How to Use an EFTPOS Machine

This is the bedrock of a functional EFTPOS machine. No matter what other features and services are offered, your business needs a terminal that is ready to process each and every customer’s card payment securely and quickly.

Understanding the basic EFTPOS functionality

An EFTPOS machine facilitates the movement of funds from a customer’s account into your own. Regardless of the type of business you run, you require an EFTPOS machine in order to accept cashless payments. Contactless payments are now the norm in Australia; without an EFTPOS machine, you’re narrowing your potential customer pool to those few Australians who still carry notes and coins.

How do you enter a card number on a card machine?

To enter a card number on a card machine, simply key in the card number, expiration date and Card Verification Value (CVV). These transactions are known as MOTO (short for Mail Order Telephone Order) payments. On Zeller, processing a manually-entered card transaction is simple — just toggle the switch from Card to MOTO. 

The ability to manually enter card details provides you with a quick, convenient and secure way to accept payment from customers remotely. This functionality is especially handy if a customer requires you to process their payment over the phone, for example. 

Using advanced EFTPOS features

A truly outstanding EFTPOS machine has functionality beyond the mere processing of transactions. The best EFTPOS machines combine fast, reliable card processing with valuable additional features that can help you grow your business by: 

• enabling you to tailor your receipts and grow a stronger brand
• surface real-time insights into your incomings and outgoings
• providing better security processes

and more. 

Keep reading to discover how to use an EFTPOS machine to grow your business, with Zeller’s advanced functionality.

Customise your receipts

A receipt is the perfect place to promote your business and ensure a memorable customer experience. 

No longer just for proof of purchase, your receipts can help you grow your business by:

• increasing brand awareness by giving you another place to show your logo
• driving customers to your social media accounts with links
• growing a relationship with customers through unique custom messaging
• minimising chargebacks and returns by including helpful return information

Read more about How to Use Zeller Receipts as a Marketing Tool.

Track your incomings and outgoings in real-time

Zeller Dashboard gives you an immediate view of your cash flow position, by tracking incoming and outgoing transactions in real time. With the intelligent reporting functionality, you can see at a glance how today’s sales stack up to another time period — and check if you’re on track to meet your sales goals. 

Protect your business

As your business grows, it’s likely that you hire junior members of staff who will handle your EFTPOS terminal. This is a security risk, both to your business and your customers. 

Zeller enables you to take control of who can access details about your transactions, issue refunds and change your terminal settings. Simply set a PIN code, and share it with senior staff whom you trust to carry out these important tasks. 

Why you need an EFTPOS machine

We know, with certainty, that Australians prefer using debit and credit cards over notes and coins. Research from the Reserve Bank of Australia demonstrates the sharp decline of physical cash use: respondents under the age of 40 used cash for less than 15% of their payments in 2019. In 2016, cash accounted for 30% of their payments. 

Over the last five years, the number of ATMs across Australia has fallen 53.6% — making it difficult for those few consumers who still want to carry cash to do so. The world has gone digital, and as a result so have businesses. 

All of this is unlikely to come as a surprise, considering the obvious benefits of credit and debit cards: they’re simple, fast, secure, and generally easy to use. A customer just needs to tap, dip or swipe their card or digital device to your terminal — no need to count cash or fill out a cheque. For this reason, having an EFTPOS machine is just as critical for your business operations as it is for your customers’ experience. 

The cards EFTPOS machines accept

EFTPOS terminals accept both credit and debit cards. However, with advancements in technology come new ways to pay — meaning older terminals from traditional providers may not support the payment methods your customers require.

When selecting the right EFTPOS machine for your business, it’s important to look for a terminal that will enable you to offer customers a broad range of payment processing options. How do your customers expect to be able to pay for the goods or services you provide? If you run a busy coffee shop in the CBD, your customers might want to use their mobile phone or smartwatch to pay for their morning caffeine hit. Your customers may even use lesser-known payment types that are growing in popularity. 

When choosing which EFTPOS machine is right for your business, set your sights on an EFTPOS terminal that accepts all of the major card networks (such as Mastercard, Visa, and American Express) as well as any alternative payment methods your customers might want to use.

Do EFTPOS machines need internet?

An EFTPOS machine will use a wired or wireless internet connection to process payments. Modern terminals use SIM cards, making it possible for you to process transactions outside of Wi-Fi range (a must when customers expect to be able to pay at the table). However, best-in-class terminals will provide the best of both worlds: a SIM card slot as well as Wi-Fi connectivity, like Zeller Terminal. 

Communication between the terminal, the card issuer, the processing bank, and the payment network requires reliable connectivity — but that doesn’t have to come from a traditional internet connection. Technology has evolved so you no longer need to have your terminal hardwired, sitting stationary by your register. Your payment tools should work wherever you do.

How long does an EFTPOS transaction take?

Every business owner wants to know how long an EFTPOS transaction takes. The time it takes to settle funds to your business account directly impacts cash flow and, by extension, your ability to grow your business.  

Funds accepted via Zeller Terminal are swept to your chosen Zeller Transaction Account nightly, available for spending the next business day. 

For more information about the limitations of traditional banks, read Transaction Processing and Settlement: Why Do Banks Take so Long?

Finding the best EFTPOS machine for your business needs

EFTPOS machines make payments easy for customers and business owners alike. Customers can quickly pay for their goods or services and get on with their day, while your business can cut down on wait times and efficiently provide great service to everyone making a purchase. Finding a trusted, secure and innovative EFTPOS provider should be a top priority for your business.

Zeller enables merchants to accept every payment, accelerate cash flow, and quickly manage and access funds. Learn more about how Zeller Terminal can help your business.

Want to read more about how EFTPOS transactions work? Read How EFTPOS Transactions Work.