Frequently Asked Questions

We work at your pace to get you up and running smoothly. Most schools are fully operational within 2-4 weeks, with ongoing training and support from our local team. We handle the heavy lifting with setup, training, and testing so you can stay focused on running your school.

Yes. We'll help you migrate your current student records, billing information, and membership details from your existing system. Our onboarding team handles the data transfer to ensure accuracy and completeness.

No technical skills required. The EFC Customer Management is designed for martial arts and dance school owners, not IT professionals. Our intuitive interface makes it easy to manage students, process payments, track attendance, and communicate with families. Plus, our local support team is always available to help.

When you join EFC, you'll receive personalised assistance and help with software setup from our experienced team. You'll join other EFC members in weekly calls focused on business growth and learning, plus gain access to our self-paced software training platform. Our comprehensive onboarding ensures you have all the tools and support needed to succeed.

We help schools switch from other platforms regularly. Our team manages the transition, including data migration, system setup, and training. We'll work with you to minimise downtime and ensure your school keeps running smoothly during the switch.

The EFC Customer Management includes a complete business management solution with member database, billing system, automated communications, mobile app, attendance tracking, and grading management - all in one integrated platform. There are no setup fees and no annual administration fees. We believe in making it easy for martial arts and dance schools to get started with professional management tools.

This is a common misconception we're happy to clarify. Since 1967, we've structured our fees to be accessible for martial arts and dance schools of all sizes. With no setup fees, no annual administration fees, and all features included in one membership (member database, billing system, mobile app, and business support), our solution provides exceptional value. Chat with our team to learn how our service and fee structure can work for your school - many owners are pleasantly surprised when they see the complete picture of what's included and how it benefits their business.

Yes. As your school grows or your needs change, you can adjust your services. Talk to our team about making changes, and we'll help you transition smoothly.

We accept major credit cards and bank transfers for your EFC subscription. For your students' tuition payments, EFC processes credit cards, debit cards, and bank account payments (EFC Billing).

No. There are no setup fees and no annual administration fees. Everything is included to help you succeed and grow. What you see is what you get. No surprises!

No. If you're happy with your current billing provider, we can work with them. However, many schools choose our complete fee collection service—where our team handles student fee follow-up—to streamline everything in one place.

EFC manages the whole collection process from start to finish. Unfortunately from time to time a membership fee may fail and become outstanding, and EFC are here to handle all of that for you too. Our in-house follow-up procedures ensure that missed payments are followed up quickly. Both your EFC Customer Management software and our team will keep in contact with you throughout the process to update you on any progress. On average 96% of collections successfully collected first time.

Our EFC Billing system is fully compliant with Australian banking standards and supported by leading payment providers. It is: Easy to use and professional, Stress-free solution, Paperless and efficient, Provides steady cash flow, Fully managed and supported by our team.

Our modern EFC Billing system is seamlessly integrated into your EFC Customer Management software, handling the time-consuming tasks of membership fee collection and administration. Set up membership payments via our secure EFC Billing system, or use our professionally designed digital or printed membership forms. New memberships can be processed electronically and set up in minutes.

You can issue full or partial refunds directly from the student's billing page in EFC. The refund processes back to their original payment method, and the transaction is tracked in their payment history.

Yes. In addition to recurring tuition billing, you can create one-off invoices for testing fees, equipment, uniforms, special events, or any other charges. Families can pay these immediately through the member portal.

Families can pay with credit cards, debit cards, or bank accounts (Direct Debit). Bank account payments typically have lower processing fees than credit cards.

Absolutely. If you're happy with your current design, we can connect it to the EFC CRM to capture and track leads automatically. If you'd like to update your site, our Website team can rebuild it using proven layouts that turn visitors into students. Either way, your website will work as part of your business system, not separate from it.

Your EFC Websites website works hand in hand with your EFC Customer Management software, adding new prospects to your leads list instantly. When someone fills out a contact form on your website, they instantly appear in your EFC Customer Management pipeline. No copying information, no manual data entry—it just works.

EFC Websites is our proven website system powered by AI technology that helps you outrank your local competition on Google and provides a full funnel approach for your martial arts marketing. EFC Websites is designed to build high-performing martial arts websites quickly and efficiently, and is programmed to make sure that your website performs to its maximum potential automatically, generating you more qualified leads and new members.

Yes. All EFC websites are mobile-first, meaning they're designed to look perfect and load fast on phones, tablets, and desktop computers. Since most parents browse on mobile devices, this is critical for converting visitors into students.

Most websites are completed within 2-3 weeks, depending on your customisation needs and complexity.

Your website pages are optimised to convert like a funnel. EFC Websites is state of the art, and the artificial intelligence system builds and manages your website to get the best possible SEO ranking, generating the maximum amount of leads and paid trials for your business.

Students check in via a front desk kiosk or by scanning a QR code from the mobile app using their phone or keytag. Attendance is recorded automatically, class rosters update in real-time, and you can view attendance history for each student and each class.

Yes. Through the member portal and mobile app, families can: View membership details, Track past attendance, See instructor feedback, Manage outstanding balances, Update contact info, and access training resources.

Yes. Set maximum capacity for each class and rank eligibility requirements. The system prevents overbooking and ensures only eligible students can register.

The EFC Customer Management is designed to streamline your operations and boost productivity. With user-friendly features you can easily manage everything including:

• User management
• Direct Debit payments
• Classes and bookings
• Attendance and registers
• Self check-in kiosk
• Grading and assessment
• Point of sale / Shop
• Task automations
• Email & SMS messaging
• Lead capture & management
• Events registration
• Performance tracking and lots more!

Record each student's current belt rank, promotion history, and testing goals. Leave detailed instructor feedback with notes, photos, and videos. Students and parents see all progress updates in their member portal and mobile app.

Set up "when X happens, do Y" rules that run automatically in the background. Examples: Send birthday messages, celebration emails for promotion anniversaries, failed payment reminders, check-ins when students miss classes, or milestone celebrations. Once configured, they run without you remembering.

Yes. Students can record practice at home and upload videos through the app for instructor review. You can leave feedback, approve techniques, and track their development.

Yes! And it's FREE with your EFC membership—unlike other providers who charge extra.

The EFC Customer Management app makes it easy to manage your business from anywhere. You can:

• Track tasks
• Work with your team
• Check reports
• Keep things running smoothly
• All from your phone—no more messy paperwork!

The Members App & Online Portal makes learning and training easier than ever. Your members can:

• Watch training videos
• Get feedback and track progress
• See next steps and training tasks
• Book classes and check in with QR code
• Register for events
• View payment status
• Refer a friend
• And lots more!

You can even brand the app with your business colours and logo.

You can create and share the following assets and stay in control:

• Curriculum including programs, grades, skills & members app media content
• Email and SMS templates
• Electronic forms, including T&Cs & waivers
• Program sign-up packages
• Student badges & recognition system
• Automation flows
• Organisation reporting & financial management

Yes. The EFC Software provides easy management of multi-locations and franchises, including the ability to easily control your intellectual property and access to your curriculum across multiple locations.

Gain access to our local support team via email, phone, Zoom calls, live chat, and social media. There are many ways to contact us. No help is prevented by a contact us form. Our team provides personalised service to ensure you get the support you need.

The EFC Community is a global network where martial arts and dance school owners ask questions, share ideas, and tackle challenges together. With members from six different countries, you'll gain valuable insights, fresh strategies, and real-world advice from people who understand your business.

What's Inside:

• 💬 Current Discussions – Real-time answers to challenges
• 🌍 Global Expertise – Learn from six countries
• 📚 Full EFC Academy Classroom – Library of resources
• 🚀 No Distractions – Focused platform without social media noise

Included with Your EFC Membership!

Our team is available during business hours and always ready to help. You'll always speak to a real person, never a bot!

The EFC Academy is your self-learning platform for everything EFC and business growth. Accessible directly from within your EFC Customer Management software, including access to:

• Helpful articles
• Video interviews
• Masterclass coaching session recordings
• Fully customisable marketing templates
• Online courses
• EFC podcast
• EFC Customer Management training resources
• EFC news feed including upcoming events and more

When you join EFC, you'll receive personalised assistance and help with software setup from our experienced team. You'll join other EFC members in weekly calls focused on business growth and learning, plus gain access to our self-paced software training platform.

The EFC Academy is where martial arts and dance school owners learn, grow, and succeed with help from top experts and a global community. Every week, members get access to coaching, resources, and step-by-step guides to build a stronger, more profitable school.

What You Get:

• 👥 Recruitment – 50+ proven lead-generation strategies
• 🔄 Retention – Done-for-you templates and automations
• 📋 Systems – Repeatable systems for smooth operations
• 💡 Solutions – Creative strategies to tackle challenges

Included with Your EFC Membership!

The EFC Industry Awards recognise hard work and excellence in martial arts and dance schools. We celebrate business owners and team members who show great effort in teaching and running their schools.

Why These Awards Are Important:

• 📊 Proven Excellence – Based on measurable results
• ✨ Build Trust and Respect – Shows your school is one of the best
• 💡 Attract New Students – Award-winning schools stand out
• 🎖️ Celebrate Hard Work – Recognises dedication and talent
• 📸 Get Noticed – Professional photos to share your success

Yes! We only recommend partners who deliver exceptional service and understand the needs of martial arts and dance schools.

Francine Schaepper – EFC's Trusted PhotographerSpecialising in martial arts and dance, Francine captures every kick, leap, and celebration with precision and creativity.

📞 Contact: 0449 558 585

Custom Trophies – EFC's Trusted Award ProviderSpecialists in martial arts and dance awards, Custom Trophies create high-quality, custom-designed pieces that reflect your school's excellence.

📞 Contact: 02 4302 0429 | 0431 367 795

Yes. EFC is web-based and works on any device with a browser. Accessible through a web browser or as a download, EFC Customer Management will be with you everywhere you go.

Yes. EFC uses industry-standard security measures including secure data centres, regular backups, and compliance for payment processing. Your student data and financial information are protected.

You do. Your student records, contact information, and business data belong to you. If you ever leave EFC, you can export your data and take it with you.

EFC is a complete, all-in-one system designed so you don't need multiple tools. For specific integration needs, including Zapier connections, contact our team to discuss what's possible.

We're not just a software company. EFC is a complete growth system built specifically for martial arts and dance schools. You get:

• Fee collection handled by our team (we chase overdue accounts)
• Software that actually works together
• Proven business coaching
• Supportive community

We've been doing this for 58 years globally, and we're the only provider in Australia and New Zealand offering this complete package with real local support.

We are the only provider in Australia and New Zealand offering not only software but also ongoing, easy local support, student fee follow-up, and growth solutions. We're here to support you every step of the way, treating our clients like family.

Key Differences:

• 🤝 Local Support – Real human, never a bot
• 💰 No Hidden Fees – Everything included
• 🥋 Student Fee Follow-Up – We chase payments for you
• 📱 FREE Mobile App – Unlike competitors who charge extra
• 🌏 58 Years Global + Local Execution