Retail is always evolving. Not just in how customers shop, but in how they pay.
Today, people are more considered in their spending, balancing rising living costs with a desire to invest in products that matter to them. The result? A growing expectation for flexible, budget-friendly payment options at the point of sale.
For retailers, this shift presents a clear opportunity: by offering point-of-sale (POS) finance, you're not just adding a payment method, you're enhancing the way people purchase.
This blog looks at how your business can help customers say yes, by offering point of sale finance.
Why offering customers a way to spread the cost is becoming essential
Consumer behaviour has changed significantly in recent years. Many households are managing tighter budgets, leading to more deliberate purchasing decisions.
Research shows that financial pressure is shaping how people spend, with budgeting tools playing an increasingly important role in helping consumers stay in control of their finances.
At the same time, customers still want to purchase higher-value items, they just want to do so in a way that aligns with their monthly budget.
This is exactly where finance fits in.
The link between POS finance and customer budgeting
One of the most compelling aspects of POS finance is how it changes the way customers think about spending.
Research shows that instalment-based payments give customers a greater sense of control over their budget, making purchases feel more manageable.
This is because:
- costs are broken into smaller, more digestible amounts
- spending is aligned with short-term budgeting (e.g. monthly costs)
- perceived financial pressure is reduced during decision-making
As a result, customers are often more confident proceeding with a purchase when finance is available.
A smooth and efficient application journey can further support customer confidence. At V12, 90% of applications receive a decision within an average of six seconds, helping customers move from consideration to purchase without unnecessary delays.
How POS finance increases basket size and overall spend
For retailers, the commercial impact of this shift is clear and measurable.
Customers spend more when finance is available
Research analysing 275,000 consumers found that basket sizes increased by around 10% when instalment options were introduced.
Other studies confirm similar patterns, showing that instalment payments:
- increase purchase frequency
- encourage higher-ticket purchases
- remove upfront cost barriers
Meeting customer expectations
POS finance is no longer a niche offering; it's becoming an expectation.
nearly half of shoppers already use some form of finance to spread costs
usage is growing across all age groups, not just younger consumers
This shift creates a clear competitive dynamic:
- retailers offering finance empower customers to budget
- retailers without it risk losing customers at the point of decision
In a market where choice is abundant, payment flexibility can be the difference between conversion and abandonment.
This is where V12 comes in.
Why partner with V12 Retail Finance?
Offering finance is only part of the equation, how it's delivered matters just as much.
At V12, the focus is on enabling retailers to offer seamless, responsible and customer-centric finance solutions that genuinely support both sides of the transaction. Retailers can typically integrate V12 Retail Finance into their sales journey in as little as 72 hours, helping them introduce flexible payment options quickly and efficiently.
A partner built for retail growth
With V12, retailers benefit from:
- seamless integration into existing sales journeys (online and in-store), with implementation possible in as little as 72 hours
- flexible finance options tailored to customer needs
- transparent, responsible lending processes designed to build trust
- dedicated support to help optimise performance and results
- presence on our growing and constantly evolving V12 app
As customer expectations evolve, having a finance partner that prioritises clarity, simplicity and reliability is key.
More than 40,000 Trustpilot reviews rate V12 as Excellent, while a recent customer survey found that 95% of respondents said V12 makes finance feel simple and that they trust V12. These trust indicators matter because they help create confidence at the point of purchase.
Supporting customers and your bottom line
POS finance isn't just about increasing sales. It's about creating a better experience for your customers.
When customers feel in control of their spending:
- they're more confident making purchases
- they're more likely to choose higher-value options
- they're more likely to return
And when retailers provide that experience, the results follow, in conversion, basket size, and long-term loyalty.
See for yourself