During a power failure or internet failure, we need the ability to force-post.

I can get phone credit card authorizations by calling firstdata, however there is no way to force-post with this authorization number.

This basic feature has been available on payment terminals since they were first introduced, as vendors were aware that communications and power are not 100% reliable.

The process we used to use is as follows:

1. Run the credit card through the imprinter and fill out slip.
2. Call the data host and get a voice authorization for a specific amount, specific card# and expiry date.
3. Acquire the authorization number.
4. When power or communications is restored, we press "Force-Post", and enter the credit card number, expiry date, transaction amount and authorization number.

It's not always possible to connect through a wireless tether to a cellphone, and when power fails and the internal battery runs out it's a moot point.