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Registration for members of the trade for the 2023 Cycle Show in London is now open

Taking place from 21st-23rd April 2023 at the iconic Alexandra Palace venue in North London, The Cycle Show brings together a variety of exhibitors from the cycle and e-mobility sectors, aimed...

2 Feb 2023, more…

Cytech Scotland delivery in full swing providing skills and training to the market

Glasgow-based cycling charity Bike for Good, which is responsible for delivering the internationally renowned Cytech training and accreditation scheme for bicycle technicians and enthusiasts in...

2 Feb 2023, more…

European Bicycle industry calls for ban on sale, application and use of e-bike tampering equipment

Under the banner of CONEBI, the Confederation of the European Bicycle Industry,15 national bicycle industry associations and 68 companies have become signatories to a self-commitment to prevent...

25 Jan 2023, more…

Glasgow cycling groups receive £160,000 boost to promote biking across the city

As Glasgow gears up to host the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, community groups have been given a share of more than £160,000 to boost bike use in the city.

23 Jan 2023, more…

Cytech share advice through Cycle Show blog

Cytech are gearing up to exhibit at this year's Cycle Show once again at Alexandra Palace, providing practical advice and answering any questions visitors may have about working on their bikes.

4 Jan 2023, more…

Activate Cycle Academy on The One Show to support BBC’s ‘Gift A Bike For Christmas’ campaign

Cytech training provider Activate Cycle Academy made it onto BBC television and radio this week as part of The One Show’s launch of a ‘Gift A Bike For Christmas’ campaign.

15 Dec 2022, more…

Upskill your team with Microsoft online courses through Activate Learning

ACT’s Cytech delivery partner Activate Learning, of which Activate Cycle Academy is a part, is offering FREE online Microsoft accredited online courses for employers to enable their staff...

13 Dec 2022, more…

Retailer Profile: Spokes of Bagshot

We are starting a series of Retailer Profiles, shining a light on some of our best and most interesting independent retailers. If you would like us to consider your shop for inclusion, please...

13 Dec 2022, more…

Cycling UK names its 100 Women in Cycling 2022

Cycling UK has published its annual 100 Women in Cycling 2022 list celebrating inspirational women in cycling.

30 Nov 2022, more…

Cycling in London up 40% since the start of the pandemic, TfL reports

Cycling in London has increased by 40% since the start of the pandemic, including a near-doubling of journeys by bike at the weekend, according to the newly published annual Travel in London...

30 Nov 2022, more…

Choosing a finance provider, avoid the pitfalls #2

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Choosing a finance provider, avoid the pitfalls #2

Posted on 26 Mar 2019

Avoid the pitfalls #2

Following an increase of incoming calls querying finance providers in the cycles market, the ACT are publishing a mini-series to answer the trade's questions.

This second piece in the series explores some of the claims used by a number of finance providers to get more dealers on board and why the unique partnership between V12 Retail Finance and the ACT is so beneficial for retailers.

Advice when you need it

Finance providers are not allowed to provide direct training on how to maximise finance. This is where the ACT can help - enabling you to get the most out of your Ride it away account by providing bespoke training based on your individual requirements.

  • The importance of empowering staff
  • When to introduce finance in your sales process
  • Online integration
  • How to maximise your margins using different finance offerings
  • Upsell, upsell, upsell
  • Bundling products

Contact the ACT now to arrange your training 01273 427 700

No fuss FCA authorisation

You do not need to have FCA authorisation to offer retail finance, but doing so might be better for your business and help protect margins.

The ACT provides a free, unique service other providers do not offer; to help decide if FCA authorisation is right for your business, to assist with getting authorised and helping you to complete your annual return - don't worry the return is only six questions!

Beware of any finance provider that insists you have FCA authorisation. These providers often let you advertise 0% finance to your customers before then signing them up to an APR based product; not exactly the customer journey you would like to be offering. Some even advertise a 0% buy-now-pay-later option that actually becomes a very expensive interest-bearing option if not settled in time. Make sure you give your customers the clarity and customer experience they deserve.

False promises

In a bid to entice retailers to sign up with them, some brokers and providers promise a guaranteed acceptance rate or to increase your current acceptance rate. At face value this sounds great, but it's important to question any provider who even suggests you could get 100% acceptance rate, there are simply always some people who will not qualify for credit!

Remember, reputable finance providers will only accept a customer who can afford it.

Part 3 in the series coming soon!

If you have any queries about the Ride it away scheme or want to arrange your bespoke training you can find out more here or call the ACT on 01273 427 700.

If you missed it, you can read part 1 here.

V12 are the leading provider of finance in the cycles sector, are the number one provider of online POS retail finance in the UK* and are widely accepted as having the ‘best' online integration solution; even by their competitors!

*based on finance and on 4 continuous quarters from FLA

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