Givex Gives Options

T wo new POS processing devices offer flexibility of choice for merchants, allowing them to pick the system that suits their business and budget needs. Merchants both large and small are able to accept and process gift cards, frequent user cards and e-gift certificates as well as process secure credit and debit transactions and receive real-time tracking and reporting. Both terminals are manufactured by Ingenico and utilize the Givex software application.

Givex Corp. has teamed with Ingenico to launch the Elite 510, a stand-alone POS gift certificate and transaction device. Earlier, in an alliance with IVI Checkmate, Givex also released the eN-Touch 3000 to produce an all-in-one touch screen option. (IVI Checkmate later became part of Ingenico.)

Both systems feature the Givex application for tracking gift and frequent user cards and e-certificates. The software also allows merchants to view numerous up-to-the-second online transaction reports, access real-time sales channels, receive real-time support and expand marketing opportunities.

The Elite 510 is a stand-alone, countertop EFT POS terminal allowing all merchants to increase revenue and brand loyalty, combining Givex's gift certificate management technology and Ingenico's transaction-processing capabilities. Cards are swiped through the machine and four lines of text-only information read out on the screen. The eN-Touch 3000 terminal offers a larger 3 1/2" X 4 3/4" backlit, all-in-one touch screen with good color graphics, helpful in strengthening branding and developing new promotions.

While there is a difference in terminal size and screen appearance between the Elite 510 and eN-Touch 3000, the two POS devices are designed to offer any merchant the ability to accommodate customers' payment choices. According to Givex spokesperson Sue Floyd, the main difference between them lies in the "thin client" technology available with the eN-Touch 3000.

"The Givex application rests on the actual Elite 510 terminal and must be updated onsite by a technician during business off-hours," she said. "With the eN-Touch 3000, the application rests on the Givex system. Changes and updates can be made remotely, offsite, at any time by our own in-house technicians."

Merchants using either terminal also receive real-time tracking and reporting features. The Givex application tracks each card or certificate, gives real-time support and reports, and allows merchants to view numerous online transaction reports. This means customers can purchase and redeem their gift certificates through any physical or virtual sales channel.

"Credit card and debit card processing features are 'must-haves' for all merchants," said Don Gray, President and CEO of Givex Corporation. "Likewise, gift cards, frequent user cards, e-gift certificates and points programs are also becoming basic necessities. By bringing together Givex's and Ingenico's expertise, we are able to offer a cost-effective and gainful all-in-one solution to merchants."

Givex also has launched "Givex for Windows," a unique software product that processes real-time gift card transactions.

Givex for Windows is a stand-alone application that enables merchants to conduct real-time gift card programs directly through their Windows-based point-of-sale system. This product operates in a touch screen environment, includes a user-friendly virtual keyboard and runs through TCP/IP and dialup. "Our intention is to make gift card programs more accessible and easier for merchants," Gray said. "The big difference between this product and other gift card solutions is that Givex for Windows rests upon a merchant's existing POS system yet runs independently of its applications. It does not require any hardware or integration, so the installation is simple and immediate. All of this translates into an easy-to-use, low-cost gift card solution that leverages a merchant's existing POS investment."