Knuckle-buster can be described as a slang term for an imprinter for credit cards that is manually operated which was a device used by merchants to track credit card transactions prior to the introduction technology such as electronic Point-of-Sale Terminals.
BREAKING DOWN Knuckle-Buster
Knuckle-busters are a common phrase used to describe the the first manual credit card imprinting machines. Sometimes referred to as zip-zap machines imprinters came to be known as knuckle busters due to the fact that regular users of the devices could often get skin on their knuckles, and develop calluses as a consequence of frequent usage.
Knuckle-busters were a common sight for both businesses and retailers since the very beginning in the world of credit cards, until electronic point-of-sale terminals started to be popular in the 1980’s.
The machine works by placing the credit card of the user into the machine’s bed before layering carbon-based paper forms on top of the card. Through sliding the bar across the paper, creating an impression using it, the stamped card data and multiple duplicates of the transaction are made. The customers sign these forms to verify the transactions. These forms could serve as receipts for the customer and remaining copies will use by the company along with its bank or companies that issue credit cards to record and process the transactions.
Certain manual imprinters could be equipped with a plate that contains the name of the seller, his address, and any other identifiable information. Some merchants will purchase carbon transaction forms which are printed with their company information.
The Impact of Technological Advancements on Knuckle-Busters
Electronic point-of sale terminals began to be available in 1979 they offered numerous advantages over the knuckle-busters. They provided faster approval and verification of transactions using accounts with credit cards. Additionally, they were more comfortable for the parties involved.
Carbon copies are also known to be fragile records as well, and transaction receipts may become unreadable, especially with the course of.
However, knuckle-busters are useful backup option for companies who wish to carry on running transactions in the event that computers or electricity become not available. They’re also suitable for retailers, like fair vendors, who need an easy method to record transactions.
However, the long-term effectiveness of knuckle-busters is hampered due to a variety of reasons. The supply of carbon forms is declining, making them more costly and unobtainable and employees are usually not taught about the use of manual imprinters , even the fact that they’re accessible. For merchants, the manual entry in credit card transactions takes longer and every transaction could be susceptible to failing to be authenticated. Furthermore credit card companies increasingly issue cards that aren’t imprinted with customer data and therefore the knuckle buster is totally useless in the capture of data from customers. data even when performing manually transaction.
