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How does the credit card process of authorization work? Does it only process one card at a time? |
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How long does it take to get setup with a merchant provider on their network? |
How does the credit card process of authorization work? Does it only process one card at a time?
PC Authorize (and Web Authorize) Hubs runs on one of your PCs, generally, but not necessarily, a file server. All computers in your network (workstations) send credit authorization requests to PC Authorize Hub. PC Authorize hub dials the bank card network via the modem, sends and receives credit authorization data, and returns the results to the workstation computer. Web Authorize hub connects to the bank card network via the internet, sends and receives credit authorization data, and returns the results to the workstation computer.
Transactions are process much faster than conventional credit terminals. This is because once a connection is made to the bank network, PC Authorize Hub will send ALL pending transaction requests with one phone call. It will also wait for a period of time prior to hanging up in case more transactions are ready to send. (This is called Multi-Tran mode in bank network terms)
A typical throughput rate for PC Authorize Hub is around 8 seconds to dial and connect with the bank, and then 3 to 5 seconds per transaction during the connection. This results in about 12 transactions per minute for your network.
PC Authorize Hub generally runs 'behind the scene' and needs little attention. Transactions always originate from Theatre Manager. All transactions are stored on the file server in PC Authorize Hub.
Yes PC Authorization Hub gets one authorization at a time. It asks for an authorization, and it will wait until the credit card is either authorized or rejected. THEN it will keep the phone line open for 3 to 4 seconds after that waiting for another credit card authorization request. So if there are many workstations processing credit card orders, usually the first person has to wait for the dialing time and get the authorization, but the other people can piggyback on the first dial and get a more immediate authorization without waiting.
This 3 to 4 second wait period is defined by the merchant provider we are dialing
up, not Theatre Manager.
What can we do to speed the process up?
Get the credit card server on a computer all by itself. This way when an authorization request comes in, the entire computer is then devoted to dialing and getting an authorization request back to the workstation ASAP.
The credit card server is recommended not be used as a workstation at the same
time unless there is adequate speed on that computer. This is because if the
workstation is selling tickets, more CPU processing time will be given to the
person selling tickets, then the background task of getting the credit card
authorized. So all other workstations have to wait until the credit card server
gets enough CPU time to issue its dialing and authorization commands.
You still have to inform your merchant provider that you are changing the method that you are sending in the credit card numbers for authorization. They have to make changes on their computer systems to identify that PC Authorize is being used by your organization. A simple telephone call or fax to your merchant provider is required and could follow this example:
We are requesting a change with our merchant account
setup.
You will need to call or send a fax to your existing Mercant Provider explaining that you are changing to PC Authorize from your exisiting system. You will need to ask them to create a new terminal setup so that PC Authorize can dial in. Provide them with as much information as you can by using the following guidelines:
Existing Information:
Client #: 9000
Merchant Acct: 123456
Merchant ID: 4500123456789
Terminal ID#: 567865345
Account Rep: Joe Smith
"We are changing the method we are transmitting information. Instead of
using the Verifone Tranz380 card swipe unit and the Verifone Printer 900R, we
are going with a Windows software package."
"This software package is called PC Authorize, by Tellan Software Inc, based in San Jose, CA. There will be no receipt printer required as our box office software program will print out credit card receipts based on information after getting transaction approval process. The computer software will transmit the information to you via the internal modem in the computer."
(NOTE: YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR MERCHANT REQUIREMENTS)
"The information that is required by the software for a Paymentech/Gensar setup is:"
Client# - (4 digits)
Merchant ID: (12 digits)
Terminal ID: (3 digits)
City Code: (2 digits)
Country Code: (2 digits)"
"Please indicate the telephone numbers that are required for authorization
and settlement processing:"
Authorization: Primary ( ) - Alternate ( ) -
Settlement: Primary ( ) - Alternate ( ) -
How long does it take to get setup with a merchant provider on their network?
Typically 5 to 10 business days. So it is recommended that this process be started as soon as possible prior to Arts Management System’s arrival for installation of PC Authorize in your organization.
Just so you are aware, PC Authorize will charge you approximately $100.00US to convert the existing merchant setup information to your new merchant provider information. You’ll have to have a credit card number available when you do the conversion as they bill you directly. This charge has nothing to do with Arts Management Systems. It is a charge to reset PC Authorize’s internal settings.
Once you get you new merchant information, contact Tellan Software to get a
new product password. Then you will have change the merchant information in
PC Authorize. As for Theatre Manager, all you need to do is change the service
provider in the Setup >> Default Data >> Credit Card tab.