Monthly Archives: January 2017

Arguments exist for and against the unprecedented growth of the paperless era, but it’s difficult to dispute the ease this development has had on cumbersome administration practices.

The introduction of paperless Direct Debit has been of particular value to customers and service providers alike. The move away from tangible, paper-based transactions into a more efficient online process has had a multitude of advantages:

 

Less paperwork

Paperless transactions are a big time and money saver, thanks to the absence of manual processing. Companies focus less of their energy on admin whilst online storage facilities free up office space and overheads, improving filing ten-fold.

 

Increased automation

Transactions are completed in real-time, greatly boosting speed and accuracy. Form errors can be picked up on the spot, ensuring all signups are completed properly and eliminating the need to return incorrect paperwork. Overall, the process is far simpler.

 

Greater customer convenience

Online Direct Debit forms, like Debit Finance’s online portal FastDD, are open for business 24/7. This means potential users can access it at any point, even whilst they are on the go, and signup is instantaneous.  Beyond this, customers are saved the hassle of stamps, printing and postage.

 

Improved customer service

Paperless Direct Debits can be set up online or over the phone. Telephone, in particular, gives operators the opportunity to guide customers through the payment process and answer questions. Customers are coming to expect paperless mandates more and more these days, so to not offer this is to do a disservice to your business.

The line between standing orders and Direct Debit is often blurred.

Both payment instructions to a bank or building society, one (standing order) is permissible by the individual making the payment, and the other (Direct Debit) by the service provider.

In the past, standing orders have been favoured by many beneficiaries because it decreases their involvement in the setup process. However:

• Payment days and amounts are fixed, revised only by the individual making the payment
• Payment failures are more difficult to spot
• And time is quickly eaten up on administration.

A positive trend

A 2016 Bacs report found that Direct Debit usage grew by almost 5% in this year. It also emerged that 9/10 UK adults currently have at least one Direct Debit.

Arguably one of the biggest reasons for this continued popularity surge is the flexibility that comes with Direct Debits. Billing days and amounts are variable in line with the ebb and flow of a clientele’s business requirements. Payments are automatic, and changes can often be made without necessitating authorisation from a client.

Unlike a standing order, there is no reliance on a customer to ensure the payment process is setup. Direct Debits also allow companies to track and monitor payments far more easily, keeping tabs on exactly how much is coming and going at any time.

Beyond this, Direct Debits are protected under the Direct Debit Guarantee. Customers will receive an instant refund in the instance of an incorrect payment and companies will be notified when a payment has failed.

Taking a step forward

Debit Finance partner Think Fitness, an independent gym facility, experienced 80% growth in just three years after making the move away from a standing order payment model.

Using our online joining portal, FastDD, Think Fitness were able to automate the Direct Debit payment process saving them hours in paperwork and encouraging a greater customer base thanks to the ease of use. We were able to take the onus off them by managing their cash flow so that they could focus their attention elsewhere.

With our help, you can make big changes too. It’s our mission is to help you improve your relationships with your customers so that they stay longer. You can leave us to collect your Direct Debits, while you concentrate on running – and growing – your business