There are many options and accommodations firms can offer consumers that allow them to repay their accounts in ways that sit their financial situations. Payment flexibility can apply to factors like payment methods, payment plans, or timing and frequency of payments. As you explore ways to increase account resolutions, consider offering more payment flexibility to improve customer satisfaction and increase the likelihood of debt repayment.
Why Payment Flexibility Appeals to Consumers
Consumers seek payment flexibility for several reasons, often because of the varying and unpredictable nature of personal finances.
- Income fluctuations. Many individuals work in jobs where their income can vary month to month, such as freelancers, gig economy workers, or commission-based roles. Flexible payment options can help them manage their finances more effectively during leaner months.
- Unexpected expenses. Emergencies like medical issues, car repairs, or home maintenance can arise without warning, impacting one’s ability to meet fixed payment schedules. Flexible payment terms can relieve financial pressure during these times.
- Competing priorities. Consumers may need to prioritize certain expenses over others at different times. Payment flexibility allows them to manage cash flow better, ensuring they can cover essential costs without defaulting on debts.
- Managing debt. Consumers with multiple financial obligations may prefer to coordinate due dates or adjust payment amounts based on their overall debt repayment strategy. This can help them avoid late fees and negative marks on their credit reports.
- Money management. Flexible payments allow consumers to align their debt obligations with their budgeting cycles, which may not always coincide with standard billing cycles.
- Reduces stress. Financial obligations can be a significant source of stress. Payment flexibility can alleviate some of this stress by providing more control over financial situations.
- Minimize fees. Flexible payment arrangements can help avoid late fees, additional interest charges, or penalties that might accrue with rigid payment schedules.
Strategies to Offer More Payment Flexibility
The goal of payment flexibility is to create a realistic and sustainable way for consumers to manage and eventually fully pay their account. As consumers work toward reducing balances, payment flexibility can reduce the risk of default and help you maintain a positive relationship with the consumer. Here are several strategies to consider for increasing payment flexibility.
1. Provide a variety of payment options
Offering a variety of payment methods, like online payments, checks, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments, can make it easier for consumers choose the payment option that’s most convenient for them. This is especially important as more consumers shift to digital payment methods.
2. Offer customized payment plans
Allowing consumers to set up customized payment plans based on their finances can help them manage their debts more effectively and increases the likelihood of timely and full payment. This includes offering installment plans with amounts and due dates that match the consumer’s pay schedule.
3. Present reduced settlement offers
For a limited time, agencies might offer to settle the debt for less than the owed amount. This can motivate consumers to pay off larger debts they might otherwise ignore.
4. Consider deferred payments or due dates
Allowing consumers to defer payments to a later date if they’re experiencing temporary financial hardship can help maintain the relationship and encourage eventual payment. For instance, you can allow consumers to skip a payment or push their due date into the future if they’re having trouble making their payment this month.
5. Offer lenient payment grace periods
Offering grace periods before applying late fees, reporting delinquency to credit bureaus, or taking further collection actions gives consumers a buffer to make payments without additional penalties.
6. Provide hardship options for struggling consumers
Consider recognizing consumers who genuinely cannot make immediate payments due to unforeseen circumstances (like a medical emergency or job loss) and offering hardship options like special terms, like lower payments, or temporary relief. This gives consumers time to heal their finances and resume normal payments.
7. Offer convenient online account management
Providing an online portal where consumers can view their balance, make payments, and communicate with the agency can increase transparency and ease of payment.
Bottom Line
Offering payment flexibility benefits both consumers and firms. Flexible payment options can significantly increase the likelihood that consumers will start and continue making payments. Build a reputation for strong consumer relations and higher account resolutions can give your firm a competitive advantage, making you more likely to be selected by creditors to manage their collections. As you consider payment solution partners, be sure to consider the ability to offer flexible payment options.
