Ray At Tampabay Merchant Services
Clearwater,#2Consumer Comment
Sun, July 08, 2012
I have worked in this industry for over 5 years and I am a Certified Payments Professional
(CPP). I am trying to educate businesses about some of the unethical practices of the industry. The best advice is not to lease a credit card terminal, of course for you its water under the bridge. Based on where you are now here is what you need to know. The leasing company owns the terminal until you fulfill the lease terms. Pay all payments (normally it is 48 months). Also you must return the terminal back to the leasing company or purchase, again after all payments are completed. This is why the leasing company stated what they did. You need to get it from the rep that you gave it to and get it to the leasing company, however you will still be obligated to the remaining payments. Also I suggest obtain a copy of the lease and be sure of all of the terms including the number of payments.
Keep in mind the leasing company is like a financing company for the merchant service provider who uses them to help place terminals. The real problem is the merchant service provider that brings them into the deal. Be aware you have or had two agreements, the processing agreement and the leasing agreement.
For the benefit of others that may read this, next time buy the equipment and insist on a no penalty contract for the processing part as well. Beware of going to your bank for processing, they are not any better, they will try and get you to lease too. Look for a independent representative. Get references and look for a Certified Payments Professional (CPP).
I hope this helps. Ray at Tampa Bay Merchant Services.