Driving success for even more small businesses in 2020
Payments lie at the heart of any successful small business. Whether you’re a retailer, a café owner or run a market stall, the customer experience should be front-and-centre of everything you do – and the last thing those customers do before leaving your store is to pay, so it can make a lasting impression.
At 123Send, we’ve been helping small businesses to optimise the payments experience for nearly two decades. So, here’s a brief look back at what we got up to in 2019, and what the UK’s SMEs can expect of the coming year.
Omnichannel hits home
The concept of omnichannel retail has been around for years. But the technology is finally getting into the hands of UK businesses en masse. Research from early 2019 claimed that more than two-thirds (67%) of retailers were planning to prioritise initiatives over the past 12 months. For those who choose the right technology partner, the benefits could include seamless customer experiences across channels, and improved visibility into spending patterns — which can both help to drive loyalty and profits. Omnichannel adoption will only continue to grow as we head through 2020.
The future’s mobile
Almost two-thirds (65%) of 16-20-year-olds believe mobile phones could replace their card by 2023. In fact, UK mobile payments grew again in 2019 and will continue to do so as we enter the new decade. Offering a wider choice of payment methods will improve the overall shopping experience and increase the chances of repeat custom. So why not ask your payments partner what your options are? At the very least, mobile payments can speed-up time spent at the till, minimising queues and potential drop-outs.
Dispelling myths and dispensing advice
Part of our job at 123Send is to help guide our business customers through what can be a challenging digital payments market. Myths and misinformation are everywhere, but with the right partner leading the way, accepting cards doesn’t have to be a time-consuming, complex or expensive process. We’re here to cut through the hype and simplify the complex range of price plans on the market, so you can choose the package that’s right for you.
Free health checks
Throughout 2019 we continued to offer our completely free of charge 123 Health Check. As an independent operator we can scour the market for the best deals, to save up to 30% on your current contract. Sometimes the best option for your business may be to source your card terminal from a different provider to the rest of your merchant payment services. It can save money, give you greater freedom and help ensure your business benefits from the latest payments technology. We’re here to guide you through the process.
Growing your business
Over the years, we’ve helped countless businesses improve customer loyalty and increase their takings by optimising payments. In 2019 alone they ranged from high street fashion giant Oliver Bonas to life-saving global charity Chain of Hope – and everything in between. Under the leadership of new owner DNA Payments, we can’t wait to get started in 2020.