Christmas pressure on EFTPOS system

Retailers should dust off their zip-zap machines and stock up on manual credit card chits just in case the EFTPOS system collapses when it's needed most, a business association chief warned today.

"All indicators are pointing to a potentially unprecedented last minute rush with many people still to finish their shopping. What's more given the economy and the fact that Christmas falls on a Friday, it could be a real bun-fight on Thursday," said Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

"We had a nightmare back in 2005 when the Eftpos system crashed across the country in the middle of the day on the 23rd, costing retailers dearly, as shoppers had no choice but to walk out empty handed. We don't think this will happen again, but nonetheless retailers should be prepared just in case. No retailer wants to miss out on sales this year.

"I understand the likes of Paymark have added a lot more capacity to their systems in recent years. However given we could see in excess of 120 transactions per second at lunch time on Christmas Eve the pressure on the network will be huge", said Brewer.

"We are also keen to remind shoppers not to leave it too late. Most of the country's shopping malls close at 6pm on Christmas Eve. Men particularly shouldn't think they can leave their shopping until after work on Thursday," added Brewer.