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Meet us at the Channel Live event this March

Fidelity Group, a leading provider of advanced payment solutions, is excited to announce our participation in the highly anticipated Channel Live event in Birmingham on March 29-30. We are thrilled to connect with attendees and discuss the potential business opportunities that our advanced payment solutions offer. Visit us at stand 119 during the event.

At Fidelity Group, innovation and exceptional customer service are at the core of our values. Our payment solutions are designed to simplify payment processes, enhance customer experience, and provide top-notch security. Moreover, our solutions are fully customizable to meet your business needs.

By partnering with Fidelity Group, you can offer your customers innovative payment options that align with their evolving needs and access new revenue streams. Our team of experts will be available to answer any questions and provide additional information about our products and services.

We encourage you to schedule a meeting with us in advance to optimize your time at the event. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or would like to set up a meeting.

We look forward to meeting you at the Channel Live event and exploring how we can work together to achieve our mutual goals.

Advanced alternative for your business connectivity

As many of you may be aware, the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is set to be closed down by BT in December 2025. As part of the ongoing effort to transition away from WLR and towards newer, more advanced technologies such as Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP), Openreach has recently announced that it will stop the sale of legacy analogue services in 51 additional exchange locations across the UK. This means that Openreach will no longer offer or support the WLR product, which relies on the PSTN.

This “stop sell” will impact new supply, including order journeys such as working line takeovers, migrations, Communications Provider (CP) transfers, and more.

Openreach has undergone trials in Salisbury and Mildenhall to test the process and has also started phasing out the sale of analogue phone lines within exchange areas that have achieved an agreed level of full fibre coverage.

With the PSTN network set to be closed down by the end of December 2025, businesses and individuals must consider upgrading their communication systems now to avoid a last-minute rush and potential price increases.

Fidelity Group guarantees a seamless migration to advanced business connectivity, and we encourage businesses to schedule their switch-over today. Stay informed and stay ahead of the changes to ensure a smooth transition. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about these changes and how they may impact your business.

For Fidelity connectivity solutions click here.

What is the PSTN switch-off?

The PSTN switch-off is a major change for businesses in the UK, as it will impact how they communicate with customers, partners, and employees. The PSTN network has been used for over a century, and many businesses have built their communication systems around it.

With the switch-off of PSTN-based services, businesses will need to make the transition to VoIP to continue to provide reliable communication.

How does this affect me?
As the switch-off date approaches, businesses must start planning their transition to VoIP. This includes identifying what equipment and services will be needed, such as new phones and phone numbers, and ensuring that the new system is tailored to their specific needs.

Businesses also need to consider the cost of the transition, as it may require some initial investment.

The Alternative:

One major benefit of the PSTN switch-off is that it will enable businesses to take advantage of the benefits of VoIP. VoIP is a more flexible and cost-effective solution compared to PSTN, as it allows for call routing, voicemail, and other features to be managed and accessed remotely. Additionally, VoIP provides better call quality, as it is less susceptible to interference and noise.

Conclusion
The PSTN switch-off is an inevitable change that will affect all businesses in the UK who use a fixed line phone service. It presents an opportunity for businesses to modernize their communication systems and take advantage of the benefits of VoIP. Businesses should start planning their transition now to ensure a smooth transition and continue to provide reliable communication to their customers. By working with Fidelity Group, businesses can ensure that their new system is tailored to their specific needs, and that the transition is as cost-effective as possible.

For Fidelity connectivity solutions click here.

Ofcom UK gives the kiss of death to FAX

The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has officially proposed to remove the requirement for telecom operators to provide FAX (facsimile) services under their legally-binding Universal Service Obligation (USO), which only applies to BT and KCOM.

The related USO was originally set out in 2003 when fax machines were much more prevalent, and email and instant messaging were less ubiquitous. On top of that, the move to full-fibre (FTTP) broadband lines and all-IP (Internet Protocol) based phone services (VoIP ) – whether via copper or fibre lines – will hamper how the old analogue FAX system operates.

FAX can sometimes still to made to work, but the timing and synchronisation that it relies on for the duration of the transmission can no longer be guaranteed to work in the same way. Suffice it to say that FAX can no longer be supported, and parliament has already removed such services from the USO legislation following an earlier consultation by Ofcom.

Article source: www.ispreview.co.uk

Everything as a Service | The rise of XaaS | Fidelity Group UK

The transition toward the “as-a-service” model has been underway for years, but it’s accelerated in the last couple of years.

Disruptions due to the Pandemic and the complexity of rapidly enabling a remote workforce have created the need for flexible IT solutions. To keep up in today’s rapidly changing environment, organizations need solutions that enable them to create new business processes, products, and services. As a result, adoption of the everything-as-a-service (XaaS) model has been increasing.

Before XaaS, businesses were often constrained by legacy IT systems and traditional business processes. Now 80% of early XaaS adopters say that they has accelerated their shift from traditional IT to XaaS over the past few years. This has enabled them to find alternative solutions to survive in uncharted waters and an ever changing environment.

So what is XaaS? In this article, we’ll look at what the XaaS model is, why it’s on the rise, its benefits, and some traditional and emerging ways that businesses can benefit from implementing XaaS.

What Is the Everything-as-a-Service Model?

Organizations have always needed newer, better, faster hardware and software to stay relevant and to meet employee and customer needs. In the past, this typically meant having to make major CAPEX investments every few years to update software and purchase new IT infrastructure.

Everything as a service (also known as “anything as a service”) is a general category of cloud-based solutions that are deployed remotely and can be accessed on demand. XaaS can be delivered in several ways, including:

Private on-premises offerings (i.e., managed in your own data center)
Hosted by a service provider
In the public cloud
A combination of on-premises and public cloud offerings (hybrid cloud)

XaaS offerings have been expanding and now deliver a wide variety of products, tools, and technologies. Almost any IT functionality can be offered as a service. Former CAPEX costs transition to more flexible OPEX investments.

With XaaS, businesses can significantly reduce operational costs, access new and advanced technologies more quickly, and gain greater control over their IT infrastructure.

Benefits of the XaaS Model

XaaS offers several benefits for organizations that want to deliver new and innovative solutions faster:

Reduced, Predictable Expenses. XaaS allows businesses to turn capital expenses into predictable monthly operating expenses, lowering the cost of ownership. In most cases, the service provider buys and maintains the infrastructure. As a result, XaaS helps reduce overhead, staffing, and maintenance costs. Businesses no longer need to spend more on computing power and storage in anticipation of future needs because they can provision and pay for these components as needed.
Greater Agility. The XaaS model gives businesses greater agility to develop innovative solutions that meet changing market conditions or take advantage of new opportunities. Companies can quickly customize technology environments to respond to customer or employee needs.
More Efficient Use of the IT Team’s Time. Because XaaS is partially or fully managed by the service provider, it takes some of the pressure off of in-house IT resources. With admin tasks moved to the service provider, organizations can streamline operations to focus IT resources on higher-value projects.
Better Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning. A comprehensive data backup and recovery plan is critical with cybersecurity threats and ransomware attacks on the rise. XaaS solutions can play an integral part in ensuring that your business can continue operations during a disaster.
Use of Data. With access to unlimited storage capacity, businesses can store data for long periods of time. This gives them the ability to analyze historical and current data trends to make better business decisions, enhance customer experience, and capitalize on emerging trends to gain a competitive advantage.

XaaS and Innovation

The move to XaaS may have accelerated recently, but most businesses were already looking to reduce costs, eliminate redundancies, and improve agility and efficiency.

The digitization trend is opening larger market opportunities for businesses to reach customers. But, it’s also creating greater competition. Organizations must continue to innovate and take advantage of these opportunities. Their ability to innovate rests in part on their ability to scale IT resources up or down without making long-term commitments to capital expenditures.

XaaS can help facilitate this innovation. It’s likely to become a necessity rather than not a nice to have as more services are delivered via the cloud and digital technologies like AI, ML, and IoT are more integrated. XaaS offerings can help CIOs and IT leaders prioritize productivity gains and new growth opportunities while also creating greater cohesion between IT and business units.

Article Source:Pure Storage

What is EPOS? | Electronic Point of Sale | Fidelity Group UK

What is EPOS?

EPOS stands for Electronic Point of Sale, it is a computerised system that is traditionally used in retail or hospitality but can be used anywhere customers are paying for goods or services.

These systems have many advantages:
Assists in your business decision by allowing you to have up to date information on hand such as when you need it
Improves customer experience
Allows for better stock control and forecasting
Prevents loss of revenue due to human error

How does EPOS work?

An Epos system is made up of two main elements – hardware and software. Many different components can be combined into a system, most solutions consist of different components including:

A computer to run the software, anything from a mobile phone to a tablet or a dedicated touchscreen display
Cash Drawer
Receipt printer

Other add-ons include barcode scanners, kitchen printers, or mobile devices to take orders at tables but a card machine is the most popular that connects you directly to your EPOS.

The software is the brains of the operation recording all the transactions and storing data that you can use later such as product trends. Loyalty programs, accounting packages, and ordering apps can be integrated – to be re-visited in a later edition.

A good quality EPOS system will not only be an asset to your business it will also help improve your profitability and make life as a business owner that little bit easier.

Get in touch and one of our experts will provide a free consultation.

Credit article: Modern World Solutions

USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU

By autumn 2024, USB Type-C will become the common charging port for all mobile phones, tablets and cameras in the EU, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed today.

One single charger for frequently used small and medium-sized portable electronic devices
Charging speed harmonised for devices that support fast charging
Buyers can choose whether to purchase new device with or without charging device

The provisional agreement on the amended Radio Equipment Directive, establishes a single charging solution for certain electronic devices. This law is a part of a broader EU effort to make products in the EU more sustainable, to reduce electronic waste, and make consumers’ lives easier.

Under the new rules, consumers will no longer need a different charging device and cable every time they purchase a new device, and can use one single charger for all of their small and medium-sized portable electronic devices. Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacturer. Laptops will also have to be adapted to the requirements by 40 months after the entry into force.

The charging speed is also harmonised for devices that support fast charging, allowing users to charge their devices at the same speed with any compatible charger.

Better information and choice for consumers

Consumers will be provided with clear information on the charging characteristics of new devices, making it easier for them to see whether their existing chargers are compatible. Buyers will also be able to choose whether they want to purchase new electronic equipment with or without a charging device.

These new obligations will lead to more re-use of chargers and will help consumers save up to 250 million euro a year on unnecessary charger purchases. Disposed of and unused chargers are estimated to represent about 11,000 tonnes of e-waste annually.

Encouraging technological innovation

As wireless charging technology becomes more prevalent, the European Commission will be empowered to develop so-called delegated acts, on the interoperability of charging solutions.

Quote

Parliament’s rapporteur Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said: “Today we have made the common charger a reality in Europe! European consumers were frustrated long with multiple chargers piling up with every new device. Now they will be able to use a single charger for all their portable electronics. We are proud that laptops, e-readers, earbuds, keyboards, computer mice, and portable navigation devices are also included in addition to smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld videogame consoles and portable speakers. We have also added provisions on wireless charging being the next evolution in the charging technology and improved information and labelling for consumers”.

Article source: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news

The benefits of a toll free number | Fidelity Group UK

Business marketing has changed drastically over the years, and business owners are now under pressure to adapt and thrive within this new competitive environment. In a world where companies are competing hard to reach the pinnacle of success, businesses need to stay relevant and be available to their customers 24/7.

To ensure this, many companies utilise a toll-free number service to strengthen customer relationships, maintain brand recognition, track consumer behavior, and improve customer retention rates. A toll-free number is an indispensable asset that helps businesses grow over time. It allows your customers to call your business for free and the toll-free call’s cost is borne by companies (who are usually the toll-free subscribers), and not the calling party (customers).

Toll-free numbers make your business much more accessible. And even with cell phones now being nearly ubiquitous, a toll-free number can be a marketing tool in and of itself. Plus, toll-free numbers are relatively inexpensive, so if you use them right, they can be a low-hassle way to better connect with your customers. And that’s always the end goal.

1. Better customer service

Customers often prefer communicating with a business, be it before making a purchase decision or for post-sale services. Companies will have to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted communication process between customers and the support team. That is the only way they can enhance the customer experience and retain their loyal customers.

With toll-free numbers, businesses can enable customers to instantly connect with their support agents to get their issues resolved, which, as a result, improves engagement and customer satisfaction rates.

2. The portability factor

Toll-free numbers are portable; therefore, companies can retain their old number for receiving essential business calls. They do not have to switch to another number when relocating their business to a different location. As a result, companies will not face any disruption in handling customer communications.

3. Strengthens your brand image

On a fundamental level, having a free number that your end-users can dial to have a quick chat and get their issues solved makes your organization look good. Service of this kind is imperative for a business that is willing to take that extra step to help its customer and maintain its brand image.

Toll-free numbers come with considerable trust benefits. They are highly recognizable as business contact numbers, and an organization that uses them is unlikely to be seen as a small-time operation. These numbers can be highly useful as a catchall identifier that users will trust.

4. Acts as a marketing instrument

Promoting your toll-free numbers on marketing platforms can maximize the turn out of the customers instantly. Companies can also take advantage of the ‘click-to-call’ feature by directly linking their toll-free numbers with call extensions.

According to Google, a majority of search users connect with a business directly through the ‘click-to-call’ option. They find it convenient and easy when compared to other methods of communication.

5. It is cost-effective

Today, toll-free numbers services are easy to set up & affordable for businesses of all kinds. The subscription rates for these services are lower than regular telephone services.

6. Cloud advantage

Toll-free numbers work with cloud platforms, which gives it additional advantages over the traditional phone system. Cloud communication platforms provide maximum uptime and robust infrastructure, which helps companies build better customer experience.

When a company fails to offer a toll-free number, consumers are most likely to pass on to the ones that do. Switching from a traditional number to a toll-free number can help a company reach out to larger audiences and get more potential customers. Using toll-free numbers can also elevate a company’s brand image, save costs, and generate rewarding sales leads.

Sources: https://www.kaleyra.com/ and https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/.

What is VoWi-Fi and how can it help your business?

The pandemic has sped up the transition of businesses into more flexible environments. In fact, according to a global study done by Steel Case, 72 percent of companies around the world either expect a hybrid work arrangement or are already implementing it. Hybrid arrangements, of course, is the term used to describe a combination of office and remote work.

Several considerations need to align to provide seamless productivity and collaboration in this modern business scenario. One of the most important of these considerations is communications.

When it comes to keeping the workforce connected, even amidst hybrid arrangements, VoWi-Fi or voice over Wi-Fi is one of the critical technologies companies can take advantage of.

But what exactly is VoWi-Fi? How does it work? How can it help businesses? This article will answer all these and more.

What Is VoWi-Fi?

VoWi-Fi is a technology that allows users to make and receive calls even without using a mobile signal. As the term voice over Wi-Fi implies, calls can go through using only broadband or other wireless internet connection. This technology is also referred to as VoWi-Fi calling or just Wi-Fi calling.

On the surface, Wi-Fi calling works just like a regular call in that a user straight up dials a number and the technology works on its own, without the use of any special applications.

The difference lies in how the call is transmitted. Instead of going through the usual mobile or cell towers, the call uses the Wi-Fi network and the internet to connect the call.

The VoWi-Fi technology has far-reaching applications across consumer and commercial sectors. It has become beneficial now that the business landscape has shifted into more remote opportunities and that people are still careful about meeting in social gatherings.

What are the benefits of VoWi-Fi for business?

Although VoWi-FI can be used in private or consumer applications, its full advantages can be maximised in business environments. The following are the most notable benefits of VoWi-Fi in the commercial setting:

Unparalleled Connectivity

Mobile signals can be intermittent. In some areas, users can experience complete signal drops without warning. When a user is in a call, the call will be cut if the signal disappears. VoWi-Fi can address this concern.

Internet, especially broadband connections, are far more stable than signals from a cell tower. As long as you have an internet connection, you can make calls effortlessly without the risk of dropping out. This is a game-changer in locations where mobile signals are entirely unreliable.

When inclement weather or other natural calamities have affected the signal coming from cell towers, VoWi-Fi can still be used, as long as the internet connection works. In commercial environments, entrepreneurs can use VoWi-Fi as part of their business continuity plans as a way to stay connected to employees, customers, and stakeholders.

Ease of use

VoWi-Fi is accessible to anyone, as long as their device is capable of it. Users do not need additional or special applications or equipment to make or receive VoWi-Fi calls. This accessibility extends to the person on the other line, who also does not need extra applications or tools.

Although apps like Viber or Messenger allow calls and messages using the internet, the person on the other end also needs to have these apps installed and register an account to respond to the call. With VoWi-Fi, calls are just like normal, mobile calls. People with zero tech experience can make or receive Wi-Fi calls.

Businesses that want to use VoWi-Fi calling as part of their operations do not need to conduct additional training for employee users. Often, using new applications require training or, at least, information campaigns, which have related costs. New applications also typically need some time allocated for transition. VoWi-Fi addresses all these concerns.

Exceptional quality

Since VoWi-Fi calling does not rely on wavering signals; it can sustain better call quality. In fact, HD voice or High-Definition voice is one of the features of VoWi-Fi calls. This is because the internet can carry more data over the network, allowing users to take full advantage of the more stable connections.

HD Voice calls have lower background noise and clearer audio connections overall. This is critical for businesses that need constant and clear communication within their teams. The clarity and quality of VoWi-Fi calling increases productivity and collaboration.

Seamless transitions

Picture a user using the VoWi-Fi call feature on their phone, walking around the house. The user then reaches an area in the backyard that the Wi-Fi signal does not reach. Does the call drop? Fortunately, it does not. Instead, the device seamlessly transitions into the mobile connection and continues the call without hassle.

The same is true with the reverse. A user, for example, is walking towards their office while speaking with an important client on the phone. Once the user arrives at the office and the device recognises the building’s Wi-Fi, it automatically switches to VoWi-Fi calling without cutting the call. The user immediately has access to a more stable connection with better audio quality.

These seamless transitions are essential for companies and entrepreneurs who spend long hours in calls. It reduces the need to be conscious of which connection to use, which is especially useful for users who often multi-task while on business calls.

Lower costs

VoWi-Fi lowers communication costs. A lot of communication or messaging apps for businesses require subscription fees. Depending on the company’s size, those fees can scale up to frightening heights. VoWi-Fi helps reduce those costs by offering a viable alternative.

VoWi-Fi calls use existing internet networks to connect users. These networks include personal or home broadband connections, Wi-Fi hotspots, or public networks. Even if the user takes advantage of the Wi-Fi network in the office, the business takes on that particular connection’s cost. So VoWi-Fi calls essentially come at no extra cost.

The seamless transition of calls also adds to this cost-saving benefit. VoWi-Fi calls prevent users from overusing their mobile data by automatically switching to recognised networks. If the user is constantly in places where Wi-Fi is available, they can virtually make or receive calls for free.

With the VoWi-Fi technology, businesses can avoid training costs for additional applications and expenses associated with downtime when a transition is required.

Improved security

Compared to other web communication apps that use passwords, VoWi-Fi calls offer improved security through SIM authentication mechanisms. During calls, the mobile service provider encrypts the conversation. It protects the connection even when the user is accessing public networks like a café or mall.

It is most beneficial for businesses that discuss sensitive information over calls. It is also helpful for companies who have or plan to have BYOD or bring your own device arrangements with employees.

No special security measures have to be taken to keep calls more secure, even if the employee uses their own mobile device. Additionally, this allows employees to use their device of choice wherever necessary.

Security can further improve with the help of other measures like a private APN.

Situations where VoWi-Fi is essential

Here are a few situations in which VoWi-Fi technology is most convenient for commercial applications.

The office is located in an area that had just been devastated by a natural disaster. The business continuity plan is in effect. To ensure the safety of all the employees, the leadership uses VoWi-Fi calls to reach everyone.
An entrepreneur is travelling to a remote location to secure a new business. The mobile signal is intermittent at best. They use VoWi-Fi technology to make and receive calls without sacrificing the quality of the call.
To cut back on communication costs, a company decides to expand Wi-Fi coverage within the building. It reduces the resources allotted for the mobile plans of each employee. Every time the employees are in the office, they use the Wi-Fi network to make and receive calls.
An executive needs to make an important call to discuss sensitive information outside work hours. However, they are at the mall and cannot access a private network. They use VoWi-Fi, knowing full well that the call will be secure.
A manager needs to make a call, but their device is running on low battery. Since mobile phones use more power when the signal is weak, the manager chooses to use Wi-Fi calling instead. The manager can make their call with battery life to spare.

Conclusion

VoWi-Fi technology is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses as work settings shift to more hybrid and remote arrangements. Companies can save money, ensure security, and connect seamlessly with customers, investors, and employees by using existing networks to make and receive calls. Because of these benefits, VoWi-Fi calling capability is a worthy addition to a company’s business continuity plan.

If you wish to learn more about VoWi-Fi and other similar technologies, send us an email at hello@fidelity-group.co.uk. You may also access our contact page to get in touch.

Credit article and imagery: Gamma | www.gamma.co.uk

What are continuous payment authorities (CPAS)

A CPA, or Continuous Payment Authorities, is a recurring payment that is organised by the merchant for a customer, utilising the information on their debit or credit card.

The customer must first provide permission for the merchant to collect recurring payments, which is known as ‘standing authority’.

One of the most common types of businesses that use CPA’s are gyms, collecting your payment every month on the same day following initially getting ‘standing authority’ for future payments.

You will also find these with many other subscription based services, as well as services that require a membership with a monthly payment plan. They’re also increasingly common with payday loan companies that want to receive a payment on a set date.

It should be stated that these are different to direct debits, but I’ll go into this in just a moment.

What Is An Example Of A CPA?

I’ve already mentioned gyms, which are some of the most common CPA’s we know of, but in recent years we have seen a huge growth in businesses that use this model, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Magazine and newspaper subscriptions largely work on the same basis, being the original subscription services before online versions became so popular.

How Do Continuous Payment Authorities Work?

The customer will initially provide their debit or credit card details when signing up with a website or business that runs CPA’s. The key details include the name on the card, expiry date and the 3 digit security code on the back.

The customer will have to make a transaction at the start to begin the process, which could be the month paid in advance, or with gyms they make you pay a ‘sign-up fee’ sometimes.

However, from that moment onwards, the company can repeatedly take payments from your card, not fraudulently I should add.

The amounts aren’t always consistent, for some it might be a set monthly payment, but after 12 months it might increase, or for companies such as Amazon Prime, the amount will vary drastically based on the item purchased.

If you see a CPA on your bank statement and you don’t recognise it, you can raise this with the company and if you don’t manage to resolve the situation, you can raise this with your bank.

How Do You Stop CPA’s?

The customer should have the ability to cancel the payments whenever they like, subject to the terms and conditions, via either contacting the company, or as a secondary option they can also contact the bank.

Sometimes the creditor may inadvertently use the details to take further payments, such as if they hadn’t noted the cancellation of membership. If this occurs, then the customer is within their rights to file a continuous payment authority refund with the bank or through the company, as these weren’t authorised payments.

It is worth highlighting that in the UK, the CPA to be stopped requires is one working day before the payment is due by the close of business. This means that if you cancelled on a weekend, or you cancelled on the day of the payment, then you won’t be due a refund.

How Are Continuous Payment Authorities Different To Direct Debit Payments?

With a direct debit, you setup a direct debit mandate, which is a contract stating the exact amount which will leave each month on a set date.

In contrast, a CPA can change the amount to be paid, such as if the monthly subscription service increases their rates or if you purchase a single item through your subscription on top of the regular payments.

This is also the same with standing orders, which are for a set amount on a set date, making them different for the same reasons.

The cancellation method is also slightly different, as through a CPA you will seek a refund through the company if they have taken payment without permission, whereas if this happens with a direct debit or standing order then the bank will refund you.

Open banking is an interesting alternative to CPA’s, with variable recurring payments in place through third party providers in much the same method.

These are a great option both for merchants and customers, with merchants able to take payments instantly without the high debit and credit card fees, while customers will benefit from the high level authentication process built-in helping to protect their data security.

CPA Benefits

I have mentioned a few negative aspects of CPA’s for both the merchant and the customer, so I wanted to equally highlight some of the advantages to using this system:

CPA’s can be very useful for customers as they remove the need to remember to pay a set amount on a set date, or they mean you can skip any lengthy process of putting in your bank details each time. Remembering your payment details removes a frustrating part of the purchasing funnel, especially with many using mobile devices to order, which can be slower to input details.
For companies such as gyms, this method allows for repeated payments from customers even if they’re not actively using their membership, which is the basis of their payment structure, as they oversell knowing most people won’t use their services heavily.
As previously mentioned, unlike standing orders and direct debits, different amounts can be taken, meaning you can easily order via Amazon Prime for different amounts without having to go through the whole process of putting in your details.

CPA Negatives

You have to be careful to read the terms and conditions when signing up with a company, as they may set you up on a CPA basis after a set time period and if you forget to end your subscription after this date, the regular payments may be more expensive than you’re comfortable with.
As the CPA’s allow the companies to take payment whenever they feel it is due, this could mean money leaves your account on a day you’re not expecting it, which could leave you in financial trouble if not planning effectively.
In something commonly known as the ‘subscription trap’, it may not be that you forgot to cancel the membership, but you may not have been fully aware of what would happen after the trial period and exactly how much money would be taken. There are many services offering 7 days, without heavily going into the costs after this period or how long you will be tied in.
Ever lost your bank card and had to go through your gym membership and subscription services to input all your new details? It’s frustrating, but something that has to be done with CPA’s, as they can’t use your old card details. This means that a payment failure would go through if not updated in time, which could prevent you from using the service.