How do I use two different CC batches in Aloha?

[qsrsf]

My credit cards all go to one EDC batch which is settled everyday.

I am having processor issues with pricing (First Data), mainly due to being configured as a QSR but large catering orders are throwing that off and bumping up the rates. The suggestion is to have two different CC batches, one for all my QSR transactions, one for my Catering transactions.

I figured it would be fairly straight forward, set up new VISA/MC/AMEX tenders and use those when needed. What I don't know is how to configure EDC to keep those payments seperate so I can use a different processor to batch out (Same company just different config on the account to get better pricing). It would require runnign two batches at EOD, but that isn't too much of an issue.

I would hate to have to get an extra CC terminal just to run the catering through and worry about reconciling it all...

Is any of this possible?


THANKS!

 

[alohaakamai3]

There are a couple of overly complicated and geeky explanations I can think of, but because you're talking about your money at stake here, I don't think they're advisable. The only one I will mention-and I really don't think this is worth the hassle either- is to send your catering credits through either before or after your batches for your Quick Service business. That would mean configuring a second processor on your system, and then changing the processor these cards batch to, back and forth.

We have client who does the reverse of this. One processor, two locations, and he doesn't have any problems. In your case, everything would fine (but still a pain) until it came time to batch. You'd have two Visas, for example, authorized through different processors, that could only batch to one place. As far as I know, the cards can only batch to one processor.

I know you're not soliciting this advice, but if you are committed to your catering business, get a little stand alone swipe terminal for it. You'd be suprised what these processors will do to get your business these days--they cut each others throats left and right. It may be cheaper than you think.

Where the hell is Steve Sommers when you need him??

 

[qsrsf]

I am trying to avoid the stand alone swipe terminal.

My only real hope stands with configuring Private label cards in EDC as I could then select a different processor, however then EDC has no way of differentiating between a 'private label VISA' and my regular VISA. If I could match a tender in Aloha to a CC in EDC it would work.

What was the geeky solution you had?

 

[AdamDR]

The only way you can make the FOH go through 2 different processors is:

1. By terminal. Under Terminal maintenance there is an EDC index field. This is where you can tell a terminal to go through a different processor.

2. By card. You can setup EDC to have different cards go through different processors.

Niether one of these will help you, but I've got a plan for you.

In the front of house, ring up your catering normal, but close it out to a house account. That will get it closed out in the front.

Next, get a second processor setup. Go into your EDC and manually run your CC through there. When you have multiple processors setup and you run a credit card in the BOH it will ask you which processor to use.

Then go into Aloha manager and post that amount to the house account that you used.

This may sound complicated, but it's actually very easy, and it will save you money.

Adam

 

[Shift4SMS]

Are you sure you need or want to be setup as QSR? QSR interchange rates are among the highest rates a merchant can receive, much higher than CPS Retail and even higher than Ecommerce! In addition, you are taking a higher financial risk. The only benefit is that you don't need to get an online approval. If you have an always on Internet connection (Cable, DSL, etc.), then all you are saving, on average, is about 3 seconds between getting an online approval and a lower rate vs. no approval, higher risk and a higher rate?

I don't see any advantage for most merchant to use QSR!

Steve Sommers

http://www.shift4.com

-- Creators of $$$ ON THE NET(tm) payment processing services

Blog:

http://shift4sms.blogspot.com

 

[qsrsf]

Adam -

Thanks, that doesn't sound bad, my only question being when I select 'authorize' on the BOH EDC (how I assume I should run it on the EDC) with multiple processors it will ask me which to use? If that is the case it should work fairly well, atleast worth a try.



Thanks as always....

 

[zahead31]

If you close out the charges to a house account, be sure to take an imprint of the credit card. If one of your catering guests ever contests a credit card charge, your company will be liable every time if you do not have a signed receipt that says "Magnetic Card Present" or an imprint of the card. You know, something that proves the guest had physical possession of the card at the time of the charge.

At least, that is how I am aware this works. If anyone has a different experience, I would love the input.

 

[AdamDR]

Sorry for the delayed response, I was in Ensenada, Mexico for the last 5 days (Talk about a party!!).

Yes, if you authorize in the back, it will ask you which processor to use.

To address the signature problem, make sure that they sign the House account receipt. That should be sufficient to assure that they agree with the charges.

Adam

 

[abbottgill]

I am a payment processor.
Education:
Qualified rates for restauarnt are based on SIC codes.
A full service restauarant has very little risk: customer orders, eats and problems if any are solved on site prior to payment. No chargebacks.
Catering, has a higher risk and the rates are adjusted accordingly by Visa & MC Associations who set interchange rates.
Work on a Cost Plus basis with a processor such as Heartland Payment Systems, where our fees are the same for every transaction and your qualificaiton is based on the type of sale (card present or hand keyed with a signed receipt. Definitely get a manual imprinter to get off site card impressions.
Check out this web site: merchantbillofrights.com.
you can reach me at mary.gillooly@e-hps.com
Good Luck!

 

[Shift4SMS]

abbottgill,

I agree with you on everything except on the risk vs. cost correlation. While risk does play a roll in determining discount rate (cost), it is an extremely minor roll. A much bigger factor is the concept "what will the market bear?" Anyone reading the Wal-Mart case should see that risk has a very little roll in the cost equation. Another example in the most recent interchange rate schedule form Visa are the "rewards" programs - a 20-40% higher cost to the merchant with a zero risk difference!



Steve Sommers

http://www.shift4.com

-- Creators of $$$ ON THE NET(tm) payment processing services

Blog:

http://shift4sms.blogspot.com