Today, more than ever, credit cards are the payment method of choice. In 2003, total electronic payments surpassed cash payments, while paper checks diminished in popularity and debit card use grew substantially.

Today many merchants use two separate devices to process sales:

• An inexpensive light-duty electronic cash register (ECR) for cash sales
• A standalone credit terminal for credit/debit sales

An Integrated Payment system handles both cash and credit/debit sales through one low-cost device.

Why would you use equipment that can only process one-half of your sales?

If you are using a standalone credit terminal, you must input credit transactions twice: once into the ECR and once at the credit terminal. Duplicate entries take more time, at the same time creating a situation where costly errors and fraud can take place. Transactions can be processed faster by simplifying the sales process and eliminating redundant entries.

Still waiting to sign your credit receipt? Many merchants still use slower impact printers that require ink ribbons. The fast thermal printers in SAM4s Multi-Payment Terminals (MPT) produce multiple receipts in seconds and do not require re-inking.

Working with one device, you'll complete end-of-day reconciliation faster, with fewer errors.

Key security controls refunds and discounts.

Security

With the average loss of $1,762 per incident, merchants face greater potential losses from employee theft and fraud than from shoplifting.* Most losses at the point of sale result from refund, discount and credit card abuse. Retail beverage and card/gift/novelty merchants are particularly vulnerable. In a common scheme, trusted employees issue credits to their own cards and the cards of their friends without any corresponding charges.

To cut employee theft and fraud, large retailers implement loss prevention programs, provide training, install surveillance systems, and install point-of-sale systems that tightly control refunds, discounts and electronic payments. By working with a local independent ECR/POS dealer, small and medium size merchants can put into practice similar levels of security with affordable Integrated Payment ECRs from SAM4s.

*Data from the 2003 National Retail Security Survey

Your independent ECR/POS dealer represents or can refer a reputable payment processor. In most cases, you will save with lower rates and better service. 2-3 second authorizations can be completed with a high-speed Internet connection.

If you are already accepting electronic payments, you may choose to keep your current credit processing relationship when you install your SAM4s Integrated Payment system. If so, a specialist will contact your current credit processor, collect the necessary information, and program your new SAM4s Integrated Payment system so that your current relationship continues seamlessly.

Selecting a SAM4s ECR

With two separate terminals, you need different paper and supplies for each. Your ECR uses one size paper, and your credit terminal another. Stocking separate supplies is both unnecessarily expensive and inconvenient.

Don't clutter your sales counter with multiple devices and cables. With a single terminal you free counter space for point-of-purchase displays that encourage impulse spending.

Your independent dealer will help you select the most effective SAM4s model for your business. Select from a complete series of SAM4s ECR models for retail merchants and restaurant operators. POS scanners, scales, coin dispensers, and PC communications are available to enhance your system.

Commercial grade SAM4s Integrated Payment ECRs can be purchased or leased for about the same amount as mass-channel ECRs and standalone credit terminals.

Service and Support

Your local independent ECR/POS dealer is a resource for commercial grade products, professional consultation, installation, training, and full service after the sale. Discover the difference! Professional dealers provide a full line of products, can assist with financing or provide affordable lease payments, and by offering POS options, upgrades and/or trade-ins can help you take charge of your retail business as it grows.