Abstract: A terminal provides for ordering merchandise from any one of a plurality of merchants over the direct distance dial telephone network while remaining at home. Printed merchandise codes are electronically read by a wand of a bar code reader that is passed thereacross, automating data entry. Separate or integral memory cartridges carry a set of recognition data for each merchant order receiving device, the recognition data being required to validate the entry of an order in an order receiving device. A liquid crystal character display, indicator lights and user actuated switches provided for guiding a user through the ordering sequence for each merchant.