How Instalment Payments Are Changing the Retail Industry

The way people buy things has changed massively. Not long ago, big purchases meant saving up, using a credit card, or simply waiting until your salary enters your account. But now, a new way to pay is making waves: instalment payments. 

这种灵活的支付方式，虽然一直以来都用于购买房屋和汽车，但现在正对日常零售产生巨大影响，不再仅仅局限于大件商品。我们正处于一个变革的时代，这意味着大量的机遇和抢占先机的机会。

Understanding Instalment Payments

An instalment payment breaks down the total cost of an item into smaller, manageable chunks. Imagine wanting a new laptop but not having the full amount upfront. Instead, you pay a bit now and the rest in set payments. 

这种方式提供了灵活性，让人们无需一次性支付大量费用，也能轻松获得所需的商品。  

Types of Instalment Plans

Not all instalment plans are the same. It is important to know which types are out there, as they all have different terms, conditions, and uses.

Traditional Instalment Loans

• 这类贷款是指银行或信用合作社提供的经典贷款，比如汽车贷款或个人贷款。
• 你借取一笔固定金额，并在约定的期限内连同利息一起偿还。
• 这类贷款非常适合需要较长还款期限的大额购买。

Point-of-Sale (POS) Instalment Plans

• 零售商或支付服务提供这类分期付款计划，通常在客户购买商品时，无论是在线还是实体店内。
• 客户可以将费用分成较小的付款，轻松购买新电子产品或家具，这种方式尤其适合奢侈品或高端行业。.
• 先买后付（BNPL）服务 这是这种类型的常见例子。

Credit Card Instalment Plans 

• Work with credit card companies to allow customers to convert purchases into instalments.
• 这为已经使用信用卡的客户增加了便利和价值
• 虽然这种方式不是直接的分期贷款，但同样为客户带来了实惠。

这对零售商的重要性

For retailers, offering instalment payments can be a game-changer. It opens the door to a wider customer base, particularly those who might hesitate to make a large purchase otherwise. Here’s why:

销售额提升

允许客户将付款分成较小且易于管理的部分，使高价商品看起来更加可负担。这种策略有助于提升销售量，并提高平均订单金额。当财务压力被分散到一段时间内时，客户更愿意完成购买。

吸引更多客户

现代消费者，尤其是刚开始购物的用户，积极寻找灵活的支付解决方案。 

The availability of instalment plans can serve as a strong competitive differentiator. Retailers who provide these options are more likely to attract customers who might otherwise choose competitors offering similar payment arrangements.

提升转化率

When customers are offered the option to pay in instalments, they are more likely to complete their purchases. 

减轻的财务压力能够降低客户在结账时的犹豫, 从而显著减少购物车被遗弃的情况。最终，这将转化为更高的转化率和收入增长。

建立客户忠诚度

Delivering a seamless and supportive payment experience fosters a sense of trust and strengthens customer relationships. Offering clear, transparent instalment plans communicates a commitment to customer convenience. 

这不仅鼓励回购行为，还培养了客户的长期忠诚度，从而确保更高的客户留存率。

Instalment Payment Risk For Retailers

While offering instalment payments can significantly boost sales, it’s essential to understand the potential risks and how to implement these plans effectively. It’s not all smooth sailing, so a bit of planning goes a long way.

• 欺诈交易： 与任何线上支付系统一样，欺诈风险始终存在。您需要采取措施，防止未经授权的交易，保护您的业务安全。
  
  
• Managing Returns: Handling returns for items purchased on instalment plans can be complex. Clear policies are needed to avoid confusion and potential losses.
• 服务费用： 服务是有费用的，要么是销售额的一定比例，要么是服务费。这需要被理解。
  
  
• 选择可靠的供应商：与不可信的供应商合作可能会损害您的声誉并导致经济损失。

Implementing Instalment Plans Effectively

For retailers looking to integrate instalment payment options into their business, a strategic and well-planned approach is key. Here are some key takeaways:

与可靠的支付网关合作

When setting up instalment payments, it is advised to select a 支付终端 that integrates smoothly with your existing online or point-of-sale systems.

优先选择提供强大安全功能和可靠客户支持的供应商，因为这些因素是确保支付体验安全有效的关键。这样可以减少错误，提高客户满意度。

培训您的销售人员

It is important to provide comprehensive training to your sales team on the specifics of the instalment plans you offer. They should be able to articulate the terms and conditions with clarity, addressing any customer inquiries with confidence and accuracy. 

清晰展示条款和条件

支付条款的透明度对于建立客户信任和良好关系非常重要。

Clearly present all relevant details, including interest rates, applicable fees, and repayment schedules, both on your website and in physical stores like the cashier. This will reduce confusion and potential disputes that might arise from miscommunication.

制定明确的退货和退款政策

To prevent potential disputes and protect your business, establish well-defined return and refund policies for items purchased through instalment plans.

这些政策应明确退货和退款的流程及条件，确保您的员工和客户都能清楚了解。

从试用期开始

When possible, consider initiating a trial period to assess the performance of your instalment plans. This allows you to gather data on which plans clicks the most with your target audience, enabling you to refine your offerings accordingly. 

If the instalment plan is too rigid, then consider loosening the time-window for payment.

与知名金融机构合作

与知名金融机构合作将为您提供的付款计划增添信誉和信任感。客户更倾向于使用由他们熟悉的机构支持的支付方式，例如马来亚银行（Maybank）或联昌银行（CIMB Bank）。

Conclusion On Instalment Payment Plan For Your Customers

Growing your business in Malaysia requires understanding what your customers need, and that includes more flexible ways to pay. Providing options like instalment plans or BNPL can be a game-changer for retailers.

At Paydibs, we are more than just a payment tool. We offer the solutions that enable you to provide instalment payment plans to your customers seamlessly, both online and offline. We offer multiple payment plans including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, online banking and BNPL through our all-in-one 智能终端 system.

别输给竞争对手，提供当今马来西亚消费者所需的灵活支付方式。