Cloud computing changed the way many businesses operate. Software companies in both the B2B and B2C sectors increasingly moved toward cloud-based, software-as-a-service business models. But is it worth it for your business? The debate almost makes it appear that your only two options are traditional cash registers and a cloud-based POS. There ar...

Note: Following Fiserv's acquisition of First Data, Clover Insights' name switched to Main Street Insights. You may see still see the Clover Insights name in some locations.  Main Street Insights is business analytics app is available from Fiserv - one of the largest credit card processors, handling nearly half of all US credit and debit transac...

That’s right, the payment gateway is almost always an afterthought to the primary systems that a business is using or considering using, whether it be a point-of-sale (POS) system, e-commerce shopping cart or other applications. Often, business owners or managers spend all their time researching their primary solution and virtually no time under...

You’ve probably seen wait staff carrying tablets to let customers pay tableside, or noted the sleek, low-profile systems at trendy bars. While many smaller establishments use a tablet at the counter, Olive Garden, Panera Bread, and Chili’s are among the major restaurant chains using them at tables. These tablets allow diners to view menus, order fo...

In July of 2016, businesses may have noticed a new fee on statements: the CardPointe fee. Charged by CardConnect, the CardPointe fee is a monthly charge that may be added to existing processing fees. What is it, does it affect you, and what are your options? Let’s take a look. What is the CardPointe fee? Popular payment provider CardConn...

More people use credit cards for payments and mobile phones are becoming a popular consumer payment option as well. Apple, Android, Samsung, and Chase all offer ways for customers to use their smartphones for payments, and new services are popping up all the time. So what’s the difference between EMV and NFC, and why should you care? Read on ...

***Update 2023: FreshBooks no longer offers a card reader itself, instead suggesting other brands. We're leaving this article for historical purposes, but businesses looking for a smartphone card reader should consider current options. Check out CardFellow's equipment directory for assistance. FreshBooks started as accounting software, a rival t...

However, a POS is more than just a cash register replacement. These systems are part of an integrated business platform that can scan, process, and track transactions, manage inventory, streamline accounting, enable customer marketing, and much more. If you’re looking to update the technology in your business, a simple cash register won’t do. He...

Using a tablet for a POS system provides mobility and a seamless platform for both sales and inventory management. You can take it with you on the go, or use it in a restaurant to take orders or payments tableside. Note that some tablet POS system makers offer bundles that include a tablet and the POS software, but many don’t. If you’re consider...

All of these are important questions to ask. At a certain point, you may face a choice: Do I invest in a stand-alone system that works with other processors or an all-in-one platform that has credit card processing integrated within? We want to help make that choice as easy as possible, so we've compiled some info that’ll help you decide whic...