Toot N' Totum Convenience Stores

Authorizing Checks & Saving Counter Space with iPocket232

From store shelves to inventory warehousing, high volume convenience store and grocery merchants face the real-estate challenge on a daily basis - finding more space for the products they sell, and the tools to operate their businesses. At the point-of-sale (POS) check out counter, advancements in payment technology have dictated the need for cash registers, payment terminals and pinpads, as well as additional equipment like check card readers and printers, to coexist in a very small space.

The Trans330/380 dial based terminal models are the most popular in North America amongst convenience store merchants. At an average cost of $50-$75, they provide reliable payment processing and check authorization. Despite the terminal's reliability, these merchants would like to take advantage of the speed and cost savings benefits inherent in broadband networks. When authorizing check transactions, these dial-based terminals return a verification response code in approximately 20-25 seconds. High volume grocery and convenience store retailers want a faster check authorization solution, but they can't justify the expense of an IP terminal, and want to avoid any extra cabling or equipment at the checkout counter.

Toot n'Totum Convenience Stores, based in Amarillo, Texas, found a way to reduce cabling and equipment at the countertop, while dramatically reducing check authorization times. The iPocket232 is a small (about the size of a credit card) IP converter that converts serial communications to IP, allowing merchants to harness the cost savings and speed associated with broadband network connectivity.

The most popular dial based payment terminal in North America, the Trans330 is used by convenience store merchants such as Toot n' Totum to process transactions and authorize checks.

The iPocket232 connected to Toot n' Totum's Trans330 terminal, carrying the check authorization traffic to a host for verification, all via broadband IP. In this case case, the Trans terminal is also connected to a Magtek check reader or POS printer. This installation helped trim 15-20 seconds from the total authorization time, allowing Toot n'Totum to complete the transaction in under 5 seconds. Precidia's products are certified with Telecheck, First Data's check verification host, and works with other check verification providers.

What about counter space? The iPocket232, which has the capability to power any 5/9V device, offers a unique benefit to merchants with congested checkout counters. While simultaneously converting the transactions to IP for improved speed, it also powers the Trans330/380 terminal, eliminating the need for a power adapter. In effect, two devices share one adapter and one outlet, reducing both cabling and power requirements at the countertop. This seemingly small savings in space has a dramatic impact on grocery and convenience store merchants. Adding to the 'de-cluttering' of the check out counter, the iPocket232 is easily mounted under the counter and out of sight.

• Reduced Communication Costs
  By migrating from a dedicated dial line, which typically costs $50 per month, onto an existing broadband network, merchants realize a monthly cost savings.


• Reduced Space Requirement at the Countertop
  When connected to a 5 or 9V payment terminal or check reader, the iPocket232 simultaneously powers the terminal, eliminating a power adapter, and conserving valuable space at the countertop. The iPocket232 can also be conveniently mounted underneath counters.


• Retain Investment in Existing POS Equipment
  With Precidia, there is no need to replace or upgrade reliable existing equipment. Merchants can realize all of the benefits of IP without the cost of system replacement.

Mid to high volume merchants such as convenience stores, restaurants and grocery stores can benefit from the iPocket232's compact size and unique features. Easy to install, the iPocket232 not only migrates check authorization onto an IP broadband network, but simultaneously powers the 5 or 9V end device for added value.

This solution is a major cost saver, coming in at slightly more than half the cost of a typical IP terminal. This dramatic cost difference, when coupled with the speed improvements and space savings, have made it a real winner for merchants.