But increasing numbers of retailers now are storing digitized versions of customer receipts, including cardholder signatures, for quick recall. And that means more customers will charge purchases by signing their names on a special device when they check out. The process differs from merchant to merchant, depending on the manufacturer of the device. Should anyone worry that his or her signature might be appropriated, Sears distributes a brochure at the checkout explaining that the procedure is voluntary and electronic signatures are not stored separately and can be printed only along with the entire sales receipt. Like Sears, most other retailers will let skittish shoppers sign a paper copy and bypass the device.
Dinner is over.
He hands it over and disappears discreetly. Completing the transaction triggers a blinking light. Made by VeriFone of Redwood City, Calif., Folio, as the portable reader is called, opens up a new use for ATM cards and lets customers keep an eye on their plastic. Restaurateurs like Folio because it keeps track of tips and signals when payment has been made. Two other manufacturers make slightly different card readers.