Hi,

Can merchants technically do without a web terminal? Couldn't they just enter a transaction that's phoned/emailed/faxed/mailed in through the regular checkout process on their website? I'm new to this, could somebody explain what the disadvantages to doing it this way are?

Assuming merchants have to pay a lot extra for a virtual terminal, could they program a simple one of their own that allows them to enter transactions and essentially does the same thing? (If the merchant is interested in doing it this way?)

Just wondering to help me understand the true nature and purpose and advantages of a web terminal (as I'm very new to all this.)

Thanks.

Depending on where you are, usually a virtual terminal is free.

Yes, a merchant could "pretend" he is the customer, taking the order over the phone and then going to the website, but this is where it gets a very grey area. I mean, your website is for your consumer and MAPs / electronic gateways assume that your consumer is using it.

If you have the same IP address and if your account is audited, it could be detrimental to your account. Check out merchant account agreement, sometimes it states that you as a merchant, use the virtual terminal.