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The real cost of a POS system in Australia

Most venue owners get quoted a monthly software fee and think that's the whole picture. It's not. By the time you add hardware, payment processing, support fees, and contract lock-ins, the real cost is often 3–4x higher.

Software fees: $0–$300/month

Entry-level systems start free (Payflo Free plan) but cap features. Mid-range plans like Payflo Starter ($49.95/month) cover most single-venue operators. Enterprise pricing from legacy systems can run $200–$500/month before extras.

Hardware: $500–$5,000+

A basic setup — one terminal, printer, and cash drawer — runs $800–$1,500. Full restaurant setups with KDS, multiple terminals, and portable devices can reach $4,000–$8,000. Watch for vendors who lock hardware to their software.

Payment processing: 0.8%–1.9% per transaction

This is where the real money goes. On $100k/month in sales, a 1.9% rate costs $1,900/month. Payflo's integrated payments run at competitive rates with no hidden surcharges.

The hidden costs most venues miss

  • EFTPOS terminal rental: $25–$60/month per device
  • Contract break fees: up to $5,000 on 3-year contracts
  • Integrations (Xero, delivery apps): $20–$80/month extra
  • Training and setup: $500–$2,000 one-off

What Payflo actually costs

Payflo bundles POS and payments in one device, removing the separate EFTPOS rental cost entirely. Plans start free, with most venues on the Pro plan at $99/month. No lock-in contracts. On a typical $80k/month venue, Payflo vs. a legacy system saves $700–$1,200/month when you factor in all costs.

Bottom line

Don't compare monthly software fees. Compare total cost of ownership. Run the real numbers before you sign anything.

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