Back to School Trends

Back-to-School-Shopping

You loaded up the kids on school supplies weeks ago… but don’t think you’re finished with back-to-school prep just yet. You’ve still got the season’s fashion trends to consider for your teen or tween. As is the case with every school year, last year’s looks have hibernated after the long summer and have ushered in a fresh new palette of colors, textures and themes.

According to Teen Vogue, fall girls’ fashion will incorporate plenty of plaids, wools, oversized cardigans, fringe, pastels, layered looks, ’90s throwback (including lots of denim on denim) and ’60s Chelsea girl mod (shift dresses, cat-eye makeup). High-waisted jeans are in for girls too (previously dubbed “mom jeans”). Guys meanwhile are leaning more fashionable than past years, sporting preppy-meets-bad-boy apparel.

Blazers, denim jackets and leather jackets are back in, as are skinny khakis, bright-hued denim and patterned slip-on sneakers. Backpacks will likely need replacing, and this year’s stock is all about colorful prints and patterns. Don’t be surprised if your student asks for a new iPhone cover too (even though his old one is perfectly fine); smartphone cases are big venues for personalization.  

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Clover Point of Sale System

Feeling Lucky? Try Clover!

Clover, a point of sale system which accepts contactless payments and EMV cards, shown in white with receipt printer and barcode scanner.

At CoCard, we’re devoted to making sure our clients find the POS systems best suited to their needs. So we’re thrilled to be adding the Clover POS system to our roster of services! In case you’re unfamiliar, a Clover Station is a cash register, terminal and POS system in one that allows business owners to accomplish a range of tasks within one inclusive system. With Clover, you can track your inventory, view reports, and manage employees, while juggling various other tasks. While this system can certainly be implemented at numerous business types, CoCard finds that Clover is the best fit for quick-service restaurants, full-service restaurants and specialty retailers. Thinking about switching? Call us at 1.800.317.1819 or drop us a quick line at sales@cocard.info.

SEE THE CLOVER POS HERE

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Hacker Alert:

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In case you missed the news at the beginning of this month, in early August, a Russian crime ring collected the largest known cluster of Internet credentials to date, which included 1.2 billion user name and password combos and more than 500 million email addresses in a mega-security breach. Milwaukee’s Hold Security discovered the violation and says the security breach affected several large businesses, but was unable to share the names of those affected due to nondisclosure agreements and victim security. The hackers cast a wide net, going after large and small business websites alike in countries around the globe—including the United States and Russia. According to an August 5 New York Times article, it appears the hackers haven’t sold much of the data, but are instead using this hacked info to send spam through social media sites, like Twitter for a fee. This article identifies the hacking ring as a small group of less than a dozen men in their 20s, based in south central Russia.

While it’s always troubling to hear news like this, don’t panic. Instead, tighten your Internet security measures. Ensure that you’re using strong passwords and that you’re utilizing different passwords on different websites. If you know you’re guilty of being lax with your passwords (or use the same ones on multiple sites), updating them to stronger passwords is a good idea. You may also want to check out one of the automated password changing services out there, like this free one, to ensure you’re keeping hackers on their toes.

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Cocard: Proud Sponsor of the AJC Decatur Book Festival!

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The 2014 AJC Decatur Book Festival is finally upon us…

…and for the third year in a row, Cocard is a proud sponsor. We love our city, and we support local businesses and events to the fullest of our abilities. We are proud to call Decatur, GA our home and the AJC Decatur Book Festival is the largest and best festival of its kind!

This year, We will be providing an Information Booth near the bandstand on Decatur Square. Please stop by and introduce yourself. Feel free to ask us questions about the Festival or our services. See what Cocard can do for your business — we might even have a little something special to give you!

More about the Decatur Book Festival:

Over Labor Day weekend, tens of thousands from metro Atlanta and beyond will share the historic downtown Decatur square with world-class authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, booksellers, and artists for a weekend filled with literature, music, food, art, and fun.

Stay tuned for the online schedule of author events. It’s going to be the biggest celebration of the written word yet. Welcome to Decatur, friends—we’re glad you’re here for the party.

  • Check out the Decatur Book Festival blog!
  • Follow the Decatur Book Festival Twitter !
  • Friend the Decatur Book Festival Facebook!
  • Sign up for the Decatur Book Festival newsletter!
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Merchants Show Increased Demand for Integrated POS

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Basic processing systems will no longer cut it in the payment processing industry. A terminal is viewed as the bare minimum in today’s market, and merchants are finding it more necessary to integrate multiple technologies in their software applications. Now merchants are able to run their entire business and collect payments on the same device.

Aside from the decrease in technology prices, tablet technology now allows merchants to get all of the products they normally couldn’t afford in one simple tool. When this is coupled with the fact that merchants are becoming more skilled and innovative in the payment industry, it becomes apparent that tablet based systems is the answer to all payment processing problems.

POS systems used to cost thousands of dollars, but now with integrated technology, merchants are able to afford the programming with rates as low as $50 a month. Also, the fact that different merchants required varied solutions gives more power to integrated POS systems. Systems that cover more bases and provide more solutions are being created on a more frequent basis, and industry specific tools are developing rapidly.

Because the industry standard for tools has changed so much, it is more important than ever that your POS system is top of the line. CoCard not only provides state of the art POS programming for tablets and devices, but also has a mobile payment application called ‘CCMobile’ that completely integrates a merchant’s business transaction data. Whether your business is in retail, restaurants, or any other industry specific trade, allow CoCard to provide cutting-edge POS solutions to simplify your daily process and reduce expenses. Call us for more information!

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Back to School

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The fall is fast approaching, and that means several things; everyone’s favorite sports are back, the weather becomes more bearable, and students are returning to school. As the semester begins, merchants may see a marked change in their merchants’ business sales; retail merchants may see a slight spike in back to school product purchases, while late night restaurants and college hangouts may notice a subtle decrease in revenue. Regardless of the market, the annual change of pace that comes with the fall semester can still be used to a merchant’s benefit. Here’s a few tips to tackle the return of school correctly:

Take advantage of the opportunities presented with college students returning to class; sign your business up for display at a few job fairs to scout local talent, and potentially find a hidden gem. With so many bright young minds currently attending college, there’s no limit to the potential at your fingertips.

As a business owner, consider whether or not taking a few courses in the fall could benefit you. Are you seeking another degree? Or are you simply just interested in learning more about economics or marketing strategy? It’s not too late to register for a few courses, and you just might learn a bit more than you expect. As you get more educated in the classroom, take some time to learn a bit more about CoCard as well. As a cutting-edge merchant services provider, many of CoCard’s current marketing strategies align directly with the same materials covered in college classrooms. CoCard even has an education center, just for merchants like you!

Stay on top of your kids! With all of the changes that come with the fall semester, it can be easy to lose track of your own child’s schoolwork and activities. Stay in tune with their daily schedules, and be sure to keep track of their grades from beginning to end. Managing a business and a family is never an easy task, but making small strides each day significantly reduces the difficulty.

Welcome the new school year with open arms, and have a plan for the coming months. Although school can be a difficult thing to handle at times, don’t forget to stay positive and look for the potential benefits involved with it. Take some time to get a little more educated with CoCard’s education center, and think about whether or not it’s time for you to make a change. If you have any questions or concerns about how CoCard can assist you in the coming months, call us today!

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QA Test Engineer Intern

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Since 1988, our Decatur-based financial services and technology firm has provided simple, secure and cost-effective electronic payment, data convergence and fraud prevention services for clients around the world.  Offering advanced technology and truly personalized service, our consultants act as true partners, delivering customized solutions with integrity and anticipating our merchants’ needs.

A-AAccess is currently seeking a highly motivated and detail oriented QA Test Engineer Intern to perform software testing, design, planning, scripting and execution for a variety of key customer-facing and internal applications.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Interact with product management, development teams and team members to generate a strong understanding of the project and testing objectives
  • Conduct functional and manual testing of new rollouts, bug fixes, existing features and  end-user operations
  • Create and execute test scripts and cases that will determine optimal system performance
  • Document, diagnose, track and escalate technical use cases in a timely and efficient manner
  • Submit ideas for the continual improvements of processes and procedures within QA in order to improve quality, reduce risk, and increase efficiency
  • Research technology that could improve quality, performance, usefulness and robustness  in the system

Requirements:

  • Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering , Web Systems, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience with web services and API testing
  • Solid understanding of application programming and database administration and expertise with database tools, including Crystal Reporting, MS SQL Server, and MySQL
  • Demonstrated problem-solving and collaborative skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Proven ability to multi-task, manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously, and work well under pressure

Nice To Have:

  • Bilingual (preferably Spanish)
  • Programming Experience (i.e. PHP)
  • Testing of software to hardware interfaces using XML/SOAP
  • Development and implementation of test harness tools
  • Adaptable in a dynamic, yet iterative, development and quality environment
  • Experience with Quality Center Administration responsibilities 

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume, a cover letter addressed to Ms. Brady, and salary requirements to hr@aaaccess.com.

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Technical Support Intern

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Since 1988, A-AAccess Online Payment Systems has provided simple, secure and cost-effective electronic payment and authentication services for merchants around the world. Offering advanced technology and truly personalized service, our consultants act as true partners, delivering customized solutions with integrity and anticipating our merchants’ needs.

A-AAccess Online Payment Systems is currently seeking a skilled, highly motivated

Technical Support Intern to staff our IT Help Desk and assist merchants. Responsibilities will include account setup, technology-related projects, assisting clients with setup installations or troubleshooting via the phone or e-mail, and general office duties. A keen eye for detail and good follow-up skills are essential. Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. They also must be highly dependable, have a positive attitude, and a strong desire to succeed.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Set up clients on proprietary solution
  • Troubleshoot installation and error messages for various integrated programs (POS)
  • Follow up with customers on their installation
  • Assist customers in correcting transactions
  • Complete maintenance on workstations as needed
  • Perform minor network maintenance
  •  Support merchants with terminal downloads
  • Assist interoffice employees via a ticketing system

Requirements:

  • Pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or the equivalent
  • Knowledge of PC Hardware / Software (XP and Windows 2003 Server environment)
  • Knowledge in any tracking tool software / CRM
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Excellent in troubleshooting Microsoft Office, XP problems
  • Good documentation skills

Nice To Have:

A+ Certified

Net+ Certified

Knowledge of PHP

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your application materials in pdf format to hr@aaaccess.com.

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Bilingual Technical Support Specialist

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Since 1988, A-AAccess Online Payment Systems has provided simple, secure and cost-effective electronic payment and authentication services for merchants around the world. Offering advanced technology and truly personalized service, our consultants act as true partners, delivering customized solutions with integrity and anticipating our merchants’ needs.

A-AAccess Online Payment Systems’ twenty-year history has been marked by innovation and growth. We have developed and own over 95% of the technology we use, and we are constantly developing new technology solutions to meet industry needs for speed and reliability.

Bilingual Technical Support Specialist Opportunity

A-AAccess Online Payment Systems is currently seeking a skilled, highly motivated

Bilingual Technical Support Specialist to staff our IT Help Desk and assist merchants. Responsibilities will include account setup, technology-related projects, assisting clients with setup installations or troubleshooting via the phone or e-mail, and general office duties. A keen eye for detail and good follow-up skills are essential. Candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. They also must be highly dependable, have a positive attitude, and a strong desire to succeed.

Priority will be given to candidates who have experience with Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)  applications and/or supporting POS systems, but training will be provided for EFT and other installation / troubleshooting requirements.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Set up clients on proprietary solution
  • Troubleshoot installation and error messages for various integrated programs (POS)
  • Follow up with customers on their installation
  • Assist customers in correcting transactions
  • Complete maintenance on workstations as needed
  • Perform minor network maintenance
  •  Support merchants with terminal downloads
  • Assist interoffice employees via a ticketing system

Requirements:

  • MCDST, MCSA Certified
  • Knowledge of PC Hardware / Software (XP and Windows 2003 Server environment)
  • Knowledge in any tracking tool software / CRM
  • Fluency in two or more languages
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Excellent in troubleshooting Microsoft Office, XP problems
  • Good documentation skills

Additional Desired Qualifications:

A+ Certified

Net+ Certified

Knowledge of PHP

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.

Application Instructions:

Please submit your application materials in pdf format to hr@aaaccess.com. Along with your resume, please include a cover letter, addressed to Mrs. Brady, that addresses your technical experience and salary requirements. **IMPORTANT: If you cannot save your resume and cover letter in .pdf, please fax them to 678-578-4380.**

***This is an ON-SITE, hands-on position. This is not a telecommuting job.***

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Sales & Marketing Specialist

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Since 1988, our Decatur-based financial services and technology firm has provided simple, secure and cost-effective electronic payment, data convergence and fraud prevention services for clients around the world. As we develop new products and services, we are currently seeking a highly motivated Sales & Marketing Specialist with comprehensive marketing, data analysis and project coordination skillswho can help us optimize our marketing efforts and maximize sales.

Analyzing the company’s existing and potential markets, the Sales & Marketing Specialist will spearhead targeted offline and digital marketing campaigns, mining our CRM database so that we can more effectively market new products and services to both our current customers and prospects.  The Sales & Marketing Specialist must have experience with social marketing and be actively managing social network responsibilities at current position.

Position Duties

  • Work with the general manager and company president to plan marketing strategies
  • Utilize the company’s marketing database to execute and support marketing initiatives
  • Coordinate, analyze and report on various marketing activities, which may include digital and social media communications, advertising, direct mail, promotional items and more
  • Gather requirements, provide statistical and quantitative analyses and reporting of marketing data, and make actionable recommendations based on results
  • Manage list extractions and other analytical functions including profiling, reporting and target filtering
  • Develop and generate daily, weekly, Ad Hoc and quarterly reports for business intelligence use
  • Monitor quality of data to ensure accurate and consistent results
  • Identify appropriate metrics for marketing campaigns, detailing the measurement process and output requirements
  • Provide strategic direction to copywriters and graphic designers in order to develop targeted marketing materials
  • Assist in implementing marketing email strategy to grow subscriber list, retain customers and increase incoming leads and sales
  • Quantify the overall impact of digital and offline marketing initiatives
  • Move marketing data between applications or populate new databases as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing or related field
  • 3-5 years of marketing experience, preferably in B2B marketing
  • Significant proficiency with SQL and other database applications; SAAS experience strongly preferred
  • Extensive report creation experience with business intelligence tools
  • Ability to work independently but within prescribed time deadlines and budgets
  • Strong quantitative skills coupled with a solid understanding of business and marketing
  • Expert skills with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
  • Knowledge of CAN-SPAM and ISP Email policies
  • Expertise with all forms of social media
  • Creative problem solving and analytic skills
  • Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to organize, analyze, and share information
  • Strong multitasking skills and ability to work in a flexible, dynamic and fast-paced environment

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must possess work authorization which does not require sponsorship by the employer for a visa.

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to hr@aaaccess.com.

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