Choosing the best retail finance provider for your business is pivotal. Read our guide here.
Retail finance should be a powerful growth lever. When it's done well, it increases conversion rates, lifts average order value (AOV), and gives customers a flexible, transparent way to pay.
Data consistently shows that retailers offering point of sale (POS) finance achieve higher checkout completion rates and more repeat business.
But the reality is simple: not every retail finance provider delivers the same experience. Any friction, whether in the customer journey, operational support, or compliance, can quickly erode the benefits retail finance is proven to deliver.
That's why choosing the right retail finance partner is critical.
This guide explains what to look for in a best-in-class retail finance provider and includes a practical checklist to help you select a partner built for growth, conversion uplift, and long-term customer trust.
Why Retail Finance is a growth engine (when done right)
Recent data confirms that consumers increasingly expect POS finance options at checkout to help them spread the cost of their purchases. This growing demand is driving strong category expansion, with the POS finance market predicted to grow by 12% by 2030.
Our own data reinforces this trend: 72% of customers said finance options enabled a purchase they would not have made without finance.
Choosing a retail finance partner that meets high standards is essential to ensure customers check out quickly, confidently, and without friction, leaving a strong impression and increasing the likelihood of repeat business.
The retail finance pitfalls retailers shouldn't ignore
Whether you're choosing a provider for the first time or reviewing your current one, be aware of the issues that can undermine customer experience and conversion:
Operational delays and avoidable reworks
Retailers lose momentum if integration with a retail finance platform takes too long. And if customers encounter blockers during their application or are forced to reapply due to avoidable errors, the disruption can leave a negative impression pushing customers elsewhere.
The V12 difference:
We understand first impressions matter. Our team delivers a seamless onboarding process, often completing the entire integration within 72 hours. Speed isn't an issue for ongoing conversions either, with 90% of applications agreed within an average of six seconds.
FCA compliance
The FCA emphasises accessible support, stronger vigilance around customer vulnerability, and robust outcomes monitoring. It's important to remember that not every provider aspires for full compliance.
The V12 difference:
Most providers react to regulation, but at V12, we stay proactive. We continually engage with the FCA and other regulators to ensure every journey meets the highest Consumer Duty standards. We take our responsibilities towards customers, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, extremely seriously.
Poor post-sale help, and inaccessible information
Inefficient post sale support creates poor customer experiences. It's one of the quickest ways to damage trust, and unresolved issues can lead to complaints. Look for a provider that supports customers beyond the initial conversion.
The V12 difference:
Our retailer support team never leaves your side. We're with you at every stage. Retail partners also have access to a comprehensive suite of support via the V12 portal. Your customers are our customers. We aspire to talk to all vulnerable customers at the point of sale. If they fall behind on their payments, we look to support the customer rather than chase them.
Complaints handled symptom first
It would be easy to rely on short-term fixes to address complaint trends, leading to repeat failings over time.
The V12 difference:
We know sometimes things don't always go to plan, but we believe it's how we make things better and stop them from happening again that matters. We work with you to eliminate and fix the root cause of any issue, ensuring long-term, sustainable improvements for our partners.
With more than twenty years of retail finance experience, we proactively work in your best interests.
Fragmented experiences across portals
Inconsistent portals or disconnected systems can confuse customers and break their conversion journey. A unified, well-rated experience reduces risk and builds customer trust.
The V12 difference:
We use our own trusted in-house technology to deliver a seamless, uninterrupted journey. Your customers apply, supported by a consistently reliable application system that provides 100%* uptime.
This supports higher conversion rates and a better user experience. We hold an 'Excellent' 4.8/5 Trustpilot score based on over 37,000 independent reviews*. Retailers trust us, and so do their customers.
*Uptime figure based on Jan 2026 data.
The ideal retail finance partner: your retailer's checklist
Knowing what to look for in a retail finance provider, such as quick and easy processes, may seem obvious. But can they prove it? Make sure they demonstrate each of the following:
1) Frictionless customer journeys
Time is of the essence. Customers expect modern, fast, and streamlined journeys. Clean processes reduce abandonment and prevent unnecessary rework.
2) Over 20 years' experience in finance
We are a provider that balances speed with accuracy. This supports better approvals and smoother customer outcomes, crucial for protecting your brand. We are experts in our field and our specialist teams are always here to help.
3) True omnichannel coverage
Finance should feel consistent online and in store, supported by technology your teams recognise instantly. Customers should never encounter resistance or awkward moments caused by fragmented systems. Whether it's outdated messaging or a poor user experience, your customers deserve more.
That's why we created the V12 app, an easy way for customers actively shopping with finance in mind to find our retail partners instantly.
A real omnichannel approach also helps customers discover your business. Our data shows that 89% of customers want to find retailers who offer finance**.
Why V12 is your ideal retail finance partner
If you want leading-edge technology, service, and experience that consistently delivers for you and your customers, V12 Retail Finance is proud to serve.
We've been at the forefront of retail finance for more than twenty years, offering expert underwriting, fast and simple applications, seamless journeys, and consistently excellent feedback from both retailers and customers.
Are you ready to boost customer conversions?
*Trustpilot reviews average accurate at the time of publication, January 2026.
**V12 Customer Survey - based on 1096 responses.