First Data Increases Staff in Sam’s Clubs Prior to EMV Deadline

The October deadline created by Visa and Mastercard is looming for small businesses to accept EMV chip card payments or face fraud liability. But you may not have to navigate these unknown waters alone. First Data has announced an expanded agreement with Sam’s Club to improve its merchant services and help small businesses become EMV ready.

There has recently been a big push for small businesses to move to terminals that accept EMV technology. Though no laws require this yet, it would be wise to make the switch before the October deadline. This is where the collaboration between First Data and Sam’s Club could help out small businesses.

With this agreement, First Data will be expanding its on-site presence in Sam’s Club stores. First Data says it will be increasing staffing of on-site business consultants at Sam’s Club locations around the U.S. First Data consultants will be providing on-the-ground demonstrations, advice, and support aimed at enterprise growth.

In the official release announcing the collaboration, MiKaela Wardlaw Lemmon, Vice President of Member Services for Sam’s Club, explains:

“Sam’s Club and First Data have helped small businesses grow for more than 10 years and our shared mission to maximize member savings on critical payment solutions continues today. As small businesses face a looming October deadline to implement payment systems that accept chip-card technology, they can rely on Sam’s Club and First Data to guide them through this vital transition with personalized support, cutting-edge technology and the outstanding value our members deserve.”

First Data’s small business solutions feature Clover, a business management system using cloud-based software and hardware that is EMV ready. First Data says Clover enables businesses to securely accept payments — even mobile and online payments — manage inventory, track revenues, improve customer loyalty, and generate reports.

The expanded partnership between First Data and Sam’s Club will help educate small businesses and provide updated payment solutions. The goal is to ease access to EMV-ready technology before the October deadline.

Image: First Data

This article, "First Data Increases Staff in Sam’s Clubs Prior to EMV Deadline" was first published on Small Business Trends