Increased technology has made it possible for sales to take place outside of a “brick and mortar” store. These days, traveling retailers can make a sale with just the touch of a button and the swipe of a credit card via their smartphone. These smartphone credit card readers offer new opportunities for businesses, however Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is advising business owners to make sure that such a system is right for their business.

For businesses looking to add the credit card reader capability to their sales technology, BBB recommends the following tips:

• Do your research. Just like a landline-based credit card system, you’ll need a merchant account to process payments, a scanner device to read the card, and software (app) to make it run. Don’t skimp on research. Start with your bank or your credit card service for suggestions on recommended services and devices. Check out all vendors at www.bbb.org. Ask for references.
• Choose the right combination. Your smartphone merchant account might interface with your existing landline-based account, and that will make life easier. Build from there; find the app you feel comfortable using that has the features you want. There are over a hundred apps available for different smartphones; each is usually compatible with a number of different swiping devices. The reader itself is the last step (and the easiest to replace or exchange).
• Offer the customer service your shoppers expect. Some shoppers may not be familiar with this kind of payment method. Be sure to offer them the option of having a receipt emailed to them, or even offer to print the receipt there with a separate smartphone printer. This will allow your customer to have a record of the transaction and reduce the hassle should the person want to return the product.
• Beware of scams. As with any emerging technology, scammers are figuring out how to exploit vulnerabilities. Don’t buy the devices or apps from vendors you don’t know.

• Read the fine print. Using a smartphone credit card reader might be a great way to increase your sales while on the road. However, make sure to read the fine print for the smartphone app to make sure that you won’t be charged while you’re not using it.

Visit BBB’s website for more Business Tips or join our LinkedIn business group.

Losing weight is among the most common New Year’s resolutions. Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona advises consumers who want to lose weight to be cautious when signing up for gym memberships.

“Joining a health club is a big decision,” said Kim States, BBB President. “It is important that you visit the club and feel that it is a good fit for both your budget and your lifestyle.”

Before you sign a contract at a new health club, BBB advises you to consider your needs and your budget.

• Determine your fitness goals. It’s hard work to lose weight, and you need to find a program you can stick with, and preferably one that you enjoy. Find a health club or exercise facility that is convenient and that offers times that fit your schedule.
• Visit the facility before joining. Check on cleanliness, adequacy of space, machines and instructors, and any other factors important to you. Ask if you can try the facility out before you join.
• Consider your budget. Ask the health club about “joining” or enrollment fees and ongoing monthly costs. Does a weight loss plan require you to buy special foods? Can you cancel if you move or find that the program doesn’t meet your needs? If the facility closes, can you transfer your membership to another facility?
• Read the entire contract. Does it list all services and facilities and hours of operation? Is everything the salesperson promised included in the contract? What’s included in the monthly fee and what will cost you extra? What is the total cost, including enrollment fees and finance charges?
• Check with BBB first. Check a company’s Business Review at www.bbb.org

Before beginning an exercise program or diet, BBB advises consumers to consult a doctor for an assessment of over-all health risks. Get the doctor’s recommendations on exercise regimens that fit your health status and ability to stick with it.

For more consumer tips, visit www.tucson.bbb.org

The holiday season inspires people to reach out and give to those less fortunate.Although charities accept donations year-round, close to 40 percent of a charity’s annual contributions are received in the last few weeks of the year. Before giving time, treasures or talent this holiday season, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona reminds consumers to give wisely.

To assist donors in making sound giving decisions and to foster public confidence in charitable organizations, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards for Charity Accountability were developed. These standards seek to encourage fair and honest solicitation practices, to promote ethical conduct by charitable organizations and to advance support of philanthropy.

Before you donate, heed these tips from BBB:

• Do not give cash. Always make contributions by check and make your check payable to the charity, not to the individual collecting the donation.
• Keep records of your donations. You have to keep record of all donations so you can document your charitable giving at tax time. Although your time as a volunteer is not deductible, out-of-pocket expenses directly related to your volunteer service to a charity may be deductible.
• Be wary of imitations. Don’t be fooled by names that look impressive or that closely resemble the name of a well-known organization.
• Confirm text code numbers. If you plan to donate by text message, confirm the text code number directly with the charity. Also, keep in mind that text message donations are typically not immediate. Depending on your cell phone provider, the donation may not show up on your bill for 30 to 90 days.
• Research the organization. Check with BBB at www.give.org to get reports on how national charities measure up to BBB Standards for Charity Accountability. Confirm the organization is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) and verify the programs and distribution of money is where you want it to be.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit bbb.org.