pay the easy way

Whether you’re running a retail or a service-based business, your customers will expect to be able to use a range of payment options. So, when you’re setting up or reviewing your bank accounts, take some time to become familiar with all the payment solutions your bank has to offer.

For instance, most retail businesses will offer debit and credit card options as well as the means to pay with cash. If your business is selling its products online, then  credit cards and third-party payment options like PayPal™ or even Venmo™ could be good options to include.

Up until recently, invoicing and checks were how most service-based businesses were paid, but payment technology has changed with the times. For example, if you provide a landscaping service, you’ll be able to make use of mobile credit card technology or give your customers the option of transferring the payment to your account online. Most customers want to pay on the spot for a job well done.

It also means the customer has been given an option to pay the way they prefer. Anything you can do to improve your customer experience means they're more likely to come back – and to tell their friends about you.

Improve your cash flow

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. Without it, you can’t function properly. Up-to-date payment technology means the money is in your account more quickly. More cash running through your business means you’re in a better position to make decisions.

Businesses that rely on invoicing and checks experience a slow-down on their cash flow cycles, because they’re waiting for payments to be processed. That’s time where there’s not as much money in their account, and time that could be spent growing the business instead of creating invoices and chasing payments.

When you’re setting up your payment options, keep the following in mind:

• Cash – as old fashioned as it may seem, it’s still immediate. And customers like the option of paying with cash, especially for small items. The downside is that keeping a lot of cash on your business premises is tempting for thieves.
• Debit cards – you’ll be familiar with these; like a credit card, they’re swiped, inserted, or tapped using POS technology and the money is transferred from the customer’s account to yours. There are costs to this method, but typically lower than credit card processing. 
• Credit cards – these are a great way for your customers to pay and for you to be paid. Most customers will expect you to accept them. The processing costs are slightly higher than debit card so you'll need to decide whether it's just a cost of doing business or if you need to increase your prices to maintain your profit margins. Some businesses even charge an extra fee to customers who use credit cards. If you decided to increase prices or charge a fee for credit cards, make sure you don't lose out to competitors who may not.
• Online payments – if you accept and make payments online, you’re making the whole process easier on your customers and suppliers. It also opens up the possibility of expanding your sales into an online store.
• Mobile payments – this means customers can pay using their mobile phone. And since people are using their smartphones for almost everything these days, it’s hardly surprising they’ve become a wallet as well.
• Invoicing and checks – many service-based businesses still offer these options and although it means you don’t see the money in your account as quickly, your customers might prefer to take advantage of the delay.

Credibility and professionalism

If you can offer your customers not only multiple options to pay, but the latest technology to do so, you’re positioning your business for success. You’re showing the need to be flexible and up to date, which can only improve your credibility in the eyes of your customers and suppliers. For more help, contact us today.