Assistance with failed transactions

[Tamyra_Paunchy]

Hi. Can someone tell me, if it's possible to process failed transactions again? We work farmer's markets all the time, using the Square Terminal in Offline Mode. When we get back to our commercial kitchen space, the reader connects via Wi-Fi to the internet and then the card sales process (I assume). Sometimes when we do, this is hours after the market has ended, and I get these 'failed transaction' emails. It's disappointing because often times at a 5-6 hour market there are 3-4 of these. Sometimes they're just $6 transactions. Other times they're $30-40! 😞 Now that it's peak farmer's market season, we are working 4-6 markets a week. This will add up quickly. Anyone know if there's anything that can be done about this? Other than maybe buying a hotspot to connect the readers to so they're not in offline mode? That's not ideal but something I thought about recently that may be a temporary fix. Thanks in advance! 

[Candlestore]

@Tamyra_Paunchy ;

You may not need a Hot Spot but could use your Phone as a Hot Spot.  That would be the only other way to use the Terminal where there is no WiFi.  

So your choices are

Hot spot on your Phone

or buying a Hotspot device 

Both of these would require a Cellular Connection to the internet.  

[Tamyra_Paunchy]

Ok.  Yes, the problem is sometimes we're so far out - like in a tent way out on the waterfront for like 4th of July and other festivals/events, etc that even the cell reception is spotty. I'll check into an external hot spot. Sounds like this is the only other option. Thanks!

[JK_Fiber_Art]

Just a long shot here, but if you're a Comcast customer, they have a network of hotspot connections - we have a Comcast/Xfinity Business Account - as part of our package, we can access the internet via any of their hotspots through out the country by connecting our smart phone - it's an additional perk.  

jk

[JK_Fiber_Art]

Hey there Tamyra_Paunchy,

I believe your best option is to use a hotspot.  When you're operating in Offline Mode, there are additional risks as you are aware of.  According to Square's info, Square is not responsible for any loss due to declined cards or expired payments taken while offline or for chargebacks.   Another downside, Square cannot contact any customers on your behalf should a payment be declined or expired when taken in Offline Mode.

As I understand, the Terminal requires Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection to the internet - as Ethernet would not be possible at a market (at least from our experience) - a Wi-Fi hotspot would be your best option - even back in the old days when our credit card transactions were done either via a terminal or knuckle buster paper , we had to do a batch file upload to our bank or card processor after the event - some transactions were valid while others were not however, we would not know until later that evening.  That's why it's important to know right away if the card is authorized.  In the long run having a good internet connection is worth the investment.  Just some thoughts from past experiences.

jk