Consumer Financing – removing price as a barrier to sales

ChargeAfter
May 11, 2020

Consumer financing has been integral to retail for years, evolving with advancements in technology and shifts in consumer behavior. The rise of point of sale (POS) financing has significantly impacted how consumers make purchases, especially as online sales continue to trend upward. With more shoppers turning to e-commerce, many consumers now buy items online that they previously would have purchased in-store. According to a trends report by Attentive, this shift resulted in a 27% increase in sales in March and a 32% increase in April across various e-commerce sectors.

ChargeAfter: enhancing sales through personalized financing

ChargeAfter is transforming the consumer financing landscape by making it easier and quicker for shoppers to complete purchases. By connecting merchants with multiple lenders, ChargeAfter offers personalized point of sale (POS) financing at checkout. This platform accommodates consumers across all credit ratings—prime, near-prime, and subprime—enabling them to instantly apply for and secure Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) financing.

Traditionally, managing lending partnerships with individual lenders has been a cumbersome task for merchants, often resulting in limited options and high decline rates during the application process. ChargeAfter simplifies this process, allowing merchants to approve up to 85% of consumers applying for financing at checkout, significantly surpassing the industry average of 30-50%.

How the ChargeAfter multi-lender platform works

The ChargeAfter platform streamlines the financing process for both merchants and consumers. When a customer selects “checkout financing” as their payment option, they fill out a simple four-field application. This application is then processed through ChargeAfter’s “waterfall.” Initially, it is checked against prime lenders. If the application is declined at this stage, it moves to near-prime or “second look” lenders. If still declined, the application is reviewed by subprime or lease-to-own lenders for additional financing offers. This multi-lender approach ensures that borrowers receive various rates and terms once approved.

Increasing sales with omnichannel financing

Competition between retailers is fierce, and ChargeAfter’s vision is to help every consumer access financing options that best fit their needs, available when and where they are ready to make a purchase—be it online, in-store, or over the phone. Omnichannel financing plays a crucial role in this, providing a seamless experience across various purchasing channels.

With embedded lending platforms like ChargeAfter, shoppers receive instant, personalized loans with favorable terms, such as 0% APR. This flexibility encourages consumers to complete their purchases, ultimately helping merchants increase sales by up to 30%. Additionally, the simplified transaction process benefits merchants, and lenders can reach new consumers while reducing integration costs.

The benefits of embedded lending networks for retailers

As consumers continue to explore new online stores, the demand for flexible ecommerce financing solutions grows. Embedded finance platforms like ChargeAfter offer merchants a competitive edge by providing choice and flexibility in payment options. By integrating white label BNPL solutions and in-store financing, merchants can cater to a broader audience, enhancing customer satisfaction and boosting sales.

ChargeAfter’s embedded lending network allows retailers to tap into a pool of multiple lenders, increasing approval rates and providing tailored financing offers. This network is crucial for meeting the diverse credit profiles of customers, ensuring more consumers find a financing option that works for them.

Enhancing customer experience with a white label POS system

Implementing a white label POS system allows retailers to offer a seamless financing experience under their own brand. This not only reinforces brand loyalty but also streamlines the checkout process for customers. By utilizing a white label BNPL solution, retailers can provide personalized financing options directly at the point of sale, both online and in-store.

Customers value simplicity and ease when it comes to financing. By offering a white label POS system, merchants can maintain control over the customer experience, ensuring that it aligns with their brand identity while providing the flexibility and convenience that shoppers demand. This integration helps in reducing cart abandonment and increasing overall sales.

The future of POS financing platforms

Embedded finance solutions is shaping the future of retail. POS financing platforms are becoming essential tools for retailers looking to stay competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace. The integration of embedded lending and omnichannel lending into the retail experience is driving a new era of customer-centric financing.

As more consumers expect instant and personalized financing options, retailers that leverage embedded lending platforms will be better positioned to capture more sales and foster long-term customer relationships. These platforms offer not just convenience but also a way to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the purchasing process, creating a win-win scenario for both retailers and shoppers.

Building customer loyalty through in-store finance

In-store financing remains a vital component of the retail experience, even as e-commerce gains ground. By integrating embedded financing options within physical locations, retailers can enhance the shopping journey and build stronger customer loyalty. Offering financing directly in-store, whether through a white label POS system or other POS lending solutions, provides consumers with immediate purchasing power and the flexibility they desire.

The key to successful in-store finance is offering a seamless, quick, and personalized process. When consumers have access to financing options that suit their credit profiles and purchasing needs, they are more likely to make larger purchases and return for future shopping. This approach not only drives sales but also establishes the retailer as a trusted partner in the consumer’s shopping experience.

The importance of omnichannel lending for modern retail

Retailers today must adapt to the changing landscape of consumer preferences, which increasingly demand a cohesive experience across multiple channels. Omnichannel lending addresses this need by integrating financing options across online, in-store, and mobile platforms. This ensures that consumers can access flexible payment solutions wherever and however they choose to shop.

By adopting omnichannel financing strategies, retailers can provide a consistent and streamlined financing experience. This approach reduces friction in the purchasing process and helps convert more browsers into buyers. Additionally, embedded finance platforms like ChargeAfter support retailers in implementing these strategies, enabling them to meet the diverse needs of their customers and ultimately drive more sales.

The impact of embedded finance solutions on conversion rates

The introduction of embedded finance solutions has a significant impact on conversion rates in both online and offline retail environments. By integrating embedded lending directly into the checkout process, retailers can reduce the friction that often causes cart abandonment. Providing consumers with easy access to financing options encourages them to complete their purchases, even for higher-priced items they might otherwise hesitate to buy.

By offering multiple financing options through an embedded lending platform, merchants can cater to various credit profiles and preferences, ensuring a higher likelihood of approval. This flexibility not only boosts conversion rates but also enhances the overall shopping experience, contributing to increased sales and customer satisfaction.

Leveraging ecommerce financing to drive growth

Ecommerce financing has become a crucial tool for retailers aiming to drive growth in an increasingly competitive market. By implementing pos financing options such as Buy Now Pay Later and other flexible payment solutions, online retailers can make their products more accessible to a wider audience. This approach helps remove price as a barrier, allowing customers to make purchases that align with their budgets.

Integrating white label BNPL and other embedded finance options into the online shopping experience can lead to higher average order values and repeat purchases. For retailers, this means not only an increase in sales but also a stronger, more loyal customer base that values the flexibility and convenience offered through these financing solutions.

Conclusion: The future of embedded lending in retail & sales

The evolution of embedded lending and POS financing platforms is shaping the future of retail by providing more inclusive and accessible payment options. As consumer expectations continue to shift towards convenience and personalization, retailers that adopt these embedded finance platforms will be better equipped to meet the demands of the modern shopper.

By offering a range of financing options through omnichannel lending strategies, retailers can increase sales, enhance the customer experience, and build long-term loyalty. The integration of in-store financing, ecommerce financing, and white label POS systems into a seamless network creates a holistic approach that benefits both consumers and merchants. This innovative approach to embedded financing is set to become a key driver in the retail industry, enabling merchants to thrive in an ever-changing marketplace.

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About the author
Oded Dayani