Heartland Letter about Oct 20th 2020 Deadline for Backend Change

Letters and emails have been going out to Heartland customers about a change they are making that could effect the retailers point of sale system.

I can not speak on behalf of all the POS systems but indications are that Cloud Retailer, Retail Management Hero (RMH), and Microsoft RMS users should be OK. This assumes that retailers using RMS or RMH are also using the Card Defender payment processing plug in for RMH and RMS. 

If you are concerned, be sure to contact your point of sale provider and your Heartland Rep for assistance.

RITE Waives Contactless Payment Change Fees for Cloud Retailer and Card Defender Customers.

July 7th, 2020: RITE (Retail Information Technology Enterprises) is now waiving change fee's for customers who want to adjust their Cloud Retailer POS software or their Card Defender for Microsoft RMS software to accept contactless payments. This is a great way for retailers to reduce a common touch point in their store to help mitigate the spread of COVID 19.

Retailers using Card Defender or Cloud Retailer can reach RITE tech support at support@rite.us or by calling 888-267-7483. Note that RITE is only able to assist retailers whose payment terminals are under RITE's control.

If you want to learn more about Card Defender for Microsoft RMS or the new Cloud Retailer point of sale software (including what contactless payments are accepted), please contact RITE at sales@rite.us or by calling 888-267-7483.

Yes Microsoft RMS Users - Card Defender is Still Available (and fully supported by RITE)!

 

Quick Update: Card Defender is no longer available for Microsoft RMS unless you are a beer, wine, or liquor store that will be moving to the Cloud Retailer point of sale software in the near future. 

With Microsoft RMS coming up on the end of extended support, I wanted to let retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software know that the Card Defender plug in for RMS is still being actively sold and supported by RITE (approx 1700 installations as of 6/2020).

A general overview video can be viewed below:

If you would like more information about Card Defender for Microsoft RMS, please contact RITE at sales@rite.us or 888-267-7483.

If you would like a Card Defender quote/proposal, please complete this questionnaire.

Note that Card Defender is only available to RMS Users with stores in the United States.

Turning Off EDC / Native Processing in the Microsoft Dynamics RMS Point of Sale Software

Quite a few Microsoft RMS users have contacted me over the last week regarding the native EDC processing being turned off within the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software. This type of processing is not secure and no longer supported (or even compliant).  As such, these retailers asked how to turn EDC off so they can use Card Defender, Square or a stand alone payment terminal to process debit and credit card transactions.

This video only offers the highlights on how to turn off EDC in Microsoft RMS. Please refer to your users guide, on screen help, or contact me at 208-340-5632 / kevinantosh@gmail.com for paid assistance.

Honestly, this is a prime example of how it is getting more difficult to support RMS - we'll keep supporting as long as we can but little by little it will become more and more difficult over the next 3-4 years.

Welcome!

I really enjoy these types of posts!  A quick shout out to the following retailers that I am helping with new point of sale equipment:

1. Smokin' Willy's in Washington State: Replacing Microsoft RMS with Cloud Retailer at all store locations
2. Asia Grocery in Kansas: Replacing Revel with Cloud Retailer
3. Good Stuff in Louisiana: RMS Maintenance Agreement
4. Mary Janes House of Glass: Replacing Microsoft RMS and HQ with Cloud Retailer at all store locations.
5. Point Liquor in Texas: RMS/HQ Maintenance Agreement for all store locations as well as some new hardware

I enjoy working with all of you! If you would like to learn more about why these retailers are working with me, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

PAX PX5 Certification on TSYS with Card Defender

Wanted to quickly pass along that the PAX PX 5 payment terminals are now certified with First Data to use with the Card Defender software from RITE. As a reminder, Card Defender works with the Microsoft Dynamics RMS, Retail Management Hero (RMH), and Cloud Retailer point of sale software programs.

Here is what the PAX PX5 payment terminal looks like:



Please contact RITE at sales@rite.us or 888-267-7483 for more information like pricing and upgrading existing Card Defender users from older payment terminals to the PAX PX5.

Welcome to Some New Retailers

A quick welcome to some retailers that have chosen to work with myself over the last couple of months:

• Riverside Box in Arkansas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Retail Management Hero
• Mastex in Texas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Retail Management Hero
• NovoTex in Texas: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Retail Management Hero
• Alexander Davis Men's Clothing in Idaho: upgrade from Microsoft RMS to Cloud Retailer

Welcome to the family!

As always, you can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with any retail point of sale questions.

What Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users are Doing: 2018 Edition

Quick analysis of what retailers are doing specific to the upcoming end of extended support date for the  Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ point of sale software programs:

Whether it be paid onsite consulting or point of sale sales and service, you can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 to have a free initial conversation to discuss your specific situation,

Pin Debit Error Message with TSYS and Microsoft Dynamics RMS

I've had reports of Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software users receiving the following error message when try to process payments made using PIN Debit:

"Connection Error: Unable to Connect to remote host.  Unable to establish security context for this session  Num=0, Source="

In most cases, transactions run by credit card work fine.

TSYS is looking in to the issue but this is a good example of why RMS users should be looking at Card Defender since Card Defender takes out the old EDC settings in RMS (which is really not secure when it comes to protecting card holder information) and replaces EDC with payment terminals that meet or exceed payment industry security requirements (and still interface directly with RMS).

As a bonus, Card Defender also allows retailers to accept Chip Cards, NFC Payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet, and even works with the low cost replacement point of sale programs for RMS like Cloud Retailer and Retail Management Hero.

More information on Card Defender can be found here or by contacting RITE at sales@rite.us or 888-267-7483.

Welcome to Some New and Upgrading Customers!

A quick shout out to the following retailers who signed on with me over the last 30 days. I look forward to working with you!

• O'Loony's Wine in Arkansas: Card Defender
• A & E Ramirez Market in California: Card Defender
• 4 Way Meat Market in California: Card Defender
• Greenfield Custom Meats in Idaho: Retail Management Hero
• One Stop Pool Shop in Texas: Microsoft RMS Dynamics support

In need of point of sale advice, you can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

Not Emailing Receipts or Using Signature Capture? This Price Increase will be of Interest to You

News below from Star Micronics about an upcoming price increase specific to thermal receipt paper.

Having a point of sale system than can email receipts and.or using signature capture is a great way to save on receipt paper costs. Here are some options:

• Using Microsoft Dynamics RMS? The Card Defender system for RMS allows for signature capture. You may also want to look at an email receipt add-on for RMS like RITE Retail Emailer.
• The new Retail Management Hero software also allows for the emailing of receipts and works with Card Defender as well for signature capture.
• Cloud Retailer POS also has the ability to email receipts and use signature capture.

Questions or comments? You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Here is the article from Star Micronics:

The thermal paper industry has been affected by the closure of a Chinese chemical plant due to environmental impact. This plant is the largest producer of a chemical dye used in thermal paper coating, and has reduced output and even closed mills worldwide. This shutdown is expected to last for at least three to six months while they modify operations.
              As a result of the chemical dye shortage, thermal paper pricing has been affected throughout the entire industry.  While doing our best to keep the increases minimal, Star Micronics will announce thermal paper price increase in the next 15 days.  We encourage you to immediately evaluate your paper needs and place stocking orders in advance to take advantage of this year’s pricing where possible.
              Star Micronics will continue to communicate changes in the thermal paper market to keep our distributors and customers promptly informed of this challenging situation.

Full article from Star Micronics can be found at: http://mailchi.mp/starmicronics/urgent-industry-update-thermal-paper-availability?e=f6fcd3a9ce

Planning for 2018

OK - first thought to pass along is that there is still time to get in payment for a POS system to write off as a business equipment expense deduction on your 2017 taxes (consult with your bookkeeper or accountant first). Just about ever year since 1998, I seem to have retailers who want to pay for a POS system to "get it on their 2017 taxes". No problem at all as along as payment in full is processed before the last business day of 2017.

Now on to advice for 2018:

• Plan for new payment processing requirements to be introduced and ensure that you have payment processing hardware in place that can be upgraded or updated to handle any new requirements.
• Still on Microsoft Dynamics RMS? We still have a couple of years before full support ends for RMS and HQ. Never hurts to start planning now to replace RMS (and HQ). There are several low cost replacement options that allow you to keep your existing information so you are not starting from scratch with a whole new point of sale system.
• Omni-channel: most of the retailers that I work with have a single store in a small town and have no need for, or interest in, e-commerce, customer business intelligence, or similar offerings beyond the in store point of sale system. Unsure? Let me know and we can chat about the different options and how they can effect gross sales. Other chains that I work with have grown their e-commerce revenue to exceed a million dollars in annual revenue.
• Cloud versus non-cloud: Don't feel pressured to hop on the cloud band wagon. Instead, look at your operations, staff, equipment, and budget. A 5 to 7 year total cost of ownership, along with personal preferences, will help determine whether you are a "cloud" / subscription based type of POS user or not. Even Microsoft had to cave on the recently released Dynamics 365 software to offer a locally hosted version. The decision to go cloud/non-cloud and subscription/upfront purchase can be complicated so please let me know if I can help.
• Solution and vendor consolidation: There are flat out too many point of sale systems on the market presently. Look for some of these solutions to fade away or consolidate with other vendors. I'm also seeing the various software companies start to tighten their requirements for dealers, VAR's, and re-sellers. Be wary of working with anyone who has a staff of less than 3 and a limited customer/client base.
• Given what happened in the Atlanta airport, don't forget to have battery backups/UPS's in place as well as some sort of payment processing backup if this is critical to your business. The reality is that long term  power outages will effect everyone but its nice to have protection for your hardware to help reduce damage due to power outages or power fluctuations. 

I can think of plenty of other topics that should be discussed but this would turn in to a short book instead of a blog post. Key points are to plan, budget, analyse, research and seek help for point of sale resources.

You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com as needed. For those of you keeping track, I've well exceeded helping over 1500 retailers with advice or sales & service needs. 

Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Retail Management Hero Differences - Merchant Services

OK - not one of my more exciting videos but there are some key differences in how Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Retail Management Hero (RMH) handle credit card processing. The video highlights the differences and also touches on how Card Defender applies to both RMS and RMH.

You can always contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with questions related to RMS, RMH and/or Card Defender.

Using Card Defender or Cloud Retailer (or another POS system) and Want to Change Processors?

Great article about changing processors or merchant services companies. We all see or hear from merchant services salespeople on a weekly basis so it can be tempting to switch in the interest of better rates, better service, and/or better equipment.

While this article is specific to Cloud Retailer and Card Defender, the advice applies to just about anyone who takes payment via debit and credit card. Some basic planning and coordination makes the change process go more smoothly - having worked with 1000's of businesses over the years I can attest to how important it is to have a reputable and reachable merchant services provider!

While not always the case, some merchant services companies are willing to cover the costs related to switching merchant services companies as a way to earn your business (it never hurts to ask).

You can always contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for personal recommendations as I do not work for, or represent, any merchant services companies.

The article can be found here: https://sites.google.com/a/cloudretailer.com/pubwiki/tech-articles/module-credit-card-processing/i-m-changing-processors-what-do-i-need-to-know

Annual Payment Options for Card Defender and Cloud Retailer

Wanted to pass along some information on annual payment options for the Card Defender EMV/Chip Card add on for Microsoft RMS as well as the Cloud Retailer point of sale software program.

As some folks prefer to pay the on-going support and upgrade fee's for Card Defender and Cloud Retailer by ACH, Invoice or Cheque (or a one time per year payment via debit/credit card). these fee's can now be paid annually or monthly.

This allows for more flexible billing options and mirrors the method used specific to how some companies charge for their software programs annual maintenance agreement.

Current Card Defender and Cloud Retailer customers can switch from monthly to annual billing at any point by contacting RITE at billing@rite.us or 888-267-7483.

If you have general questions, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

What Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users are Doing: 2017 Edition

***Video did not render correctly - yet another problem with my Surface Pro 4***

I will attempt to edit and re-upload  but the video is watchable - just the right side content is cutoff.

I'm in the midst of travel visiting retailers using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software to advise what, if anything, they need to do between now and July 2021. The options are fairly clear cut between Card Defender, Cloud Retailer, Retail Management Hero, Retailer Realm Essentials, Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics 365 which are all covered briefly in this video:

If your store or chain is using RMS, I'm happy to consult with you on options (both short and long term). I can be reached at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632

Important MasterCard Mandate Deadline for Heartland Customers

Of note, I was actually onsite installing Card Defender for a customer here in Idaho when she received a letter from Heartland addressing the same card number issues noted below. It was very comforting for the retailer to know that Card Defender meets or exceeds industry requirements for payment processing. If you happen to be using Microsoft Dynamics RMS and have questions about these types of letters, please contact me. Thanks!

Dear Valued Customer,

As previously communicated, MasterCard cards are issued with account numbers beginning with a 5”. Beginning in 2017, MasterCard cards will also be issued with account numbers beginning with a “2”. 

The cards beginning with a 2 will be processed in the same manner as current MasterCard cards.

MasterCard requires that all point-of-sale systems accepting the current 5 series cards must also be able to accept the cards with the new 2 series number. Our records indicate that you process using a third-party system. Please contact your third-party provider directly to determine if any action is needed to ensure your system is in compliance and can accept the new 2 series cards.

Your failure to accept the new 2 series MasterCard cards after June 30, 2017 may result in non-compliance assessments being passed on to you – as well as potential lost revenue associated with not accepting customers’ cards. The MasterCard fee schedule for non-compliance is:

Up to $2,500 per occurrence for first 30 days
Up to $5,000 per occurrence for days 31-60
Up to $10,000 per occurrence for days 61-90
Up to $20,000 per occurrence for subsequent violations
If you have any questions, please contact
your third-party point-of-sale provider.

Sincerely,

Martin Moretti
SVP Chief Card Service Officer

More Shout Outs to New or Upgrading Customers

OK - looks like these are going to be monthly posts as we are adding around 1 new customer per week. Its pretty cool that I've been able to meet in person (or will be meeting in person) with many of these retailers!

A heads up that I am also working on a fairly in depth video explaining options for RMS users as I am now booked through July with face to face meetings with Microsoft Dynamics RMS software users who have between 1 and 40 store locations.

Now on to the welcome shouts outs:

Takashima

Great group of folks to work with and there are several more projects we are working together on.

Trouts Fly Fishing

Added our Card Defender EMV system for Microsoft Dynamics RMS at 2 stores in conjunction with Gravity Payments.

Bird House Habitat

Added Card Defender EMV system for Microsoft Dynamics RMS at in conjunction with Gravity Payments.

OK - I realized that I've missed a few here but will try and catch up in a few weeks - thanks again for selecting me as your point of sale system solution partner!

The True Cost of Stand Alone Payment Terminals

Over the last couple of weeks I was asked to meet in person with retailers that are concerned about costs related to using stand alone payment terminals versus payment terminals that communicate directly with their point of sale software. To keep things simple, we only looked at the numbers and ignored other factors like reconciling two close out reports each day or whether the stand alone payment terminal was customer facing or not.

To "set the scene", each retailer is using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software and has a single check out lane. The average transaction amount across all stores is $48.00. They are averaging two errors per month with the typical error being that the total is entered as $4.80 instead of $48.00 on the stand alone payment terminal. None of the merchants are contacting the cardholders to ask for the $43.20 difference due to the error being the employees fault and/or not having any way to track down the cardholder. They are not experiencing over-tendering costs as the cardholder does notice this and contacts the store for a refund.

So, here are the 5 year costs for a stand alone payment terminal:

1. Average purchase transaction amount: $180.00
2. Loss due to average error of $43.20/twice a month x 12 months x 5 years: $5,184.00
3. Total 5 year cost for stand alone payment terminal: $5,464.00

Now compare that to an integrated solution like Card Defender for RMS:

1. Single lane Card Defender typical complete upfront deployment cost: $1,350.00
2. Card Defender $10/terminal monthly support charge x 12 months x 5 years: $600.00
3. Total 5 year cost for Card Defender: $1,950.00

Wow - I've spent a lot of time checking and re-checking the numbers above but they are true and correct. While retailers may scoff at the up front costs of Card Defender, they fail to see the true long term costs of using a stand alone payment terminal.  

Of course each retailer is different but the above information combines data from multiple very different retail stores. Note that some of these retailers have had their stand along payment terminals in place for several months so the errors are not a training issue - just an ongoing human factor issue.

This demonstrates some of the hidden value in Card Defender that many retailers may not be aware of. If you would like more information, or for me to run through the numbers based on your store, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com. 

End of Year Advice - 2016

A few "ponderings" to share as we close in on the final few days of 2016 and look forward to 2017:

1. Please remember the true meaning of Christmas as you celebrate and reflect with family and friends - Jesus birth is the true "reason for the season".
2. Take some time to plan out any physical inventory counts and ensure that you have the correct training on how to use any physical inventory count features in your point of sale software.
3. Reflect back on how you use your point of sale system to spot any gaps or room for improvement (or a new system).
4. Keep an eye out for pesky new regulations and security requirements so you are not blind-sided with outdated equipment that is non-compliant.
5. Still using Microsoft Dynamics POS 2007/2009/2.0?  Full end of life for these programs is coming up on July 9th, 2019. While this is still a couple of years away, I'd recommend that you start thinking now about a migration plan. Keep in mind that you do qualify for a low cost upgrade to the new Retail Management Hero software.
6. Planning on using Microsoft Dynamics RMS for the next few years (end of life is not until July 2020/2021 - depending on which support contract you are on)? A few suggestions:
• Keep an eye on Retail Management Hero since the upgrades are fairly low cost and painless (but watch for differences in features, add-ons and functions).
• Make sure that you are on version 2.02 of RMS so all the latest service packs and hot fixes have been applied.
• Consider using Card Defender to ensure compliance with credit card security, EMV, SHA-2, etc.
• Avoid Windows 10 if possible for the time being.
• Make sure that you are aligned with an Dynamics Partner that is committed to supporting RMS, HQ and Retail Management Hero - we have actually acquired customers from around 3 different Dynamics Partners that are phasing out support for various point of sale software programs.
7. Watch this blog and my YouTube Channel for more information on Cloud Retailer which is a cool hybrid point of sale system that combines the best of what cloud based and on-premise point of sale systems offer.

Right now it looks like I will be headed to multiple states in the first half of 2017. Confirmed so far are Seattle, WA, just about all of Idaho, Salt Lake City, UT, and Minneapolis, MN. Pending are Portland, OR, Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ, Tuscon, AZ, Dallas, TX, San Francisco, CA, and San Jose, CA.

Do contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com if I can of assistance. Thanks!