What is installment payment ?
Installment payment is a payment plan that allows customers to pay for their purchases in several installments. It is a BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) payment option that allows customers to pay for their purchases in multiple monthly installments.
There are two different types of installment payments: guaranteed installment payments and standard installment payments.
Guaranteed installment payment
Guaranteed installment payments are equivalent to consumer credit. They are offered by specialized providers, who are themselves supervised by credit institutions.
It allows consumers, primarily in B2C, to pay for their purchases in installments (with or without fees) or at a later date. The financial service provider pays the total amount to the merchant, deducting its commission, and then handles the collection from the customer.
Standard installment payment
Standard installment payments apply to both B2B and B2C transactions. Unlike guaranteed BNPL, it does not rely on any credit intermediary.
It involves dividing the amount of an order or invoice into several installments, according to the terms of the commercial agreement. The merchant manages and automates the direct debits on each agreed date. No commission is charged, but payments are collected progressively according to the payment schedule.
The advantages of paying in installments for your business
Whether you’re a B2B professional, an e-commerce business, or a marketplace, installment payments are an essential payment option. Here are the advantages of installment payments for your business.
Installment payments allow for a better conversion rate
Offering installment payments removes a major obstacle to purchase. By making the customer’s decision easier, it speeds up the process and significantly increases the conversion rate, while reducing shopping cart abandonment.
Payment in installments: increase in average order value
Installment payments offer purchasing flexibility. They allow customers to spend more and upgrade without impacting their budget. Offering payment plans is a strategic way to increase sales and attract more customers.
A competitive advantage in B2B
Installment payments have become a real strategic lever for B2B companies. Professionals are already familiar with payment methods in several installments (deposit, balance, payment schedule…), which facilitate the purchase decision and remove budgetary barriers, thus accelerating the closing of sales.
For businesses, BNPL reduces the risk of non-payment: instead of postponing payment, customers gradually pay the amount due, guaranteeing a regular cash flow over the defined period.
Installment payments: a tool for building customer loyalty
Offering installment payments strengthens customer relationships. By making purchases easier and tailoring payment terms to their needs, the company fosters trust and satisfaction. Customers appreciate the flexibility and are more likely to return for future purchases.
Adopting installment payments means positioning yourself as an agile and innovative partner, capable of adjusting your terms to your customers’ constraints while sustainably supporting your business growth.
Installment payment with CentralPay
Standard: With CentralPay, combine secure payment processing with customer flexibility. Depending on your business model or customer profile, choose the most suitable solution: standard installment payment or guaranteed payment.
- Customizable payment schedule: Define the distribution and frequency of payments according to your needs and those of your clients. For example, 50% upon order, 30% one month later, then 10% over the following two months.
- Customized workflow: customer notification before the due date, payment link via email/SMS containing the payment form,
- Various payment methods: SEPA direct debit or bank card, scheduled Pay by Bank…
An ideal solution for B2B payments, enabling the creation of a smooth, secure journey tailored to each customer relationship.
Guaranteed: CentralPay relies on approved credit partners (Oney, Alma, Floa, Klarna, etc.) to offer guaranteed installment payments. You get paid immediately, while the customer repays according to the agreed schedule. Commissions apply, but the solution offers maximum security for payments, regardless of the order amount, in both B2C and B2B transactions.
