Cheap EFTPOS Hire: Save Money, Swipe Happy

Why Small Businesses Are Turning to EFTPOS Hire

Cheap eftpos hire is changing how small businesses handle payments at events, pop-ups, and seasonal sales. Here's what you need to know:

Quick Answer - Cheapest EFTPOS Hire Options:

• 1-7 days: $120-$140 + GST
• 8-15 days: $140-$150 + GST
• Up to 1 month: $160-$180 + GST
• Additional fees: $15-$30 network fee, $30 courier fee
• What's included: SIM card, 24/7 support, paper rolls, return label

The numbers don't lie. People just don't carry cash anymore, and as one market organizer finded, "I never lose a sale because the customer doesn't have cash." Whether you're running a weekend farmers market, hosting a charity gala, or testing the waters with a pop-up shop, cheap eftpos hire lets you capture every sale without the hefty upfront costs of buying equipment.

From New Zealand providers offering rates as low as $120 for a week to flexible U.S. solutions with no lock-in contracts, the rental market has exploded with options. The best part? Most providers include everything you need - SIM connectivity, paper rolls, and 24/7 support - so you can start swiping within 24 hours.

I'm Lydia Valberg from Merchant Payment Services, where we've helped thousands of small businesses steer payment solutions for over 35 years. Having guided countless clients through cheap eftpos hire decisions, I understand how the right rental can make or break your event's profitability.

Why This Guide Matters

We're living in an increasingly cashless society where consumers expect to pay with cards, contactless, and mobile wallets everywhere they go. For event organizers and pop-up retailers, this shift presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The opportunity? Capturing sales from customers who simply don't carry cash. The challenge? Accessing affordable payment processing without the traditional barriers of long-term contracts and expensive equipment purchases.

This guide cuts through the confusion to show you exactly how to get the cheapest EFTPOS hire options available, what to expect in terms of costs and features, and how to make the right choice for your specific needs.

What Is EFTPOS Hire & Who Is It For?

Cheap eftpos hire is your ticket to accepting card payments without the commitment of buying equipment. Think of it as renting a payment terminal for exactly as long as you need it - whether that's a single weekend or several months.

These aren't the bulky card machines from decades past. Today's rental terminals are sleek, portable devices that fit in your hand and accept everything from traditional chip cards to Apple Pay and Google Pay. They're designed for businesses on the move.

The real magic happens when you realize how flexible this solution is. A weekend farmers market vendor doesn't need to own expensive equipment that sits unused five days a week. A charity organizing their annual gala shouldn't have to steer long-term contracts for a once-a-year event.

Events and seasonal businesses make up the biggest chunk of rental customers, and for good reason. When a preschool switched from cash-only to accepting cards at their fundraising event, they raised several hundred dollars more than the previous year. That's what happens when you meet customers where they are - in an increasingly cashless world.

Short-term rentals work perfectly for trade shows and exhibitions where businesses need multiple terminals for just a few days. Seasonal peaks like holiday markets or summer festivals get the payment processing they need without year-round equipment costs.

Pop-up retailers testing new locations love the flexibility. Food trucks exploring different neighborhoods can try before they commit. Even established stores use rentals during busy periods when they need extra terminals to handle increased customer volume.

The Rise of Cheap EFTPOS Hire in the U.S.

The explosion in cheap eftpos hire isn't happening in a vacuum. Federal Reserve research on consumer payment habits shows cash usage dropping year after year, while contactless payments have surged dramatically.

This shift created a perfect storm of opportunity. Small businesses needed payment processing, but traditional solutions came with too many barriers. High upfront costs for terminals that can run $200 to $800 or more. Long-term contracts with payment processors that locked businesses in for years. Technical headaches around setup and maintenance.

The rental model swept these obstacles away. Instead of buying equipment that might become obsolete as payment technology evolves, businesses can access the latest terminals on a pay-as-you-go basis. No long-term commitments. No maintenance worries. Just plug-and-play payment processing that scales with your actual needs.

The growing card usage trend means customers expect to pay with plastic everywhere they go. Smart business owners recognize that every cash-only transaction is a potential lost sale in today's market.

How Much Does Cheap EFTPOS Hire Cost?

Let's break down the real costs of cheap eftpos hire based on current market rates. Understanding these price tiers helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

Standard Rental Periods and Costs:

1-7 Days: $120-$140 + applicable taxes

• Perfect for weekend markets, one-off events, or short-term trials
• Most cost-effective option for brief rental periods

8-15 Days: $140-$150 + applicable taxes

• Ideal for extended events like multi-week festivals or holiday pop-ups
• Better value per day than the shortest rental tier

Up to 1 Month: $160-$180 + applicable taxes

• Best for seasonal businesses or month-long trial periods
• Lowest daily cost for extended rentals

Additional Fees to Expect:

• Network Fee: $15-$30 per terminal (covers cellular connectivity)
• Courier Fee: $30 per order (includes delivery and return shipping)
• Transaction Fees: Typically 1.4-2.9% per transaction (varies by provider and card type)

For more details on payment processing costs, check out our guide on Card Machine Fees.

Typical Cost Breakdown for Cheap EFTPOS Hire

Here's what you actually get for your rental fee:

Included in Standard Packages:

• Pre-configured EFTPOS terminal ready to use
• SIM card with unlimited data (no WiFi required)
• 4+ thermal paper rolls for receipts
• 24/7 technical support hotline
• Quick-reference setup guide
• Prepaid return courier label

Settlement Options:

• Same-day settlement to your business account
• Trust account holding for event-based payments
• Weekly progressive payments for longer rentals

The all-inclusive nature of these packages means you're not just renting hardware - you're getting a complete payment solution. As one provider noted, "We're not planning to retire to the south of France on the profits" - the focus is on volume and service rather than gouging customers on rental rates.

Comparing the Cheapest EFTPOS Hire Packages

Not all cheap eftpos hire packages are created equal. Here's how to evaluate your options:

Basic Packages (Budget-Focused):

• Simple card acceptance (chip, swipe, contactless)
• Basic receipt printing
• SIM connectivity included
• Standard 24/7 phone support
• 1-2 day delivery

Premium Packages (Feature-Rich):

• Advanced POS functionality built-in
• Tipping and surcharging capabilities
• Multi-connectivity options (SIM, WiFi, Ethernet)
• Dedicated account manager support
• Same-day delivery in major metros

For a detailed comparison of terminal options, see our Cheapest EFTPOS Terminal guide.

Feature Checklist for Cheap EFTPOS Hire

Before signing up for any rental, ensure your chosen package includes these essential features:

Payment Acceptance:

• Chip and PIN cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
• Contactless tap-and-go payments
• Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
• International card acceptance (for tourist-heavy events)

Operational Features:

• Receipt printing capability
• Basic POS functionality (item entry, pricing)
• Tipping functionality (for hospitality businesses)
• Surcharging options (to offset processing fees)
• Battery life of 8+ hours for all-day events

Connectivity & Support:

• Built-in SIM card with unlimited data
• WiFi backup connectivity
• 24/7 technical support hotline
• Next-business-day delivery
• Prepaid return shipping

Setup, Settlement & Support: What's Included

The best thing about cheap eftpos hire? Everything just works right out of the box. When your terminal arrives, it's already configured and ready to start accepting payments immediately.

Your terminal comes with a built-in SIM card that connects automatically via the cellular network - no WiFi passwords, no technical setup, no headaches. Just power it on and you're ready to process your first payment. Most providers also include WiFi fallback connectivity as a backup, so you'll never lose connection during busy periods.

You don't need your own merchant number for short-term rentals. The terminal comes pre-loaded with the provider's terminal IDs at no extra cost. This eliminates weeks of paperwork and approval processes that traditionally come with payment processing. For longer contracts over three months, some providers charge around $40 monthly to use their merchant facilities, but for most event-based rentals, this isn't a concern.

Next-day shipping is standard, with many providers offering same-day delivery in major metropolitan areas. Your package includes everything you need: the terminal, SIM card, thermal paper rolls, quick-start guide, and a prepaid return label for hassle-free shipping back.

Settlement happens fast. Your transaction funds flow into a trust account and are typically transferred to your business bank account the next business day. For multi-week rentals, many providers offer weekly payment schedules, usually on Tuesdays. Same-day settlement is available with some premium packages.

Support is genuinely 24/7 because providers understand how critical these devices are to your business success. Whether you need help at 2 PM or 2 AM, there's always someone available to walk you through any issues. Most problems get resolved over the phone in minutes, but if your terminal fails, replacement devices can be dispatched immediately.

The whole process is designed to be foolproof. As one provider puts it, "We want you focused on your business, not figuring out payment technology."

How Fast Can You Start Swiping?

You can be processing payments within 24-48 hours of deciding you need a terminal. The online signup takes about 5 minutes and covers basic business verification - nothing complicated.

If you already have business documentation ready (business license, tax ID, bank account details), overnight delivery gets you operational the next day. For brand-new businesses, add an extra day or two for the simple KYC (Know Your Customer) verification process.

The fastest turnaround happens when you apply early in the week and have all your paperwork in order. Many providers guarantee next-business-day delivery for applications submitted before 2 PM, so you could literally decide on Monday afternoon that you need payment processing and be accepting cards at your Tuesday evening event.

No lengthy approval processes, no waiting weeks for merchant accounts - just simple, fast access to payment processing when you need it most.

Should You Hire or Buy an EFTPOS Terminal?

The age-old question for any business owner: rent or buy? When it comes to payment terminals, the answer isn't always obvious, but it becomes clearer when you look at your actual usage patterns.

Cheap eftpos hire makes perfect sense for businesses that don't need year-round payment processing. Think about it - why spend $300 to $800 upfront on a terminal if you're only running weekend farmers markets or seasonal holiday pop-ups? The math just doesn't work in your favor.

The hiring advantage really shines when you consider the hidden costs of ownership. When you hire, everything is included - the terminal, SIM card, paper rolls, technical support, and even the return shipping label. If something breaks during your event, it's the provider's headache, not yours. Plus, rental payments are 100% tax-deductible as operating expenses, which can be more valuable than the depreciation schedule you'd follow with a purchased terminal.

But here's where it gets interesting. If you're processing payments more than 100 days per year, the economics flip. Purchasing starts to make sense when you hit that 3-4 month break-even point. A busy food truck or established retail store will quickly outgrow the rental model.

The real beauty of hiring lies in the flexibility and risk reduction. You're not locked into long-term contracts, you don't worry about technology becoming obsolete, and you can scale up or down based on actual demand. One event organizer told us, "I love that I can get exactly the number of terminals I need for each event without worrying about storage or maintenance between seasons."

For more insights on equipment costs and options, check out our guide on the Cheapest EFTPOS Machine for Small Business.

Decision Matrix: Hire vs Purchase

The decision really comes down to frequency and predictability of use. Event-only traders - those running craft fairs, farmers markets, or seasonal pop-ups - almost always benefit from hiring. You get professional-grade equipment without the storage hassles or maintenance responsibilities.

Brick-and-mortar stores with consistent daily transactions typically find purchasing more economical after the first few months. The upfront investment pays for itself through lower per-transaction costs and complete control over the payment setup.

Expansion plans add another layer to consider. If you're testing new locations or trying out different event types, cheap eftpos hire lets you experiment without major capital commitments. Once you've proven a concept works, you can always transition to owned equipment.

The sweet spot? Many successful businesses use a hybrid approach - owning terminals for their main operations while hiring additional units for special events or peak seasons. It's not an either-or decision if your business model supports both approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap EFTPOS Hire

Let's tackle the most common questions we hear from businesses considering cheap eftpos hire. These are the real concerns that keep event organizers and pop-up retailers up at night.

Do I need my own merchant number?

Here's some good news - you don't need to jump through the hoops of setting up your own merchant account for short-term rentals. Most cheap eftpos hire providers let you use their terminal IDs at no extra cost, which is a huge time-saver when you're planning an event.

Think about it: why would you want to deal with bank paperwork and approval processes when you just need to accept payments for a weekend farmers market? The rental providers have already done the heavy lifting with their merchant relationships.

However, there's a catch if you're planning longer-term usage. Some providers will charge around $40 per month for using their merchant facilities if you're renting for more than three months. At that point, you might want to consider whether purchasing your own terminal makes more financial sense.

When will I receive my funds?

This is probably the question we get asked most - and understandably so. Cash flow matters, especially for small businesses and event organizers working on tight budgets.

Here's how the typical settlement process works: Your transaction funds first land in the provider's trust account on the same day customers make their purchases. From there, the money gets transferred to your nominated bank account the next business day.

For longer rentals, many providers switch to a weekly payment schedule. You'll usually receive your funds on Tuesdays, with a settlement statement sent the Monday before so you can track everything. One provider we work with explains it perfectly: "You receive a settlement statement the Monday after the event and payment on the following Tuesday once the terminal is returned."

The final payment gets processed after you return the terminal and complete the final reconciliation. This ensures all transactions are properly accounted for and any outstanding fees are settled.

Can I accept Apple Pay and Google Pay?

Absolutely! This isn't 2010 anymore - every modern rental terminal supports the full range of mobile wallets that customers expect to use. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay - they all work seamlessly with cheap eftpos hire terminals.

But it goes beyond just the big mobile wallet names. These terminals also accept Visa and Mastercard (both credit and debit), American Express, JCB for international customers, and various regional payment methods. If you're hosting events in tourist-heavy areas, you'll appreciate that most terminals handle Union Pay for Chinese visitors and other international payment apps.

The contactless capability isn't just a nice-to-have feature anymore - it's essential. Contactless payments now represent a huge portion of all transactions, and customers expect to tap their phone or card without thinking twice about it. With a quality rental terminal, you're ready for whatever payment method walks through your door.

Conclusion

The world has gone cashless, and cheap eftpos hire gives you the perfect way to keep up without breaking the bank. Starting at just $120 for a week - including everything you need like SIM connectivity, 24/7 support, and all the paper rolls you can handle - there's really no excuse for missing out on sales anymore.

Think about it this way: every customer who walks away because you only take cash is money that could have been in your pocket. Whether you're running a weekend farmers market, testing out a food truck concept, or organizing your annual charity fundraiser, cheap eftpos hire lets you capture every single sale without the headache of buying expensive equipment or signing your life away on long-term contracts.

The beauty is in the flexibility. Need a terminal for just three days? No problem. Want to test drive card payments for a whole month? Easy. The rental model scales perfectly with your actual needs, not what some payment processor thinks you should need.

At Merchant Payment Services, we've spent over 35 years helping businesses make more money through smart payment solutions. We get it - every business is different, and cookie-cutter approaches don't work. That's why we're here to help you figure out the right payment strategy, whether it's renting terminals for special events or exploring our comprehensive payment solutions for your growing business.

Here's the bottom line: in today's tap-and-go world, being cash-only is like putting up a "closed" sign for half your potential customers. Cheap eftpos hire makes sure you're open for business, ready to take their money however they want to pay it.

Ready to stop losing sales? Start with a simple rental to see how much more revenue you can capture. Trust me, once you see those extra sales rolling in, you'll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.