Consumer finance Archives

4 Key Factors When Selecting a POS Lender for Your Business

Posted on Nov 24, 2023Nov 29, 2023 by Kevin Lawrence

When it comes to evaluating a POS lender for your business, merchants, service providers, and contractors typically focus on two metrics – approval rates and cost.

Pricing is straightforward to assess, but what about approval rates? Are they a reliable metric for comparing financing programs?

While approval rates are essential, they are only part of the story. If upgrading your point-of-sale financing experience is on your agenda, there are additional factors that you should consider to evaluate finance providers uniformly.

POS financing approval rates
Approval amount
Loan terms & conditions
Does the financing amount offered meet the sale amount

A summary of each is provided below.

POS Financing Approval Rates

What does it mean if a point-of-sale finance provider indicates they have an approval rate of 80%? Are they referring to ecommerce applications? Perhaps they are talking about in-person or in-store applications. The consumer finance provider likely has different underwriting strategies for each channel that affect approval rates for that channel. Given this complexity, a better indicator would be approval percentages by consumer fico tier and channel(s) as appropriate.

Approval Amount

Another important factor when selecting a consumer lending partner is whether their minimum and maximum loan amounts align with your ticket requirement. For example, if your average ticket is less than $300, you are probably focused on BNPL providers. If the average ticket is $3,000, deferred interest options like 0% interest and extended terms will be critical.

Loan Terms & Promotions

The most popular POS lenders bring extra value to the table beyond just cost, approval rates and approval amounts. These providers act as a cousultant and advise you about trends and best practices in consumer finance. Consider the added value of a partner that can explain the benefits of a deferred interest program versus equal payments with no interest or why installment loans might be better than revolving lines of credit for your customers.

Financing Offered Meets the Sale Amount

This is one of the most critical, but often overlooked, metrics when choosing the best lending partner for your business.

You need to understand the percentage of the lender loan offers that equals or exceeds the purchase amount requirement. Having a high approval rate is great, but what good is a loan offer that doesn’t allow the consumer to make the purchase?
For example, how helpful is it to offer your customers a $1,500 loan when trying to sell a treadmill for $2,500?

Purchase Conversion Rate

The Purchase Conversion Rate is arguably the most important metric and answers whether a finance program will drive sales.

The conversion rate is the percentage of offers accepted by the consumer and utilized to make a purchase. Factors that impact conversion rate can include:

Is the consumer redirected from the merchant website to apply?
Is there a seamless transition from one program to another if the consumer is declined?
Are the repayment terms and conditions agreeable?

If the consumer experiences friction anywhere in the purchase process, they are more likely to drop out and abandon the cart.
A seamless customer journey with agreeable terms and conditions is more likely to result in a purchase.

The Embedded Lending Platform Advantage

One of the major advantages of ChargeAfter’s embedded lending platform is the ability to provide merchants with these analytics and much more. Merchants can view the performance of each lending partner in a single console and on a near real-time basis.

With this data, merchants are empowered with the tools they need to better evaluate the performance and effectiveness of their lending partners, identify any gaps in consumer coverage, evaluate new promotion offers, and even perform A-B testing with various lenders.

ChargeAfter operates the largest network of lending partners offering installment loans, private label credit cards, revolving lines of credit, BNPL, subprime lending, lease-to-own, and even B2B financing. A single integration with ChargeAfter provides you with access to all of the programs and tools you need to maximize finance penetration.

About Kevin Lawrence
VP Global Lender Relations

Kevin has worked in the banking and finance industry for over a decade. He has worked closely with some of North America’s largest banks, financial institutions, and retailers. Kevin is an expert in embedded consumer financing and B2B financing and has a deep understanding of current trends and where the industry is heading.

Get Ready for Black Friday with POS financing

Posted on Oct 10, 2023Nov 29, 2023 by ChargeAfter

Black Friday is characterized by deeply discounted deals, early store openings, and unparalleled consumer enthusiasm, it’s been consistently marked as the busiest shopping day in America with merchants preparing for months in advance.

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday, the day following the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday heralds the onset of the Christmas shopping season. This year it falls on Friday 24 November. In 2022 more money was spent than in the previous year with a rise in both instore and online sales.

In 2022:

In-store sales in the US increased 12% YoY (Mastercard)
Ecommerce sales in the US grew 14% YoY (Mastercard)
Global online sales on Black Friday grew by 3.5 in 2022 to reach $65.3 billion (Salesforce)
Payments made using BNPL increased by 78% (Amazon)

Why is Black Friday Important?

While the shopping spree typically extends to the subsequent “Cyber Monday” and spans an entire “Cyber Week” for many retailers, Black Friday remains emblematic. Beyond retail, this day offers an economic snapshot, a barometer for the nation’s financial health. Through the lens of Keynesian economics, which posits that consumer spending fuels economic activity, Black Friday’s sales figures can provide insights into the nation’s economic trajectory and consumer confidence.

Challenges Shoppers Face on Black Friday

Merchants meticulously prepare to cater to an influx of shoppers. This involves bolstering their eCommerce platform’s performance to prevent site slowdowns or crashes, diversifying payment options, especially with POS financing to enhance transaction success, and leveraging the efficacy of email marketing, which boasts a 4.1% conversion rate. Moreover, they strategize their discounts well in advance and prioritize a seamless online shopping and checkout experience to ensure customers enjoy an uninterrupted journey, optimizing both satisfaction and sales.

Synonymous with mega deals, Black Friday also comes with its own set of challenges for eager shoppers. One of the primary concerns is the potential for overspending. The alluring discounts and limited-time offers make deviating from a pre-decided budget easy. Shoppers might spend more than intended, especially if shopping with a credit card.

Another significant challenge is the chaotic in-store experience. Packed aisles, long queues, and overwhelming crowds can be a deterrent for many. In some cases, enthusiastic shoppers brave the cold and stand in queues for hours, only to discover that their desired product is out of stock or they get to the till only to be declined for financing.

Demand for consumer financing at the point of sale continues to rise, yet many retailers still struggle to seamlessly provide adequate financing options. Low approval rates and a subpar customer experience can result in cart abandonments, causing both frustration for the shopper and lost sales for the store.

Overcome POS Financing Challenges in Time for Black Friday

Point-of-sale financing has rapidly evolved, with consumer demands shifting and the economy showing stress. Black Friday, the shopping bonanza, is just around the corner, and merchants must be prepared to face the challenges this presents, especially with their point-of-sale financing offers. A recent survey from ChargeAfter, the embedded lending platform for point-of-sale financing, highlights the challenges that merchants face with their POS financing, including low approval rates, difficulties integrating multiple lenders, challenges with post-sale management and more.

Consumer financing is increasingly playing a strategic role for merchants as consumer demand grows. This makes perfect sense in a tumultuous economy with high inflation and soaring interest rates. For consumers, the assurance of personalized financing choices that can include spread-out payments with little to no interest, or access to other lending options such as lease-to-own, revolving credit and so on can be a beacon of hope, enabling them to commit to bigger purchases they otherwise might have foregone.

It is no longer possible for merchants to manage a robust financing offer. To provide customers with an omnichannel waterfall financing experience, they need a technology provider.

How Jerome’s Furniture Tamed Their POS Financing Challenges

Merchants who’ve recognized and adapted a platform-first approach to this trend are reaping considerable benefits. According to a case study of Jerome’s Furniture experienced a substantial uptick in sales – up a staggering 67%. These figures become even more compelling when you factor in the economic decline.

By weaving consumer financing seamlessly into their business model, Jerome’s Furniture underscored their commitment to customer empowerment and saw a surge in customer financing adoption. This indicates a vast segment of their clientele is now leveraging the store’s flexible payment options. The most commendable aspect? Despite the market turbulence in 2022 and 2023, Jerome’s Furniture maintained high approval rates, thus ensuring that customers had undeterred access to a more manageable and less burdensome financial framework.

So, as Black Friday looms, merchants have a clear strategy laid out for them: embed multiple lenders into the point of sale through an embedded lending platform. Not only does it promise to increase sales, but it also fosters brand loyalty and trust. In these unpredictable times, providing customers with financial ease can set a brand apart, making it a beacon for those looking to make the most of their Black Friday shopping.

Ready to upgrade your financing for Black Friday? Request a demo.

Rise of Consumer Financing: 5 Factors Driving This Trend

Posted on Sep 7, 2023Nov 29, 2023 by ChargeAfter

The contemporary financial landscape has significantly shifted towards consumer financing, driven by technology, evolving consumer behavior, and changing economic conditions. Point-of-sale (POS) financing allows consumers to purchase goods and services, especially big-ticket items, by accessing loans embedded into the customer journey. It presents an alternative to traditional financing methods like credit cards, debit cards, and cash. This rise is facilitated by embedded lending platforms like ChargeAfter, which have revolutionized the retail space by enabling businesses to offer diverse lending options to their customers.

Consumer financing products are diverse and tailored to meet the various needs of customers. These financial tools range from Revolving Credit Line and Long-Term Installment Loans to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), each designed to facilitate purchasing, provide flexibility in payment, or support specific financial goals. Understanding these products and finding the right fit can be essential in retaining customers and increasing sales. You can read more about the different consumer financing products available and explore the various options for POS Financing Products for retailers here.

Let’s delve into five major factors contributing to this upward trend.

1. Rising Consumer Demand Amid Inflation and Rising Interest Rates

ChargeAfter data shows that applications for POS financing significantly increased in Q1 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. This trend looks set to continue, as shoppers seek flexibility in a time of escalating prices and rising interest rates. Consumer financing is predominantly prevalent for high-priced goods and services like furniture, electronics, jewelry, home improvements, and wellness offerings. However, inflation has also driven shoppers to apply for financing for lower-cost items. This trend directly results from consumers’ necessity to maintain their purchasing power amid adverse economic conditions.

2. Aversion to Credit Card Debt Among Millennials

The fallout from the financial crisis of the early 2000s profoundly impacted Millennials, who are now more aware of the pitfalls of credit card debt than previous generations. This awareness has led to a growing interest in alternative financing options.
A recent nationwide survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York revealed that concerns over ongoing price inflation are causing consumers to feel increasingly pessimistic about credit access. The perception of obtaining credit is declining, with 58% of respondents stating that it’s either much or somewhat more challenging to access than just a year prior. This issue is particularly prevalent among the younger population, as 57% of millennials have reported facing challenges related to their credit scores when trying to acquire financial products.

The aversion to high-interest rates coupled with the demand for favorable payment terms has paved the way for consumer financing to become a mainstay. The prospect of predetermined monthly payments and a clear payoff date makes this option attractive, enabling consumers to manage their debt effectively without burdening traditional credit card debt.

3. Efficiency and Integration of Contemporary Checkout Financing

The modern iteration of financing has brought significant improvements in efficiency and integration. For instance, financing has been seamlessly incorporated into the checkout process, much like well-known options such as Apple Pay, Visa Checkout, and Google Pay. This integration has successfully eliminated additional steps, thus removing potential barriers to conversion. About 25% of purchases are made through consumer financing at checkout for mid to high-ticket items. The simplicity of the application process, coupled with quick financing options, enhances customer satisfaction and leads to faster checkouts.

4. Diversity of Lending Options Increases Approval Rates

Consumer financing takes many forms, providing a greater likelihood of approval for most shoppers. Those with excellent credit may opt for higher payments at a lower interest rate for a shorter repayment period. On the other hand, someone with less-than-perfect credit may prefer more flexible terms. This flexibility is made possible due to the variety of lenders available, ranging from traditional institutions to lease-to-own offers. This diverse lender network can offer approval rates as high as 85%. Access to appropriate offers at the time of purchase significantly boosts the chances of transaction completion, leading to higher customer satisfaction.

5. The Role of E-commerce and In-Store Financing

The proliferation of e-commerce has had a profound impact on the growth of consumer financing. The ability to offer flexible payment terms online dramatically enhances the customer’s shopping experience, improving conversion rates and customer loyalty. Likewise, in-store financing allows physical retail locations to provide the same flexible terms and omnichannel experience, bridging the gap between the online and offline retail experience.

The Future of Consumer Financing

The rapid growth and acceptance of consumer financing, both in-store and online, are reshaping the retail landscape. By leveraging these financing options, businesses can meet the diverse financial needs of their customers, thereby enhancing the overall customer experience and fostering long-term loyalty. Consumer financing is not merely a trend but a powerful tool that’s here to stay in the evolving world of retail.

About Mark Denman
Mark has worked in the near-prime and tertiary lending space for 30 years. As EVP of Merchants Sales & Success at ChargeAfter, he is responsible for ensuring merchants and lenders get the best care possible.

5 Key Factors When Selecting a Consumer Financing Platform in 2023

Posted on Sep 1, 2023Nov 29, 2023 by ChargeAfter

In the dynamic world of consumer finance, the point-of-sale (POS) financing platform you choose can be essential to your success. As modern shoppers become more discerning and technology-savvy, their expectations for seamless and flexible purchasing experiences have soared. This shift in consumer behavior underscores why the right POS financing platform is crucial for merchants aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

A cutting-edge POS financing platform goes beyond simply processing transactions—it plays a pivotal role in shaping the customer journey. Offering many financing options empowers customers with financial flexibility, enhancing their purchasing power. POS financing turns potential browsers into confident buyers for high-ticket items that may otherwise be out of reach.

Simultaneously, these platforms open up new opportunities for businesses. An efficient POS financing system can increase conversion rates, boost average transaction values, and foster customer loyalty. By offering consumer financing options, businesses demonstrate an understanding of customers’ financial needs and position themselves as supportive partners rather than just vendors.

In essence, the right POS financing platform forms the backbone of your consumer financing strategy. It merges convenience with financial accessibility, making shopping a less daunting experience for budget-conscious customers. As such, your choice of POS platform is a decision that reverberates throughout your entire operation, impacting sales, customer satisfaction, and long-term business growth. This is why investing time and resources into choosing the ideal POS financing platform is an absolute necessity rather than an optional luxury.

Here are 5 crucial factors when choosing the best POS financing platform for your business:

Omnichannel experience
Wide network of lenders
Easy integration and management
Comprehensive analytics and data
White-label capabilities

1. Omnichannel Experience

In the age of digital innovation, customers crave seamless, personalized experiences. An omnichannel lending approach, which merges in-store financing with online financing options, is critical to meeting these expectations. With this approach, your customers can access financing solutions anywhere they wish to interact with your brand, be it in-store, through an online platform, or via a call center, door-to-door service, or any other point of sale in a seamless experience.

Your POS financing platform should provide a genuine omnichannel experience. In-store, customers could scan a QR code, browse a link, or use an in-store device. For e-commerce financing, the platform should support pre-approval applications, enhancing the user experience and expediting the purchase process. Integration with call centers, enabling agents to send links or codes, ensures customers can access support and services conveniently. By accommodating customers wherever they make their purchases, you’re embracing the power of omnichannel financing.

2. Wide Network of Lenders

A vital aspect of any POS financing platform is its network of lenders. A platform with a network of lenders that covers the entire credit spectrum and includes B2B as well as B2C lenders, and different geographies, positions you to meet the financing needs of all of your customers, even as their needs change.

During this period of high interest rates and inflation, traditional prime consumers are qualifying for near-prime loans, while previous near-prime consumers may slide into the subprime category. This cascading effect can leave a significant population underserved, especially considering that only 17% of retailers offer subprime options, according to a survey by ChargeAfter.

The more comprehensive your lender network, the more safeguarded you are against changes made by single lenders, such as a lender adjusting their credit box, changing their merchant discount rates, or even ceasing operations, which can leave you and your customers without an alternative. It also puts you in a stronger position to negotiate terms with lenders who are vying for your customers’ business.

The flexibility provided by an extensive network ensures a continued seamless operation and robust approval rates.

3. Easy Integration and Management

Your POS system should offer straightforward integration and management as an embedded finance platform. Customers should find it easy to use, with a single application connecting them to multiple lenders within seconds. Additionally, it should provide real-time automated matching at the point of sale, utilizing a waterfall finance method to match customers to the best offers for their credit profile.

For merchants, an embedded lending platform should offer effective post-sales management, including dispute resolution, refunds, and reconciliations. Real-time updates on performance, volume, and order information are essential to optimize lending programs. Direct communication with lenders and tools to track, process, and resolve cases should be standard features of your chosen platform.

4. Comprehensive Analytics and Data

Any worthwhile embedded lending platform should offer actionable analytics and data. A complete view of lending data makes optimizing financing offerings and adapting to shifting market trends possible. With this data at your fingertips, you can plan marketing and retargeting campaigns that build strong customer relationships, enhancing their lifetime and average order value.

Analytics from your platform should also help you to understand and optimize your customers’ journey, showing you where and when customers drop out and where and when they convert, so that you can easily optimize your lending program within your customers’ journeys and improve your ecommerce website performance.

5. White Label Capabilities

A white-label POS system allows you to customize the platform to match your brand identity, increasing customer recognition and loyalty. Whether you’re looking for a white-label BNPL solution or comprehensive white-label consumer financing, your platform should be able to deliver.

Choosing a POS financing platform can be complex, given the broad range of features to consider and the multitude of providers in the market. However, by keeping these five critical factors in mind—omnichannel experience, vast lender network, easy integration and management, comprehensive financing analytics, and white-label capabilities—you’re well on your way to selecting a platform that meets your business needs and enhances your customers’ shopping experience.

Conclusion – The Market-Leading Platform for POS Financing

Retailers are increasingly selecting ChargeAfter’s embedded lending platform for point-of-sale financing. It offers everything you need to provide your customers with a fast and smooth experience at their moment of need. The platform streamlines your financing offer and is easy to manage. Its network of over 40 lenders increases the likelihood that shoppers who seek financing will be approved, with approval rates reaching up to 85%. This broader access to financing options enhances the customer experience, fosters loyalty, and ultimately drives higher sales and AOV.

Are you ready to get your financing right? Book a Demo

US FinTech Awards 2023! – ChargeAfter Celebrates Triple Nominations

Posted on Aug 15, 2023Nov 29, 2023 by ChargeAfter

It’s a proud moment for us at ChargeAfter as we embrace our recognition as a trailblazer in embedded financing. We are thrilled to announce that we have secured nominations in not one, not two, but three categories at the esteemed US FinTech Awards 2023!

As pioneers in consumer financing, these nominations acknowledge our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. America’s burgeoning FinTech Awards have celebrated our impactful contributions in:

– BankingTech of the Year

– LendTech of the Year

– PaymentsTech of the Year

The judging panel reviewed hundreds of submissions. Being spotlighted amidst the nation’s best and brightest underscores our resolve to offer unparalleled consumer finance solutions, cementing ChargeAfter’s stature as an industry vanguard.

The winners will be announced at the ceremony in New York on 02 November 2023.

See the full The 2023 US FinTech Awards shortlist.

POS Financing: How Furniture Retailers Can Beat Declining Approval Rates

Posted on Jun 27, 2023Nov 24, 2023 by chargeafterdev

As we enter the second half of 2023, economic uncertainty shows no signs of abating. Big-ticket items, like furniture, continue to be out of reach for many shoppers. This is exacerbated by lenders adjusting their underwriting strategies and approving fewer point-of-sale (POS) financing applications. Despite this challenging environment, furniture retailers can conquer declining financing approval rates and keep their customers happy. We explore how.

Why Declining Approval Rates Continue to Matter

The current economic landscape, marked by rising inflation and increasing Merchant Discount Rates (MDRs), puts considerable financial strain on consumers. It leads to increased APRs, lower credit limits, and reduced purchasing power. At the same time, individual lenders are approving fewer applications. This makes it harder for consumers to secure financing for their purchases.

Declining approval rates are likely to continue. Lenders are driven by risk management considerations. They tend to tighten their risk models and underwriting strategies in market instability. This cautious approach aims to protect lenders’ assets and minimize potential losses. As a result, lenders may approve fewer loans, making it harder for borrowers to get credit.

Additionally, regulatory measures play a crucial role in shaping lending practices. Regulators aim to protect consumers from over-borrowing and ensure transparency. They may introduce stricter guidelines and oversight for lenders. This regulatory environment often leads to a more conservative lending landscape. The result is decreasing approval rates, particularly for riskier loan products or borrowers.

How Declining Approval Rates Impact Furniture Buyers

The decline in consumer finance approvals has clear consequences for retailers. It results in fewer sales and has a negative impact on the customer experience. Meanwhile, there is a shift occurring in shoppers’ credit profiles making the situation more complicated.

Consumers who were once approved by prime lenders at the start of 2022, now only qualify for near-prime loans; near-prime consumers are now subprime borrowers, making POS financing inaccessible for most of an already underserved population for POS financing. A survey by ChargeAfter found that only 17% of retailers offer subprime options.

Another audience to consider is B2B. Many furniture retailers are expanding to serve business clients. This way they tap into new market segments and diversify their revenue streams. Yet, point-of-sale financing for businesses often has approval rates below 15%.

The shift from a single-lender model to a multi-lender solution increases access to best-fit financing.

The Benefits of a Multi-Lender Approach

A multi-lender approach provides shoppers with financing choices. Lenders specialize in lending products usually designed for a specific credit profile. POS financing that meets the needs of the credit spectrum boosts the most important KPIs.

For example, retailers that use ChargeAfter’s platform to manage their POS financing enjoy up to 85% approval rates. ChargeAfter’s data shows that demand for POS financing increased by 62% in Q1 2023 compared to the same period the previous year, while approval rates for retailers using ChargeAfter went up by 14% despite lenders adjusting their credit boxes.

With approval rates from individual lenders fluctuating, adopting a multi-lender configuration is a critical strategy to ensure customers have consistent access to necessary funds in order to maintain and even increase approval rates.

How to Maximize Customer POS Financing Approval

In an unpredictable retail environment, maximizing customer point-of-sale financing approvals is vital. This is why retailers plan to expand their portfolio of lenders in 2023, according to a survey by ChargeAfter.

Merchants who try to stitch multiple lenders into omnichannel checkouts run into problems. The process involves complex integrations that can take months to implement. When implemented, retailers then face the complicated challenge of managing multiple systems. This approach provides a poor customer experience, since customers who are declined by one lender have to restart the process or abandon their carts, in a moment of the customer journey when speed and convenience are crucial. A streamlined, efficient application process improves sales conversion and customer satisfaction.

Retailers are simplifying the financing process with a platform-first approach, which is becoming more popular as new technologies emerge.

ChargeAfter: The Platform-First Approach to Point-of-Sale Financing

Point-of-sale (POS) financing has rapidly become a critical aspect of the customer experience, impacting approval rates, average order value (AOV), and customer loyalty. ChargeAfter’s platform-first approach to POS financing provides a robust solution.

With ChargeAfter’s platform, retailers easily embed POS financing into omnichannel purchasing journeys. This connects their customers to a network of over 40 trusted lenders that cover the full credit spectrum using a waterfall approach. The platform introduces a more seamless and efficient process for customer financing, enabling merchants to seamlessly provide a wider choice of financing options.

A vital benefit of a platform-first approach is higher approval rates. More approved applications mean more completed sales, contributing directly to retailers’ revenue growth. Furniture retailers using ChargeAfter’s waterfall platform increased AOV by 22% in the first quarter of the year in 2022 versus the same period in 2022, suggesting that consumers are turning towards financing to buy big-ticket purchases as prices rise.

A platform-first approach enhances the customer experience, offering a seamless and inclusive financing process. Shoppers enjoy less hassle, more flexibility, and financial empowerment, resulting in a more positive shopping experience and improving customer loyalty. It also provides access to data and analytics on customer financing behaviors. This enhances the understanding of customer preferences, trend(s) identification, and strategy fine-tuning.

Jerome’s Furniture, a family-owned chain of discount furniture stores in Southern California, improved its financing offer with platform first approach. Since implementing ChargeAfter, the company has seen a 67% surge in financing adoption with consistently high approval rates. The strategy has been so successful that Jerome’s Furniture leverages its financing offer in its marketing campaigns.

Investing in consumer education around alternative financing solutions could also prove beneficial. Customers will feel empowered and better equipped to navigate the financing landscape as they become more informed, increasing their purchasing confidence. Ultimately, a combination of innovative financial partnerships, consumer-centric policies, and education may bridge the gap between customer desire and purchase reality in these challenging times.

Moreover, a multi-lender platform simplifies retailers’ operational load. It makes it easy to manage disputes and chargebacks, and ensures compliance. ChargeAfter manages the complete post-sale financing cycle leaving merchants to focus on their core business.

In this economic climate, providing a choice of financing offers isn’t a service upgrade—it is a necessity. An exceptional embedded lending experience ensures the stability and longevity of retail businesses and safeguards consumer purchasing power. A multi-lender point-of-sale strategy has become essential for weathering economic uncertainty.

Conclusion

The platform-first approach to POS financing is a multifaceted solution helping retailers to optimize their financing processes. By employing a multi-lender platform like ChargeAfter, merchants can enhance their POS financing approval rates, AOV, and customer loyalty, while offering an unparalleled shopping experience.

Ready to get your financing right? Book a Demo

The Difference Between Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) and Consumer Financing Platforms

Posted on Apr 17, 2023Oct 18, 2023 by chargeafterdev

The buy now, pay later option has become a widely favored payment method within consumer finance platforms, with over 50% of US consumers utilizing such a service.

What is Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)?

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is an innovative payment option that enables customers to acquire products and services without paying the total upfront. Instead, they can instantly finance their purchases and repay them through fixed, interest-free installments over a set period—for instance, a $100 purchase in four equal installments of $25.

Widely used by a diverse range of businesses, particularly e-commerce retailers, BNPL services help boost conversion rates, increase average order values, and attract new customers. Companies that have integrated BNPL services have experienced up to a 30% incremental rise in sales volume. This payment alternative grants customers the convenience of immediate financing for their purchases paid through predetermined installments.

As a merchant, you receive the complete payment for the item upfront, excluding any merchant fees, and are not responsible for handling the financing. Buy now, pay later providers undertake the responsibility of underwriting customers, managing installment plans, and collecting payments, allowing you to concentrate on expanding your business.

This guide provides an overview of buy now, pay later payment, and other financing options. It will educate you on their functionality and assist you in selecting a provider.

How do Buy-Now-Pay-Later Services Work?

Customers can use BNPL to purchase products or services online or in-store by selecting the BNPL option via an app.
Once a plan is selected, approval from the BNPL platform is obtained, initiating the payment cycle. The first payment is deducted at checkout, while the remaining installments are typically interest-free. Extra costs may be incurred for late payments.

Businesses obtain the entire payment upfront (excluding any merchant fees) upon completing the transaction at checkout. Customers make their installments directly to the buy now, pay later provider, often without interest and with no extra fees, provided they pay on time.

Do Buy-Now-Pay-Later Payment Methods Affect A Customer’s FICO Score (Credit Score)?

What Is FICO Score?

A FICO score is the number used to determine someone’s creditworthiness. Financial institutions and lenders use this as a guide to determine how much credit they can offer a borrower and at what interest rate. FICO scores can range from 300 to 850. The higher the number, the better. A FICO score is based on a few different factors:

When customers exercise caution by avoiding overspending and consistently making timely payments, the majority of buy now, pay later payment options should not substantially affect their credit scores.

How Buy-Now-Pay-Later Services Make Money?

Different FinTechs monetize their BNPL platform in different ways. Generally, providers derive income from the merchant, customer, or both. The fees for merchants vary depending on the provider but typically encompass an initial setup fee and a fixed charge for each transaction. Customer fees usually involve late fees incurred due to missed payments.

What Are The Benefits Of Buy-Now-Pay-Later Services?

Seamless checkout experiences are crucial for any business, especially when targeting e-commerce expansion. Customers anticipate smooth, personalized payment experiences that allow them the freedom to select their preferred payment method. Buy now, pay later payment options provide adaptability and ease to your customers, minimize fraud, and enhance conversion rates and average order values.

As the cost of living increases, customer demands for BNPL solutions will likely grow, making it a superior short-term installment payment option even for credit card holders.

Get Paid Upfront And Receive Protection From Repayment Risk And Fraud:

The merchant obtains the entire transaction amount upfront, without delay—regardless of the customer’s success in paying their installments. Consequently, buy now, pay later providers/lender-network assume all customer risks, protecting your business from fraud. In cases where a customer files a fraud-related dispute, the buy now, pay later provider bears the risk and any related expenses.

Extend Customer Reach:

Providing diverse payment methods enables you to establish a relevant and recognizable payment experience, attracting more customers. Buy now, pay later options appeal to younger consumers who frequently lack credit cards: 27% of millennials and Generation Z shoppers utilized buy now, pay later services in 2021*. Additionally, buy now, pay later services to possess well-established marketing channels, including shop directories and email marketing, which may present further opportunities for reaching new customers.

* Marketingcharts.com – August 2021 | Data Source: Morning Consult

Enhanced Customer Experience:

Buy now, pay later payment solutions provide customers with a quicker, more accessible means of obtaining financing. Customers undergo a soft credit check (as opposed to a hard review associated with other financing methods), and there are no separate applications, application fees, or added processing time. Most providers feature easy-to-understand repayment plans and terms. Additionally, returning customers can enjoy a seamless checkout process, finalizing their payments in just a few clicks.

Increased Sales Conversion

Customers are more inclined to complete a purchase if they can pay over time. Buy now, pay later services help alleviate the sticker shock—making four interest-free payments of $50 appears less daunting than a single $200 credit card transaction with accumulating interest.

Increase The Value Of Sales

Buy now, pay later services eliminate the obstacle to making more substantial purchases by enabling customers to split the payment over time, accommodating their budget. For businesses offering lower-priced products, customers might be more inclined to buy extra items when they discover the option to spread the total cost over in installments.

Problems With Providing Buy-Now-Pay-Later

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) is a popular option for consumers who want to purchase without paying the total amount upfront. However, it has many limitations. It is only suitable for specific credit types. BNPL may be an option for those with good credit and a stable income, but it will decline those with lower credit scores, resulting in low approval rates.
Most BNPL loans range from $50 to $1000. For larger purchases, there is a need for other financing options.
Additionally, existing BNPL providers have a one-size-fits-all approach and don’t offer personalized lending. In today’s world – different people need different consumer financing options, and different consumers have unique financial situations; a customized approach can help them access suitable credit for their needs and budget. Without personalized lending options, consumers may be presented with unstable lending options, resulting in an inability to repay, high-interest charges, and potentially damaging their credit score.
The lack of personalized lending options in existing BNPL providers can also be bad for merchants. When consumers are given a one-size-fits-all financing option, it can lead to a higher rate of default and late payments.

Consumer Financing Platforms

While both consumer financing platforms and “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) solutions provide consumers with access to credit, there are some advantages that consumer financing platforms have over BNPL solutions. First, consumer financing platforms often offer more flexible repayment terms, allowing borrowers to choose a repayment period that suits their budget and financial situation. In contrast, BNPL platforms typically require repayment within a short timeframe, which can be challenging for some borrowers. Additionally, consumer financing platforms may offer lower interest rates and fees than BNPL platforms, saving borrowers money in the long run. Finally, consumer financing platforms may offer a broader range of loan options and loan amounts, making them a better choice for consumers who need more substantial financing for significant purchases. The main reason consumer financing platforms are more flexible and carry these benefits is that they connect to multiple lenders and are not the lender itself. Overall, while BNPL platforms can be convenient for smaller purchases, consumer financing platforms are often better for consumers looking for more effective and flexible financing options.

Buy Now, Pay Later Provider Comparison.

Choosing the right buy now, pay later provider depends on the types of products you sell, their prices, and your customer base. When evaluating providers, consider the following:

Repayment terms: Buy now, pay later providers offer varying installment plans and term lengths, ranging from several weeks to multiple years. If your business has a high average order value, seek lenders that provide repayment over an extended period (like monthly installments over six months). Conversely, merchants with lower average order values may opt for fewer installments over a shorter duration, such as four installments over six weeks.

Credit limits: Each customer will have a unique spending limit based on their usage, credit, and repayment history. However, some buy now, pay later providers impose minimum and maximum credit limits. Assess your average order value and choose a provider that offers sufficient credit for customers to complete a purchase.

Customer location: Determine the markets in which you would like to provide buy now, pay later services, taking into account your customers’ locations. Often, this may involve offering multiple buy now, pay later providers to maximize your geographic coverage. With ChargeAfter’s multi-lender platform, this is unnecessary because the ChargeAfter platform connects you to the relevant lenders and services in one platform.

Affirm

Affirm BNPL range from 4 interest-free bi-weekly payments to extended installments for eligible customers of up to 36 months. The usual 0% APR loans range from 3,6, to 12 months.

Afterpay

Afterpay, known as Clearpay in the UK and the EU, enables customers to split payments into four interest-free bi-weekly installments or three interest-free monthly installments. With 20 million active users, it operates in Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, Spain, the UK, and the US.

Klarna

Klarna Pay in Installments lets customers spread the cost of an online purchase over three or four interest-free payments. Klarna Pay Later in 30 days allows customers to complete a transaction and pay the total amount later, with no extra cost. Klarna Financing provides up to 36 months of credit for approved customers.

ChargeAfter

Multi-Lender Consumer Financing

Offering the power of choice, ChargeAfter provides a single application for personalized point-of-sale financing, guaranteeing approval and acceptance rates for any consumer financing option. ChargeAfter’s multi-lender platform caters to all credit types and currencies and connects consumers with suitable lenders for all e-commerce and in-store financing needs.

Consumer Finance, Not Only BNPL

Unlike other platforms, ChargeAfter allows for various types of consumer finance:

— Straight Revolve:
A type of credit that a borrower can continue to draw from and repay.

* wallstreetprep.com

— Deferred Interest (6/12/18/24 Months):
The interest is deferred during the promotional period. To avoid paying finance charges, the entire balance must be paid off, in full, at the end of the promotional period.

— Equal Pay:
Equal monthly payments are required during the promotional period. Interest does not accrue during the promotional period. This type of financing is designed to pay off promotional balance in full within the promotional period.

— Fixed Pay:
Fixed monthly payments are required during the promotional period. APR is assessed during the promotional period.

— B2B Financing

B2B financing can take many forms, including trade credit that can help businesses manage their cash flow, invest in new equipment or technology, and fund growth initiatives. B2B financing can benefit both the lender and the borrower. It can help businesses maintain strong relationships with their suppliers and customers while accessing the capital they need to succeed.

— LTO

Lease-to-own (LTO) is a financing option to lease a product or equipment with the option to buy it at the end of the lease term. This financing option is also available for businesses or merchants.

— Private Label Credit Cards

A retailer or brand issues private-label credit cards that can only be used to purchase at that specific retailer or brand. These credit cards may offer rewards, discounts, or other benefits to incentivize customers to use the card for purchases. Private-label credit cards can help retailers build brand loyalty and increase sales by providing customers with a convenient financing option and encouraging repeat purchases.

Supports All Platforms

Easily integrate point-of-sale financing options on your Magento, Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, hybris, custom platforms, and more with simple-to-connect extensions or basic JavaScript code.

Providing POS checkout financing for your website or physical store has always been more complex.

Credit spectrum

Credit spectrum refers to the consumer’s creditworthiness range, from those with excellent credit to those with poor credit. Lenders use credit scores and credit reports to determine a consumer’s creditworthiness, and this information is used to determine the interest rate and terms of a loan. The credit spectrum typically includes different categories, such as prime, near-prime, subprime, and deep subprime, each reflecting a different level of creditworthiness.

Post Sale Management

ChargeAfter offers all-around performance and transaction reporting through an intuitive dashboard. Access your transaction history, monitor live trades, and effortlessly handle settlements, up-selling, refunds, and partial credits with just a click of a button.

White-label Consumer Finance platforms

As a large retailer or established brand, ChargeAfter is dedicated to promoting your brand rather than ours. Tailor the entire point-of-sale checkout financing experience to align with your brand identity and provide customized Point of Sale finance offers that your customers will easily recognize.

Support

ChargeAfter prioritizes the success of our merchants by offering 24/7 support and assistance. Whether you require aid with processing financing settlements, custom reporting, or developing creative for your next buy now pay later financing campaign, we’re here to assist you in achieving your goals.

About ChargeAfter

ChargeAfter’s headquarters is in New York. The company’s investors comprise prominent entities such as The Phoenix, Citi Ventures, Banco Bradesco, VISA, MUFG, BBVA, Synchrony Financial, PICO Venture Partners, Propel Venture Partners, Plug and Play VC.

For more information & or to Schedule a Demo, visit https://chargeafter.com/contact-merchant/

PCN Podcast: Solving critical issues within the BNPL market with Meidad Sharon

Posted on Mar 28, 2023Nov 21, 2023 by chargeafterdev

Introduction:

The consumer credit market has evolved significantly, from its limited offline beginnings to the emergence of point-of-sale financing and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options. These developments have provided consumers with greater choice and flexibility. However, limitations in lending offerings at the point of sale – in-store and online – can still restrict consumer options and hinder merchant sales. This is where ChargeAfter comes in, connecting lenders and consumers at any point of sale, offering a seamless solution akin to how Visa and MasterCard operate in the payment space. In this podcast, Meidad Sharon, the founder and CEO of ChargeAfter, explores the evolution of the credit market and how ChargeAfter addresses the limitations in the current market.

The Evolution of the Credit Market:

In the podcast, Meidad Sharon discusses how the credit market has evolved from a limited, offline solution to one with point-of-sale financing and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) options, offering consumers more choice and flexibility. However, he points out how current lenders tend to focus on specific financial products, credit segments, and territories, limiting consumer options and hindering merchant sale conversions.

ChargeAfter’s Solution:

ChargeAfter aims to address these limitations by easily connecting multiple lenders and consumers at the merchant’s point of sale, online and in-store, providing a seamless solution similar to how Visa and MasterCard connect the payment space. With ChargeAfter, merchants can access multiple lenders in a single integration, covering the full credit spectrum and offering various financing solutions for B2C and B2B customers. This approach aims to optimize financing options, increase sale conversions, and create a more connected consumer credit market.

Support Each Lender Unique Underwriting Model:

ChargeAfter presents lending options to consumers based on each lender’s unique underwriting model, which considers various data points beyond credit scores. Consumers can then choose the best fit for their preferences from the available credit options, allowing them to find the most suitable financial solution.

Future of the Credit Market:

The market now recognizes that BNPL and point-of-sale financing are here to stay and will likely be the future of consumer credit. Consumers are likely to expect all their credit options to be available instantly at the point of sale. Major payment players have adopted consumer finance, including BNPL, within the last 18 to 24 months, merging the previously separate payments and point-of-sale financing markets. This trend indicates that BNPL and point-of-sale financing will become a standard offering alongside credit cards and alternative methods like PayPal.

ChargeAfter’s Role in Enabling Regulation:

As the BNPL market matures, regulation is essential to protect consumers from over-borrowing and to ensure transparent disclosures. ChargeAfter, as the platform embedding lenders and BNPL providers at the point of sale, plays a significant role in enabling this regulation by connecting merchants to regulated and trusted lenders while providing the best solution to consumers.

Demand from Banks to Enter or Expand Their Presence in POS Financing:

There is a growing demand from banks to enter or expand their presence in the POS financing and BNPL market. They have provided credit for many years and are eager to expand their offering at the point of need with multiple consumer financing products.

ChargeAfter supports banks and financial institutions by embedding them in the merchant’s customer journey, shopping carts, and checkout experiences through white-label BNPL & consumer finance solutions, allowing banks to offer financing to their consumers without being a tech expert or a customer experience expert.

Sector-Specific Differences in Financing:

Point of sale financing and BNPL vary across different sectors. In industries with high average order values, such as healthcare, home improvement, furniture, and electronics, financing is crucial for consumers, accounting for up to 80% of sales. In other industries, financing accounts for 10%-50% of sales, it is on the rise.

ChargeAfter’s Vision for the Future of the BNPL Market:

ChargeAfter has a big vision for the future of the BNPL market, anticipating more lenders, financing products, and more consumer financing options. They see new forms of financing emerging to cater to changing consumer preferences, like renting items instead of long-term ownership. As consumer demand increases and the number of solutions are on the rise – the need for an embedded lending platform for POS financing becomes inherent to omnichannel customer journeys, simplifying the consumer financing process end to end.

Financing data will become increasingly important to merchants, lenders, and financial institutions, enabling them to optimize their offerings and gain better visibility into consumer behavior. ChargeAfter provides control, connectivity, and real-time matching between consumers, transactions, and lenders while addressing data security and compliance challenges for banks and merchants.

Conclusion:

The consumer credit market has undergone significant changes, and point-of-sale financing and BNPL options have emerged as key players. ChargeAfter is an innovative solution that connects lenders and consumers at the point-of-sale, offering a seamless and optimized financing option for B2C and B2B customers. Its unique technology simplifies complex underwriting, regulations, and compliance needs. Its data-driven approach allows its partners to maximize the benefits of offering point-of-sale financing. The future of the BNPL market looks bright, and ChargeAfter has a big vision to expand its platform by adding more lenders, financing options, and countries. The credit market continually evolves, and ChargeAfter is well-positioned to create a more connected credit market.

Take advantage of valuable insights into the evolution of the credit market and how ChargeAfter is changing the game with point-of-sale financing and BNPL options. Listen to the podcast featuring Meidad Sharon, the founder and CEO of ChargeAfter, now to learn more!