8 questions to consider when shopping for an EFTPOS machine

Looking for a fast, reliable EFTPOS machine? Your customers will expect you to be able to accept card payments, so it’s important to find the best terminal for your needs. Here are eight questions to consider when you're comparing EFTPOS machines.

1. How much does the EFTPOS machine cost?

• You can pay a flat rate transaction fee which usually covers eftpos, Mastercard, Visa and UnionPay transactions (plus a monthly terminal fee if applicable).
• Or, you could speak to a specialist about custom pricing tailored for your business.
• With a flat transaction rate, compare the percentage transaction fee and the types of cards it covers. With custom pricing, compare the percentage transaction fee, the per transaction fee and the types of cards they cover and any other ongoing fees. Either way, make sure you factor in any EFTPOS machine monthly fees or purchase costs.

2. How easy is the EFTPOS machine to use?

You don’t want lengthy queues, so consider how fast and simple the card readers you’re looking at are to use. How long does it take to process and accept a payment? Are the screens easy to read and intuitive? Does your customer know how much they are paying? Have the needs of customers with impaired vision or hearing been considered?

Get the right solution; you’ll save time with every transaction and won’t waste time training staff on how to use your EFTPOS machine. Some solutions allow you to pre-load your sales items to speed up sales time too, such as EFTPOS Now (LitePOS) and EFTPOS Air.

3. Will the EFTPOS machine still work if my Internet connection is lost?

You’ll want to be able to continue processing payments - even through disruptions, such as when you lose your connection or your Internet service provider has to carry out maintenance. With Westpac EFTPOS machines, you’ll have the reassurance that your terminal has backup options, including automatically switching to mobile networks.

4. How long will the EFTPOS machine battery last?

If you run a mobile business, such as a market stall or a café that takes payments from customers, you'll need an EFTPOS machine with a good battery life. Our EFTPOS Now portable terminal has a long-life battery, and it comes with a car charger for businesses that operate on the road.

5. Do I want an EFTPOS terminal that can integrate with a point of sale (POS) system?

For an efficient payment solution, you might want to integrate your EFTPOS machine with a POS system, so that the amount to pay doesn’t have to be manually calculated and entered. This can speed up payments and helps avoid human error.

Two solutions you may wish to consider are the Presto Smart EFTPOS machine, which integrates with dozens of popular cloud-based POS systems, and EFTPOS Connect, which integrates with hundreds of POS systems that use Linkly software. 

Westpac also offers the EFTPOS Air app, a mobile payments solution that has built-in point of sale features such as a product catalogue you can build and inventory tracking. When downloaded to a compatible phone or tablet, the EFTPOS Air app can take ‘tap to pay’ card and mobile wallet payments using just the device. 

6. How fast will I get access to my takings?

At the end of each trading day, you’ll 'settle' your terminal to access that day's takings. Depending on your payment services provider, you may receive daily business takings on the same day, or it might take a few days for the funds to go into your nominated account.

With Westpac Instant Settlement, you can receive your EFTPOS takings in an instant¹ when you settle to a Westpac account.

7. When will my EFTPOS machine be delivered?

Ideally, you’ll want your EFTPOS machine to be delivered as soon as possible. Make sure you ask your provider whether they have EFTPOS terminals in stock and how long delivery will take.

8. Will I get set-up and ongoing support?

Depending on which provider you choose, your EFTPOS terminal may come with instructions for you to follow yourself (self-installation), or information about how to book a technician to manage the set up. If you choose a Westpac EFTPOS machine in metropolitan and regional areas, we'll arrange for a technician to be on-site to set up your terminal. In remote areas, you’ll receive your EFTPOS machine by courier, and our Merchant Helpdesk will walk you through its set-up over the phone.

And no matter where you operate and whichever EFTPOS machine you select, you’ll always have the reassurance of 24/7 support through the dedicated Merchant Helpdesk.