A recent online survey shows that people who pay for purchases with debit cards or prefer to would consider using point-of-sale credit to pay for even common household items, like groceries.
This indicates that consumers are willing to embrace alternatives to credits, even if it means paying installments for everyday items.
According to New York City-based Auriemma Research, about 40% of debit card holders would use point-of-sale credit to pay for even small, low-cost items.
According to the research firm, borrowing via an installment plan is less intimidating to many consumers as compared revolving debts on credit cards.
Auriemma’s recent issue of The Payments Report showed that about seven out of 10 cardholders appreciated installment plans because it allowed them to budget better and alleviated the stress of making bigger purchases. They consumers, which included 800 debit card users who were surveyed, also really embraced being able to pay balances over a period of time.
Unsurprisingly, bigger ticket items like, electronics, home appliances, and furniture, were bought with installment credit, however, about 25% used this type of lending to purchase clothing and 17% used it for common shopping cart items.
What is Point-of-Sale Credit, and How Does It Work?
Point-of-sale credit or installment credit is a type of financing offered to customers when they approach checkout areas. It is done when they are about to complete transactions to entice people to buy more or buy things they didn’t think they could afford. This type of financing is considered consumer-friendly because eligible borrowers get approved on the spot, and the credit can be used to buy something immediately.
Point-of-Sale Lending Is Catching On
As major banks, like JP Morgan Chase & Co., and fintechs, like Affirm Inc., have begun offering installment lending, it has allow this type of financing to grow in reach and volume. A few months ago, Affirm announced it was partnering with Walmart to offer point-of-sale credit to its customers.
Like, Affirm, financial technology companies have recognized that installment lending appeals to millennials, the generation that grew up during 9/11 and lived through the Great Recession, because they are more leery of accruing large amounts of credit card debt.
In the case of Affirm, its buy now, pay later financing option allows approved users to repay purchase amounts with monthly installments over three-, six-, or 12-month periods. Unlike credit cards, the interest it charges is displayed in actual dollars instead of percentages. Many find this to be a more transparent option over credit cards.
The Last Word on Point-of-Sale Credit
Point-of-sale lending not only serves shoppers better by offering alternative ways to pay, but it benefits merchants. Businesses are able to reach those consumers who are ineligible for credit cards and are unable to make larger, more expensive purchases.
Oftentimes, businesses see significant improvements sales because they are able to entice shoppers into upgrading their buys or adding to their carts because they are offered financing when they are ready to pay. Additionally, now that consumers have said they are willing to make even the smallest purchases with installment credit, it can only mean more dollar signs for merchants.
If you want to reap the benefits that point of sale credit financing offers, then turn to eMerchantBroker.com. EMB offers personalized, no-credit-check payment solutions based on clients’ cash-flow needs, margins, and risk tolerance.
Point-of-sale credit can be beneficial to businesses of all sizes and industries. By offering financing to your customers, you can boost your sales, improve customer loyalty, and build repeat customer bases. Apply online today to cash in on the benefits.