Clear explanations of common billing charges you may see on your Pickle invoice, with plain-English explanations and examples.
How to use this guide
If you see a charge on your invoice that you don’t recognise, find it below to understand:
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What the charge means
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Why it appears
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When it usually applies
If something still doesn’t look right after checking this guide, Pickle Support can help review it with you.
📄 Pro-rata Charges
What it is
A partial charge covering the period from when a service starts or changes until the end of your billing cycle.
Why it appears
If your service or plan changes part-way through the month, you’re only charged for the days used.
Example
You upgrade your plan on the 10th of the month — the bill includes a pro-rata charge for the remaining days.
📅 Month in Advance
What it is
A one-month charge paid upfront for a post-paid service.
Why it appears
Business services are billed in advance. When you start or change a plan, the first bill includes:
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Pro-rata usage, plus
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One month paid in advance
Important
This is not a penalty. If your service ends, this amount is credited on your final bill.
🚚 Delivery Fee
What it is
A charge for delivering physical equipment such as modems or phones.
Why it appears
Covers part of the logistics and handling cost for device delivery.
🏗️ NBN New Development Charge (NDC)
What it is
A charge set by nbn® for first-time connections at new developments.
Why it appears
Applied when nbn infrastructure is installed for the first time at a new property.
Who sets it
This charge is set by nbn®, not Pickle.
🔌 Subsequent Installation Charge (SIC)
What it is
A charge for adding an additional nbn service at the same address.
Why it appears
If you request a second nbn connection, additional nbn equipment may be required.
🧑🔧 Professional Installation (PIK)
What it is
A technician visit to install, repair, or configure services onsite.
Why it appears
Applied when:
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A technician is requested, or
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Onsite work is required beyond standard activation
⛔ Early Termination Charge (ETC)
What it is
A fee for ending a service before the agreed contract term.
Why it appears
The service was cancelled before the minimum term was completed.
📦 Non-Return Fee
What it is
A charge for equipment not returned after replacement.
Why it appears
If a device isn’t returned within the required timeframe after being replaced.
💳 Payment Processing Fee
What it is
A small fee for card payments.
Why it appears
Some payment methods (credit or scheme debit cards) incur higher processing costs.
How to avoid it
Pay by direct debit or bank transfer where available.
⏰ Late Payment Fee
What it is
A fee for bills paid after the due date.
Why it appears
Covers part of the administration and reminder costs.
Tip
Setting up direct debit helps avoid late payment fees.
📊 Extra Usage Charges
What it is
Charges for usage beyond plan allowances (legacy plans only).
Why it appears
Data or call usage exceeded the plan’s included limits.
Note
Most current Pickle business plans include usage protection.
🌍 International Calling Charges
What it is
Charges for calls or SMS sent from Australia to international numbers.
Why it appears
An international calling pack wasn’t active, or the destination wasn’t included.
✈️ International Roaming Charges
What it is
Charges for calls, texts, or data used overseas.
Why it appears
Roaming was used without an active roaming pack.
📡 Equipment Charges (Modems & Devices)
What it is
Charges for purchasing or replacing equipment.
Why it appears
A modem or device was:
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Purchased outright, or
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Added on a repayment plan
🧾 Repayment Option
What it is
A monthly device repayment.
Why it appears
Equipment was purchased on a payment plan rather than upfront.
🔁 Monthly Plan Fee
What it is
The base monthly cost of your Pickle business service.
Why it appears
This is your standard recurring service charge.
🛠️ Fee for Service (FFS)
What it is
Additional technician charges for work beyond standard installation.
Why it appears
Extra cabling, extended labour, or non-standard work was required.
🌐 GST (Goods and Services Tax)
What it is
A 10% Australian government tax.
Why it appears
Applied to most goods and services supplied in Australia.
🔌 Service Connection Fee
What it is
A once-off activation charge for new fixed services.
Why it appears
Applied when a service is connected for the first time.
🧾 Non-Electronic Payment Fee
What it is
A fee for paying via in-store or cheque.
Why it appears
Non-electronic payments cost more to process.
Need help reviewing a charge?
If you’ve checked this glossary and still have questions:
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Pickle Support can walk through your bill with you
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We’ll explain what each charge relates to before taking any action