Retail Industry

There is no doubt that E-Clear's flexible payment services can give large volume retailers a very strong advantage over their market competitors. As well as the benefit of being able to monitor all payment processing in real-time, through all available sales channels, E-Clear's service is easy-to-use, fast, extremely reliable and of course second to none.

With the knowledge and ability to find solutions that can meet the ever fluctuating environment of the retail industry, E-Clear is able to provide Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals that can be easily integrated into the retailer's payments system.

Each one of E-Clear's secure electronic payment systems has been designed to significantly increase revenue for the retailer, and with an expanding portfolio of solutions available, the company can provide a solution that is just right for your business. As well as working with the retailer throughout the entire installation and training process, E-Clear also ensures that their retail partners enjoy a quality service and outstanding customer support programme.

As with most business sectors, the pace of the retail industry can be influenced by both positive and negative factors. It is always important therefore for the retailer to be aware of any negative factors that may affect the success of their business.

Positive Factors Negative Factors Easy availability of consumer credit. High consumer debt levels. The expansion of credit card usage simplifies purchases by consumers and provides additional sales channels. Major external factors such as global terrorism, market tension and uncertainty, even bad weather, can all have an adverse effect on the retail market. Relatively low personal savings rates (may encourage more people to spend rather than save). Consumers having to face higher energy and fuel costs such as petrol, gas and electricity. Moderate inflation. The growing preference for On-line purchases. Higher Stock Market and investment values. Strong retail competition. Large discounts are often needed to attract customers.

Perhaps one of the most important factors listed above, is the one that refers to the increasing expansion of credit card usage by the consumer. For example in 2006, according to Credit Action, there were 284 credit and debit card transactions every second, in just the UK alone, while cash withdrawals amounted to only 86 per second during the same period.

The UK payments association, APACS reports that, there are more credit cards in the UK than people, and so the necessity for retailers to be able to accept credit and debit cards, through whatever medium, is becoming more and more vital to the success of their business. Whether this is at the Point of Sale, over the Internet, or through Mail and Telephone orders, E-Clear can provide retailers, not only with reliable and secure payment terminals capable of accepting all major international debit and credit cards in a fast and efficient manner, but also the following benefits: