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If you find yourself constantly chasing business payments and suffering from an irregular cash flow, it might be time to consider a new payment solution.
However, choosing the right payment solution for small businesses can take time and effort. With so many options available, how do you know which features will bring the most benefits to your day-to-day?
If you’re a small business owner considering a Direct Debit solution, read this blog post to learn the benefits of Direct Debit and the crucial factors to consider when selecting which solution.
Direct Debit solutions: The benefits
Firstly, let’s look at the benefits of payment solutions for a small business.
Improved cash flow
With a Direct Debit solution, you can enjoy the benefits of a recurring payment system, ensuring a steady, expected flow of revenue into your business.
Payments are taken automatically on a specified date every month, meaning you can manage your finances effectively and forecast future revenue more accurately.
Reduced admin time
Direct Debit solutions allow you to automate your payment processes, leading to a range of benefits for your business.
Automation allows you to save time and resources on manual tasks such as chasing late payments, freeing you and your staff to focus on the things that matter most to your company.
Greater customer convenience
Direct Debit doesn’t solely benefit you and your employees — your customers can also enjoy a simple, secure payment system they’re familiar with and trust.
Automatic payments offer a seamless payment experience for your customers, eliminating the need for them to submit payments manually. This convenience benefits your business, making it easier to handle the payment process while also enabling you to achieve higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Lower transaction costs
Direct Debit is cost-effective, as it allows you to avoid costly credit and debit card transaction fees, which can be charged at up to 3%.
If your business processes payments regularly, these fees can add up and become an unnecessary cost for your company.
Searching for the right solution: Factors to consider
As a small business owner, how do you know which factors will deliver maximum impact for your company?
With so many options available, knowing the features you’ll get the most out of can be difficult. Here are a few to consider.
Security and compliance
Look for a solution that prioritises data security and compliance in line with industry regulations, such as PCI. Your solution should adhere to robust security protocols and be equipped with the tools required to protect your customers.
Some security measures your business can take when seeking to mitigate risk include secure payment gateways, fraud detection tools and robust customer verification procedures.
Flexibility and scalability
Growth is a key factor for any small business. As your business grows, it’s vital that your processes — and payment solutions — grow with it.
Choose a Direct Debit solution that offers clear scalability and can adapt to the changing requirements of your business. Flexibility is also a key factor, as you’ll want to choose a payment solution that can accommodate changing payment frequencies, amounts and future expansion.
Customer support
One of the most important aspects of choosing the right payment solution for your small business is the level of customer support you’ll receive from your provider.
You’ll want a provider that shows you how to get the most out of your software by offering timely assistance and technical guidance. This means your solution will boost efficiencies in your business, and responsive customer support ensures minimal disruption to business operations.
Payment scheduling
Your solution should allow you to set up one-time or recurring payments based on customer needs and business requirements.
Being able to customise payment frequencies and dates will give you complete control over your payments and cash flow.
Simple user experience
Direct Debit doesn’t have to be complicated. When choosing the right payment solution for your small business, ensure it has a user-friendly interface and a straightforward onboarding process.
Your solution should offer intuitive navigation to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your customers.
Low set-up cost
As a small business owner, you’ll know every penny counts. So, when you're implementing a new payment solution, ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Some modern payment solutions, although low in price, can be mighty in what they can deliver to smaller businesses looking to overhaul the way they collect payments.
Choosing the right payment solution for you
If you’re a small business owner who no longer has time to chase late payments or is looking to regulate cash flow, it might be time to consider a new way of handling payments.
Finding the right payment solution for small businesses is no mean feat. Take the hassle out of researching and comparing various options, and allow us to guide you to the Direct Debit solution that best suits your unique needs.
By using our Solution Finder, you can discover your company’s ideal match by answering a few simple questions.
To get started on your journey toward finding a payment solution that works for you, click below.
