Have you ever wished for a method/way that could effortlessly collect payments for your business? Well, look no further because direct debit is here to make your financial dreams come true.
Direct debit is a fast, simple and secure alternative that gives you total control over your payments, including recurring payments.
Players in the financial services ecosystem have teamed with NIBSS (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System) to create a ground-breaking Direct Bank Account Debit solution, using the Nigerian payments space as an example.
Forget payment hiccups! Direct Debit unlocks a new era of effortless transactions for lenders and borrowers alike. Say goodbye to missed payments and hello to reliable on-time cash flow for your business and improved credit scores for your clients. It's a win-win!
In this article, we will explore how direct debit can be the ultimate solution for streamlining your payments collections.
How direct debit works
Direct debit is a payment method that allows businesses to collect funds directly from their customers' bank accounts on a set date.
Authorization and Agreement: It works by establishing a pre-authorized agreement between the business and the customer, giving the business permission to withdraw funds regularly. This agreement can be set up either online or through a physical mandate form, depending on the preferred method of the business and the customer.
Activate debit requests: Once the agreement is in place, the business can initiate the payment process by providing the necessary details to their bank or a third-party payment processor.
Communication: The bank or payment processor then sends a request to the customer's bank, asking for the agreed-upon amount to be transferred. The customer's bank verifies the request and transfers the funds to the business's account.
Support: This entire process is automated and requires no manual intervention from either party, making it a seamless and efficient payment solution. Direct debit offers businesses the flexibility to collect payments on a one-time or recurring basis. Additionally, our support team is available to attend to your questions and inquiries so we can guide you.
For example, a business can use direct debit to collect monthly subscription fees, installment payments, or even one-time purchases. The amount and frequency of the payments can be customized to suit the specific needs of the business and its customers. This flexibility makes direct debit suitable for a wide range of industries, including utilities, insurance, e-commerce, and membership-based organizations.
Read more on how direct debit works here.
Why are we enthusiastic about recurring payments when they're nothing new?
Direct debit offers numerous benefits for businesses of all sizes. Here are some of the key advantages that make direct debit the preferred choice for many:
Improved cash flow: By automating the payment collection process, direct debit ensures a reliable and timely cash flow for your business. Say goodbye to the stress of waiting for payments to arrive and the hassle of chasing late payments. With direct debit, funds are collected on the agreed-upon date, giving you more control over your cash flow and reducing the risk of financial instability.
Reduced administrative burden: Manual invoicing and chasing late payments can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. It eliminates the need for manual intervention, freeing up valuable time and resources that can be better utilized in growing your business. With direct debit, you can automate your payment collections and focus on more important aspects of your business, such as customer service and product development.
Enhanced customer experience: Direct debit provides a convenient and frictionless payment method for your customers. By allowing them to set up automatic payments, you make it easier for them to fulfill their financial obligations without any hassle. This convenience enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty, as it eliminates the need for constant reminders and follow-ups. Customers appreciate businesses that make their lives easier, and direct debit does exactly that.
Improved credit control: Late payments can have a significant impact on your business's cash flow and credit score. With direct debit, you can ensure that payments are collected on time, reducing the risk of late or missed payments. This, in turn, improves your credit control and strengthens your financial position. By consistently collecting payments on time, you can build a reputation for reliability and attract more customers and business opportunities.
Cost-effective solution: Direct debit is a cost-effective payment solution compared to other methods such as credit card processing. The fees associated with direct debit transactions are typically lower, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize their payment processing costs.
Additionally, the automation provided by direct debit reduces the need for manual labor, further reducing operational expenses.
Direct debit statistics and industry trends
Direct debit has gained significant popularity in recent years, and its adoption continues to grow across various industries. Here are some notable statistics and industry trends that highlight the impact of direct debit:
According to a report by Bacs Payment Schemes Limited, the organization responsible for the UK's automated payment services, 4.9 billion direct debit transactions were processed in 2020, amounting to £1.4 trillion in payments. This represents a significant increase from previous years, indicating the growing reliance on direct debit as a preferred payment method.
The insurance industry has been one of the early adopters of direct debit, with many insurers offering direct debit payment options for policy premiums. This trend has been driven by the desire to improve premium collection rates and reduce the administrative burden associated with manual invoicing.
Subscription-based businesses, such as streaming services and membership organizations, have also embraced direct debit as a way to streamline their recurring payment collections. By providing customers with the option to set up automatic payments, these businesses can ensure a steady revenue stream and reduce the risk of churn.
Technology advancements, such as open banking and the increasing use of digital wallets, are further fueling the growth of direct debit. These innovations are making it easier for businesses and customers to set up and manage direct debit mandates, enhancing the overall user experience.
Conclusion
Harnessing the power of direct debit for your business Direct debit is more than just a payment method; it's a powerful tool that will simplify your business operations and propel your business to huge financial success. By automating your payments collections, you can enjoy improved cash flow, reduced administrative burden, enhanced customer experience, improved credit control, and cost savings.
To get started or know more about this awesome feature that is made available by Oystr Finance, sign up here or send a message to business@oystrfinance.com to start your journey to unparalleled easy collections.