When you are choosing a credit card machine, you have to make sure that you choose one with the proper applications. If you are going to use it in your restaurant, it is better to choose one which is mobile. If it will be sitting by your cash register and you have a retail shop, it is better to have a immobile one.

As well, you must take into account other parameters like service, processing time and tracking features. Once upon a time, there were only credit card impression machines with your merchant number imprinted onto a little metal piece and you had to insert special credit card slips with dirty carbon paper in the middle. There are many features that go into a merchant account, and another important feature is the time it takes for debit authorizations. When we use to use the impression machines, we had to call into the call centre for authorizations. Not only was this time consuming, but it gave the customer the impression that you didn't trust him. Now, with today's credit card machines, it is done automatically and almost instantaneously.

If you want my advice, take the machine that is cheapest with the proper application. They all work, and they are all serviced by your merchant account provider. As well, it is a good idea to have a imprint machine (the old type) on hand just in case. If your electronic one breaks down, at least you will have a back up. Even if the provider guarantees you same–day service if your machine breaks down, a wait from morning until the afternoon are enough to cause significant revenue loss. Imagine that it is one of your busiest days, and your machine breaks, allowing you only to except cheques or cash. Your customers will think that you are making black money and keeping the cash to yourself. Even if the imprint machine costs you a couple of dollars more a month, it is good insurance.