Getting magazine subscribers
to switch to debit order

Whether it is online, via an app or in the traditional printed format, magazine subscribers love the quality of content provided by their favourite magazine.

Most readers opt in for monthly subscriptions as they get special offers, discounts, exclusive invitations and of course the convenience of having their magazine delivered at their doorstep.

Businesses also make use of subscriptions for their customers to read while waiting for their service. These businesses include beauty salons, health care practices, hotels and even sports venues.

Although the media industry is a lucrative industry it can sometimes be difficult to ensure payments are received on time.

One would assume that debit order is the primary payment method for media companies in South Africa, but unfortunately this is not the case as most media companies do not offer debit order as a payment option to their clients from the get-go. Then, when debit order switching is implemented, some clients may opt-out of signing up for a debit order. This opens the door for late or no payments, which is detrimental to the livelihood of the media company.

The answer to this problem is of course getting subscribers who aren’t signed up for debit orders to make the switch. We have put together some benefits that can be relayed to your subscribers to encourage them to switch to debit order.

Paying by debit order is convenient

Once authorisation has been given for a debit order, the magazine subscriber doesn’t have to remember to make payments anymore. They pay for their magazine subscription on a recurring basis and enjoy the pleasure of reading the latest issue of their favourite magazine every month! Furthermore, the subscriber can pick a date that helps them control their finances and control their budget better.

Bank fees are reduced

The bank charges linked to traditional payment methods, like EFT and credit cards, tend to be higher than those of debit orders. Making cash deposits are costly too, so debit orders are the logical choice if a subscriber wants to make their money last.

With this information at hand, make sure you sign up for your Direct Debit account today to ensure you build magazine loyalty and keep customers for longer, while benefiting from predictable revenue.