- FAQ for Business Owners
Do I need an existing broadband connection to operate a hotspot?
Yes, your hotspot plugs directly into your existing broadband connection. If you do not have broadband installed, please contact an internet service provider. If broadband is not available in your area then contact us to discuss alternative options.
I already have a wireless modem, why should I run a hotspot?
Believe it or not this is how most people start off, then they start looking into a hotspot billing solution once they realise people are abusing their broadband connection and using up their monthly data cap. Our system controls usage and billing, prevents abuse of your broadband connection, reduces your liability risk and costs.
I purchased a hotspot from you, how do I set it up?
Your hotspot can be set-up in two easy steps, simply plug in the broadband cable from your existing modem to the port labelled “Internet” or “WAN” on your hotspot, plug in the power and switch on. If you are having trouble setting up your hotspot you can contact us for support.
How do customers/guests purchase internet access at my hotspot?
Your customers/guests can purchase internet access in two ways. They can purchase prepaid vouchers directly from you at your venue or they can purchase access directly from our website using their Visa or MasterCard.
How much does it cost customers/guests to use the internet at my hotspot?
You can charge your customers/guests any price you like when handing out vouchers, your sale price is entirely up to you. Your customers/guests can also use their credit card on our website to buy internet access. Prepaid account top-up’s cost $5.00 per 200MB with no time limits, and standard passes (one off purchases) purchased via the login page start at $3.00 for 1hr/100MB.
Charging stations also have different types of cables or sockets, the recommended standard for Level 2 AC charging is for the charger to provide a Type 2 socket; the driver will be expected to provide their own cable that’s compatible with their vehicle.
For more information on charging connectors and standards for New Zealand, please see the NZTA website
How much money can I expect to make?
How long is a piece of string? This entirely depends on how busy your location is, how many people wish to access the internet, and how many vouchers you sell.
Our charging stations are professionally installed by registered electricians, they are properly protected for the amount of power they will use, and are run from their own dedicated circuit.
Charging stations also deliver more power than a standard household socket, and in most instances will charge the EV at least twice as fast, if not faster.
How am I paid for customers purchasing access directly via your website?
We will pay you up to 50% of the revenue generated when guests/customers purchase WiFi directly through our secure website using their credit card. This is calculated according to the megabyte usage, for example if a customer buys an hour pass/100MB for $3.00 and uses up all their megabytes at your WiFi zone, you will be paid $1.50. If this customer only uses half of their megabytes at your WiFi zone and the other half at another zone, then you will be paid $0.75 and the other zone $0.75. The same applies also to prepaid account top-up’s. Revenue is paid directly into your bank account on the 20th of the month once your revenue balance reaches $20.00 or more. You can see your unpaid revenue on the Summary page after logging into the hotspot manager. You will receive an automatic email advising of any payout.
How do I print out vouchers, and which vouchers should I print?
You can print vouchers out from the “Print Vouchers” page after logging in with your operator id and selecting the zone/hotspot you wish to manage. You have a choice of vouchers with or without time limits.
Installation is performed by our registered electrician with install costs varying depending on the complexity of the install, for example distance from the distribution board and a few other factors. As a rough ballpark figure, the bare minimum will be in the order of $1300+GST for the install – although an actual figure is likely to exceed this.
What happens in regards to credit card charge backs?
We take care of any charge backs. We guarantee you any revenue generated from any online credit card transaction. If a charge back occurs due to the use of a stolen credit card we will carry the loss.
Your customers are able to purchase charging sessions directly on our web app at charge.zappie.nz and pay via credit card, you as the business owner are paid monthly according to the electricity usage, the amount depends on the plan you select with us.
How secure is my hotspot?
All hotspots include a firewall and are locked down to stop hackers and protect wireless users. Wireless users are automatically isolated from each other, and your private network is also automatically blocked from being accessed.
Can I use my own computers/devices on my hotspot?
Of course you can; there is an option called “Add Friends”, you can add any accounts here and assign them a monthly or unmetered quota as your WiFi zone (at no cost to you). This is also useful if you have flat mates or friends/family staying and want to give them free or restricted access.
I am having trouble setting up my hotspot, what should I do?
If you haven’t done so already, make sure you read and follow the instructions that came with your hotspot. The instructions are very easy to follow and there is very little that can go wrong. However we do offer support via phone, you can phone us toll free on 0800 633 489 between the hours of 9.30am and 5.30pm, Mon – Sat, excl public holidays. Please quote your customer id; this can be found on your customer card sent with your hotspot.
What sort of range can I expect out of my hotspot?
Our wireless hotspots like most other consumer wireless products typically have an indoor range of around 30 to 50 metres and an outdoor range of up to 200 metres line of sight given ideal conditions, however this is just a rough guide. There are many factors which come into play when determining your wireless range, for example objects/walls blocking line of sight, the type of device/laptop on the receiving end, interference sources; the list goes on. Generally laptops will receive a wireless signal much more efficiently than a smartphone, eg an iPhone, this due to the type of antennas used in these devices.
My hotspot is not working, no one can connect, what should I do?
Ok the first thing to try in this scenario is cycling the power on both your broadband modem and your hotspot. Simply turn both off for 30 seconds at the power source and then switch back on again. Also check all the cables; believe it or not some people never check any of their cables. Wait about two minutes and then try to browse a website. In most cases the problem will now be fixed and you should be directed to our login page. However if you are still having problems, it could mean your broadband connection is down or having problems.
- FAQ for WiFi Users
How do I connect and login to a hotspot?
You will need a WiFi enabled device, eg a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. These are all capable of utilising our service. Look for “Zappie” followed by the Venue name in the wireless network name or “ssid”, eg “Zappie @ Allenby Park Hotel” please make sure your wireless networking settings are set to automatic or “DHCP”. When you connect you should be redirected to our login page, you can login using either a prepaid voucher, passcode, or an account loaded with credit.
How much does it cost to use the internet at a hotspot?
Is free WiFi provided at any hotspots?
What payment methods are available?
Can I use Skype, watch YouTube, or use other high bandwidth websites?
In some instances you may also be able to purchase voucher codes or borrow an RF ID fob directly from the venue or establishment where the charger is located – please note that we cannot control the prices they may charge (some may give these out free), not all of them offer this option.
How secure is Zappie WiFi?
I am having trouble sending email, what can be wrong?
I am having problems connecting and or logging in, what can be wrong?
I have forgotten my username or password for my Zappie account.
Note that if the session was started using a voucher code, this code will no longer be valid for any future sessions. If you wish to continue charging, eg you are popping out for a few minutes then coming back, you will need a new voucher code to continue.