FAQ Credit Card Readers (Swipers)

1. When do you ship credit card readers?
2. Can I rush my credit card reader order?
3. How long does shipping take for swipers?

A: Here’s how our shipping process works to make sure your credit card readers arrive when you need them.

We ship all credit card reader orders every Thursday at 8:00 a.m. PT via USPS, completely free of charge (Free - USPS Standard Shipping).

To ensure your readers arrive in time, please place your order at least 7 business days before your event.

Running a bit tight on time? We offer expedited shipping options through FedEx:

• $50 – Expedited Shipping
  Delivery within 2–3 business days.
• $75 – Overnight Shipping
  Next-business-day delivery. 
  (*Overnight shipping may take up to 2 days to be delivered, depending on the carrier's shipping schedule) 

Ready to place your order? You can find everything you need on our Credit Card Reader site: https://nw.schoolauction.net/swiper/g/give

If you have any questions or need help choosing a shipping option, we’re here to help! 

1. Are all credit card readers compatible with your system?
2. Why can’t I use a reader from another vendor or payment processor?
3. Why should I order readers from SchoolAuction.Net instead of buying them elsewhere?
4. How far in advance should I order a credit card reader?
5. What day do credit card readers ship?

A: We offer compatible credit card readers at cost to take the guesswork out of finding the right equipment. Think of us as your tech-savvy friend who’s already done the research, so you don’t have to. While many card readers look the same, most aren’t compatible with our system due to differences in programming or built-in encryption. 

Click here to Order Readers: https://nw.schoolauction.net/swiper/g/give

Things to Know...

• CC Reader Orders should be made a MINIMUM of 7 business days before the event date. 
  (Orders ship on Thursday mornings before 8 am PST. To ensure speedy delivery, we ship via USPS, which delivers as late as 8 p.m. Remember, some schools and offices close at 5 p.m., so consider using a residential address for later deliveries.)
• CC Readers need only to be plugged into a standard-size USB-A port to be ready to use.
  (Newer devices with USB-C ports must utilize an adaptor - not provided)
• CC Readers are NOT compatible with Chromebooks, other Low-Powered Operating Systems, including Tablets, iPads, Phones, or any other device without a USB port.
  (Low-powered devices are not recommended for Check-In or Check-Out to ensure everything runs smoothly.)
• Newer High-Speed Devices with USB4 (USB-C4) ports may not be compatible with our CC Readers. 
  (There is no visual difference between these ports and a USB-C port. We recommend testing your CC Readers before your event date.)
• Our readers are compatible with most gateways; the only exceptions are Vanco and Element/Vantiv, which require their own encrypted readers.
• We recommend one reader for every 70 guests.
• Read more about Hardware Recommendations.

How to Use a Credit Card Reader:

• Connection: Securely plug the Reader into a USB-A port or use the adaptor for your USB-C port (adaptor NOT included)
• Readiness: The Reader is ready for use when the light on top turns Green.
• Swipe Card: Slide the credit card in either direction through the reader slot with the magnetic stripe facing the magnetic head, when a Payment Screen is open on your device. The payment screen will automatically fill in the card information into the correct fields.
• Manual Entry: Manually enter the CVC code. This 3-digit/4-digit code is often located on the back of the Credit Card or above the Credit Card Number.

Feel free to reach out to our Customer Support Team by clicking on the Help Widget on the right side of your event site screen.

1. What makes your readers different from those sold by other vendors?
2. Can I use any credit card reader with your software?
3. Where can I purchase a compatible card reader?

A: We offer compatible card readers at cost to ensure you have easy access to devices that work seamlessly with our software. Finding the right reader can be tricky, and our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Why Do We Offer This Service?

• Looks Can Be Deceiving: Compatible card readers aren't always distinguishable by appearance.
• Limited Availability: Quick shipping can be hard to find through third-party sellers.
• Processor Limitations: Most card processors (including Deluxe) don't provide readers that support uploading card data into our system.

Important Compatibility Note:
While many card readers look the same, they are not all created equal. Card readers are often programmed with proprietary encryption or custom firmware, which can make them incompatible with our platform, even if they appear identical on the outside. (Important: Chromebooks, tablets, iPads, phones, or other low-powered devices are NOT compatible with our readers)

If you're using Self Check-out and/or Self Check-in, swiping cards may not be necessary. Many customers are moving away from using card readers entirely, or keeping just one or two on hand for guests who prefer not to check in or out online.

If you’d like to purchase compatible credit card readers at cost, you can do so here: https://nw.schoolauction.net/swiper/g/give
 

1. How do I Troubleshoot Credit Card Reader (Swiper) Issues?
2. What to do if you are experiencing issues with a credit card reader (Swiper)?
3. How do I test if my card reader is working correctly?

A: Having trouble with your credit card reader? No problem — let’s walk through some quick checks of the most common issues to get things back on track...

1. Check Power and Connection
   Make sure the reader is properly connected and receiving power—this is indicated by the green light on top of the device.
2. Confirm USB Connection
   The reader must be plugged into a device with a standard USB port. Readers may not function properly with some newer high-speed USB-C4 or USB-4 ports.
   *NOTE: USB-C4 ports often look identical to regular USB-C ports, so visual inspection alone may not be enough.
   We recommend performing a live test before your event. 
3. Disable Autofill
   If you have Autofill enabled in your browser or operating system, it may interfere with card data input.
   You should disable Autofill to prevent potential issues during your event.
4. Reading Errors (Swipe Issues)
   To test your reader, try swiping a card while your cursor is in a text box (like in Word, Google Docs, etc.).
   If the swipe begins with the letter “E”, that means the read failed. No worries—just try again!
   *TIP: Swipe slowly and evenly, making sure the card stays in full contact with the bottom of the reader.
5. Avoid Using Low-Powered Devices
   To ensure reliable performance, please avoid using Chromebooks, tablets, iPads, phones, or other low-powered devices with our card readers. While these devices may seem to process payments correctly, they can sometimes omit or scramble card data.
   *TIP: For a smooth and secure Check-In/Check-Out process, we highly recommend using a full-powered laptop or desktop computer with a USB port.
6. Verify Card Processor Compatibility
   Some processors—like Vanco or Element/Vantiv—require their own encrypted readers.If you use one of these, please contact your card processor directly to obtain a compatible encrypted device.
7. Avoid Using Low-Powered Devices
   To ensure reliable performance, please avoid using Chromebooks, tablets, iPads, phones, or other low-powered devices with our card readers. While these devices may seem to process payments correctly, they can sometimes omit or scramble card data.
   *TIP: For a smooth and secure Check-In/Check-Out process, we highly recommend using a full-powered laptop or desktop computer with a USB port.

Contact Customer Support if you need further assistance:

• Use the Help Widget on your event site to chat with our SchoolAuction.net Support Team.
• For live support during your event, call us at 844-647-1125.

1. How do I connect the credit card reader to my device?
2. What kind of port is required to use the card reader?
3. How do I use a swiper to capture and vault credit card information at my event?

A: Using our credit card readers is simple and takes just a few steps. Here's how to get started:

1. Connection: Securely plug the Reader into a USB-A port or use the adaptor for your USB-C port (adaptor NOT included)
2. Readiness: The Reader is ready for use when the light on top turns Green.
3. Swipe Card: Slide the credit card in either direction through the reader slot with the magnetic stripe facing the magnetic head, when a Payment Screen is open on your device. The payment screen will automatically fill in the card information into the correct fields.
4. Manual Entry: Manually enter the CVC code. This 3-digit/4-digit code is often located on the back of the Credit Card or above the Credit Card Number.

If you have questions or need assistance, you can contact our Custom Support Team by clicking on the Help Widget on the right side of your event site screen.

1. How many credit card readers do I need for my gala?
2. Can I reduce the number of readers required?
3. What are alternatives to using credit card readers?

A: Planning a Gala (In-Person) event with traditional in-person check-in/check-out? If so, we recommend one card reader for every 50-70 guests you expect your team to manually check-in or check-out. 

However, by using the latest check-in and check-out tools, you can reduce the number of credit card readers required or eliminate the need for them entirely.

Here’s How:

• Include a QR code on bid paddles for easy access to Self Check-Out.
• Use the Self Checkout feature so that guests can pay with their stored card or enter a new card themselves.
• If pre-vaulting credit cards is important, you can Invite your guests to store a credit card in advance of your event.
• Or require a stored credit card during Self Check-in.

Why It Works:

• Shorter lines = happier guests
• Less manual work = less stress for your team
• Faster checkout = more time to enjoy the night!