If you anticipate completing less than $100 in EBT sales per month, you might consider utilizing offline vouchers instead of a POS terminal (see "Overview of EBT at Farmers' Markets" for more information). If additional equipment and services are needed to handle a higher volume, your market is not required to use any specific brand of POS equipment or to contract with any specific payment processor. However, the state of Wisconsin does have a contract with the company eFunds/FIS (http://www.fidelityinfoservices.com/fnfis/), which offers a free EBT-only POS device to any approved merchant or market that can document an average of over $100 per month in EBT sales. This free device requires that you have access to electricity and telephone hookups. If you do not have access to such hookups, a wireless POS terminal will probably be needed. The following is a breakdown of costs you can expect to incur with eFunds (more comprehensive product information and pricing is available here and here):
- Wireless POS terminal (VX610) - $1250 (includes installation, activation, and a three-year warrantee).
- Monthly fees - $45 (does not apply during the offseason, when there is no transaction activity. There are no seasonal disconnection/reactivation fees).
- Transaction fees - 15 cents per transaction.
When your application is approved by the FNS, an agreement is faxed to eFunds to purchase the POS terminal. Within three weeks, you will receive your terminal, along with a POS User Guide. Over-the-phone training is provided to someone designated by your market. Our state's sales representative is:
Shari Akin
1-800-558-6980, ext. 5008
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Note that wireless POS terminals can handle debit and credit card transactions in addition to EBT transactions. If you choose to process debit and credit cards, additional fees will apply. However, accepting debit and credit cards does have the potential to substantially increase your sales.
