Diversification is an important aspect of any successful business. Often needing to adapt to the constant changes in a business landscape and diversify by introducing new products or services. Having a diversification strategy that can be used to deploy alternative options for capitalising on business growth is a must. Something that is often overlooked, but should form a vital element of this strategy, is accepting alternative payment methods.
In a consumer led world where we expect multiple choices, the introduction of alternative payment solutions can be incredibly beneficial. An alternative payment method can include any of the following solutions:
Buy now pay later (BNPL) – arguably one of the most popular options, a customer can make immediate purchases and then benefit from repayments being made over a set period.
Digital wallets – providing a smooth checkout experience as a customer can use their digital wallet for payment. This method is also highly secure and helps to prevent issues from fraudulent transactions.
Electronic fund transfers – the most cost-effective of payment solutions which allows bank to bank transfers and eliminates the requirement for any fees associated with card payment transactions.
Cryptocurrency – one of the most recent forms of payment options to be introduced into the market which has become increasingly popular, especially for international transactions, since 2022.
There are also several benefits in being able to offer alternative payment methods:
- Security – digital payment methods are a lot more secure with excellent encryption and enhanced fraud detection measures.
- Flexibility – making a payment has never been easier. It can be completed from virtually anywhere, on any type of device. This means customers can make purchases and pay immediately with little decision-making needed.
- Fulfilment – having choices gives a customer much better satisfaction and fulfilment. They feel completely in control of any business transaction and will continue to repeat the process when they need to.
- Cash – thanks to services such as buy now pay later, cashflow can be improved due to customers being able to pay little and often, which also helps to eliminate the risk of late payments.
- Competitive – by being able to offer a range of alternative payment solutions a business is more attractive to its customers. It is seen as being forward-thinking and becomes a more attractive solution in comparison to its competitors.
In summary, alternative payment options can bring broad business benefits which include better security, enhanced customer experiences and improvements in cashflow
If you have any questions or need a little help, please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk. You can also book a free 30-minute call with Yarka – https://calendly.com/yarka-ssa/30min
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