Q4 2022 Winner
Steve Whittard, Mister Minit
We interviewed Steve Whittard, the owner of a multiple Mister Minit businesses in Queensland who is this quarter’s ‘refer a friend’ winner of the $5,000! Read what Steve had to say about Smartpay and the win below!
Congratulations on the win! Tell us a bit about yourself and your business
I have been with Mister Minit for 35 years. My career started after I left the army and got a job working at Mister Minit. After a few years, I progressed into the corporate side of the business. At one point, I was a Franchise Manager and Property Manager for Mister Minit stores in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore.
In 2015, I bought 4 Mister Minit franchises in Queensland, and currently have 7 stores. Apart from running my businesses, I like to stay involved with the franchise system through mentoring and membership to the franchisee steering group.
How did you join Smartpay?
I was looking for a solution to the Merchant Service Fees (MSF) that we were paying. As a business owner of multiple stores, it was costing me a fortune – I was paying $36,000.00 per year in fees! I was sent a lot of info on Least Cost Routing (LCR) from my bank, which I tried but did not work for me. I was still paying MSF.
I came across a Smartpay advertisement and out of interest, spoke to a business owner who was using them. That was enough for me to get in contact with Smartpay and spoke to Henry, my payment specialist, who then provided me with all the information and assistance required. I hesitated at first but surcharging is becoming the norm in businesses today, especially with card payments. I myself have been surcharged in our local area and it has not stopped me from returning to any of the local businesses. After deciding to taking the plunge the transition to join Smartpay was seamless.
I am very pleased with the outcome, we do not have any more bills to pay and the service has been exceptional. I have since recommended a lot of businesses to Smartpay. You can probably say that I’ve gone from being an unofficial Ambassador to an official one!
What made you recommend Smartpay and make the referral?
Besides the savings, Smartpay has provided me with a robust solution. When you speak to their staff, you know you are dealing with a company that is professional and takes pride in it. I find that they are also consistent with their service. We even had a phone call from Gillian, Smartpay’s Head of Operations, when there was an issue a while ago and we appreciate that level of care. You are not going to get this level of attention from a bank, thats for sure.
How does it feel being the lucky winner? Any ideas on how you might spend the $5,000?
I feel fantastic! What a great surprise as I was not expecting it. I will be visiting my cousin in Amsterdam sometime this year and will be using the winnings to fund the trip!
Q3 2022 Winner
Hardik Patel, Tabacconist
We interviewed Hardik Patel, the owner of a few tobacconist businesses who is this quarter’s ‘refer a friend’ winner of the $5,000! Read what Hardik had to say about Smartpay and the win below!
Congratulations on the win! Tell us a bit about yourself and your business
I migrated to Australia 14-15 years ago and worked multiple jobs in my early days. I worked at a car wash and then delivered pizzas for Dominos. After many years, I was promoted to managing that Dominos store and finally came to own my business – a Dominos franchise. Our business has grown since and we now own 5 other businesses in the tobacco industry.
I am a strong believer in “hard work paying off”. I am very proud to say that we have come a long way due to our diligence and the people we worked with. The people that my brother and I worked with became our partners and we are a close knit group – often supporting one another.
What made you recommend Smartpay and make the referral?
When my Dominos store switched to Smartpay, I was amazed. I did not have to pay a cent in merchant fees which had a tremendous impact on our cashflow. Eventually, I switched all our businesses EFTPOS solutions to Smartpay and have not looked back since. We are saving thousands every month! I began referring Smartpay within a month of switching as I was so impressed by the savings and will continue recommending it to my business network.
How does it feel being the lucky winner? Any ideas on how you might spend the $5,000?
Incredible! I would like to take my family on a holiday as they have been so supportive of the businesses and the many hours I’ve put in there. I will leave it up to my son to decide, he has been talking about Gold Coast for a while.
Q3 2022 Winner
Mallee Fowl, Restaurant Owner
We interviewed Susan, the owner of Mallee Fowl Restaurant in Monash, South Australia who is this quarter’s ‘refer a friend’ winner of the $5,000!! See what Susan had to say about Smartpay and the win below! The Mallee Fowl Restaurant is set on eleven acres of picturesque bushland and lies in the heart of the Riverland in South Australia, nestled within the beautiful Mallee countryside and located just five kilometres from the town of Berri. The restaurant has been designed to resemble an early settlement dwelling, with chooks, geese, emus, ducks, lyrebirds and many other Australian animals wandering the huge enclosure.
Congratulations on the win! Tell us a bit about yourself and Mallee Fowl Restaurant in Monash SA.
We have owned and operated the Mallee Fowl Restaurant in the picturesque Riverland and like most restaurants have been affected greatly by COVID. My husband and I along with our family enjoy the customers that attend our establishment and we are forever grateful for the support we receive.
What made you recommend Smartpay and make the referral?
I have been using Smartpay now for 8 months and absolutely love that we don’t have any fees, how easy it is to navigate and as a business owner I felt that I wanted to tell and allow my friends to be able to use this as well due to ease of use.
How does it feel being the lucky winner? Any ideas on how you might spend the $5,000?
I am over the moon! I am meeting with family to enjoy a night out and to languish in the funds that I would not have if it wasn’t for Smartpay, thank you so much. You have made my day, my week, my year! It’s not very often that you receive a phone call saying you’ve won money!
Q1 2022 Winner
Chris, Semaphore BBQ Chickens
We interviewed Chris, the owner of Semaphore BBQ Chickens in South Australia, our third ‘refer a friend’ winner of the $5,000 quarterly draw and an official Smartpay Ambassador. See what Chris had to say about Smartpay and the win below!
Congratulations on the win and welcome to the Smartpay Ambassador Program! Tell us a bit about yourself and Semaphore BBQ Chickens, SA.
I have been operating in this location for 6 years and had a store at Surrey Downs for 7yrs prior to that. We have a good size store right near the beach so see a lot of foot traffic, especially in summer. We sell a range of hot chickens, homemade fresh salads, seafood, hot chips, schnitzel and chicken packs.
What made you recommend Smartpay and make the referral?
My friend Johnny took over the Surrey Chicken & Takeaway shop and we got talking one day and I told him to check out Smartpay for EFTPOS. I love that nothing is taken out of your account as a bill at the end of the month where I was paying $600-$700 p/month to my bank prior to switching. That amount of money per month is a huge saving!
How do you feel about being the lucky winner? Any ideas on how you might spend the $5,000?
Rather than the business I think I might treat myself for once and buy a few items, maybe some new clothes! Thanks again Smartpay, I am glad I made that referral and Johnny I am sure will be just as excited with the $1,000 win!
