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How Retail Credit Card Processing Works

The model below describes how retail credit card processing works in a typical storefront environment.

1. The merchant slides the customer's card through the credit card terminal and enters the sale amount. The terminal then connects to Merchant Warehouse’s processor for authorization.

2. The processor passes that information onto the bank that issued the credit card where the bank checks to see if the card is valid and see if the charge amount is available on the card.

3. The issuing bank sends back an approval number or a decline message to Merchant Warehouse’s processor.

4. The information is passed back to the credit card terminal which prints a receipt for the customer to sign if the card is approved. It takes approximately 12-15 seconds to complete steps 1-4 on a credit card machine using a phone line. The newer internet enabled machines can cut this time to just a few seconds.

5. At the end of the day the merchant must "settle" or "batch out" their terminal which will begin the final process of the transaction. In most cases Merchant Warehouse can automatically settle the transactions at a specified time each day. Once the settlement process is initiated the funds are transferred from the card issuing bank and are electronically deposits them into the merchant's checking account. It typically takes no more than two business days from the time of the original transaction for the funds to reach the merchant's checking account.

Prepaid Calling Cards
4M is an agent for Qwest, US South, DST and several other prepaid suppliers. We are able to customize the best possible program to fit your customers’ calling needs. Whether it is prepaid long distance, prepaid wireless, prepaid internet, or prepaid MasterCard, 4M can provide the products and services to fit you business needs.

With 4M’s point of sale activation system there is no more worrying about theft of live cards. No more worrying about overhead and inventory. This adds up to less worry and more profit for your business. Our program will allow your employees to accommodate your customers while we manage your program for you.

These exciting new offerings will ultimately grow into an estimated $9 billion industry by the year 2005. Nothing could be easier to add to your sales and profits and build steady traffic to your business.

Adding wireless accessories will allow you to take advantage of the 130 million wireless customers spending over $125 billion annually!

A promotional phone card or gift card is an effective advertising item. If you would like to have your logo on the card, we will provide that service at no extra charge.