Making a purchase - type of card reader make any difference?

LittleWing294

I made a purchase at a show using my credit card, the seller presented me with a card reader, I inserted my card and entered my PIN. The seller then asked if I wanted my receipt emailed or texted, it was only at that point I realised they didn't have any way of providing a printed receipt. I was happy to give my email address to that particular seller, so gave them the details.

When I received the receipt by email, it was from Paypal, which was surprise to me.

All the details were fine, so I don't have any problem with this particular purchase, but it set me wondering about the different card readers small businesses use.

Obviously I wouldn't pay with my card unless I was dealing with a seller I consider to be reputable, but I'm now wondering whether there's more to it than that?
As a purchaser, does it make any difference to me what brand card reader a seller is using?

I did have a look for any info on this subject and couldn't find any, if anyone can enlighten me or point me to more info that would be great.

Browntoa

They all work on the same principle , some provide printing facilities as well but at greater cost .

I'd happily buy items using these terminals , in most stores ill opt not to get a receipt anyway

pramsay13

There are a few card companies that do portable card readers so that they can be taken to shows / markets etc. and are used by connecting to a phone via bluetooth or cable and then controlled by app on phone through data signal or wifi.
They offer a new type of service where the retailer only pays a percentage of transaction cost rather than a monthly fee.
Paypal are one such company and iZettle is one that I use.
In theory it is possible to get a portable printer to go along with these although it is another expense and anyone that has used it has been happy with getting receipt by text or email.
I don't think there is any issue for the buyer what brand of card reader a seller is using but obviously make sure you are happy with the product / service before making the purchase, and check the amount on the card reader before entering your pin number.

etienneg

I suppose this raises the issue of s75 protection for purchases over £100, which would not apply if paying via a third party such as PayPal. Is there no requirement on the seller to tell the purchaser that payment will be via a third party BEFORE presenting the card reader?

18cc

yes if you paid over £100 for an item eg a coat, furniture etc by credit card normally you would get sec 75 protection but not if it was routed via paypal. you would have to rely on paypal protection and good luck with that

eco_warrior

etienneg wrote: »

I suppose this raises the issue of s75 protection for purchases over £100, which would not apply if paying via a third party such as PayPal. Is there no requirement on the seller to tell the purchaser that payment will be via a third party BEFORE presenting the card reader?

18cc wrote: »

yes if you paid over £100 for an item eg a coat, furniture etc by credit card normally you would get sec 75 protection but not if it was routed via paypal. you would have to rely on paypal protection and good luck with that

In cases where a card reader is used the funds can/do go directly to the merchant meaning the Debtor-creditor-supplier chain is not broken, which is unlike online PayPal transactions.

There is also still the chargeback option there, as PayPal being involved doesn't affect those (online or card present).