Credit - Debit - EBT - Check Processing
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Fully integrated into Artisan.
- PA-DSS Validated.
- Use your existing merchant processor or
save money by using one of ours. - When you choose one of our providers you get more:
- Free Software already built into Artisan.
- Free 24/7 Support with no finger pointing.
- Card on File Option Available.
- Dramatically less hassle, no 3rd party software required.
- Faster approvals.
- Very competitive rates.
- Inexpensive hardware.
Common Questions
Q. How long does it take to get a merchant account?
A. The world of card processing is complicated, especially now with the new PCI (Payment Card Industry) Security Standards. CerTek makes the process simple and easy. We suggest that you don't put off acquiring your merchant account until the last minute. Although we have pulled off some miracles with store openings, you should allow at least 2 weeks to get your new merchant account setup and tested, no matter who you get your account from.
Q. How does the process work without a credit card machine?
A. Payment Card processing in Artisan works by, you the merchant, swiping a card into a small magnetic stripe reader (MSR) that connects to a USB port. 
The transaction request then gets sent to the gateway over a secure internet connection, who then sends the transaction on to MasterCard/Visa/AMEX. A result is then transmitted back. If the card was approved, then a receipt prints out automatically. If the card was declined, then an error is displayed with a message from the bank. In the unlikely event that a response is not received from the bank, then Artisan will send out a query to see the result and handle that accordingly.
Q. What are your merchant account fees?
A. In today's world, almost every type of card transaction gets a different rate. It depends on a number of factors including the issuing bank, the cardholder, the qualifying information (whether it was swiped or not, etc.), whether it is debit or credit, and on and on. Any provider that quotes you one specific percentage is misleading you. These rates vary for all processors because the big banks are in control of the complex pricing scheme. All merchant processors pay the same rate to the banks. In order to give you an idea of what you will be paying, you will need to speak to the account advisors from our perferred merchant providers. Your sales representative will introduce you to them.
Q. Can I use my existing merchant provider?
A. Yes, you can, but... we have searched for the best solutions to make sure your transactions are your store run smoothly. We offer three merchant processing companies that work with Artisan without any additional software required. Here is the list: PayPros, Payment Logistics, and Chosen Payments. Choose one of these solutions and there is no signup fee or software license you need to purchase. All you have is your normal merchant fees and to purchase an inexpensive MSR (card reader).
Additionally we have a fourth solution where you can bring your own processor by using the gateway services from
T-Gate. Of course there are fees for this service and you will need to purchase a software license, but if you are in a relationship with your current processor that you can't get out of, then this may be your best solution.
Q. What is the "Card on File" Feature?
A. Since Artisan does not store full credit cards in any manner, we rely on the merchant gateway providers (PPI, Payment Logistics, & T-Gate) to handle that task. So if you are using one of them, then Artisan will store a "token" that can be used in conjunction with your account token to allow the reuse of a card on a new transaction. You have to sign up for this feature and purchase the Advanced Billing license for Artisan and then deliberately store the card for that customer. It is easy to use, but difficult to accidentally use the wrong card. Common uses of the Card on File feature is for monthly payments on accounts including layaways or if your customers phone or email orders. Online store orders are usually processed online directly. You should not use this feature as a convenience to customers that come into your store and are too lazy to pull their card out of their wallet. You will pay higher fees for transactions processed from Cards on File, because the card is not considered present. The Card on File feature does not work with PC Charge Payment Server.
Do you have more questions or are you ready to get started?
Please call us at 877-723-7835 (press 1 for sales) and we will be happy to guide you.
