2004 was the first year for Topiary ‘N’ Things at Auckland’s Ellerslie Flower Show and even before the event began owner Mark Barriball knew it was going to be a busy week for the business.

“I’ve displayed at a lot of arts and craft shows in the past but nothing compared to the Ellerslie Flower Show. The show itself only runs for six days but there are months of preparation beforehand and a lot of shipping and administrative work afterwards. You want to make sure your business makes the most of it.”

Ease of use for the customer
“So I got hold of a Mobile EFTPOS terminal from EFTPOS Specialists, which connects to Telecom’s mobile network, and its performance was absolutely awesome.

“EFTPOS takes the hassle out of purchasing for customers because it’s straightforward and familiar. Not only are customers more likely to buy more items if there’s EFTPOS available, they tend to buy then and there rather than going away and thinking about it.

“At the Ellerslie Flower Show, most of my transactions were through EFTPOS transactions. I reckon a lot of the stalls next to me, without Mobile EFTPOS, lost out in a big way, primarily because people couldn’t be bothered hunting down a cash machine.”

Truly mobile
“With Mobile EFTPOS, I don’t have to worry about finding a power supply or phonejack so I can take it wherever I want to display my plants. I display the first Saturday each month at Ladies’ Mile in Remuera and Mobile EFTPOS has become the main form of payment. I’d say 90% of my sales each month go through the terminal.”

Business extension
“I’m extending my business into maintaining existing topiary onsite at customers’ homes and Mobile EFTPOS is going to be great for that as well. It’s simply better customer service to finish the job, including invoicing and payment, in one go.

“I’ve used other Mobile EFTPOS terminals in the past but they are becoming obsolete as new security standards are introduced. Not only does this one comply with these new standards but all the transactions are sent to and processed by my bank directly rather than by a third party. So instead of waiting for days for the transaction to be processed, the money goes into my account virtually instantly.

“And my terminal will keep working pretty much wherever I take it because it’s connected to Telecom’s mobile network, which has extensive coverage throughout the country.

“I’ve got a few more shows coming up this year and given my success at the Ellerslie Flower Show, there’s no way I’m going without my trusty Mobile EFTPOS terminal.” “Without Mobile EFTPOS, I’d be down the gurgler.”

August 2006