Chip Card Archives | Targeted Merchant Solutions

Posted on March 20, 2018 by admin

Why Go New with Clover?

First of all, have you looked at the reviews of the new Clover system? With technology updating at a rate faster than butter melting on a piece of toast, it is a breathe of fresh air to know that someone somewhere cares enough to keep up with technology for us all. As a business owner, security is the number one thing we have to worry about today. Most of the credit card companies offer some sort of fraud protection, but if that credit/debit card is number is stolen from your store, then that customer may come after you. With the new Clover, the have built in what they like to call “Next-level security” – meaning that they have gone above and beyond what others are doing to make sure that you can relax because they have you covered. With an integrated EMV chip and signature reader, fingerprint reader for secure employee login, and over 20 pre-installed apps (and even more options in the Clover App Market). The new Clover also plays nice with others by working seamlessly with all Clover devices designed to support business transactions at the counter or online.

But that’s not all this new upgraded baby can do! It is compatible with a variety of accessories, from barcode scanners and weight scales to kitchen printers – you name it, they probably have it or are already thinking about it. It also offers two different styles of printers (this one you have to see to believe!), it has a built-in camera for barcode scanning and QR code-based payments, and best of all it has 24/7 support every. single. day.

Did I win you over? If not, be sure to check out this awesome video from Clover here.

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Targeted Merchant Solutions - Posts

Debit Card Fraud Decreases While EMV Adoption Increases

The Study

From 2015 to 2016, financial institutions in the US significantly increased usage of EMV enabled chip cards. During that time period it was also discovered that the fruad loss rates of debit cards were lowered by about 28 percent from the 2015 levels. This was all determined in a report PULSE Network (Discover Financial Subsidiary) recently released.

The study found that since the 2015 fraud liability shift was enacted, more and more US debit cards have been made more secure with EMV chip technology. It’s estimated to be about 80 percent of debit cards that have been converted.

According to the Vice President of Fraud and Risk Management for PULSE, Jim Lerdel, there have been quite a few measures taken by the financial services industry that have resulted in the reduction of fraud losses reported by financial institutions. He names the EMV chip card conversion, mobile commerce tokenization,and increased investment in fraud-fighting solutions as three top measures helping the cause.

Although fraud loss levels are seeing improved results, the study did reveal that fraud is still quite a large burden financially for debit card issuers. The study estimates that almost $900 million was lost in 2016 to debit card fraud.

Based on the study’s findings, 2016 showed increased usage in debit cards. Transactions where a debit card were used rose about 7 percent year-over-year. The report also found that active customers’ number of debit transactions grew 6 percent to 23.6 transactions each month.

The full results of the PULSE Network study is available here. It was performed by the independent management consulting firm, Olive Wyman and commissioned by PULSE Network. The collective information was obtained through 50 participating financial institutions.

Our Take

We knew that the fraud liability shift in 2015 would start to bring about big changes in the industry as a whole, but especially with debit card usage. This report just goes to verify our past claims.

If your business is still unable to accept chip card payments, you could be held responsible. Please contact us today to find out how you can easily and quickly accept EMV chip card transactions at your business and avoid costly penalties and fees.

(866) 863-2660

info@targetedms.com

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Targeted Merchant Solutions - Posts

When Chip Cards Hurt

For Some Businesses and Customers the Pain of Chip Card Transactions Cuts Deep

With the adoption of EMV chip card readers across the country still going strong, more and more people are concerned about the awkward and confusing interaction than the increased security features. Honestly, if you’ve had the chance to use your “newish” chip card, you’ve likely wondered: “Do I swipe? Do I enter the card? Why is it taking so long?” So, while this added feature might help make card purchases more secure, people aren’t loving it and some are turning away from retailers because of the confusion and wait time.

In a recent survey by Cayan, almost 25% of customers say if their wait time is 5-20 seconds, they will skip that retailer in the future. The average EMV chip card transaction is about 14 seconds. Bad news, right? So, as a business owner what are you to do? You have to have the EMV readers to avoid costly liabilities, but you also want happy customers. (Please note: a customer who can avoid silent staring contests with your cashiers will likely be happier than one forced to participate in the silly waiting games.)

Speed It Up

Check your connection. In today’s world, there are very few reasons for a business to still be operating a credit card terminal through dial-up. However, a lot of businesses are still relying out outdated dial-up equipment. If you’re one of them, it’s time for an upgrade to an internet connection, and perhaps some new technology overall.
Go Mobile. Retailers that go out of their way to make lines faster get top marks from customers. One way many retailers do this is to have mobile payment acceptance so the employees can quickly and efficiently check out the customers already in line. Think about it…you’re waiting in a seemingly endless line during the holidays when an employee comes to greet you and processes your transaction right there on the spot. Smooth, right?
Find a better overall solution. Your dad’s old terminal isn’t cutting it, you need some mobile options, and let’s fire up that chip card reader wait time while we’re at it, shall we? Welcome, Clover^TM. The Clover family is a customizable solution for any business, and it is killing the EMV chip card game with an average 3 second wait time from the initial “dip” to the “remove card” screen. That’s a heck of a lot better than 14 seconds. Oh, let’s add some icing to this Clover cake: the Clover Mini averages 2.93 seconds!

Don’t Go There

While you’re looking into keeping your customers coming back for more, there are also a few don’ts when it comes to EMV chip card transactions.

Sticky Note Mayhem. You’ve seen it–those terminals with notes plastered all over them with instructions. It’s impersonal, and does anyone else notice how dirty the paper gets? Ew.
That’s Weird. There’s nothing like making an uncomfortable situation even more cringe-worthy. Watch what you say about your chip reader to strangers, okay?

Happy Customers = Happy Business

Do your business a favor by doing your customers a favor…speed up those EMV chip card reader transactions. You would be surprised at how much you and your employees can accomplish with updated technology, and we are here to help. The Clover family has all that you need to effectively manage and run your business, while keeping the transaction process smooth and simple for your customers. Let’s get your business running with Clover today!