Even if a merchant has done due diligence by updating the in-store technology, there’s another important step to take in preparation for
the EMV transition. Businesses need to train their employees in the handling of the chip-enabled cards and terminals as well as in the handling of customers who might be unfamiliar with tweaks in the purchasing process.

EMV cards will also remain equipped with magnetic strip function. Some customers might attempt to swipe a chip card. Some point of sale terminals will be equipped to reject that attempt to swipe, but most businesses will need to determine if this is permissible and instruct their employees what to do should a patron prefer not to dip. Businesses will need to weigh the risk vs. the reward of diminished security and the liability concerns that accompany those transactions.

Remember that customers will hold onto their cards and cards will remain in the chip reader for the entire transaction. Premature removal will terminate the transaction. “I don’t think retraining staff should be much of an issue,” says Joseph Smutz, Sage Payment Solutions’ director of product integration. “It’s a different transaction flow, but I think, after a few transactions, staff will understand how the whole thing works – the direction the card needs to go into the terminal and so forth.”

Some tips for merchants:

  • Make certain that your staff can spot an EMV card prior to the transaction.
  • Familiarize your staff with return, chargeback, and cancellation policies and procedures. 
  • Unattended terminals should have instructions and prompts to help users navigate the transaction.

Effective 10/1/19:

In order to process card-present-swiped transactions (USB Swiper, CP Mobile Swiper & EMV Chip Terminal), our Retail merchant account is required and has merchant fees associated with it. Optionally, if you purchase a single EMV Chip Card Terminal, there is a $9/mo network service fee added to your subscription dues. Additional terminals are $3/mo for the same Cash Practice Membership.

EMV Terminals come with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. Items must be returned in new condition in their original packaging postmarked within 30 days of purchase. There is a $50 restocking fee for each EMV terminal returned. Refunds (less the restocking fee) will be posted against the original payment within 10 business days of receipt of return. The merchant will be responsible for all return shipping fees. For assistance with returns, merchants will need to contact our Merchant Services Dept at (877) 343-8950 x105. There is a 1-year manufacturer warranty for out of the box equipment failure. Additionally, Cash Practice provides an additional 1-year warranty for out of the box equipment failure (increasing the warranty period to a total of 2 years). If the terminal has failed within the warranty period and cannot be repaired a replacement will be provided. In the event, a terminal fails after the warranty period but less than 3 years since purchase, a new terminal can be purchased at a reduced cost. Physical damage of any kind is not covered. The manufacturer does offer repairs on non-covered issues for a fee. Merchants will need to contact our Merchant Services Dept for assistance at (877) 343-8950 x105.