Hardware for Your Event Including Swiper Rental (Gala Only)
We strongly recommend renting hardware from someone who routinely supports events.
If you chose to use your own hardware:
- Have a dedicated volunteer or staff member who is only responsible for hardware setup, oversight and tear-down, preferably an IT professional.
- Log in to the site and run a test credit card transaction on each laptop PRIOR to the day of your event. Some older browsers cannot support the credit-card industry’s PCI security requirements and will NOT be able to process credit card transactions.
Here are our recommendations for the hardware needed for an event:
Hardware for Check-in/out Stations:
Regardless of how you obtain your hardware, we recommend one station for every 50 guests i.e. if you are expecting 200 guests you should have four stations.
A Station consists of:
* Laptop with sufficient USB ports. Card readers/swipers require a USB port. Additional ports may be needed for a mouse and/or printer connection.
* Mouse (wireless or USB)
* Card Reader (purchase and rental info below)
* High Speed Laser Printer (wireless or w/USB cable to connect to laptops)
Shared Equipment
* Multiple extension cords (to make sure power strips can reach the outlets)
* Multiple power strips (enough to handle all laptops, printers and switch)
* Networking equipment. All computers must have Internet access.
- Wired: router and/or switch, don't forget cables.
- Wireless: wireless access point and wireless adapters.
Supplies
* Two reams of laser paper (for receipts)
* Pens (for signing receipts)
* Folders (for filing away original bid sheets)
Software
* Printer Drivers, install and test prior to your event!
* Web browser: we recommend Chrome or Safari
Set the browser homepage to your event i.e. http://<yoururl>.schoolauction.net/
Place an Icon for the browser on the desktop.
Warnings and Common Pitfalls
1. Setup and test your equipment prior to event day!
2. Your tech guru should be present at the event and have no other assigned duties.
3. Use quality laptops, with newer operating systems.
Make sure they have drivers compatible with the printers and enough USB ports (or USB hub) to handle a mouse, printer, and card reader.
4. Make sure that you have the passwords for the laptops. You may need to use a different browser than the laptop's owner (Chrome may autofill the owner's personal info, including credit card, into every form automatically).
5. Verify that your venue has network connectivity and a signal that remains strong when 4 or more devices are active.
Network connectivity sometimes is not available during off hours. Make sure it will be there when you need it.
You will often have to arrange with your venue to get a password or access code to use their connectivity.
If you do not understand the terms on this page, providing your own hardware might not be for you.
Card Readers - Rental or Purchase from Us
1. We can provide new programmed swipers including shipping for $75 each. A discounted 4-pack is available for $280.
2. We provide rental packets of 4 Swipers for the night of your event on a first-come-first-serve basis.
A. The cost is $99 for 4 Swipers with round trip shipping included. (An $80 per week late fee will be charged if the package is not received within a week of your event for reuse.)
B. Customer Pick-up and Drop-off is available in the Portland, OR area for $80 per pack of 4 swipers. ($80 fee per week will be charged if they are not returned within 3 day of your event for reuse.)
**Please note that the Vanco gateway requires the use of secure swipers, which you must obtain directly from Vanco**
Go to https://nw.tofinoauctions.com/swipers/give
to Rent or Buy swipers, provide shipping information, and pay by credit card.
Provide the following:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Organization
- Date of event or when you need the swipers
- Shipping address if not a pickup.
Card Readers - Already Purchased or Owned
Note: We hate to say "No". We understand that your goal is to make money - not spend money - and we are all for saving a buck wherever possible and will do our best to help you do just that. However, it is with great reluctance that we steer you down this path. In our experience - a depressingly small percentage of customers have been successful in programming card readers they have borrowed or sourced themselves. . .but if you really want to give it a try:
Your (our) software works with some card readers from both Magtek and ID Tech. The swiper must a certain type and must be programmed or programmable specific to our software.
If you already own swipers that match these exact specifications, contact us about programming. We can provide the programming if the hardware is appropriate.
WARNING -
The swipers must be programmable. The base part numbers may match, the appearance may be the the same, and the price may be similar BUT the swipers may be preconfigured for a specific gateway and thus cannot be used.
DO NOT assume that "swipers" offered by your bank or some benefactor meet the criteria. A swiper or card reader might mean a "knucklebuster" or other external terminal to them. Test them with plenty of time to fall back on Plan B.
The Swipers are only Programmable from a PC. PC emulator is not the same. Once programmed, they will work on any OS but only PC's will work with the Programming process.
ID Tech - Product Information
Magtek Part# : 21040145 or Part# : 21040145
They must be Non-Secured Swipers with these Minimum Requirements
*Track 1 & 2 (can also optionally include track 3)
* Must be USB w/ Keyboard Emulation
* Must be programmable