PCI Compliance Made Easy

Every year business owners (called merchants herein) are required to fill out the PCISS Compliance (Payment Card Industry Security Standards) questionnaire. It’s basically a list of about 20 questions that are presented in such complex industry specific terms that it’s difficult to complete for someone who doesn’t work in the credit card processing business.

Also, if not filled out completely and correctly, many processors charge the merchant as much as $1400 per year in “PCI Non-Compliance” fees. These fees are mostly profit for the credit card processors and their sales agents. This incentivizes processors, agents, and sales offices to keep their merchant clients in a non-compliant status. They are effectively saying, “Why help your merchants be PCI safe when I can make extra money from PCI fees?”

But here is my solution: Every year I go through my book of business (every single merchant who has trusted my company with their credit card processing) and I complete the PCI Compliance online questionnaire on their behalf. I call the merchant and make certain their business practices are in line with PCI standards, I answer all the difficult questions, and get the merchant’s signature on the PCI quiz.

This takes a tedious process and makes it simple and free for my clients.

If you are struggling with the PCI hassle every year, paying PCI non-compliance fees, or just want to upgrade to a safer credit card processor, consider ePOS Merchant Services for your credit card processing needs. Plus we even offer a free loaner Clover Flex 3 terminal with advanced encryption, to new clients processing more than $10k per month. And EVERY ePOS merchant enjoys no contracts and no hidden fees.

Happy holiday season everyone!

Jason Hanson, owner

EPOS LLC

Watch out for this scam. We will never call asking for your information.

If you are a client of ePOS, please note that we will never reach out to you asking for your statements or other information.

Today a sales rep called one of the businesses who entrust us with their credit card processing (merchant services) right here in North Plains Oregon. The sales person suggested strongly that the business owner was already a client with them and then asked for credit and debit card processing statements to see if they could “adjust the rates.”

The sales rep also informed the client that its “secure” to email and text sensitive information to them like federal tax IDs, bank account information, and more. Never email or text sensitive information like this to anyone.

We don’t discourage our clients from shopping around. But in the case of sales reps who ask for sensitive info to be sent unencrypted, and pretend to represent us? That’s dangerous and unacceptable.

At ePOS your information will be safeguarded. We will never ask you to text or email sensitive information. Also, ePOS also offers free Clover loaner POS systems and credit card processing devices. Like the Clover Flex 3 and the Clover Station. We also offer Ingenico, Verifone, and online products like Authorize.net Clover.com Virtual Terminal and many others.

Cheers!

Jason Hanson

EPOS LLC

Oregon and Washington

Covid-19 Support

On-site support is available to all ePOS’ valued clients. Your support technician is vaccinated and adhering to the CDC guidelines. If you want your support technician to wear a mask, feel free to ask.

While we are looking at the science being shared by the medical community and support government policy stating masks are no longer required for fully vaccinated people, we are aware of the feelings of those who may be anxious about returning to normalcy and those who may have lost loved ones in the pandemic.

Please stay safe and get vaccinated!

Jason Hanson, ePOS LLC

COVID 19 Support

We too are a small business. We know how this feels. To help our clients, we are offering reduced/waived monthly fees if you are closed or not accepting payments due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Please call 888-560-9025 if you need any assistance. Let’s get through this together.

Much love,

Jason & Melissa @ ePOS Merchant Services

New Clover Advanced POS Hardware!

I am so pleased to announce that ePOS now offers Clover POS hardware. If you don’t know what they’re about, have a look-see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sEGrN1Q8CAQ

And that was just their Flex. They have amazing retail and mobile merchant solutions too! Explore their many videos on that channel.

So they have lots of great stuff to help you run your business, but you can get Clover from many merchant services ISOs. Why go with ePOS? Because we have a free loaner terminal program that you can use toward the high-end point-of-sale-product, Clover.

For example, the Clover Flex costs $400 wholesale. Many companies mark this up to $500 or more. But we give you cash credit for the monthly volume you process.

$30k Monthly = 50% off wholesale, a cost of just $200.

$60k Monthly = Free!

Maybe you’re a restaurant in search of multiple stations. For every $30k you process monthly, we will provide a $200 credit toward hardware.

If you would like to try a Clover terminal or POS station, let us know. You can play with a demo unit, or try an account and we’ll hand deliver your own Clover hardware ready to use. As usual, we have no early termination fee and local support. So if you change your mind, you can return it in like-new condition for a refund if you even paid anything.

Here are some videos!

Full Restaurant Systems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ATVFFNkB-2I

Salons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RTK_z_TOj0

Retail with Gift Cards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGrbekYDC9o

Coffee Shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEZH1j4Uggc

Try Clover the best way, with ePOS.

Cheers,

Jason Hanson, Owner

ePOS

EPOS LLC and Global Payments Direct

It has come to my attention that I had some misinformation on eposcc.com. I have been informed that ePOS LLC is not, and has never been a registered independent sales office or ISO for Global Direct. For the last three years, ePOS LLC has been a registered referral partner, but on my website it stated “ePOS LLC is a registered ISO of Global Direct.” I didn’t know this distinction existed. I thought “registered referral partner” and “independent sales office” were synonymous.

I have been informed by Spencer Robinson, Division General Counsel of Global Payments, of the distinction of the two terms, and advised to change the statement ePOS LLC’s relationship with Global Payments on my website. I have made that change to my website this morning.

I know. Let’s all get a cool lemonade and try to recover from this shock.

To be super direct, the distinction may have some legal implications for Global Payments, but this seems like splitting hairs to me. We offered processing services in good faith and took care of our clients. That’s never changed.

Jason Hanson, Owner

ePOS, LLC

Half Priced Credit Card Terminal Paper

Here you can order a 50 roll case of terminal paper for half the cost of Staples. Even Office Depot charges over $2 per roll plus shipping. We charge less than a dollar per roll including shipping! 

Plus the paper arrives in 2-3 businesses days. Fast free shipping and the right size for your machine every time. 

Also, if you're completely out of paper and can't wait, give us a call! We can deliver the same day in some circumstances. 

No contracts on merchant services. Saving business owners money on terminal supplies. Thats our deal. 

ePOS Merchant Services

We moved and improved

ePOS Merchant Services has relocated, expanding from our small Beaverton location to lovely North Plains, Oregon. Located just a few exits west of Beaverton off HWY 26.  

My wife and I have remodeled a new four bedroom home. With just the two of us, we have plenty of extra room for office space. Many people are hesitant to admit that they office out of their home. But by saving $2500 to $4000 per month by not leasing or purchasing office space, we can be more profitable, charge our clients less, and have more money free for the charities we care about.

Of course usually we come to your location, but we welcome visitors here by appointment. Coffee is at 7:30 am (and 5 more subsequent times throughout the day), and (if we've earned it) cocktails are promptly at 6 pm. 

 

Jason Hanson, Owner

ePOS Merchant Services

10750 NW 289th Ave

North Plains, OR 97133

 (888) 560-9025

 

Please hold for a 17-minute survey…

Don't you just hate being hounded to give reviews? For the most part, I feel that surveys waste our time on this planet. And plenty of other people are usually willing to review a small business on Yelp or Google+. 

But merchant service companies are often reviewed only when something went wrong. Why? Because the credit card terminal is like an air-conditioner-- you only notice it when it breaks. 

If your merchant service company works hard to give you good, honest service please give them (or us) a review. Rate us on Google+ through the Google Map app, or by searching ePOS Portland Google+ and click on the pencil icon.  

Honest companies like mine, or for example Signature Business Solutions in Arizona, need your recommendation to succeed. Plus, by recommending people like us, you're reinforcing honest business practices in a wildly unregulated industry. 

Thank you! 

Jason Hanson, ePOS 

Source: http://plus.google.com/+ePOSPortland

PCI Compliance--What Does it Mean?

A few years back the Payment Card Industry came up with a security standard. The idea was to have every merchant complete a list of questions verifying that they handle customer's credit card numbers and information in a secure way. 

PCI Compliance process helps merchants keep their businesses secure. For example, if a business has a computer POS system handling their credit card transactions, PCI compliance requires a scan of the computers once a year and continuously updated security software. Keeping these things up to date prevents criminals from stealing your customers' card numbers. Just like locking the back door every night. 

The annoying news is that non-compliant merchants are charged a monthly fee of $19.95. Please know that this is not a trumped up fee to pad ePOS' wallet. We don't receive this money. It goes to offset the risk of merchants who chose to ignore PCI security standards.

We want EVERY ePOS merchant compliant all the time. We are reaching out to our customers this month and helping everyone get compliant. Please, if you get an email from us, or from MyPCI.com, these are legitimate attempts to help you from your current merchant services company. Of course if you get a call or email from someone other than ePOS or MyPCI.com, kindly disregard. 

PCI Compliance saves you money and protects you from liability. Please check your statement for PCI Non-complaince fees. Contact us. We will help you get compliant and prevent further costs imposed by the industry. 

Jason Hanson, ePOS

(Even we have to do it. See?)

Apple Pay

You may have heard a lot about Apple Pay. As a business owner, here's what you'll want to know. 

What is Apple Pay?

It's a built-in application from Apple for iPhone 6 and 6-plus, that loads all your credit and debit cards right into your phone. Sound risky? Well anyone who stole your phone to use your cards would have to steal your fingerprints too. Here's what Apple has to say about their new application:

"Now paying in stores happens in one natural motion — there’s no need to open an app or even wake your display thanks to the innovative Near Field Communication antenna in iPhone 6. To pay, just hold your iPhone near the contactless reader with your finger on Touch ID. You don’t even have to look at the screen to know your payment information was successfully sent. A subtle vibration and beep let you know."

How Can I Accept Apple Pay?

ePOS now deploys Apple Pay compatible equipment as part of our Free Terminal Program for new customers. 

That's it! If you would like to accept Apple pay, let us know and we'll hook you up. 

Jason Hanson, ePOS

 

Tablet Terminals-- Advancement, or Just a Pretty Face?

You see them at falafel trucks, ice creameries, and sandwich-eries. Maybe your coffee shop just got one.

Until the last 18 months or so, tablet credit card terminals were a bit janky. But fret not! Two things have happened since the first iPad was presented in 2010. First, the tablet is now way better. Seriously. Pick up an original iPad. It feels downright biblical (tablets...Moses...no?) Second, developers have beautified and streamlined their applications. They're actually a pleasure to use now.

Here are two offerings that in my opinion, represent the product type.

Oh, and just a note to clarify; we are considering the Tablet Terminal. By this we mean the tablet that is designed to replace a credit card terminal and cash register. It's not a full POS system like ShopKeep or LightSpeed. So here it goes:

In Square's case, the product is beautiful, simple, and works with most mobile devices. On the other hand, it's limited and not ready for complex retail inventory or a restaurant table-service environment. Some argue that's not Square's target market. And they're right. Square has made a name by targeting the small/mobile/quick-service-food-carts/handyman/home-service market. The rate of 2.75% is high at a glance. But the lack of other fees is compelling for small, low monthly volume businesses. It's basically a great rate if you process less than $10 average ticket. Merchants with average tickets above $10 and monthly volume over $7500 and you can score a net rate of around 2.00% including all other fees. Square came out of the gate in 2009, focusing on smartphones with some reader and app glitches. But updates and better phones and tablets soon led to smooth sailing. 

PayAnywhere is similar product (that we actually offer). But to be objective, just like Square, it's not right for everyone. It's the same basic billing idea as Square for $12.95 per month and 2.69%. If you process over $5000 per month, you qualify for a loaner tablet from PayAnywhere (Square's stand is $99 plus the tablet). But again, like Square, it's limited. It is designed for the same basic market. Don't expect features like an employee time clock, advanced inventory tracking, table charts for your restaurant, or printed out tip lines. Oddly, in my experience, PayAnywhere actually runs better on Android tablets. The free tablet program is a Samsung encased in a credit card reader with a swivel base. A recent update has resolved glitches and added comprehensive billing explanation. Another nice change is that the advertisement to accept credit cards through PayAnywhere no longer appears on the customer's receipt. If you don't like the 2.69% + $12.95 fee structure, you can opt for a traditional account injected into the app. 

Overall, the Tablet Terminal is better than an old fashioned credit card terminal.

1. They're faster.

2. Customers are used to them.

3. They will connect to a cash drawer and receipt printer.

4. That 16 year-old you just hired as a cashier already knows how to use it as he has a tablet or smart phone on his person. At this moment. 

5. They're cheaper to operate and reduce paper consumption with email and text receipts. 

6. Swiping a card through a dial terminal and waiting 12 seconds and spending 25 cents on the transaction fee alone before the percentage rate is very vintage. Why not prove you were there in '84 with a Cosby sweater, and save the money?

 

Jason Hanson, ePOS

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Importance and Strategy of Selecting the Right Merchant Services Company

Once you applied for a business license, did you notice all the calls and visits you suddenly received from Merchant Services (credit card processing) sales reps? They offer free terminals, fast customer service, quick funding, and low rates. In exchange, within minutes of speaking to this person, you are expected to share your business checking account number, social security number, EIN, home address, and virtually every other bit of personal and business financial information. 

Surprisingly, this scenario happens many times every day, in nearly every city in North America. The majority of merchant services sales reps are honest and try to provide all they promise. But how secure is the information that the rep took from you? Did they leave your application forms in their car? When they reach their office, is your information locked up properly? Do they use a secure computer system when creating your account?

Beyond all these concerns, you are trusting the company you choose with the success of your business. If their network or equipment fails, how much business will you lose while you wait for customer service to resolve the matter completely?

To protect your company and make the right choice for merchant services, here are some recommendations:

1. Ask the sales rep who else uses their services in your industry and area. Does the rep hesitate or do they have references at the ready?

2. Never sign with a rep you just met (or spoke with on the phone). Take some time to Google their name and their company name. Ten minutes in front of your computer can save you thousands of dollars. Dishonest companies can never hide long from the Internet.

3. Don’t believe just one bad review. We’ve all seen that one difficult or unreasonable customer. Look at the merchant services company as a whole, and see what most people are saying to get a complete picture. 

4. Don’t sign with a sales rep or company who talks negatively about other companies. Sales reps who speak ill of others often do so to hide their own bad reputation. 

5. Call the merchant service company’s support line. How long does it take to get a human who speaks your language clearly?

6. Don’t go with a company that requires a contract. Many offer contract-free accounts. If there’s no contract, they must believe in their service quality to retain you as a client.

The facts are that many merchant service companies offer great products at great prices. If you use your instincts, do your research, and choose a company with experience in your industry, you’re likely to make the right choice. 

-Jason Hanson, ePOS