Gamers will be the first in the UK to be able to send a text message so they can skip the awkward conversation about buying products on finance.
Around 20 Experience GAME stores are taking part in a pilot run of Mobile for Credit, launched in partnership with Experian and Close Brothers Retail Finance, which has recently been acquired by the leading payment provider Klarna Bank AB. It will streamline the process of buying consoles and other major gaming products on finance.
Shoppers at participating GAME stores can now text the keyword displayed in-store to a short text number.
Customers will then receive a link to fill in their name and postcode on an Experian website, which is customised to the retailer’s brand colours, and will receive an indication of their likelihood of being accepted for finance with Close Brothers Retail Finance before applying. The pre-application check is free, secure and does not affect a person’s credit history.
If they wish to progress, shoppers can then approach the counter and apply with greater confidence of their likelihood of acceptance without the concerns typically associated with making an in-store application.
James Sheldon, Sales & Commercial Director for HD Decisions at Experian, said: “Online shoppers expect a seamless experience when looking at how they could pay for what they want - so why shouldn’t in-store customers expect the same? Talking about finance can be awkward, especially if you’re not sure of your likelihood of finance acceptance. We’re excited to bring Mobile for Credit to the high street so people can check their likelihood of acceptance from the comfort of their mobile phones.”
Rhys Davies, Focus Categories Manager at GAME, said: “We are always trying to create the best shopping experience for our customers, so being able to understand likelihood of acceptance with just one text will streamline the process. Partnering with Experian and Close Brothers offers our consumers more options when it comes to purchasing their gaming equipment and we are very excited about what this means for them.”
Abby Vickers, Credit Risk Director at Close Brothers Retail Finance, said: “We are leading the way in financial services in helping our retailers deliver a better experience and achieve better outcomes for their customers. Consumers demand the best buying experience from retailers in order to stay loyal and they also expect to be given the option to spread the cost of purchases so we are excited to partner with Experian and GAME to launch our new Mobile for Credit service.
“This self-serve facility offers a seamless experience to in-store shoppers and can help boost consumer confidence by giving an indication of their likelihood of acceptance for credit before they apply. This offers a great experience for shoppers and in these tough market conditions this can help retailers to reach new customers and fuel much needed growth.”