Authorizing and capturing credit card without a sales transaction

Jun 14, 2007 1 Replies

Our system setup: We are uisng RMS 1.3R. We use Bank of America Merchant Services for our credit card processing. We have setup our RMS Store Ops settings to use Vital processing. We swipe the card though a MSR reader on our keyboard (not a separate credit card terminal), the CC info goes right into the RMS Credit Card Verification dialog, and the RMS software takes care of authorizing the card and gettng the approval code.



Our problem: Occasionally, we have a problem settling a credit card. We'll get a TECHNICAL ERROR on the EDC Batch Settlement screen. Usually the problem is due to some human error or communication breakdown when the card was initally authorized. In most cases, we are able to get the credit card number this is for (we may contact the customer directly, or may have an imprint of the card), so we can try again.



Our need: Is there a way, using the RMS Store Operations software (either the POS or Manager application), to authorize a credit card and have it appear in an EDC batch, but WITHOUT having to ring up a sale for that amount? Right now, we have to ring up a new sale, using a dummy item, setting the price of the dummy item equal to the amount of the original failed credit card transaction. This lets us get the money but it overinflates our sales numbers. Ideally, there would be some sort of credit card terminal emulation feature, where the user can punch in the credit card info and let it authorize. (Before you suggest PCCharge, forget it; we used that product for a year, and happily dumped it. Besides, I'm looking for something that is built into the RMS software, not a third-party fixit).


can't you just do this?

  1. Go to - Reports | Miscellaneous | Electronic Draft Capture Detailed and change the dates to the required date and click OK. This will display the proper days credit card transactions.

  1. Find the transaction with the TECHNICAL ERROR and use that information to find the transaction number.

  2. Start the POS application.

  1. Recall a transaction for VOID (SHIFT + F11 and select void). Make sure the date window displays proper date and click OK. Enter the transaction number for the transaction. Select "Return" for the reason code (if you have a reason code requirement set up)

  2. Tender the transaction and refund the transaction total to the proper credit card type. Keep the receipts that prints.

  1. New Transaction: Now re-enter the sale and tender the transaction with the same credit card type and manually enter the credit card number, expiration date and finish the sale. Keep the receipts. (you may have to do a force with the original approval code).

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required