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 credit card payments, so it’s important to find the best terminal for your needs. Here are eight questions to consider when you compare EFTPOS machines.

1. How much does the EFTPOS machine cost?

You can generally choose between paying monthly fees based on anticipated transaction value; or paying transaction fees (a percentage per transaction), plus the cost of the terminal (bought or rented).

If choosing a monthly plan, have an idea of the value of transactions you will do per month, so you can choose the right payment tier for your business. With the pay per transaction option, compare the rates for different types of cards, or choose the simplicity of a single flat rate for all popular cards.

2. How easy is the EFTPOS machine to use?

You don’t want lengthy queues, so consider how fast and easy 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 best solution, and you’ll save time with every transaction and won’t waste time training staff how to use your EFTPOS machine.

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

You’ll want to be able to continue processing cashless payments even if you lose your wi-fi or your Internet service provider has to carry out maintenance. With a Westpac EFTPOS machine, 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, or a market or a café that takes payment from customers at the table, 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 EFTPOS that integrates with a point of sale system?

For a time-saving payment solution, you might want to integrate your EFTPOS machine with a point of sale 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 from Westpac, which integrates with dozens of popular POS systems, and EFTPOS Connect, which integrates with POS systems that use Linkly software. 

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 account.

With Westpac Instant Settlement, you can receive your EFTPOS takings in an instant.¹

7. When will my EFTPOS machine be delivered?

Ideally, you want your EFTPOS machine to be delivered straight away, so you can get up and running 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, or information about how to book a technician to manage the set up. If you choose a Westpac EFTPOS machine, in metro areas we'll arrange for a technician to be on site with you to set up your terminal. In regional areas, you’ll receive your EFTPOS machine by courier, and we’ll walk you through its set up by phone.

And wherever you operate and whichever Westpac EFTPOS machine you choose, you’ll have the reassurance of 24/7 support.