Apps and Programs For Kiosk Construction
If you want to build your own payment kiosk, there are software tools available to you, and programmers can build models that include a credit card reader (attachable through a USB port or headphone jack), touchscreen, or keypad-entry device depending on the size and shape of the unit. Some of the most popular kiosks are built into iPads and Tablets so they are elegant and portable. Most often, apps can be downloaded from processors that support donations, so your nonprofit, church, or club may not need a lot of technical assistance to put one together.
The ability to convert a PC or iPad into a giving kiosk may be the perfect project for your charity, church, or non-profit, assuming that you don't care to buy a one-piece unit that does the same job. For the computer savvy, this may involve the use of a cabinet (great woodworker project!) and some hardware that can be purchased from a local electronics store. .
Choosing Nonprofit Processors
In the world of non-profit credit card processing, biggest is not always the best. Many major companies that specialize in charity payment processing also have higher fees, and often board members may find that a generalized merchant services company can offer lower rates to nonprofits, or may even have retail rates that cost less than the current vendor.
Upgrade Kiosk Software Tools
Like any other kind of computer or financial software, it is essential to leave room for upgrades, bug fixes, patches, and security changes. Any kind of software product is going to experience security vulnerabilities going forward owing to the fact that hackers build more powerful tools. For example, many ATMs today run on Windows XP software, which is robust and reliable but soon will be unsupported. Hackers often find vulnerabilties years after a software release, so holes need to be closed periodically as they are discovered.
No matter who you get your software from, the act of accepting credit cards means that your company should be compliant with PCI standards designed to prevent card numbers from being copied or stolen.