AMP Bank is rewarding Qantas Frequent Flyers and Qantas Business Rewards members with Qantas Points when they link their AMP Bank Everyday Account or Everyday Business Account. 

The appeal of rewards programs

Research from AMP shows that rewards programs have great appeal for Australians and small business owners when choosing a bank account.

John Arnott, Director Small Business and Personal Banking, AMP Bank said:

“Rewarding our AMP Bank customers is at the forefront of our business, and we are really excited to be partnering with the largest airline loyalty program in Australia to help us to do just that.

“We’re making it easier for everyday banking customers and small businesses to simply earn points on their balance in a transaction account, with no account fees or hidden charges.

“We’re excited to be offering small business owners points in a never-before seen way. A first that we’re proud to be taking to market.”

Customers will now be able to earn 1 Qantas Point for every $10 of their average monthly account balance, up to $5,000,000. For example, a $10,000 average balance earns 1,000 Qantas Points in that month. Plus, there are no account fees or spending requirements to earn Qantas Points. 

The Qantas Points are calculated and deposited monthly based on the average account balance of that month.

Qantas Points can be used in a variety of ways, including to book reward seats, request flight upgrades, hotel stays, entertainment and more.

Simon Rowlands, Executive Manager Financial Services, Qantas Loyalty said:

“Australians love earning Qantas Points and partnering with AMP Bank provides customers with even more opportunities to boost their points balance and make their everyday banking more rewarding.”

Double the Qantas Points

To celebrate, all customers will earn double points on their average monthly account balance until 31 July 2025 boosting their points balance and getting them closer to their next reward.

All customers who sign up to AMP Bank’s mobile app, can also access free membership to the Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Business Rewards programs. To find out more information visit www.amp.com.au/campaigns/bank/earn-qantas-rewards

The hesitation to hit publish is one of the biggest roadblocks among business owners trying to grow their brand online. They know they need to show up, but they overthink every post—agonising over every word, questioning their authority, and fearing judgment.

Before they know it, they’ve wasted hours stuck in a cycle of indecision while others—often with far less experience—show up consistently and position themselves as the go-to expert.

This isn’t just frustrating; it’s a missed opportunity to attract dream clients and grow your business.

If you find yourself stuck in post paralysis, here’s how to move past it and start showing up with confidence:

1. Get Out of Your Own Way

Imposter syndrome whispers, Who do you think you are?—a thought that stops so many business owners from putting themselves out there.

A mindset shift that works? Detach from the post. Imagine you’re a social media manager responsible for someone else’s brand. Would you overthink it the same way? Probably not—you’d create, post, and move on.

The truth is, if you wouldn’t judge someone else for posting the same thing, why assume others will judge you?

Instead of overthinking, treat your content like an experiment. What resonates? What falls flat? The only way to know is to actually post and pay attention to the response. Turn it into a game.

2. See Social Media as a Flowing Stream

A lot of people hesitate to post because they fear their content will be scrutinised forever. But social media doesn’t work like that.

Think of your feed as a river—your post floats by, seen by the people online at that moment, and then it moves along. It’s not a post-it note stuck to your forehead for all eternity.

Consistency beats perfection every time. The sooner you let go of the pressure to make every post flawless, the easier it becomes to show up regularly.

3. Focus on Impact Over Perfection

What’s worse – posting something that’s not “perfect” or keeping your expertise hidden from people who need it? Your dream clients are out there looking for exactly what you offer. Every day you stay invisible is a day they can’t find you.

Or on the flip side:
✅ The right person sees your post and it resonates.
✅ They start following, engaging, and building trust with you.
✅ They become a client.

When you compare the two, one of those outcomes is far more important than the other.

4. Call Out Your Ideal Clients in Your Posts

The easiest way to get engagement from the right people? Make it clear who your content is for.

Instead of:
“Here’s why social media matters for business owners…”

Try:
“Coaches & consultants—struggling to turn content into clients? Here’s why your messaging isn’t landing.”

This does two things:
🔹 It grabs the attention of the right audience.
🔹 It filters out the people who aren’t a fit—so you’re not answering the wrong inquiries.

“Done is better than perfect.” Because the truth is, an imperfect post that actually goes live will always outperform the “perfect” one sitting in your drafts.

Your expertise is too valuable to keep hidden. The world needs what you have to share, and there are premium clients out there ready to work with you.

But they can’t find you if you’re stuck in content paralysis.

So next time you’re hesitating to hit ‘post’, remember: Every expert you admire started by simply sharing what they know. Your next dream client could be just one post away.

Because at the end of the day, how can you become a thought leader if nobody knows your thoughts?

Contributed by Kady O’Connell, Founder of Kady Creative and Booked Out Brand

Small and medium-sized business owners are facing a significant financial change that could impact cash flow and tax planning. From July 1, 2025, the Australian Government will no longer allow tax deductions for interest charges imposed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). For many SMEs already managing tight cash flow, this change could add to financial strain.

The new rule applies to interest charges such as the General Interest Charge (GIC) and Shortfall Interest Charge (SIC) that the ATO imposes on overdue tax debts. Previously, businesses could claim these as deductions, but from mid-2025, this will no longer be the case.

This shift comes at a time when many SMEs are already feeling financial strain, particularly as the ATO intensifies efforts to recover outstanding tax debts.

Siobhan Williams, Head of Mortgages at Pepper Money explains, “Many small business owners rely on tax deductions to manage their expenses effectively. The removal of this deduction means that SMEs need to be even more proactive in managing their tax liabilities and cash flow.”

Why tax deductions for interest charges matters for business owners

Losing the ability to deduct ATO interest charges means businesses could face higher tax bills and additional financial stress. With tax debts accumulating interest, business owners need to act now to review their financial strategies and explore options for managing liabilities before these changes take effect.

According to Williams, the change underscores the importance of having the right financial strategies in place. “Small business owners should review their tax obligations well in advance and explore financing options that can help them stay on top of payments and avoid accumulating interest charges.”

What Business Owners Can Do

If your business has outstanding ATO debt or is struggling with cash flow, Williams shares steps to consider:

1. Consult a Financial Professional – Speak with an accountant or financial advisor to understand the full impact of these changes and explore strategies for managing tax obligations.
2. Review Your Financial Position – Take stock of all outstanding debts, including ATO liabilities, and assess your current financial health.
3. Consider Alternative Financing Options – Business owners may have options such as refinancing, cash flow lending, or asset-based finance to restructure their debts and improve financial stability.
4. Act Before July 1, 2025 – With these changes coming soon, now is the time to explore solutions rather than waiting until tax bills become unmanageable.
5. Plan for the Future – Managing debt is not just about short-term relief; it’s about setting up a sustainable financial strategy that allows businesses to thrive in the long run.

The Bigger Picture

“This legislative change highlights the need for SMEs to take control of their financial planning. With tax deductions on ATO interest charges being phased out, businesses that rely on these deductions as part of their financial strategy need to adjust their approach,” says WIlliams.

One option that businesses might consider is seeking flexible funding solutions. “At Pepper Money, we understand that cash flow fluctuations are a reality for many SMEs. Alternative finance options can help business owners stay in control of their finances, ensuring they have access to funds when they need them most,” says Williams.

While the government’s goal is to encourage timely tax payments, the change presents a challenge for businesses already under pressure. “Preparation is key. Business owners should work closely with their accountants or financial advisers to develop strategies that keep them financially resilient,” Williams concludes.

More details can be found on the ATO website here.

Dining out remains an indispensable part of the Australian social life but consumers are becoming more strategic with their spending due to rising costs. Budget-conscious consumers are driving new dining preferences and this behaviour is creating opportunities for casual dining restaurants. Value-driven meals with healthy options that seamlessly integrate into a consumer’s modern, fast-paced lifestyle are taking priority.  

With tighter household budgets, consumers are limiting their premium dining experiences and prioritising casual and mid-range dining options. On average, an Australian diner eats out 38 times a year with 54% of consumers between the ages of 16 to 24 eating out at least once a week[1].

Takeaway and delivery continue to compete with dine-in experiences, as consumers prioritise convenience for fast, seamless and cost-efficient takeaway and delivery options, however, there’s a shift in the dynamics of delivery versus takeaway. Takeaway is resurging, particularly for the budget-conscious consumer avoiding high delivery fees. The average diner orders takeaways to pick up in person on average 32 times a year whereas delivery orders average 28 times a year.[2]

Observing the shift in consumer behaviour, Jun Lee, Executive Director of Gami, said, “For a restauranteur, budget-conscious dining is about understanding the market and making informed choices with menu options that reflect the consumer’s demand for authentic flavours and quality meals at good value prices.”

“With people watching their wallets and seeking convenient meals, Gami has positioned itself perfectly to meet evolving consumer preferences with our authentic, flavoursome Korean cuisine that makes Gami a modern Korean dining destination. Interesting menu options, exclusive offerings, experiential dining, easy and fast takeaway ordering, and the convenience and approachability of fast-casual dining are ideal for busy customers looking for quick service and high-quality, customisable meals,” he added.

Lee said that the increasing demand for Korean cuisine in Australia, fuelled by the global phenomenon of K-pop, Korean dramas, and the cultural wave known as Hallyu, has certainly helped Gami’s Korean Delights growth, which has seen an 18% increase year on year. “The continued rise of K-culture in Australia has created a wonderful platform for us to introduce our offering to mainstream markets. We aim to make quality Korean food accessible, convenient, and a favourite of every household.”

Providing consumers with a healthier, wider taste of Korea, Gami recently introduced a new menu comprising of healthy and balanced Korean-inspired dishes, including Seoul Tteokbokki, Beef Bulgogi Hotpot, Cupbab, Bibimbap, Gochujang Chicken, and Chicken Skewer Plate. Designed to align with modern dietary preferences while preserving authentic Korean flavours and traditions, these menu additions have resonated with health-conscious diners. Their popularity has driven a notable increase in sales and reinforced the brand’s reputation for culinary innovation.  

“This year will see Gami introducing even more Korean meals with exciting combinations of tastes, blending authentic flavours with modern appeal, along with pairing suggestions, set menu options and combo deal promotions,” said Lee. “For us, menu innovation is more than adding dishes, it’s about offering something consumers can’t find anywhere else. An example of this is our Korean Delights menu options, which offer street food appetisers similar to what you’d find in the markets in Korea.  These dishes have been extremely popular as an extension of our Korean Chicken offering, and we’ll continue to evolve menu options to surprise and delight our customers. Whether it’s our Korean Classics, new shared meals, or scrumptious desserts, every offering is designed to reflect our commitment to quality and authenticity.”

Beyond the menu, Gami is reimagining the dining experience through dynamic restaurant design. The brand is creating spaces that feel vibrant, welcoming, and modern while still honouring its Korean heritage. Consumers can expect immersive dining experiences, such as themed pop-up events, multi-sensory dining, and unique tasting menus. Gami’s loyalty program, which plays a key role in customer engagement, will also be enhanced with exclusive rewards for diners actively seeking value-driven offers.

“For Gami, 2025 is about delivering more – more flavour, more innovation, and more reasons for customers to keep coming back. From bold, locally sourced ingredients to creative new ways to personalise the dining experience, Gami is focused on pushing boundaries with staying true to its roots. With continued investment in loyal fans and a growing appetite among adventurous foodies, Gami is ready to serve up a year of exciting change,” said Jun.

Founded in 2006, Gami Chicken combines authentic Korean family recipes with the vibrant energy of Melbourne’s laneway culture. Over the past two decades, it has gained a loyal following across Australia, growing to 30 locations nationwide.

For more information visit www.innoveilgami.com.au

Xero, the global small business platform, has launched Tap To Pay on iPhone, enabling Xero customers in Australia with a Stripe account to seamlessly and securely accept in-person contactless payments with their iPhone and the Xero Accounting app — no additional hardware or payment terminal needed. Tap to Pay on iPhone enables businesses to accept all forms of contactless payments, including contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets.

Using Tap to Pay on iPhone is easy, secure and private. With Tap to Pay on iPhone, at checkout, the merchant can simply prompt the customer to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch with their contactless credit or debit card, Apple Pay or other digital wallet to pay with their contactless credit or debit card near the merchant’s iPhone. The payment will be securely completed using Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. Tap to Pay on iPhone also supports PIN entry, which includes accessibility options.

Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology uses the built-in features of iPhone to keep the business’ and customers’ data private and secure. When a payment is processed, Apple doesn’t store card numbers or transaction information on Apple servers, so merchants and customers can rest assured that their data stays theirs¹.

Empowering businesses with more ways to pay

Managing cash flow is more important than ever for small businesses, and receiving timely payments from customers is a fundamental piece of the puzzle.

Xero research shows two in five (41%) consumers say they are frustrated when their preferred payment option isn’t available and one in four (28%) would shop elsewhere if a business didn’t offer one of their preferred ways to pay. The research also showed that 86% of Australian consumers say they use credit and debit cards.

Bharathi Ramavarjula, SVP, Payments & Ecosystem at Xero said, “Managing payments plays a vital part of the cash flow equation, but small businesses continue to face challenges, including chasing late payments. With so much on their plate already, keeping pace with shifting consumer expectations and market trends can feel overwhelming.

That’s why payments is such a core part of Xero’s business strategy. With the launch of Tap to Pay on iPhone, we’re excited to support small businesses to streamline payment processes, enabling them to accept payments on the spot, and maintain a healthy cash flow.”

Tap to Pay on iPhone enables Xero customers in Australia with a Stripe account to use a contactless payment acceptance solution that is easy to set up and use. Businesses will be able to unlock contactless payment acceptance through theXero Accounting app on an iPhone XS or later running the latest version of iOS, and can simply download the Xero Accountingapp from the Apple App Store to start accepting contactless payments within minutes.

For more information on Xero, please visit xero.com

Australia is in the midst of a microbusiness boom. As traditional nine-to-five jobs continue to evolve, I have seen more Australians get creative by turning their passions, skills and hobbies into successful microbusinesses. Whether it’s a home-based dog grooming service, a mobile coffee cart or a handcrafted jewellery business, microbusinesses are reshaping the future of work.

Today, nearly 2.7 million businesses are actively trading in Australia, and microbusinesses make up a significant portion. These small operations often start with a simple idea, but I know firsthand that they require careful planning and strategic decision-making to grow.

Turning a side hustle into a microbusiness is incredibly rewarding, but it is so much more than having a great idea. It is also about planning, being smart with your resources and using the right technology to support your growth.

Top tips for turning your side hustle into a successful microbusiness

1. Start with a clear vision and plan
Define your business goals, target market and unique selling points. Your plan doesn’t need to be complex, but it should be clear and actionable, outlining the steps you’ll take to grow.

2. Use the right tools
Smart tools streamline your operations and free up your time and also help with scheduling, payments, customer communication and social media.  This way, you can stay focused on the heart of your business.

3. Understand your finances
Keep a close eye on cash flow and use budgeting tools to manage expenses. Financial oversight is crucial to long-term sustainability.

4. Embrace digital marketing
Build an online presence with a professional website and active social channels. It’s an efficient and cost-effective way to expand your reach.

5. Prioritise customer relationships
Personalised service is where microbusinesses shine. Prompt communication and exceptional service go a long way in building loyalty and word-of-mouth referrals.

Mistakes to avoid when growing your microbusiness

1. Ignoring market research
Without truly understanding your audience, their needs and market trends, your offering may fall flat. It’s one of the most common and costly mistakes I see.

2. Neglecting proper bookkeeping and accounting
Good habits start from day one. Don’t wait until tax time aspoor financial management can lead to missed deductions, penalties or cash flow issues.

3. Trying to do everything yourself
I get it – it’s tempting to wear all the hats. But burnout is real. Delegating or outsourcing tasks such as bookkeeping or marketing means you can focus on what matters most: growing your business.

4. Ignoring data insights
One of the best decisions I ever made was leaning into data. Customer behaviour, sales patterns, marketing ROI—these insights help you fine-tune your strategy and avoid costly guesswork.

5. Overlooking scalability from the outset
Think beyond today. Plan for future growth, whether that’s expanding operations, hiring or introducing better tech. Too many microbusinesses stall when they hit early success because they weren’t ready to scale.

Microbusinesses are reshaping Australia’s economic landscape. By combining your passion with strategy and the right tools, I believe your side hustle can absolutely evolve into a flourishing microbusiness and ready to make a real impact.

Contributed by By Elise Balsillie, Head of Thryv Australia and New Zealand

VistaPrint has released the findings from its 2025 SMB Report revealing that over 2-in-3 (65%) SMB owners have struggled in the first quarter of 2025, but the outlook looks positive with half of SMBs (50%) describing their current feeling as optimistic, positive, excited, or uplifted.  

There are plenty of political, economic and technological shifts happening that SMBs are having to navigate.  SMB owners are particularly worried about inflation (43%) and a potential recession (38%), and as many as 2-in-5 (39%) say AI has made it significantly (9%) or somewhat (30%) harder to stand out.   

SMBs are tackling headwinds with optimism and pragmatism 

As always seems to be the case, Australian SMBs are tackling headwinds with optimism, stoicism and pragmatism. 

2025 is an election year in Australia and roughly 2-in-5 (38%) SMBs expect the upcoming election will impact their business positively while over a quarter (27%) expect things will remain the same.  

Furthermore, the global political landscape doesn’t appear to be impacting Australian SMBs’ confidence either, with just under half (48%) either very prepared (13%) or somewhat prepared (35%) to navigate the political shifts happening both locally and overseas, versus just 11% who are unprepared. 

With regards to technological shifts and the rapid proliferation of AI, despite some concerns,  almost 2-in-5 (37%) Aussie SMBs are very optimistic (10%) or somewhat optimistic (27%) about the role of AI in business.  

Crowded, murkier waters making it difficult to stand out  

Social media and artificial intelligence do however appear to me crowding and muddying the waters. In addition to the SMB sentiment that AI makes it harder to stand out as a brand, slightly more SMB owners (44%) believe social media does the same.  

Of those concerned about AI, lack of human touch (26%), data privacy and security risks (21%) and accuracy of the information and data reported (21%) ranked highest for the reasons for concern. 

SMBs overwhelmingly believe (62%) that AI generated content is, or has the potential to, dominate the content we see on social media and other media channels, and almost half (48%) say AI generated content makes it difficult to compete for share of voice.  

Branding and personalisation a silver bullet  

Customer engagement, personalisation and authenticity appear to be the perfect antidote to the murky waters of increased social and AI content. 

Two thirds of SMBs (66%) say customer engagement and personalisation is the main way they differentiate their brand in an environment where social media and AI generated content is gaining popularity. Prioritising authentic storytelling (35%) ranked the second most popular way to differentiate their brand.

In addition, physical marketing materials made the top three branding and marketing methods that SMBs say they are going to invest in most this year, along with digital marketing and social media.

Marcus Marchant, CEO of VistaPrint, commented on the resilience of SMBs, stating: “Despite the challenges facing small businesses in 2025, it’s encouraging to see that optimism remains strong. SMB owners are resourceful, and they recognise that strong branding, personalised engagement – particularly the use of physical marketing materials that leave a lasting impression – and authenticity, are key to standing out in today’s evolving landscape. At a time of rapid change, businesses that embrace adaptability and innovation will continue to thrive.”

SMB owners certainly appreciate the value of branding and marketing, with almost 2-in-5 (38%) putting extreme (9%) or high (29%) emphasis on it as a driver of business success in the current landscape.  

Providing great customer service, being transparent about your practices, and delivering an incredible product and service every time are the most effective ways to build brand trust according to SMB owners. Partnering with influencers ranked the least. 

To find more about VistaPrint’s range of physical marketing and branding materials [see here].

HP Australia has launched its ZBook Ultra G1a laptop, HP’s most powerful 14” mobile workstation. With up to 50 TOPS NPU, it is available with Microsoft Copilot AI experiences and this next gen AI PC enables professionals, businesses, and creatives to achieve elevated performance, productivity, and creativity.

HP is transforming high-performance computers with innovations that deliver cutting-edge hardware and solutions for today’s workforce. 75% of product designers believe that the current computing technology is not able to meet their multi-software requirements[i] while workstation users desire smaller and lighter devices[ii].

“At HP, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to meet the evolving needs of today’s professionals and the future of work”, said Aman Sangar, HP ANZ Category Manager. “I believe that the launch of the ZBook Ultra G1a marks a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile workstations, offering an unrivaled combination of power, performance, and portability”.

Powered by an AMD Ryzen ™ AI Max PRO processor which boasts up to 16 “Zen 5” CPU cores, up to 40 AMD RDNA™ 3.5 graphics compute units, and an AMD XDNA™ 2 NPU with up to 50 TOPS of AI processing ability, the ZBook Ultra G1a delivers leading-class performance for creators and power users to redefine their workflows. Featuring up to 128GB of unified memory across the chipset with up to 96GB available for graphics, the laptop empowers users to achieve seamless and reliable multitasking – including simultaneously engage in 3D design, render graphics-intensive projects, and work locally with LLMs.

Unleashing the power of LLM

One of the ZBook Ultra G1a’s latest features is its ability to work locally with Large Language Models (LLM). Thanks to the AMD unified memory architecture with next generation compute performance, developers are now able to run LLM software like Meta’s Llama 70B and Mistral AI’s Mixtral 8x7B, all on a thin and light 14” mobile workstation. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO Series processors also include powerful ISV-certified graphics, support AMD PRO Technologies security and reliability features, and leverage the intrinsic advantages of integration to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a mobile, compact workstation.

Tailored for those working in sectors such as architecture, engineering, construction, product development and entertainment, the HP ZBook Ultra G1a features the best possible way to tackle workflows to visualise and iterate with Generative AI:

• The HP ZBook Ultra 14 G1a, equipped with the AMD XDNA[PB1] ™ 2 NPU as part of the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO processor, advanced computational power, and a highly efficient integrated GPU, provides creators with the tools needed to harness the latest AI features in their software—no matter where their work takes them.
• AI-enhanced New Onlooker Detection with Screen Blur means the PC will notify users when an onlooker is detected and automatically blurs the screen if needed.
• Improving the way you work on-the-go, with all-day uncompromised performance, as well as tools like Windows Copilot+, PC recall intelligence, real-time conference call translations and studio effects, all running locally
• Part of HP’s most sustainable PC portfolio, the ZBook Ultra 14 G1a is made of 50% recycled copper used in the heat plate, with the covers being made of 80% recycled Aluminum.

HP ZBook Ultra G1a Pricing and Availability

The HP ZBook Ultra G1a is expected to be available on HP.com on 1^st April 2025, with an RRP starting from $3,000 AUD.

New research has revealed food delivery payment flexibility could be the factor that makes or breaks your business in the increasingly competitive hospitality landscape.

In today’s competitive business landscape, consumers have more choices than ever. The rise of third-party delivery apps and the growing demand for convenience are putting pressure on hospitality businesses, especially small restaurants grappling with the cost of doing business. For these businesses to remain competitive and thrive, they must fully understand their customers’ purchasing behaviour and decision-making criteria.

A new report, the 2025 Ecommerce Payments Experience Report, from Power Retail in partnership with Payments Consulting Network (PCN), supported by Stripe and Zip, has revealed that payment options can have a significant impact on conversion rates and could be the factor that determines whether a potential customer converts and becomes a loyal customer, or turns to competitors for more convenience.

According to the research, payment flexibility may just be the deciding factor for many customers as they seek options that work with their financial circumstances.

What does this mean for small hospitality businesses and restaurants?

As these services have become more widely accepted, their role in shaping purchasing behaviour is more apparent than ever. Forty percent of consumers have used BNPL options in the past six months alone. This suggests that the trend is not only growing, but is becoming a preferred choice for a significant portion of the population, particularly for discretionary purchases like food delivery.

For small restaurants, adopting BNPL could significantly impact their food delivery business. If a consumer can pay for a meal in installments, they may be more inclined to place an order, even when faced with higher-than-usual prices or larger orders. This can result in more frequent and larger orders, especially during peak periods like weekends or holidays, where spending can be higher.

The younger generations are leading the charge on this, with a strong preference for BNPL services. Among consumers aged 25-34, 58 percent are now using Flexible Payment Options, with 18-24-year-olds not far behind at 53 percent. The 35-44 age group comes in third at 49 percent. These younger consumers are driven by their desire for greater control over their finances, especially in the face of economic uncertainty.

Mangala Martinus, Managing Director of Payments Consulting Network comments, “In today’s competitive landscape, consumers have a wide range of businesses to choose from. So, it is crucial for businesses to understand consumer purchasing behaviour and decision-making criteria and adapt accordingly to succeed.”

It is essential to get ahead of the competition before it is too late. By understanding and actively addressing the needs for payment choices and convenience, businesses can strengthen relationships and give their customers more reasons to become loyal, repeat shoppers.

What is a flexible payment option, or Buy Now, Pay Later?

There are a lot of payment options out there, many having emerged in the past decade. Traditional payment methods like debit and credit have evolved to include digital wallets and BNPL, and are rivalled by bank transfers and flexible payment options. By familiarising themselves with these options, and prioritising the most popular and widely used methods among their consumer base, businesses can ensure they don’t lose out on sales.

Among the payment methods gaining traction, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services have emerged as a key driver of consumer purchasing decisions. While debit cards remain the most commonly used payment method, the research found that nearly 29 percent of customers use Flexible Payment Options almost as often as more traditional options like BPay, Bank Transfers, and Gift Cards/Vouchers. This shift in payment preferences reveals a growing demand for alternatives that align better with consumers’ budgeting preferences.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports that the national savings-to-income ratio is currently at just 3.8 percent as of March 2025. While this is an improvement from the worrying 0.9 percent ratio seen in March 2024, it still pales in comparison to the pre-pandemic figure of 7.6 percent in September 2019. This low savings rate, combined with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, has prompted many consumers to turn to BNPL and other flexible payment solutions as a way to better manage their finances.

What can small businesses do to strengthen their position in a crowded food delivery market?

BNPL’s impact on food delivery is particularly notable. With the cost of living continuing to impact consumers in 2025, many are looking for ways to manage their spending while still enjoying their favourite foods and supporting local businesses. By offering BNPL services and flexible payment options, small businesses can tap into a large consumer base that is looking for flexibility in their spending, especially for discretionary items like dining out or ordering food delivery.

Contributed by By Rosalea Catterson