ABOUT OUR COMPANY
We are headquartered in Naperville, Illinois, USA.
ABOUT CARDS
How do I go about securing Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express certifications?
DCS will work with the representatives at Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express on behalf of your company.
How do I go about preparing to set up the company to comply with Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX inspections?
DCS will work with the individuals responsible in your organization from the start till the end until securing certification.
Where do we obtain company procedures and manuals?
DCS will work on providing your organization with the relevant manuals which will be tailored towards your needs.
How do I start up a formal Open and Closed Loop Gift Card program?
DCS will connect you with the most reputable transaction and payment processing company that will work with you organization till your program is up and running.
How do I get a customized services bureau tracking software and web based inventory systems?
DCS has qualified IT personnel that will set you up according to your needs.
What is the difference between embossing and thermal printing?
Embossing is the raised character printing that you find on traditional credit cards for your account number, name, etc. Each letter and number are individually pressed into the plastic card with alphanumeric punches and dies. Character selection is either 10 characters per inch or 7 characters per inch.
Thermal printing is a flat type of printing similar in appearance to a laser printer's print on paper. Character size and font selection are variable. Various colors are available for the printed characters.
What is tipping/topping?
Tipping or topping is the process where embossed (raised) letters & numbers have a color applied to the top of the characters. A plastic card that has the characters tipped with color are easily read and provide a more attractive appearance helping to insure a greater sense of value to your customer. Colors most often used are gold, silver, black, white or blue. Other colors are available.
Can I emboss my cards with an imprinter?
No. An imprinter is designed to make an ink or carbon impression on paper of a plastic card's already embossed characters. For example, manual sales slips are done this way.
What is encoding?
Encoding is the process that places electronic information onto the magnetic stripe on the back of a plastic card. This allows the card to be swiped through a card reading device that is designed to retrieve the information on the magnetic stripe and then process some type of transaction such as a sale when a credit card is used. The encoded information is usually an account number or some other type of specific identification data for the user of the card.
What is LoCo & HiCo encoding?
LoCo & HiCo encoding relates to the intensity of the electronic process that encodes the magnetic stripe. This is called coercivity. LoCo (low coercivity) is calibrated at 300 oersted which is what has been the normal encoding for most magnetic stripe cards for many years. HiCo (high coercivity) is calibrated at 2750 oersted or 4000 oersted. The 2750 HiCo is becoming more common as many of the major credit card companies are now making their cards conform to these standards. A card with HiCo encoding is more stable and less likely to become corrupted by outside magnetic or electrical fields. Currently, card readers can read LoCo and HiCo cards.
What is the value of buying used equipment over new equipment?
The biggest advantage of buying used equipment over new equipment is cost. Used equipment prices are significantly less than that of new equipment. Many companies have discovered that the cost savings then allows them to conserve capital that can be directed to other areas of their companies or put aside for future investment. Additionally, purchasing used equipment from Diagenics Card Services, Inc. gets you equipment value along with strong technical support.
What size plastic cards can I use?
The most common size plastic card is the CR-80 size. This card is 3.375" wide and 2.125" high with rounded corners. Thickness will vary; however, the usual credit card such as a Visa or MasterCard is 0.030" (30 mil) thick. Most embossed cards are 0.030" or 0.024" thick. Thermal printed cards will range from 0.030" to 0.015" thick.
Another size is the CR-50 (3.5" wide and 1.75" high) with rounded corners. Thicknesses will vary as above.
Embossing and thermal printing equipment must be configured for a specific card size. Most of our equipment is configured for the CR-80 size cards.
ABOUT PURCHASING
What payment methods do you accept?
The most common methods of payment are checks or bank wire transfers. Bank wire transfers work the best for companies located outside of the United States. We also accept payment via Western Union. No C.O.D.s.
How do I place an order?
Orders are best placed by telephone or Email. Due to the variety of equipment that is available, matching your equipment needs to the equipment available is best done by telephone or Email. Payment for orders must be made prior to shipment of equipment.
Can DCS ship to other countries?
Yes. We can ship via Federal Express, United Parcel Service or common carrier (air or sea). Other options are available with special arrangements.
What is the warranty on used equipment?
Defective equipment parts will be warrantied for 30 days from the date of invoice and will be replaced, exchanged or repaired at the sole discretion and determination of Diagenics Card Services, Inc. Additionally, there is no other warranty on used equipment except that the equipment will be in proper working order when received. Our warranty does not cover conditions resulting from negligence, misuse or improper installation and setup. Damage during transportation is the responsibility of the freight carrier.