Best EFTPOS for Small Business in NZ

For small businesses in New Zealand, having the right EFTPOS solution is essential to providing seamless customer payments, improving cash flow, and ensuring business efficiency. Whether you run a café, retail store, or service-based business, selecting the best EFTPOS solution tailored to your needs can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the best EFTPOS machines for businesses and the key factors to consider when choosing an EFTPOS provider for your small business.

Why Accept EFTPOS Payments?

With over three-quarters of Kiwis preferring to go cashless for payments, EFTPOS is an essential tool for businesses looking to streamline transactions. It eliminates the hassle of cash handling, provides instant transaction approvals, and offers detailed reporting to help with reconciliation.

1. Reliability & Speed – A fast and secure terminal ensures smooth transactions, reducing customer wait times.

2. Affordability – Look for transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and consider rental options to avoid large upfront costs and managing your own compliance.

3. Connectivity – Choose between mobile, Wi-Fi, and fixed countertop solutions connected to your router.

4. Payment Flexibility – As well as credit cards, debit cards, contactless payments and digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, check for acceptance of third-party and emerging payment methods.

5. Customer Support – 24/7 support can be crucial for minimising downtime and resolving issues quickly.

Best EFTPOS Machines for Businesses in NZ

Here are some of the top EFTPOS terminals available in New Zealand, ideal for small businesses:

1. Mobile EFTPOS Machines

Perfect for businesses on the move—such as market stalls, food trucks, and mobile service providers—these terminals connect with a SIM card and Wi-Fi, allowing you to take payments anywhere.

2. Countertop EFTPOS Machines

A great option for retail stores and hospitality businesses, these terminals connect via broadband or Wi-Fi and provide reliable, high-speed transactions at a fixed location.

3. Integrated EFTPOS Systems

If you use a point-of-sale (POS) system, an integrated EFTPOS solution can streamline transactions by automatically syncing sales data, reducing errors, and improving efficiency.

Different industries have unique EFTPOS needs, and choosing a solution tailored to your industry can significantly enhance your business operations. Here are tailored solutions for various business types:

Retail & Hospitality: In the fast-paced world of retail and hospitality, efficiency and customer satisfaction are paramount. EFTPOS solutions in this sector often include features like contactless payments and POS integration, which speed up the checkout process and reduce queues. Surcharging options allow businesses to offset transaction fees, while tipping functionalities cater to customer preferences in service environments. 

Service-Based Businesses: For service-oriented businesses, flexibility and integration are key. EFTPOS solutions that support MOTO (Mail Order/Telephone Order) manual payments offer versatility for businesses that take orders remotely. Integrated EFTPOS systems can sync with existing point-of-sale (POS) systems, streamlining operations and reducing manual entry errors. Multi-merchant capabilities allow multiple organisations to share a single EFTPOS terminal, simplifying logistics and reducing costs. Pre-authorisation features are particularly beneficial for businesses that require security deposits or advance bookings, ensuring smooth and secure transactions.

Events & Mobile Businesses: Businesses that operate on the go, such as event vendors and mobile service providers, require portable EFTPOS solutions that can take payment anywhere along with robust redundancy solutions like Offline Mode and Back-up SIM cards. This ensures that payments can be accepted anywhere, anytime, without disruption, making them ideal for markets, festivals, and other dynamic environments.

Charity & Fundraising: For charities and fundraising organisations, EFTPOS solutions need to accommodate unique operational needs. Donation-specific solutions can streamline the process of collecting contributions, making it easier for donors to give and for organisations to manage funds efficiently. These tailored features help maximise fundraising efforts and enhance donor engagement.

When choosing an EFTPOS provider for your small business, prioritise service quality. Consider how long your business can afford to be without EFTPOS payments. What measures does the provider have to swiftly restore operations in the event of a technical fault or swap-out?

• Local Helpdesk Support – Having 24/7 New Zealand-based support can be a lifesaver in case of technical issues.
• On-Site Support – For tricker issues, in-person support is invaluable
• Overnight swap-outs - Choose a provider that can get a replacement device to you overnight and doesn't require you to send the faulty device to them first.
• Security & Compliance – Choose a provider that guarantees compliance and proactively upgrades their customers to avoid payment disruptions.

Avoid Hidden Fees
Make sure to ask your prospective provider for a full breakdown of fees to get a true picture of the costs involved. Some providers may present initial costs to appear more attractive but omit key information. For example:

• EFTPOS terminals must be connected to a payment network to function, but some providers won’t advise you of the payment network fees when you sign up.
• High cancellation fees are often buried in the fine print. If you decide to switch providers or terminate your contract early, you could be faced with substantial penalties.
• Minimum monthly charges that require you to meet a certain monthly transaction volume or revenue to get cheaper rates. If your business falls below this threshold, you’ll be charged the difference as a fee. This can become a costly commitment, especially for smaller businesses or during slower sales periods. 
  
  

These fees can negate any initial savings you might have seen, locking you into an agreement that’s more expensive than you expected.

The best small business EFTPOS solution depends on your industry, transaction volume, and operational needs. Whether you require a simple mobile terminal or a fully integrated system, choosing the right provider and machine will help streamline payments and enhance the customer experience.