Sincerely,

The Editors

Andrea Knotts Bona, Senior Editor

Kara Gerlach, Reporter

Debra Baker Wayne, Contributing Editor

Jane Bryant, Managing Editor

COPYRIGHT 1994 Access Intelligence, LLC
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning