Campground Master's Credit Card Processing

Integrating credit card processing with the software adds convenience and can help speed the checkout process. While this is especially useful with the Point of Sale option, it can also be used with the standard software.

Other benefits of integration:

• Eliminates mistakes and fraud due to double-entry of amounts
• Provides a one-to-one audit trail
• Saves money -- no terminal machine rental/purchase necessary
• Saves counter space -- no separate terminal/printer to clutter the workspace
• Easy for clerks -- simple interface, no moving back and forth to a separate machine
• One combined receipt for your customers
• One phone line, no matter how many workstations (even if remotely networked!)
• Meaningful management reports, much more information than standalone terminals

Credit card processing is supported through 3rd-party authorization processing software. The processing software is required to handle the actual communication with the merchant bank, which is only possible through certain approved providers.

We do not interface directly with all client "gateways", so don't ask if we support such-and-such gateway. We only interface with Merchant Warehouse or through processing software X-Charge or PC-Charge as detailed below, which does the communication with the gateway. To find out if your particular gateway is supported, you need to contact those software vendors.

With any of the integrations mentioned below, you will no longer need your credit card terminal or credit card receipt printer. Instead, you will swipe the customer credit card using a special swipe reader (optional) attached to your computer and credit card receipts will print on your existing receipt printer (or you can add a 3" receipt printer).

Note: If you're outside the U.S., this feature may not be available depending on the software and your merchant account. This is only guaranteed to work in the U.S. at this time, but Canada is also supported in most cases.


X-Charge

Cottonwood Software has teamed up with industry-leader Accelerated Payment Systems to bring you competitive rate credit card processing right from Camp round Master. And best of all, we can offer the X-Charge software at no cost, including unlimited multi-user support.

Using the X-Charge terminal software, you can quickly and easily process credit card transactions directly through the Enter Payment screen of Campground Master. The X-Charge terminal software is guaranteed to integrate seamlessly with Campground Master, saving you time and money.

Their discount rates are competitive (they can provide you with a detailed comparison to your existing merchant statement), and it's simple to get set up.

You may call them directly at 1-888-385-2002 to get a comparative rate analysis. Be sure to mention that you'll be using it with Campground Master so they know exactly what you need.


Merchant Warehouse

Campground Master will integrate directly with the Merchant Warehouse gateway to use their processing services. There is no additional software to install, so in some ways it's easier to integrate than X-Charge. However, a PIN pad for debit cards is no supported with Merchant Warehouse.

You may call them directly at 800-498-0823 to get a comparative rate analysis. They also offer a "meet or beat" guarantee on the rates. Be sure to mention that you'll be using it with Campground Master so they know exactly what you need.


Other Processing Software

If you want to use your existing merchant service provider, then the only way to integrate it with Campground Master is through PC Charge software. We cannot create a special integration for your merchant provider, and cannot integrate directly with any gateway. If they do not support one of the options below, then your only choice would be to switch to X-Charge (above).

While we do support PC Charge as an alternate interface, we only recommend this option if you don't have the ability to change merchant providers.

PC Charge must be purchased separately and is supported separately from merchant services and separately from Campground Master. While this allows Campground Master to be usable with most existing U.S. merchant processors, separate support could result in conflicts of opinions between the software supplier and the merchant provider if you have a problem.

Any recent version of PC Charge Pro or PC Charge Payment Server will work (5.1, 5.09, etc), as long as it's not too old (we have not tested with versions released earlier than 2011).

Important -- If you're using more than one workstation (networking) and choose to use PC Charge, then you must purchase an appropriate number of user licenses.


Price Comparison

Here is a comparison of costs between the programs. For a free discount rates comparison please contact Accelerated Payment Solutions. They will often beat the rates of other merchant services, but even if they can't quite beat your current service, keep in mind how much difference there would have to be to make up for the software and support costs. Also remember that no matter which software you choose, you won't need to buy, rent or maintain an expensive data terminal.

The computer with the processing software will need to have a high-speed internet connection like DSL (only one computer on the network needs this).

You will also probably want a mag-stripe reader for swiping credit cards -- not only does this save a lot of time and eliminates mistakes, most merchant services also offer a much lower discount rate for swiped cards. The reader must be either USB or keyboard-wedge interface (keyboard-wedge connects in-line with your keyboard and doesn't occupy other ports. The reader must support either Track 1 or Track 1 & 2 reading (track 3 is not supported).

It's also a good idea to use a 3" receipt printer, especially for printing the credit card signature slips. These can be set up to print automatically on the receipt printer when the credit card payment is processed, separately from the customer's receipt. A normal full-size printer can also be used for the credit card slips, but it's not as convenient or as fast.

For more information and suggested equipment, refer to the Hardware Selection page.


Please contact us if you have any questions.