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Blak Brews began with a van, a few market stalls, and a bold ambition – to put culture, wellness, and native Australian ingredients into people’s hands, and into their cups. “There wasn’t a blueprint for what we were doing,” says co-founder Troy Benjamin. “We just built it as we went.” Troy and his partner Cerisa launched Blak Brews from their home in Geelong, blending teas by hand and selling them direct to the public at festivals and pop-ups. From the start, they knew they had something unique. “It was very DIY at first,” Cerisa says, “but people connected with it quickly. We believed in the product, and that made the hard work worth it.” Two years on, Blak Brews has evolved into a thriving business with national reach. Their range of native teas and coffee blends is stocked in high-end venues, airport cafés, and independent retailers across the country. They’ve won Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars Australia, launched their flagship venue – Booln Booln Café – and built a team to keep pace with growing demand. Celebrating culture over a cuppa. For Troy and Cerisa, Blak Brews is more than a product – it’s a way to connect people with culture. Troy’s heritage includes Tati Tati, Wadi Wadi, Muti Muti and Wamba Wamba ancestry. Cerisa’s roots span Gurindji, Jawoyn and Walpiri Country. Their aim has always been to celebrate native ingredients and their significance, and that’s exactly what they’ve achieved with Blak Brews. “From day one, we wanted to show people that native ingredients can be premium, functional, and world-class,” says Troy. “We’re doing that now on a bigger scale, but the drive hasn’t changed.” The early days were all hustle, hand-blending at home and building the brand from scratch when no one else knew what a native tea company could look like. “We started from the ground up,” says Troy. “Small stalls, long days...but we backed ourselves.” From pop-ups to a permanent space . Winning Food Stars Australia in 2024 gave Blak Brews a big burst of visibility – and a financial runway to grow. The couple used the momentum to open Booln Booln Café, a light-filled space in central Geelong that serves jaffles, native teas, coffee and community connection. When it came to choosing a payment system, Zeller was an easy choice. “Zeller just felt like a clean fit for what we needed at Booln Booln,” says Troy. The recommendation came from their POS provider, Whoods, who pointed Troy and Cerisa to Zeller as a powerful, stylish and easy-to-use solution. “We wanted a simple, modern payment system that was easy for staff to use and looked sharp on the counter,” says Troy. “Zeller ticked those boxes.” Keeping up with fast-paced operations . Between wholesale, retail, the café and events, there’s always a lot happening at Blak Brews. “It’s full throttle,” says Troy. “We’ve got wholesale, retail, café operations, events, media – all running at once. But we’ve got a solid team. My focus is on building the brand, big-picture strategy, and making sure we keep growing the right way.” Cerisa adds: “There’s a lot going on behind the scenes. Keeping things moving across multiple channels takes constant coordination – but we’ve built systems that work for us.” At Booln Booln, one of those systems is Zeller. While the business uses other setups at markets or events, Zeller runs the café’s daily transactions with zero disruption. “For Booln Booln Café, Zeller has been solid. Clean interface, easy for staff, and no hiccups,” explains Troy . Fast payments, smooth reconciliation . Reliable, fast payment processing is critical when you’re running a venue with steady foot traffic and short order turnaround. Zeller’s fast settlement cycle helps the team keep the café running without delays or hold-ups. “The quick settlement definitely helps – especially when you’re running a physical café,” says Troy. “It keeps things flowing without delays.” Cerisa agrees: “It’s reliable, which makes a difference when you’re managing a venue that sees consistent foot traffic.” For customers, the experience is seamless. Whether they’re grabbing a coffee or sitting down for a meal, they can pay quickly and get on with their day – no fuss, no queue. “It’s fast and clean and that’s all most customers care about,” Troy says. “You’re not holding people up at the till, which matters when there’s a line.” A payment system brewed for ease . Zeller’s industry-leading reliability has helped to keep things streamlined at Booln Booln Café. The café team can focus on customer service, not device troubleshooting. And for Troy and Cerisa, knowing the system just works gives them one less thing to worry about. “The café runs its own ship day to day,” says Troy, “but yeah – knowing we’ve got a system in place that’s consistent and low-maintenance means one less thing for us to worry about.” So what’s been the biggest benefit of using Zeller? “It works,” says Troy. “That’s it. No glitches, no learning curve. Our team picked it up quickly, and it hasn’t let us down.” Advice for other growing businesses . Blak Brews is scaling strategically – building long-term partnerships, growing global reach, and staying grounded in the values that started it all. “We’re scaling up our global presence, locking in some major long-term partnerships, and continuing to grow the brand while staying true to who we are,” Troy says. “We’ve built something strong,” Cerisa adds, “now it’s about maintaining quality and expanding the right way.” Their advice to other business owners looking for a smooth start with payments? “If you’re opening a venue and want something that just works from day one,” says Troy, “Zeller’s a solid option. No drama, no overthinking.” Zeller’s helped them stay focused on what matters most – serving customers, sharing culture, and keeping the blend just right.

From customising your Zeller Debit Card with a logo to promoting an offer on the screen of Zeller Terminal, or adding a QR code to your receipts: Zeller ensures your brand is central to your payments and finances. A strong brand doesn’t have to mean a big one. Even small businesses are able to derive as much benefit from a recognisable brand identity as major international companies, it’s all a question of scale. The beauty of building your brand as a small business is that you don’t have to go to huge lengths to achieve it. You just have to be consistent. Emphasising your brand at every customer touch point – whether it’s a simple logo printed on your napkins or the colour of your bathrooms – can leave a lasting impression. In this article, we offer you four innovative ways to integrate your brand into the payment process, whether you're selling or buying, to engage customers or vendors with your business. 1. Personalise Zeller Debit Card with your business logo. Regardless of whether you’ve been in business for three years or three days, good branding gives the appearance of being well-established and of higher quality. It’s why adding your logo to your Zeller Business Debit Card or Zeller Corporate Cards is a great way of communicating professionalism to everyone you’re paying. Nothing says “we have our finances in order” like flashing a branded business debit card in front of a supplier. There will be no doubt in anyone’s mind as to the credibility of your business, nor will you ever accidentally pay for a business expense with your personal credit card.  For business owners running multiple venues, being able to visually distinguish each card ensures expenses are paid for with the correct account, reducing reconciliation errors. Similarly, for companies with multiple employees, expense management is made simpler by labelling corporate cards by team or purpose and with a colour to match. All Zeller cards can be created and personalised online in minutes and linked to your chosen Zeller Transaction Account . Virtual cards are ready to use the very same day, and physical cards will be delivered securely via Australia Post to your business address fast.  To add a logo to a Zeller Debit or Corporate Card: Open Zeller Dashboard and navigate to Cards Create a new card and assign a cardholder + linked account Add a card label (optional) Upload your logo Review and create card Find out more about supported specs and dimensions here . 2. Add a custom screensaver to Zeller Terminal. Even when Zeller Terminal goes to sleep, it keeps working for your business. You can set a custom screensaver that will appear on your Terminal screen when it’s not in use. While customers wait for you to scan their items or pull up their order at your point-of-sale, it is the perfect opportunity for you to engage them with your brand. Whether you’ve got a new offer to promote, need to remind customers to place their Christmas orders, or want to highlight a new product or item on the menu: the large, digital screen on Zeller Terminal is the perfect place to do it. Any image can be uploaded, as long as it is sized correctly (320 x 496 px). By incorporating a QR code into the image you can invite customers to sign up to a newsletter, referral program, or competition. This is a great way of bolstering your mailing list with people you know have already interacted with your business. However you choose to use Custom Screensavers on Zeller Terminal, it’s a great way to maintain brand consistency throughout your premises. When you upload a screensaver via Zeller Dashboard, there’s no need to update each Terminal individually, it will automatically update to all the Terminals operating within the site you have selected. By featuring your logo, as well as colours and fonts consistent with your style, a slogan or key message; you will emphasise your brand identity just before your customers walk out the door. To upload a Custom Screensaver: Open the Zeller Dashboard and navigate to Sites Locate and click the site to see its settings Click the Appearance tab Upload your logo Select a background colour (Zeller will automatically recommend some colours based on your logo) Click Save All Zeller Terminals within the site will display the image when in sleep mode 3. Keep customers engaged with branded receipts. Whether they’re printed or sent digitally as an email or SMS , receipts can be used in clever ways to help drive return business or help your customers connect with you. With Zeller, you can add a custom image at the top of the receipt, where a simple logo and/or QR code will catch people’s eye. Below this, you can add in your business details, so your customers know how to contact you, as well as your social media handles. In the case of digital receipts – these are live links that will take customers directly to your social profiles. There are two spaces, above and below the purchase details where you can add a message of 500 characters or less. You could include a brief history of your business, details of a competition you’re running, or a message or slogan that aligns with your brand. Much more than a simple proof of purchase, receipts are an innovative marketing tool that can be leveraged to instil your brand messaging. 4. Align your invoices to your brand identity. You don’t necessarily need a shop front to create a strong brand. Having a clear, identifiable web presence will set you apart from your competitors, and ensure your business is the first that comes to mind when your service is required. Or even when it’s not! Your online presence doesn’t end at your website. Every interaction with your customer is an opportunity to remind them of your brand, and invoices are no exception. Zeller Invoices provides you with the best of both worlds: the ability to create and send invoices quickly, but also the flexibility to customise them to align with your brand. With different colours and layouts to choose from, space for your logo and a custom message, your clients will be able to instantly recognise your business and your service. Not only does this make it easier (and therefore faster) for your clients to pay you, but they’ll associate the service with your brand, and are much more likely to return to you next time. Bringing your brand to life across the payment process is just one of the many ways Zeller lets you tailor your financial solution. With many different ways to take payments, make payments and manage your money, Zeller’s tools are designed with the flexibility and versatility to adapt to your business. Find out for yourself by signing up for a free Zeller Account today or by contacting our Sales Team to learn how Zeller could be a great fit for your business, and your brand.

If you have to get in a car or truck to travel to your customers, this article is for you. Whether you’re grooming dogs, running bootcamps, cleaning houses, offering home-based beauty treatments, or selling from a market stall: how you configure your payment system will be distinctly different from a standard bricks-and-mortar business. This article will outline the simplest and most affordable way to take payments instantly and manage your business finances, all from a single app on the smartphone you already own. Goodbye cash, invoicing, and bank transfers. Hello instant on-the-spot payments on your smartphone. Just because you run a mobile business, doesn’t mean you have to wait to get paid, nor do you need to purchase an EFTPOS machine designed for countertops. If you travel to meet your customer, you’ve got an opportunity to get paid on the spot, with no extra hardware, and no need for follow-up invoices (aka late payments). Today, the best solution for mobile merchants and market stall holders is to accept contactless card payments on a smartphone .  Introducing: Tap to Pay In Australia, the ability to use your smartphone like a payment terminal is known as Tap to Pay and is available through payment apps such as Zeller, for use on both iPhone and Android devices. Using NFC technology (the same technology behind mobile wallets), apps like Zeller can turn your phone into an EFTPOS machine, allowing your customers to simply tap their card or digital wallet to your phone. What is the most affordable Tap to Pay solution? In Australia, the most affordable and comprehensive Tap to Pay provider is Zeller. With one flat rate of 1.4% per tap for all cards, including American Express, no hidden fees or lock-in contracts, and the ability to automatically pass on the per-transaction fee with a surcharge, Zeller’s solution provides businesses with the most value for money. While other providers such as Westpac, ANZ or Tyro offer similar rates, their pricing is not wholly transparent and the sign-up process is lengthy. Furthermore, they require a separate app to use the Tap to Pay feature, while Zeller offers it as a built-in function within a single app, where you can also manage your accounts, cards, invoicing, tracking, and more. Meanwhile, Square offers a service similar to Zeller's, but at a higher rate of 1.6%. Other providers include NAB, SumUp, Pebl and Airpay, however their solutions are often only compatible with either Android or iPhone and frequently involve higher per-transaction fees and lock-in contracts. Why is Tap to Pay with Zeller the best payment system for mobile businesses? When you sign up to Tap to Pay with Zeller, you also benefit from Zeller’s whole ecosystem of financial tools to help manage your business finances, including (but not limited to) a free transaction account, debit card, and tools for sending online invoices and getting paid online with convenient payment links. If you’re not already convinced, here’s every reason why Tap to Pay with Zeller App is the top-rated payment solution among mobile merchants and market stall holders:  1. You already own the hardware, simply download the app.  By using your smartphone, you eliminate upfront hardware purchase costs, monthly terminal rental fees, and maintenance overhead. Plus, you don’t need to worry about carrying another device. Your payment solution is in your pocket.  2. You can accept all contactless payments. Tap to Pay caters to all customer preferences by accepting contactless debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other digital wallets. 3. The pricing is simple and predictable.  Zeller’s easy-to-understand pricing makes financial planning and reconciliation simple. Tap to Pay with Zeller App incurs a simple 1.4% per-transaction fee, which can be passed on to your customer automatically by toggling surcharging on. There are no hidden fees or lock-in contracts. 4. Employees can accept payments on their smartphones from the same account. If you have multiple staff members, they can take payments on their own devices (Android or iPhone) all with the same single business account. Plus, with Zeller, you decide what each team member can access, keeping sensitive account information protected. 5. You gain access to a free point-of-sale system. With Zeller POS Lite, you can build and manage a library of items by adding details like name, description, price, and image. This makes checkout faster, allows you to issue itemised receipts, and is especially helpful for businesses that sell a wide range of products or process refunds. You can also import a pre-existing item library instantly to your Zeller Account via a CSV file upload.  6. Your funds are ready to use straight after making a sale .  If you choose to settle your funds into Zeller Transaction Account , you will have instant access to your funds, which you can spend immediately using Zeller Debit Card . Alternatively, settle funds into a third-party bank account and access your funds the next business day.  7. You can send digital receipts to your customers via SMS or email. Not having an EFTPOS machine does not mean compromising on professionalism or efficiency. Tap to Pay lets you offer customers paperless digital receipts, simplifying record-keeping.  8. You can accept payments over the contactless limit with a PIN entry.  Tap to Pay allows you to securely accept payments, even those above the standard contactless threshold of $200. Customers are invited to simply enter their PIN on your phone's screen.    9. You can use the service as much or as little as you need (it won’t cost you). With no lock-in contracts or exit fees, you can use Tap to Pay whenever you need to – whether that’s once a week, once a month, or once a year. It’s a solution that is as flexible as your business, and is especially good for market stall holders that operate seasonally.  10. You can track sales and manage transactions with a user-friendly dashboard.   Log in to your Zeller Dashboard or Zeller App to access a comprehensive overview of all your received payments and expenses paid for with your Zeller Debit Card. With all your business finances consolidated, you can easily access detailed analytics and trend reports. 11. You can integrate Zeller with your Xero accounting software. When you accept payments with Zeller, every sale and settlement can be easily reconciled in your Xero accounting software with a Xero Bank Feed integration . You no longer need to worry about manual transaction imports, all your settlement data will appear directly in your Xero account.   How secure is Tap to Pay with Zeller App? Zeller Tap to Pay uses the same secure NFC technology as in-store terminals, and is fully compliant with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Transactions are encrypted end-to-end and processed in real time, so there’s no delay and no doubt. No sensitive card information is stored on your device, which means every tap is protected for both you and your customers. How do you get set up with Tap to Pay? Zeller Tap to Pay works on any Android phone with NFC, as well as any iPhone XS or later running iOS 16.4 or higher. You’ll also need a Zeller Account (free to set up) and internet access (Wi-Fi or mobile data). That’s it! No other hardware required. Follow these steps to get started:

When Tiffy Sze opened Goldilocks Rooftop Bar in 2012, she never imagined that, within a decade, she'd have multiple hospitality venues to her name. Now, Tiffy Group comprises four thriving venues in Melbourne – Goldilocks , Hunter and Hound , Mirror Mirror and Little Red's – with plans for more on the horizon. Scaling from one bar to four was always going to have its challenges, and while expanding, it became clear to Tiffy that a consolidated business structure was needed as day-to-day operations had simply become too much for one person. "In the beginning, I handled everything myself. But after starting a family, I knew I couldn't be everywhere at once,” says Tiffy. With multiple venues to oversee, Tiffy needed a centralised team as well as a financial and payments solution that could keep pace. That’s where Zeller’s new multi-entity dashboard came in. It gives Tiffy and her finance team a single login to view all transactions, payments and settlements across every venue. They can see how the group is performing as a whole in real-time, compare venues at a glance, and drill down into the detail at a site or even terminal level. “I set up Tiffy Group as a head office, with dedicated roles for operations, marketing, functions, and accounts. Having well defined roles and a clear hierarchy has helped streamline the business and let me balance work with family. On top of this, Zeller has changed the way we manage our finances and operational processes, making them faster and more accurate. It’s genuinely made my life easier.” Cheers to a culture that lasts. With hospitality notorious for high staff turnover, Tiffy has prioritised building a supportive workplace culture across her venues. "Happy staff means happy customers. I've always prioritised a friendly, supportive environment where everyone feels valued," she says. "I like to do fun things to keep the team happy and engaged. For example, last year, we took the team to the hot springs in Daylesford for a weekend away, and at night we took over the hotel and played a large-scale murder mystery game in the dark. Fun things like that help keep morale and retention high." Tiffy believes a positive workplace directly translates to better customer experiences. "People’s energy affects those around them. If staff aren't happy, customers can tell. We make sure staff feel appreciated and offer plenty of growth opportunities, like training and career development whenever we can." Before Zeller: manual reconciliation headaches. Before Zeller, Tiffy's team juggled multiple disconnected systems to reconcile the financials of each venue. "Our bookkeeper had to manually match EFTPOS dockets with POS reports and bank statements every single day. It was slow and tedious, especially across multiple venues," says Tiffy. "Every venue needed to print out dockets, and the bookkeeper had to cross-check everything individually. We tried different EFTPOS providers and systems, but none integrated well with our Impos POS. There were always discrepancies and tech issues, leading to constant frustration." Tiffy recounts incidents when poor integration created operational chaos: "Some providers promised smooth integration, but it was always a nightmare. Systems went down, tills didn't match, and the kitchen would lose orders. It became obvious that we needed a more reliable solution." Switching to Zeller for streamlined multi-venue management. After switching to Zeller, Tiffy immediately saw improvements thanks to its seamless integration with Impos and user-friendly multi-entity dashboard. "Zeller syncs directly with Impos, so transactions match perfectly. It has dramatically cut down errors and removed the daily paperwork headache. Now my bookkeeper and operations manager can log in from the office and quickly see each venue’s finances in one place. No more shuffling through dockets," Tiffy explains. "It's also much easier for me, because I don't have to be the middle person between the venues and our finance team. Everyone can access the information they need directly." "Before, we had to physically collect dockets from each venue, but now we can handle everything remotely. It’s not just easier, it’s faster and much more reliable. If there's ever an issue, we can spot it instantly in the Zeller Dashboard and resolve it quickly." When asked if she'd recommend Zeller, Tiffy doesn't hesitate. "Absolutely. To anyone running multiple venues at once, I’d say this: Zeller simplified life for me dramatically, I’m confident it will for you too. Everything’s streamlined, accurate, and easy – it's an absolute no-brainer.” Saving time – and wages – with Zeller Dashboard. Reducing reconciliation time has significantly impacted the bottom line for Tiffy Group. "Zeller has genuinely saved us time, and in hospitality, saving time means saving wages. With less manual reconciliation needed, our bookkeeper can handle things much faster, saving money across the business," she adds. "It has freed up resources we can reinvest elsewhere." Rising costs, rising standards. Like most operators, Tiffy has had to navigate a tougher economic climate over the past couple of years, and she’s noticed its impact on customer behaviour. "With rising interest rates and economic pressures, customers have been more cautious with their spending. It’s definitely been tougher, but we're still performing well because we're not overly expensive. Even if people cut back, they still want a good night out every now and then, and we're there to make those nights memorable." Instead of seeing the current sluggish consumer spending as a bad thing, Tiffy sees the market pressures as an overall positive force, driving the quality of Melbourne’s hospitality industry up. "These challenging times mean only the best survive. Venues need to offer top-tier experiences to attract customers, and that pushes everyone to improve. We're constantly refining our offerings, service, and value to ensure we stay competitive." Sky’s the limit for future growth. Looking ahead, Tiffy Group is continuing to expand. "We've got exciting plans – a new rooftop bar and nightclub here in Melbourne is currently awaiting council approval. We’re extending an existing building to add two new levels, so there's plenty to keep us busy!" With a strong team in place and efficient tools like Zeller Terminal and Zeller Dashboard supporting the group's growth, Tiffy Group is well-positioned to continue thriving in Melbourne's vibrant hospitality scene. Cheers to that.

You asked for these features, we've just crossed them off our to-do list. This month, we've made some updates that will give your customers more flexibility at checkout and keep more money in your business. Our new item-by-item bill splitting feature will let diners enjoy a meal without the maths, while the ability to pass on invoice processing fees and to quickly add service charges will benefit your bottom line. Read on to find out more. Simplify checkout with flexible, item-by-item bill splitting. If you’re using Impos or Tevalis with Zeller Bill at Table , your staff can now split a bill by individual menu items right on the terminal. It’s quicker for mixed orders and removes the guesswork when settling who had what.  On your Zeller Terminal bill splitting screen you’ll now see three options: People, Amount, and Items. Choose Items to assign specific dishes or drinks to each diner and charge them separately. This new feature is available on both Zeller Terminal 1 and Zeller Terminal 2.  Recover invoice processing fees with a surcharge. When customers pay an invoice via the Zeller payment gateway, the processing fee is 1.7% + 25c. If you’d prefer not to absorb that cost, you can now pass on some or all of it to your customer and still get paid fast without waiting on a bank transfer.  From Zeller Dashboard on desktop, open Invoices → Settings and enable Surcharging. Choose full or partial surcharging for your invoices. Your choice applies the fee automatically when the customer pays. Cover higher operating costs with service charges . You can now add a service charge to POS Lite sales and Zeller Invoices. Define any charge that fits your business – the common ones are weekend or public holiday surcharges, though you can also use it for delivery or packaging fees.  Create your service charges in Zeller Dashboard. They’ll then appear as handy shortcuts when creating an invoice or on the payment screen of your terminal. Works with Zeller POS Lite on Zeller Terminal 2 and Zeller Tap to Pay.  Try these new features today. Log in to your Zeller Dashboard to try the updates, or test them with Zeller POS Lite from Zeller Terminal or Zeller App. Got ideas for what we should build next? Send them to feedback@myzeller.com – most of this month’s releases came directly from your feedback.

Can you take contactless card payments with just your mobile phone? Yes! Until 2024, accepting contactless card payments on your phone required you to have a mobile credit card reader either plugged into your phone or connected via Bluetooth. Now, thanks to the latest smartphone technology, you don’t need any extra hardware, all you need is a mobile app that's enabled with Tap to Pay technology, that allows you to accept card payments directly from your phone. What is it called when you take contactless card payments on your mobile phone? The process of accepting a contactless payment on your phone (using its inbuilt technology, not a mobile card reader) is known as ‘ Tap to Pay ’. This term applies to both iPhone and Android devices that are using a financial services app – such as  Zeller App  – to accept contactless credit and debit cards and digital wallets. Can you use any smartphone as an EFTPOS terminal? Only selected iPhone and Android smartphones, with built-in  NFC technology  will support Tap to Pay. What app lets you take EFTPOS payments on your phone? There are a number of different payment apps that can be downloaded from the  App Store  or  Google Play Store  that support Tap to Pay. Zeller App is a great option for Australian businesses looking for a simple, affordable, and scalable platform to accept EFTPOS payments and manage their finances as they grow. Merchants wishing to take payments on their phone will simply need to download their selected app, and follow the steps to configure their device. Once configured, they can then start accepting EFTPOS payments immediately. Is it safe to take EFTPOS payments on your mobile phone? Taking contactless payments on your mobile phone relies on ‘ Near Field Communication ’, or NFC – the same technology that is used for making payments with a mobile wallet. Account information is transmitted from a customer’s card or mobile wallet to the payment processor via radio waves within a very close range, and once received, the processor uses the information to complete the transaction. By virtue of the fact that NFC only works within a couple of centimetres, it makes it incredibly difficult for a potential fraudster to intercept the transaction and steal sensitive information. Tap to Pay on both Android and iPhone via the Zeller App offers highly secure contactless payments that adhere to global security standards. Both platforms support various card types, regularly verify device security, include secure PIN processes and use advanced technology to ensure every transaction is not only convenient but also protected, maintaining the privacy and safety of user information. Additionally, Tap to Pay on iPhone ensures secure transactions through Apple's unique features, such as issuing decryption keys after thorough validation and leveraging the iPhone's built-in security element. How much does it cost to take contactless card payment on your mobile phone? Tap to Pay technology is facilitated by payment apps, each of which have their own pricing structures. The cost of taking card payments on your phone will therefore depend on which app you choose to process these payments. Zeller, for example, offers one low flat transaction fee of 1.4% for all cards, including American Express. The advantage of Zeller is that it is one of the few payment apps that also lets you pass the transaction fee onto your customer through surcharging . If you choose to surcharge, you will incur no fee whatsoever for accepting contactless payments on your phone. I need to take contactless card payments immediately, what should I do? If you want to be able to use your phone like an EFTPOS terminal within a few hours, it’s important that you choose a payment app that has a simple, online sign-up process. All the payment apps will require you to have an account with them first, and in the case of the banks, this will mean  opening a business bank account  which may take several days and an in-person branch visit. With Zeller, you can open an account online (or directly via the app), within a matter of minutes – no paperwork required. Once your Zeller Account is up and running, you simply need to download Zeller App, enable Tap to Pay on your device, and you’re ready to start taking card payments on your smartphone. What are the advantages of accepting contactless card payments on your mobile phone? It’s affordable Not all businesses can justify the upfront cost of an EFTPOS terminal, especially if they are not processing a large volume of in-person payments. Being able to use hardware that you already own is therefore a much more cost-effective solution. It allows new businesses or very small businesses to get up and running without the outlay of having to purchase an EFTPOS terminal. It’s mobile For mobile businesses that take in-person payments, having to carry a bulky EFTPOS machine around with you is inconvenient. Using your mobile phone as a payment terminal means you can keep it in your pocket and enjoy being hands-free. It’s great for emergencies For businesses that use a traditional EFTPOS machine, having an app installed and configured to take payments on your phone means that if there’s ever a day when your terminal lets you down or when you have a surge in customers, you won’t miss a beat. In the case of an outage or damaged EFTPOS machine, rather than having to revert to cash-only payments – which will almost certainly lead to lost sales in this day and age – you can keep trading as per usual by simply using your phone. Are there any other hardware-free payment options? In addition to Tap to Pay, there’s another simple solution for taking card payments instantly with no hardware required: Virtual Terminal. If you need a way to charge customers, but in-person payments aren’t possible, this is a great alternative.  Zeller Virtual Terminal  is a web-based tool that lets you take payments over the phone (as well as mail order, fax, or email) by manually entering a customer’s card details into your browser. Alternatively, merchants have the option of sending customers a secure payment link via email or SMS, where they can enter their card details themselves from their own device. Meet Zeller: an all-in-one financial services provider. When you  sign up for a free Zeller Account  today, not only will you be able to start taking card payments on your phone, you will also gain access to a suite of financial services, from a Zeller Transaction Account to debit cards, invoicing, virtual terminal and more. It only takes a few minutes to sign up, and it’s all done online – no paperwork or branch-visits required.

Good news for small businesses across the country, American Express’ popular Shop Small campaign is back this August. With it comes a limited-time offer designed to help you boost sales. Shoppers who register their eligible American Express Card can earn 5 Bonus Points for every dollar they spend with participating small businesses, up to 1,000 points. That means every merchant accepting payments from American Express card members in-person with Zeller Terminal or Tap to Pay can benefit from increased, frequent spend this month. It’s a strong incentive at a time when more Australians are actively choosing to shop local. In fact, according to a recent study commissioned by Roy Morgan , 73 per cent of shoppers plan to buy more Australian-made goods, and 84 per cent say they’re more likely to purchase when they know something was made locally. Whether you’re new to Shop Small or have taken part before, here are four simple, effective ways to help your business make the most of the campaign. 1. Check your listing. Ensure you're listed correctly as a participating business on the American Express Shop Small map . Accurate listings help customers discover you more easily and encourage new foot traffic through your doors. If your business is not listed, please reach out to Zeller Support on 1800 935 537 or email us at support@myzeller.com and we'll work with the American Express team to get you on the map. 2. Promote your Shop Small participation. Letting customers know that your business is participating in Shop Small this August (and what their benefit could be) will drive increased patronage. Display signage prominently at your checkout counter and on your windows. This instantly signals to American Express card members that shopping with your business comes with some extra benefits. American Express provides free Shop Small signage, including stickers and window decals. Order yours here under the "featured" tab. Clear signage can significantly boost visibility and increase customer visits. 3. Refresh your website, share on your socials. Update your website to announce your Shop Small participation, and mention the special August bonus points offered to American Express card members prominently. Also, check your Google Business Profile is up to date with correct opening hours, location details, and recent photos. 4. Engage your local community. Connect with your community by participating in any relevant local events and offering special Shop Small promotions. Community involvement makes your business memorable and encourages repeat visits. August is your chance to capitalise on the Shop Small buzz, so let your customers know you're participating and help them feel rewarded every time they shop local! Terms & Conditions: Amex Membership Rewards T&Cs here. Qantas Points T&Cs can be found here. Velocity Points T&Cs can be found here.

in.cube8r is a one-of-a-kind Melbourne retail gallery that breaks all the rules of traditional retail, enabling hundreds of local artists to sell their creations and keep 100% of the profits. We spoke with in.cube8r’s owner, Elle-May Michaels, to learn how her unconventional business model works, the challenges of running a bustling multi-artist marketplace, and how partnering with Zeller has eliminated payment friction while supporting her mission of artist empowerment. Incubating a creative marketplace for artists. Walking into in.cube8r, you never know what to expect. With two locations (a long-running Fitzroy gallery and a newer Melbourne Central store), in.cube8r is home to around 280 “Cubers” – local painters, jewellers, fashion designers, and makers of all kinds, each renting a literal cube of space to showcase their work. Unlike a typical boutique that carefully curates stock and takes a hefty commission, in.cube8r flips the script. “It’s like an artist market, but in a retail store. Retail, but not retail.” Elle-May says. “It breaks the rules where you’re supposed to have a niche and so on. I like that it's a little bit chaotic, it makes it fun.” in.cube8r’s model puts artists in charge of their own micro retail space. They pay a membership fee and a small daily rent for a cube, but keep all the proceeds of every sale – a novel arrangement compared to traditional retail. For Elle-May, this approach creates a safe sandbox for creativity. “There’s security in the model – we rent a space to the artist like a market stall, and they keep 100% of sales,” she explains. “Unlike a curated homewares store that has to worry about price points and trends, we can say, ‘If you want to try that weird green, go for it.’ That doesn’t really exist anywhere else.” Over nearly two decades (and under Elle-May’s ownership for the last nine years) in.cube8r has grown into a creative community. Artists renting cubes are fondly called “Cubers,” and many stick around for years. Elle-May and her team actively mentor their makers in marketing and business skills to help them thrive. “Before in.cube8r, I worked in marketing & communications, which helped me advise on things like marketing, systems and growing their business, and people started staying longer as Cubers,” she recalls. It’s a successful if unconventional retail ecosystem built on artist empowerment, but it also comes with some unique operational challenges, especially when it comes to payments. High-volume sales means no room for payment friction. On a busy day, hundreds of purchases flow through in.cube8r’s registers – from $5 handmade cards to $500 artworks – creating a high-transaction, high-noise environment. With so many sales and such a unique commission-free model, it’s essential that every transaction is seamless. Covering in.cube8r’s running costs relies on rental fees, since artists keep the full sale amount of their goods sold. For Elle-May, ensuring payments are seamless and transparent has always been mission-critical – but her previous payment systems weren’t up to the task. In the past, Elle-May used a Square card reader that left her constantly on edge. “We do 200 transactions a day and the store is noisy – I’d miss declined payments because I didn’t see the screen,” she says, recalling how her old EFTPOS terminal lacked audible alerts. “The Square terminals were inconsistent with making a noise when payments declined, and I lost money because of that.” Other issues piled on too, like intermittent disconnects and clunky hardware that chewed up printer paper. Processing payments had become a point of friction for both staff and customers. “I tried other terminals too, but they kept disconnecting. The thermal receipt paper left dust everywhere. It was a mess,” Elle-May says. For a fast-moving creative hub like in.cube8r, these hiccups were costing time, money and patience. She needed a better solution, one that could keep up with a bustling store and not detract from the shopping experience. A seamless switch to a solution that just works. Elle-May began searching for a payments partner that could not only meet in.cube8r’s needs today, but also grow with her vision for the future. With plans to expand to more locations, she knew any new system had to be easy to use, reliable, and innovative. “I was really looking for a provider that could meet our needs in the present but also continue to innovate as we grow,” she explains. “Having something easy to use, looks good, is cost-effective and shares our values is really important to us.” Those requirements led her to Zeller – and the decision to switch was cemented by an outstanding first impression. From the moment she reached out, Zeller made the transition smooth. “Zeller’s customer service was brilliant,” Elle-May says. “I enquired, got a call within an hour, and they came to the store that day with the terminals.” The quick, personalised service meant in.cube8r was up and running with Zeller in no time. Elle-May was also struck by Zeller’s modern, small-business-friendly approach. “Being local matters. It didn’t feel like an outdated company pretending to be modern,” she laughs, comparing Zeller to some legacy providers. “A lot of others feel like old services in a shiny new box. With Zeller, someone just came out and set everything up, added our logo, did it all.” Once Zeller Terminal was in place, the benefits for in.cube8r became clear immediately. The devices fit right in with the store’s busy environment, including bright, full-colour digital displays and clear audio alerts to communicate the transaction status. “Zeller is much better. The terminal lights up and makes a noise when something declines,” Elle-May notes, meaning no more missed payments even on the busiest days. Transactions process quickly and reliably, without the dropouts that plagued her old machines. And unlike some older EFTPOS machines, Zeller Terminal doesn’t grind to a halt if the receipt paper runs out. In fact, Elle-May has configured her Zeller Terminal not to print a merchant copy at all, cutting down on clutter. “You don’t have to jam paper into the terminal to keep it going after the roll runs out. It just works.” Making the day to day easier? There’s an art to it. Zeller has smoothed out many other day-to-day kinks in the payment process too. Refunds (even partial ones) are straightforward, so Elle-May’s team can quickly assist customers without having to phone for help. “It’s saved me time and stress. My staff can use it without needing to ask questions, and refunds are easy. If someone is over- or undercharged, it’s simple to look up the transaction in the Zeller Dashboard. Fewer problems in the store means fewer things distracting me from the pottery wheel on my day off!" Simplifying expenses with Zeller Debit Card. For Elle-May, managing small business expenses has also become significantly easier thanks to the Zeller Debit Card. Petty cash used to be a necessary inconvenience for minor daily purchases, but now those days are behind her. “Being able to use the Zeller Debit Card has been really good, it means no more need for petty cash. If we need something for the store, like stationery for example, we just take the Zeller Debit Card – no more messy petty cash.” Zeller Debit Card also streamlines in.cube8r's recurring digital payments, providing clarity and organisation to the business's finances. Elle-May explains: “I’ve also set up a digital card which I use for our online subscriptions so that all goes through one account. So I've been able to segment transactions in a way that's been really helpful.” Focusing on business, not payments. With Zeller handling the heavy lifting at the counter, Elle-May can focus on what she cares about most – supporting her community of artists and continuing to grow the in.cube8r concept. The reliability and ease of Zeller’s all-in-one financial offering means she spends less time troubleshooting payments and more time curating collections and planning events, activations, and future expansions. “The best feedback I can give is: there’s no friction,” she says of the payment experience now. “With Zeller, people don’t notice the payment process, which is exactly how it should be.” Her experience has meant that Elle-May has become an advocate for Zeller among her network of small business owners. “Would I recommend Zeller? Yes. I already have,” she laughs. “I tell them the terminals are great and the customer service is fantastic. It just works.”

If you’ve ever paid extra for a coffee on a Sunday or a meal on a public holiday, you know weekend and public holiday service charges are common in Australia to help businesses cover higher operating costs on those days. The good news is that, with Zeller POS Lite, you don’t need to fiddle with prices or do mental maths at the checkout. Our service charges feature lets you automatically add a service charge whenever you need, and it keeps things transparent for your customers. In this article, we’ll break down what a service charge is, why businesses use them, and how you can easily set one up to use with Zeller POS LIte. What's the difference between a surcharge and a service charge? A surcharge is an extra fee added on top of a sale, usually as a percentage of the transaction but sometimes as a fixed dollar amount. There are several types of surcharges, for example:  Credit card surcharges: Used to on-charge the specific amount (and no more) it costs a business to accept an electronic payment. These are tightly regulated in Australia. Service charges: Used to offset specific costs related to customer service, most commonly staff penalty rates on weekends and public holidays.  The Australian Consumer Law requires that all surcharges must (including service charges) be clearly disclosed to customers via menus, signs, or price displays. This is to ensure transparency during a transaction – and because nobody likes a hidden fee! Public holiday and weekend surcharges in Australia. Not only are public holiday service charges legal in Australia, they’re practically expected in many industries. If you operate a café, restaurant or bar, you’re probably already familiar with weekend and public holiday surcharges. Australian hospitality businesses may choose to add a weekend service charge (for example, an extra 10% on Sundays) or a public holiday service charge (such as 15% or more on public holidays such as Christmas Day or Easter Sunday) to help cover the higher wages they’re required to pay employees on those days. There’s no fixed cap on weekend or public holiday service charges, but it should be reasonable and justifiable (for example, to cover the penalty rates you’re paying your staff). This is where Zeller POS Lite’s service charge feature can really help – it prints the charge as a separate line on the receipt (both printed and digital), so the customer sees exactly what they’re paying for. How to set up a service charge in Zeller POS Lite. Setting up a service charge for your Zeller POS system is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it: 1. Find the Service Charges settings In Zeller Dashboard or Zeller App , head to Items and select Service Charges. 2. Create and customise your service charge – Tap Add Service Charge (or the + button in the app) – Add a percentage or fixed dollar amount – Give it a clear name, like “Public Holiday 15%”. This will appear on customer receipts. – If you have multiple locations, assign the charge to the relevant sites only 3. Apply as needed Your newly created service charge will now appear in Zeller POS Lite in your Zeller Terminal and Zeller App under Shortcuts . Just apply it to relevant sales and it will automatically appear on your customers’ receipts – no need for manual price edits. 

With hundreds of point-of-sale (POS) providers in Australia, selecting the right one can be an overwhelming task. In this article, we outline the key factors to consider when choosing a POS, and recommend some of the best providers for your industry. If you’re a new or existing business owner, by now, you probably know  what a point-of-sale system is and how it works . The next step is choosing a solution that is appropriate to your business size and industry. To help make the right decision, read our list of considerations below and make note of which ones are the most (and least) important to your business, so that when you’re in conversation with a POS provider, you can be well equipped to ask the right questions. Then, learn which POS providers are the most popular among cafes, quick-service restaurants, dine-in restaurants, retail businesses, and bars and clubs. Important considerations when choosing the best POS system for your business. Hardware POS hardware refers to the physical devices that make up your POS system. This could include any or all of: a computer or display unit, a receipt printer, a barcode scanner, a cash drawer, and an EFTPOS machine. While large businesses may require a full suite of hardware, many smaller businesses can get away with little more than a tablet or smartphone. Portable devices like Zeller Terminal 2 (which has a POS system built-in) are often referred to as mobile POS or ‘ mPOS ’, and they provide excellent functionality, allowing merchants to do everything from managing their inventory to taking payments all from the one machine. Software Functionality will arguably be the biggest factor in determining your final choice. If you are a retail business, you may want to prioritise a robust inventory management system – this will allow you to easily track stock levels, anticipate when popular items will run out, and stay on budget. For hospitality businesses, a floor management system may also be required to manage table seating and reservations. Additional functionality includes sales reporting, for managing cash flow; employee management, for automatically logging hours and tracking performance; and customer relationship management (CRM), for collecting customer data and implementing targeted marketing campaigns. While these are the most common and basic features of POS systems, those designed for individual industries will offer even more specialised features. Ease of use Think about who will be using the POS system on a day-to-day basis. Do you have a high turnover rate of employees? If so, consider how easy it will be to train new staff to use the software. A simple, intuitive interface will greatly reduce human error, which, in a fast-paced environment, could be critical. Integration For most businesses, their POS provider cannot just work alone, it will need to be able to integrate into a number of different systems. The accounting software,  payments provider , and/or e-commerce platform you use (or are planning to use) should ideally integrate with your POS system. By enabling information to flow easily between systems, you will greatly increase the efficiency of your operations, saving you and your team time and money. Take note of what platforms a POS provider integrates with before making a decision, as this can become a frustrating roadblock later on if it is neglected. Customer support How quickly and easily you can contact your POS provider is something that can be easily overlooked – but it’s extremely important. If you decide to go with a POS system that offers all the bells and whistles, but doesn’t have anyone to pick up the phone when you need help, this will quickly lead to frustration and potentially lost revenue. Check the provider’s website and LinkedIn: are their offices based in Australia? What are their customer service hours? Do they have a robust support centre with help articles and troubleshooting resources? Will you be assigned an account manager? Additionally, how quickly you need to get up and running is an important consideration. Many traditional POS providers require a technician to come out and set up the hardware and software, whereas newer web-based systems are often self-service and can be entirely set up remotely. Multi-location Do you run a multi-location operation or are you planning on scaling in the future? If so, it’s important to be sure that the POS is equipped to deal with multi-venue requirements. Being able to push updates to machines at several venues at once, aggregating reporting from all venues, and monitoring stock transfers between locations, are just some of the features you’ll want to ensure your POS provider can support. Cost With varying pieces of equipment, features, minimum requirements, and pricing models, understanding exactly how much you’re going to pay for a POS service is not easy. To avoid bill-shock later on, make sure you understand exactly how each aspect of the service is priced. Are you buying the hardware outright or will you access it on a rental agreement? Is the software licence a one-time purchase or a monthly/annual subscription? Is there a cost associated with ongoing support and maintenance? Will you pay a fee each time a transaction is processed through the POS? Ensure you ask any potential POS provider all these questions before signing a contract. Best POS providers by industry The table below presents some of the best POS providers available to Australian business owners, organised by industry, with some of their noteworthy features listed on the right hand side. For a comprehensive list of features, be sure to contact the POS provider directly and request a demo before signing up. Let Zeller manage your payments. No matter how you prefer to manage your checkout process, Zeller is Australia’s leading payments provider, tailored to meet your business needs. For smaller or mobile businesses with a limited inventory, Zeller offers Zeller POS Lite, built into Zeller Terminal 2 at no extra cost. Larger, more established businesses can benefit from Zeller Terminal’s seamless integration with over 600 different POS platforms. Whether you’re looking for a simple, cost-effective mobile solution or a fully integrated EFTPOS machine with advanced features like tipping, bill-splitting, and custom screensavers, Zeller’s platform is designed to evolve with your business. Chat with our sales team today to set up Zeller POS Lite, or explore our Zeller Partner Hub to find the perfect POS integration for your business.

For Australian merchants, card fees are a necessary cost of doing business. Every time a customer pays with a card or digital wallet, the merchant pays a fee to process that transaction. These fees might seem small per transaction, but they can add up if you’re not monitoring your costs, and ensuring you’re optimising your business payments for affordability. Many business owners find merchant fees confusing or buried in complex statements, so understanding how merchant fees work is crucial for protecting your profits. In this guide, we’ll break down what merchant fees are, how electronic payments are processed, the different types of fees and pricing models, and why fees vary. By demystifying merchant fees, you can take control of your payment costs and keep more of each sale in your business. What are merchant fees? Merchant fees are the costs businesses pay to accept and process electronic payments. In simple terms, whenever a customer taps, dips or swipes their credit or debit card (or uses a mobile wallet), a small fee is charged for securely and efficiently moving the money from the customer’s account to the merchant’s account. This fee, often called a merchant service fee, covers the technology and infrastructure that make instant, secure card payments possible. Compare merchant fees in Australia. How electronic payments are authorised. When a customer makes a card payment, there are several players working behind the scenes to authorise the transaction. Each participant in this chain may charge a small fee for their role, and together these make up what the merchant ultimately pays as fees for the transaction. For online payments, a payment gateway serves a similar role to the terminal, securely sending transaction data to the acquirer. Types of merchant fees. Not all merchant fees are created equal. Here are the most common categories: Transaction fees These are the fees charged on each card transaction, usually calculated as a percentage of the sale and sometimes with an additional fixed amount. This includes the interchange fee (paid to the cardholder’s bank), scheme or network fees (charged by Visa, Mastercard, American Express or EFTPOS), and any fees charged by your payment provider to cover their operating costs. Terminal and equipment fees If you use an EFTPOS terminal, you may be charged a rental or purchase fee. Some providers lease terminals on a monthly basis, while others let you buy the hardware outright. Zeller charges no ongoing rental fees, your terminal is yours to keep, and you can purchase one for as little as $99. Account and service fees These might include monthly account fees, statement fees, payment gateway fees, or inactivity charges. Zeller does not charge any of these fees whatsoever.  Situational fees These include chargeback fees, refund fees, international transaction fees, early termination fees, and more. Zeller does not charge any of these fees whatsoever.  Understanding merchant fee pricing models. The way your fees are structured matters. Here are the three main pricing models used in Australia: Flat-rate pricing One fixed rate for all transactions, which is simple and predictable. For example, Zeller charges a flat 1.4% on all tapped, dipped or swiped card payments, no matter the card type – even American Express.  Interchange-plus pricing This breaks down the wholesale cost (interchange and scheme fees) and adds a fixed provider charge on top. It offers transparency, but your fees may vary month to month depending on your transaction mix. Tiered pricing Transactions are grouped into “tiers” with different rates, depending on the perceived cost or risk. It’s the least transparent model and often leads to bill shock. Many businesses avoid it for that reason. Why do merchant fees vary? Card transaction fees can change depending on several factors, like: Card type Debit cards usually have lower fees than credit cards. Rewards cards (particularly premium ones) typically cost merchants more due to higher interchange fees – but not with Zeller. We charge the same flat rate across all major card types, including American Express. Transaction method Card-present transactions (tapped or inserted cards accepted in-person) cost less than card-not-present transactions (online or keyed-in), due to decreased risk of cardholder fraud. Card country of origin International card payments usually incur higher fees due to currency conversion, cross-border processing, and enhanced fraud protection. Unlike many providers, however, Zeller maintains consistent merchant fees for both domestic and international transactions. How to reduce your merchant fees. Here are five key ways to get your merchant fees under control: Review your statements: Understand exactly how much you’re being charged, and for what. Check if you’re paying hidden fees you weren’t aware of. Ask your provider questions: Request a detailed fee breakdown. Ask if better rates are available, or if you can switch to a more cost-effective plan. Compare providers: If your fees seem too high, shop around. Look for transparent pricing with no lock-in contracts or hidden charges. The Zeller Sales team can help you compare offerings from providers – get in touch here . Consider surcharging: Surcharging is allowed in Australia, but only to the extent of your actual cost of acceptance. Be transparent and stay within RBA and ACCC guidelines. Reduce fraud and chargebacks: Implement good fraud controls . Fewer chargebacks mean fewer surprise costs. Even small changes, like switching to a provider with better pricing or reviewing how your customers pay, can significantly reduce your merchant fees over time. What to ask when choosing a payment provider. Before signing with a payment provider (or when reviewing the merchant fees offered by your current provider), ask: – What pricing model do you use? – Are there any setup, rental, monthly or cancellation fees? – Do rates vary by card type or transaction method? – Can I purchase my terminal instead of renting it? – Are your statements transparent? – What POS and accounting integrations do you offer? – What fraud protection tools are included? – What customer support is available if something goes wrong? A good provider should be able to answer these questions clearly and confidently. If they can’t, that’s a red flag. Zeller – a lot more than just lower fees. A flat, transparent 1.4% rate on every card payment is great, but Zeller gives you even more ways to optimise your business finances.  With Zeller, payments are settled nightly into your Zeller Business Transaction Account 7 days a week, giving you fast access to your money. And with a Zeller Savings Account , you can earn interest at a rate significantly higher than what the big-4 banks offer. Plus, tools like Zeller Invoices streamline your billing process, while the Zeller Debit Card lets you spend directly from your business funds. Smart, integrated, cost-efficient and powerful – purpose-built for modern business.

For Australian businesses, choosing the right business bank account isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. Between traditional banks, online-only challengers, and modern fintech alternatives like Zeller, the options are broader than ever – and more confusing. This guide compares some of the top options in Australia, from the Big Four to rising digital banking platforms, so you can choose the right account for your needs, whether you're a sole trader, freelancer, small business or scaling company. Compare top Australian business accounts to see why Zeller Transaction Account stands out. As you can see from the table above, Zeller either matches or beats the big-4 banks in almost every area. Traditional banks like CommBank, NAB, Westpac and ANZ each offer business accounts with in-branch service, cash handling and international payment features. While these can suit businesses that still rely on physical banking, they often come with higher monthly fees and less flexible digital tools. The two limitations to a Zeller Business Transaction Account are depositing cash and multi-currency accounts. Zeller merchants typically overcome this by: – keeping a separate bank account with a traditional bank for the sole purpose of depositing cash, then sending the money directly to their Zeller Business Transaction Account – keeping international currencies with another provider (like Wise or Airwallex).   Note: Zeller is working towards offering multi-currency accounts, so watch this space! Understanding business bank accounts: what they are and why they're essential. A business bank account isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a key part of running a compliant, professional and scalable operation. Here’s why you need one: Legal and tax compliance : If you're registered for GST or operate as a company, you’ll need a dedicated account for your business transactions. Simplified admin : Separating personal and business finances makes reconciling income, preparing for BAS, and managing deductions far easier. Professionalism : Customers take you more seriously, and are more likely to trust your business, when invoices and payments come from a business bank account. Cash flow control : Monitor your business incomings and outgoings more clearly to make faster decisions. Access to finance : It’s typically a requirement for business loans, overdrafts, business credit cards, and trade accounts. Types of business bank accounts in Australia. In Australia, there are a few core types of business accounts on offer, such as: Transaction accounts : Your day-to-day account for receiving payments, making purchases, paying suppliers. Savings accounts : For earning interest on unused business funds. Term deposits : Lock away funds for a set time to earn higher interest. Offset accounts : Linked to a business loan, helping reduce interest payments. Key factors to consider when choosing a business bank account. Fees Monthly fees, overdraft fees, dishonour fees, and FX costs can vary widely amongst business banks. For example: – Traditional banks may charge $10-$25/month just to keep the account open– Overdraft fees can be surprisingly high and feel unnecessarily punitive– International payments might include conversion fees or transfer costs– Staff-assisted transactions and even electronic transactions can also incur more fees This last point is worth illustrating with two examples: 1. CommBank charges $5 per staff-assisted transaction on business accounts 2.  Bendigo Bank charges $0.40 per electronic transaction on their Business Basic Account In contrast, Zeller Business Transaction Account has no fees whatsoever . For small businesses, especially those just starting out, these savings can quickly add up. Access and convenience In business, time is money. You’ll want an account that’s easy to use and built for purpose. Consider things like: – Does the online banking interface have a clean, modern design? – Does it have powerful transaction filtering and searching? – Is the mobile app easy to use on the go? ( Zeller App is rated 4.2 on the App Store) – Can you access help when you need it? (Zeller offers 24/7 online access and support) More businesses are moving away from needing face-to-face banking and instead placing higher value on mobile-first platforms that work wherever they are. Account features Choosing a business account isn’t just about the basics. The right features can save you time, reduce admin, and give you more control over how your business operates. For example, a Zeller Business Transaction Account offers you: Cards: Zeller lets you issue unlimited free physical and virtual debit cards with custom spending limits. You can also generate single-use virtual cards for added security when shopping online. Multi-user access: Give team members custom access, so they can view balances, send invoices or manage cards, without full account control. Integrations: You can easily connect your Zeller Business Transaction Account to tools like Xero for easy bookkeeping. Reporting: Built-in analytics, spending breakdowns, and receipt capture with Zeller. Access to interest: A Zeller Savings Account allows you to earn significantly more interest than with a traditional big-4 bank. Transaction categorisation: Automatically sort and label incoming and outgoing payments, helping you track spending by type, supplier or category. Multiple accounts: Spin up extra accounts for different projects, teams or business locations – no paperwork or branch visit required. Real-time fund transfers: Move money instantly via Australia's New Payment Platform (NPP). BPAY: Quickly and easily pay suppliers directly from your dashboard using BPAY. Security and regulation Traditional banks are Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs), so deposits are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme (FCS), a government guarantee of up to $250,000 if the bank was to fail. With Zeller, customer funds are held in a segregated account at a fully-regulated, authorised Australian bank. Zeller also maintains strict compliance protocols, and uses advanced encryption, fraud monitoring and multi-factor authentication to keep your business finances secure. For many modern businesses, the benefits of speed, flexibility and innovation make this a smart, secure, and trusted alternative to traditional banking. Customer support Zeller offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email and SMS – so whether you need help setting up your account, have a question about a transaction, or are sorting something urgent during tax time, you can speak to someone when it matters most. Unlike many traditional providers, support isn't limited to business hours or ticket-based systems, you’ll speak to a real human with experience in supporting Aussie businesses. Suitability for your business type Every business is different. The right account for your business should suit your operating model, whether you're client-facing, retail-based, or remote. For example: Sole traders/freelancers often prioritise ease of use and low fees Growing businesses typically look for multi-user access, cards, and integrations Retailers/tradies frequently find POS and EFTPOS integration can make a huge difference International traders need strong FX capabilities and multi-currency accounts. Real-world examples: who should choose what? Not every business needs the same thing from their transaction account. Here are a few common scenarios to help you match features to your business type. Tradie on the road Zeller’s mobile-first setup, SMS invoicing and no-branch model means you can quote, invoice and track payments without ever setting foot in a bank. Freelancer with local clients Zeller gives you all the essentials with no monthly cost, plus faster access to funds to keep your cash flow healthy. Import/export business Wise and Airwallex make more sense here, with multi-currency accounts and competitive FX. Zeller does not currently offer multi-currency accounts yet, but has plans to do so in the future. Brick and mortar retailer Zeller integrates with EFTPOS and provides detailed sales tracking across channels. How to open a business account in Australia. Opening a business account in Australia is fairly straightforward, but exact requirements can vary slightly between providers. Here’s what to expect. In most cases, you’ll need: – A business name – An ABN or ACN – An industry type – Personal ID (driver licence or passport) – Business contact details – In some cases, business structure documentation (e.g. partnership agreement) With Zeller, the process is 100% online and takes just a few minutes. No paperwork. No queues. Just fast onboarding and instant access to your transaction account and cards. Managing your business account effectively. Once you’ve opened your account, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of it: Separate personal and business spending so your bookkeeping is cleaner and reconciling transactions is easier come tax time. Use categories and tags to track expenses by type – this helps you understand where your money’s going and identify areas to reduce spend. Review reports monthly to spot trends, catch anomalies, and stay on top of cash flow. Set up automatic payments to ensure bills, wages and subscriptions are always paid on time. Stay on top of GST and BAS by regularly exporting your records, so you’re never scrambling at lodgement time. Zeller makes all this easy, with built-in notes, digital receipts, auto-categorisation and integrations that connect your financial activity directly to your accounting software. So, which account is right for your business? The best business account depends on your priorities, but if you're an Australian business looking for a modern, mobile-first, all-in-one platform that’s free to use, integrates with your tools, and helps you manage everything from invoicing to spending, Zeller offers a strong alternative to the big-4 Australian banks. A Zeller Business Transaction Account is fast to set up, simple to use, and purpose-built for how Aussie businesses operate.

With tax time almost upon us, we caught up with Lloyd Richardson , CEO of Jim’s Tax and a Fellow CPA, to get his perspective on what small business owners need to keep in mind as the end of the financial year approaches. Lloyd has spent more than 40 years in the accounting world – he grew up in the industry, took over his father’s practice, and now heads up a 60-strong network of tax agents and bookkeepers across the country, so you could say he knows a thing or two about tax.  Read on to learn his practical, no-nonsense advice for small business owners looking to get the most out of this end of financial year.  Preparing your small business for EOFY tax. Question: How far in advance should small businesses start preparing for EOFY? Answer: Small business owners generally prepare BAS statements quarterly, and that’s when you should be thinking about your end-of-year tax too. A good bookkeeper will prep your financials quarterly and refer them to a tax agent, who can then estimate your tax position. It’s always better to plan early, but a lot of businesses wait until June and panic. You need a proactive bookkeeper. A Jim’s bookkeeper is trained to handle this, and then your tax agent (hopefully also a Jim’s Tax person!) will review it at tax time. But at a minimum, your accounts should be updated quarterly. Key financial documents for EOFY tax. Question: What key documents or reports should small businesses have ready? Answer: Importantly, you need a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet, ideally on an accrual basis. These help determine profitability based on your business structure – whether you’re a sole trader, partnership, trust or company.  Remember that GST is typically calculated on a cash basis – money in, money out. But small business tax is done on an accrual basis – what’s been invoiced. That’s why it’s so important to know whether you’re reporting on a cash or accrual basis, it affects when income is counted. You should have your financials up to date by the end of March. Then in early June you can sit down and ask yourself (and your tax agent), “What’s my profitability up to March? How much have I earned in April and May, and what can I do before June 30 to legally minimise tax?” Common EOFY tax deductions and overlooked claims.  Question: Are there any deductions or claims that often get overlooked? Answer: There are two sides to EOFY planning – income and expenses. On the expenses side, look at your debtors. Write off bad debts before 30 June or you’ll be taxed on them. Check your depreciation schedule too – sometimes there’s old plant and equipment that’s been written off or no longer exists. Write it off and claim the deduction. Also, pay expenses before the end of June and delay income if you can. For example, if I finish a job on 29 June, I might not invoice until 1 July (subject to cash flow, of course) and that pushes the tax into the next year. EOFY tax tips by business structure (sole trader, company, trust). Question: What steps should sole traders take that might differ from those with staff or a company structure? Answer: Sole traders pay tax on net profit. Super isn’t compulsory for sole traders, which catches people out. You can contribute up to $30,000 into super and claim it as a deduction – taxed at 15% in super instead of up to 47%. Companies should keep an eye on debit loans – directors drawing from the company. You’ve got to sort those before EOFY or they’ll be taxed as unfranked dividends. Directors can also contribute to their super – up to $30k per director) – and if you haven’t used your full contribution cap in the last five years, you can add more. If you’ve got staff and your pay run starts 1 July, consider paying it early on 30 June so you can claim the deduction this year. You can pay expenses up to 12 months in advance. And if you buy plant and equipment under $20k and receive it before 30 June, you can write off 100% of it. Over $20k, you have to depreciate it. 2025 ATO guidance for small businesses at EOFY. Question: Have you seen any recent changes in ATO guidance that business owners should be across Answer: The ATO is focused on trusts this year. If you operate through a family trust, make sure your distribution minutes are done before 30 June to allocate profit to beneficiaries. If not, the whole lot could be taxed at up to 47%. Be careful with trust distributions to companies too, that’s under scrutiny. If you’re in a company, sort out your debit loans before EOFY. If you don’t, they might be taxed as income. Super and wage adjustments can help, but don’t go throwing around massive bonuses, your structure has to support it. Overcoming EOFY tax stress. Question: For business owners who feel overwhelmed by EOFY, what’s your advice? Answer: Talk to a Jim’s Tax agent. The first step is getting your accounts up to date, at least to March, so you’ve got a clear idea of where you stand. What’s your actual net profit? What tax is payable? What’s already been paid through your BAS? Once you know those numbers, the fear factor drops and you can take action if needed. A lot of people get overwhelmed because they don’t have the right info in front of them. If your books are a mess, EOFY can feel like a mountain. But if you’ve kept things tidy through the year, or get someone to help you sort it out now, it becomes much more manageable. I do the same process in my own business – I check receivables and payables, think about super, and look at expenses I might bring forward. Also, another big benefit of using a tax agent is that your return can be lodged as late as May or June the following year. If you’re not using a tax agent, it’s due by the end of October.   Reviewing business performance at EOFY. Question: What should business owners be asking themselves (or their advisors) when reviewing the past financial year? Answer: Start by getting your accounts up to date – that’s non-negotiable. Then ask the basics: “What’s my net profit? How much tax is payable? What have I already paid?” Once you’ve got those answers, the next question is “What can I do before 30 June to reduce my tax?” That’s the conversation you want to be having with your tax agent. EOFY is also a good time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t go so well over the past 12 months. Were your margins healthy? Are you on top of your cash flow? Is your structure still the right fit? Those kinds of questions can lead to smarter decisions for the year ahead. Quick 2025 EOFY tax wins for small businesses. Question: What are some quick wins business owners can take in the final month of the financial year? Answer: Pay super before June 30, that’s a big one. If you’ve run a payroll and you know what super is owed, pay it a few business days before 30 June so it lands in the fund on time – then you can claim the deduction this year. If you miss the cut-off, you can’t claim it until next year, even if you pay it in early July. Delay income where it makes sense, bring expenses forward where possible and write off bad debts. Review your depreciation schedule — if you’ve bought any assets under $20k and started using them before 30 June, you can claim the full deduction this year. It’s not about magic tricks, it’s about good management. The small things can make a big difference when they’re done right and done on time. Business restructuring or system changes at 2025 EOFY. Question: Should business owners consider restructuring, changing systems or adjusting payment schedules at EOFY? Answer: If you’re thinking about changing structure, say from sole trader to company or trust, EOFY is the time to do it. You can wrap things up neatly on 30 June and start fresh on 1 July. It’s much easier from a bookkeeping and reporting point of view, otherwise you’re dealing with a crossover year, and that just creates more complexity. The same goes for system changes. If you’re switching accounting software, or introducing a new payroll or invoicing system, 1 July is a clean starting point.  EOFY is a natural point to review how your business is running. If something’s not working, now’s the time to make a change, but always get advice first so you’re not creating a bigger headache down the track.

For many Australian businesses, invoicing is still a time-consuming, manual task – even in 2025. Whether it’s creating Word or Excel templates, chasing late payments, or staying on top of GST and BAS obligations, invoicing can quickly turn into a mess of paperwork and frustration. But the right invoicing software doesn’t just make it easier to send professional invoices. It helps you get paid faster, improves your cash flow, reduces errors, and saves you hours each week. It also gives your customers more convenient ways to pay and makes your business look more polished and trustworthy. This guide compares some of the top invoicing software options for Australian small businesses, freelancers, sole traders and tradies, with a close look at how Zeller stacks up as an all-in-one solution. Use the table below to see how Zeller Invoices stacks up against other popular invoicing tools. Why your Australian business needs invoicing software. Whether you’re a plumber, graphic designer, or running a café, invoicing is at the heart of your business operations. Invoicing isn’t just a box to tick, it's one of the most important touchpoints between you and your customers. Here’s why switching to proper invoicing software is a smart move: Get paid faster : Offer an instant, secure payment option and reduce the back-and-forth Easier for your customers: Save your customers from having to manually transfer funds Look more professional : Send polished, branded invoices in a few clicks Save time : Automate invoice payment reminders, recurring invoices, and more Stay compliant : Automatically handle GST to help you prepare for BAS Track everything : See who’s paid, who hasn’t, and what’s overdue Work on the go : Create and send invoices from your phone or tablet By choosing the right invoicing tool, you'll be giving your cash flow a boost and freeing yourself to focus on growing your business. How to choose the best invoicing software for your Australian business. Not all invoicing tools are made the same. Some are built into broader accounting platforms while others are standalone tools. If you’re shopping around, here are the key features and criteria to consider: Ease of use and interface A clean, intuitive interface on your invoice app is essential, especially if you’re not naturally a numbers person. Look for software that’s genuinely easy to use, whether you’re sending invoices from your desktop, or directly from your smartphone when you’re on the go.  Invoicing features Naturally, you want flexibility and control. Does the software let you invoice on the go? Can you add your logo and colours to your invoices? Apply discounts or GST line items? Track invoice status? Set up recurring or scheduled invoices? Zeller Invoices does all that and more.  Payment acceptance and speed Getting paid quickly matters. Does the software support secure credit card payments? Can customers pay instantly via a secure link? Just as importantly, how quickly do those funds land in your account – within a few business days, or by the next day? With Zeller Invoices, funds settle nightly into your Zeller Business Transaction account. So when your customers pay, you’ll have your funds by the next morning.   Integration and ecosystem Good invoicing software should integrate with your other tools, especially accounting software like Xero. But beyond that, some solutions (like Zeller Invoices) are part of a bigger ecosystem of financial tools that include EFTPOS terminals, transaction accounts, debit cards, reporting, and more. This integrated ecosystem approach can save you time and reduce complexity. Pricing model and value Many platforms advertise a free plan, but keep their features locked behind a paywall. Consider how pricing scales as your business grows, and make sure you’re not paying monthly fees for features you don’t need. Zeller Invoices has no monthly fees, and it’s free to create and send an unlimited number of invoices at no cost to your business. AU tax compliance Running a business in Australia with an annual turnover above $75,000 means GST obligations and BAS reporting. Your invoicing software should make that easier, not harder. Choose a tool (like Zeller) that lets you toggle GST and export records for BAS. Support and local relevance Does the provider offer local support in Australian time zones? Are help documents written with Australian businesses in mind? Are fees listed in AUD? Local understanding can make a big difference. Zeller’s support team is here to support you 24/7 via phone, email, or SMS. Top invoicing software options in Australia (and how Zeller Invoices compares). There’s no shortage of invoicing software out there, but not all are created equal. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top platforms used by Australian businesses. Zeller Invoices Zeller Invoices is built specifically for Australian small businesses. You can create and send unlimited invoices for free, and accept online payments via Zeller’s secure payment gateway. Funds settle nightly into a free Zeller Transaction Account. It also lets you: – Customise invoices with your logo, colours and branding – Send invoices via email or SMS – Track payment status in real time – Automate reminders for late payments – Create and send invoices from your phone – Accept payments online with just a tap from your customer All this without paying any monthly subscription fees, or locking key features behind a paywall. Square Invoices Square’s invoicing tools are tightly integrated with its POS ecosystem. It offers a decent free tier, though many features require paid upgrades. Payments take 1 to 2 business days to settle, and the interface leans retail-first. Xero Invoicing Xero is first and foremost accounting software, but it includes invoicing features as part of its paid plans. It’s strong on reporting and BAS prep, but you’ll need to pay $32+ per month. That’s not ideal if invoicing is all you need, or if you’re just looking to get started with your first online invoicing tool or mobile invoicing app. Invoice2go Invoice2go focuses on mobile-friendly invoicing, particularly for tradies and on-the-go professionals. It offers solid features but quickly gets expensive, with plans starting at $12.99/month and limits on clients and invoices. MYOB and QuickBooks These are traditional accounting platforms with invoicing bolted on. MYOB has decent features, but its UI can feel clunky. QuickBooks is more modern, but comes with monthly fees and isn’t built for mobile-first use. Why Zeller Invoices really stands out. Zeller Invoices is built for the way modern Australian businesses actually work. Mobile-first, tax-compliant, and designed to help you get paid fast. Here’s what sets it apart. It’s free to create and send invoices There are no monthly fees, no invoice send limits, and no hidden costs. You only pay a small fee of 1.7% +25¢ for domestic cards (separate pricing for international cards) when a customer pays using their card. That’s it. No surprises.  It’s made for mobile With Zeller App, you can create, send and manage invoices on the go, in under 30 seconds. Send invoices by email or SMS, track them in real time, and manage everything from your phone. You don’t need to be in the office to run your business. Fast payments = better cash flow Payments made online via Zeller Invoices are processed fast, with funds settling nightly into your Zeller Transaction Account. That’s money you can use sooner, whether you’re paying suppliers or investing back into the business. Built for Australian businesses  From GST toggling to BAS-friendly reporting and local support, Zeller Invoices is designed for Aussie businesses from the ground up. You won’t waste time trying to adapt US-centric software to suit local needs. Easy for your customers Your customers can pay securely online via card or mobile wallet, straight from the invoice. No app or login required. In fact, over 75% of Zeller Invoices are paid in under 24 hours. Integrated with the full Zeller ecosystem Zeller Invoices connects to your Zeller Transaction Account , which can easily also be connected to your Zeller EFTPOS terminal and Zeller Debit Card . Having everything in one place means less admin, fewer systems to juggle, lower costs, and better visibility of your cash flow. Choosing the right software for your business type. Still unsure which software is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to help guide your decision. Tradies : Zeller Invoices makes it super simple to create and send an invoice while still on-site. With no monthly fees and fast payments, it’s a natural fit for businesses on the move. Freelancers : Zeller helps you send professional invoices, manage your cash flow, and stay on top of tax – all from your phone, and all without paying a subscription. You’ll save time and look more professional than with an outdated PDF invoice.  Retailers : Zeller’s integrated ecosystem means you can take payments in person and send invoices when needed, all from the same platform. Everything’s connected. Service providers : If your business relies on recurring invoices, payment tracking, and brand consistency, Zeller gives you the tools to manage it all with ease. It’s simple, efficient, and professional. Growing businesses : Whether you're scaling up or streamlining, Zeller’s free invoicing software works alongside your EFTPOS, accounts, and more, with no extra logins or tools needed. For most Australian small businesses, Zeller Invoices delivers what others promise – a convenient, modern and flexible way to send invoices and get paid faster.  Ready to level up your invoicing? It’s easy to start doing all your invoicing with Zeller.   1. Download Zeller App Get the free Zeller App from the App Store or Google Play . Sign in with your Zeller Account, or create one online in minutes. 2. Set up your invoice template Head to Invoices in the main menu of Zeller App, then tap Settings. From there you can upload your business logo, add details for your receipts, customise colours, and more. 3. Create and send your first invoice Once you’re ready, click the ‘+ Invoice’ button and follow the steps to create and send your first invoice. You'll receive an email and push notification as soon as the invoice is paid. If you're ready to take the hassle out of invoicing and start getting paid faster, it's time to try the best free mobile invoicing app in Australia.

Tucked down a quiet side street in Perth’s CBD, MODU Bar & Kitchen brings a bold and vibrant take on Asian fusion dining. Inspired by early 20th-century Shanghai – known as the ‘City of Magic’ – owner Raymond Kwok and his team have created a venue that balances energy with elegance, tradition with innovation. “We wanted to create an Asian fusion venue that sits closer to the Asian side of fusion,” explains Raymond. “A lot of fusion spots tend to lean Western, but we wanted to stay true to our roots. MODU captures the magic and vibrancy of old Shanghai, bringing that mix of cultures and traditions into our food, cocktails and atmosphere.” MODU seamlessly blends traditional Chinese cooking methods with modern Western flair, crafting a menu that pairs perfectly with its innovative cocktails infused with Chinese ingredients. As the night unfolds, the venue transforms from an upscale lunch spot for corporate diners into a dynamic bar with live music. It's a destination where people gather, celebrate, and immerse themselves in an atmosphere that’s as refined as it is inviting. A polished solution for a sophisticated restaurant. As a thriving restaurant-bar in the heart of Perth, MODU needed a payment system that matched its style and sophistication. After struggling with traditional bank EFTPOS systems, MODU decided to make the switch to Zeller. “It’s been about a year with Zeller,” says Kwok. “Before that, we were with one of the big 4 banks, but we had so many issues – near-zero customer support, and having to do manual surcharge calculations was an annoying extra step.” One of the biggest selling points was Zeller’s competitive merchant fees and the (optional) built-in surcharging functionality. “With the big 4 bank, we either had to manually calculate the surcharge or press a special button on the POS system. Zeller makes it all straightforward – everything is automatically calculated. We don’t have to mess around with it.” MODU’s success with Zeller even led to Tony Roma’s, another venue owned by Kwok, switching to Zeller as well. Beautifully itemised bills keep the bean counters happy. MODU caters to a significant number of corporate clients who require precise billing transparency for expense claims. “The integration and clarity really help us,” explains Kwok. “Our POS system is Redcat, and having a seamless integration for things like tipping – where it’s clearly displayed on the bill – prevents discrepancies. If a finance department sees a $1,000 bill and there’s an extra 10% unaccounted for, that’s $100. Everything needs to match up, and Zeller makes that easy.” Striking the right ambience into the early morning. MODU’s atmospheric setting makes it an ideal spot for both dining and nightlife. With a 70/30 drinks-to-food sales split, the venue operates like a high-end bar while maintaining a full kitchen setup. “In the afternoon, corporate people come in for lunch. As the sun sets, it becomes a moody dining spot, and later it transforms into a late-night live music bar,” says Kwok. “Some people dine elsewhere and then come to us for after-dinner drinks or work drinks.” A partnership that powers growth. As MODU continues to evolve, Zeller remains a key part of its operations. With smooth payments combined with great customer support, Zeller has helped MODU focus on what it does best – creating an unforgettable dining and nightlife experience in Perth. “Zeller has been great for us,” says Kwok. “The EFTPOS system is seamless, and the customer support has been fantastic. It’s made our whole payment process much easier. I look forward to working with Zeller as we keep growing.”