How Software Solutions Ensure Corporate Social Responsibility for Businesses

Solution ensures corporate social responsibility

How Software Solutions Ensure Corporate Social Responsibility for Businesses

A corporation’s social responsibility directly affects its public image, which can make or break its chances of success in the long run. That’s why corporations should make sure they incorporate software solutions that ensure corporate social responsibility into their business models from the beginning.

These software solutions can help manage your CSR activities and stay in line with the most up-to-date regulations on socially responsible businesses. Also, good CSR will help save your business money, as per the study by ERA Environmental Management Solutions.

As long as you use these software solutions, you can rest assured that any impact your company has on its local community or the world at large will be positive and beneficial to your customers and employees. Here are some ways software solutions can help you ensure your CSR for your business.

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Build Awareness About an Issue

One of the best ways to ensure corporate social responsibility is through education. Many people may not be aware of how your company is helping a particular cause or addressing an important issue.

If you want to drive corporate social responsibility, be sure to build awareness about what you’re doing and how your efforts benefit others. Using communication software can help. Each one provides tools designed to foster open communication and keep employees up-to-date on internal and external activities.

Moreover, communication software can improve collaboration among team members and allow businesses to communicate more effectively with customers. So, to build awareness through software solutions, make sure to check this list of best communication software today.

Recruit Volunteers and Donors

One of the best strategies of corporate social responsibility is to build a network of volunteers and donors who support your business activities. This allows you to set up actions that benefit your community without costing any money, as you have individuals on hand who are happy to support your charitable efforts.

With tools to communicate CSR activities in place, you can make sure to have a streamlined volunteer process in place, with an easy sign-up and a system for recognizing volunteers’ contributions. You may also set up specific forms of recognition, such as rewards or gifts, that you can distribute at special events and during holidays.

Basically, online tools will help you manage the relationships between your company and its supporters—even if they aren’t in-house employees.

Participate in Fundraising Events

You’ve probably heard about cause marketing, in which companies partner with charities to help support a cause. This is one of the many types of corporate social responsibility that’s definitely valuable. However, if you want to ensure your company is living up to its commitments to environmental sustainability or animal rights (for example), software solutions can help with participating in fundraising events.

Digital tools also keep track of donations and are great at promoting your company’s philanthropic efforts with customers and prospects. Remember, creating value for customers is one of the top reasons impacting a company’s purpose, as per a business review by Harvard.

Connect with Customers

Can you imagine your office without an internal communication software or a business owner who doesn’t have an effective way to promote their products? The same is true with corporate social responsibility. It’s difficult to implement a strategy that helps companies connect with their customers and stakeholders if they don’t have tools like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Let alone software solutions that help monitor how customers are engaging with a company online and offline.

In fact, many of these tools allow companies to streamline their CSR efforts by creating corporate social responsibility training programs and communicating them more effectively. Additionally, some platforms enable employees to learn about ethical issues within their company to ensure sustainable growth for years to come.

Host Online Fundraisers

Hosting online fundraisers is one of the best ways to ensure corporate social responsibility. This is where you give your customers and clients a chance to support your cause in exchange for rewards or recognition. Online fundraisers are also great tools that allow businesses to engage their audience, raise awareness, and support important causes.

The good news is that there are plenty of fundraising tools available today. One example is TugboatFundraiser—it has everything you need to run an effective fundraiser. The software lets you build a campaign website and accept donations via major payment options, such as Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.

Promote Giving Opportunities

Big corporations that are able to take advantage of tools and software solutions designed specifically to help with promoting giving opportunities can really change how they connect with their communities. For starters, the software makes it simple to keep track of giving opportunities. It also gives you an easy way to communicate your CSR efforts internally and externally, ensuring that your employees stay in touch with what they’re doing socially on behalf of your company.

Additionally, as a business owner, you want to make sure that all your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed by clients or potential customers. When used correctly, software solutions designed to support CSR can help big businesses promote their activities.

If people know what your corporation is doing for others, there’s a better chance they’ll continue using your services or buying from you again in the future. As revealed in the report by Aflac, 77% of customers are motivated to purchase from a brand committed to improving the environment and society.

Incorporate Giving into Employee Benefits

A number of companies have begun offering CSR tools as part of their employee benefits packages. These tools are designed to help employees communicate their CSR initiatives and align with those of their employers. As a result, more businesses are being positively influenced by internal and external forces in terms of corporate social responsibility.

Do Something Local

The internet has made it easy to support and interact with organizations, but there’s something about doing something local. Now, thanks to a slew of apps, software solutions can help you get involved in your community—whether that’s through volunteering or donating funds.

Because of technology and the growing digital transformation, businesses can easily integrate corporate social responsibility into their day-to-day operations without taking up too much time. This means they’re able to do more for their communities without taking away from other areas of importance within their organization.

Use Corporate Sponsorship to Work with a Nonprofit

One of the best things about corporate sponsorship is that it’s a way to work with a nonprofit on something you both want. If you’re looking to use corporate sponsorship to work with a nonprofit, software solutions can help with managing their database and ensuring that information is transparent to all parties involved. Just be careful not to get wrapped up in any political issues and make sure you find an organization whose mission aligns with your company’s vision.

Use Software Solutions for Your CSR Now

If you’re looking to ensure corporate social responsibility in your business, software solutions are a must. But with so many tools available today, it can be hard to know which solution is right for your specific needs and can give you the best business benefits of CSR.

The type of software solution that perfectly meets your needs depends on your company’s situation. Hence, knowing which factors to consider when determining which CSR software is right for you can be helpful as you narrow down your options.

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What are the KYC Procedures for Merchant Onboarding?

KYC procedures for merchant onboarding

What are the KYC Procedures for Merchant Onboarding?

The merchant onboarding process is at the core of the payments industry, its effectiveness either enabling or inhibiting growth for businesses in this soon-to-be $2-trillion market. The global payments sector is rapidly evolving, with legislative changes, macroeconomic developments, and fintech’s push into the payments industry that is posing problems and opportunities. 

As payments companies negotiate the industry’s challenges, they are all affected by the digital change that is sweeping financial services. Customers and merchants have grown accustomed to faster, more convenient service, prompting payment providers to invest in digital infrastructure upgrades to gain speed and flexibility. Meanwhile, new businesses are emerging onto the market with unprecedented speed. 

When onboarding merchants, certain risks must be addressed, such as fraud, excess chargebacks, money laundering, tax evasion, and so on. Regulatory guidelines and applicable regulations compel us to take a number of preventive measures, including Know-Your-Customer (‘KYC’) and merchant due diligence procedures, in order to achieve this. As a result, we conduct a series of checks for merchants that begin before onboarding and last until the conclusion of their engagement with us. Financial service institutions or any other businesses who want to onboard merchants onto their platform can use the techniques described here to comply with guidelines and mitigate risk. 

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What is KYC?

When a client attempts to open an account or on board with a regulated financial institution, such as a bank, a private bank, or an investment company, KYC is conducted (e.g.: the KYC process you undertake when opening a bank account). An individual or a legal entity can be a client. The goal is to verify the client’s identity, address, and legitimacy through crucial document verification. When combined with due diligence and other mandatory tests, these allow us to identify possible fraudsters, and shell corporations and detect money laundering, among other things. Non-regulated enterprises, such as an online marketplace, are frequently required to conduct a full or partial KYC as a precaution. These enable us to secure ourselves and our end customers and the financial system as a whole. 

The Complete KYC Procedure

The KYC document check, also known as the Customer Due Diligence Check, is in the initial stage. Individual KYC and Business KYC are two types of KYC that can be used: 

Step 1: The KYC document check or CDD process

  • Individual KYC: We do a ‘KYC’ process, or CDD for an individual, when you are a merchant who is an individual (e.g., a sole proprietor). In general, we check your identity using an OVD check (identity documents such as Aadhaar, passports, driving licenses, and so on), individual PAN verification, and, if applicable, current address proof check (utility bills, etc.). We can also request additional documents to confirm your financial or company position, such as your business registration documents. 
  • Business KYC: When we are on-boarding a business partner, we perform a Business KYC procedure, also known as a CDD for a business. The OVD check is replaced by an ‘entity-proof’ check in this case. This, too, varies depending on the type of legal company you are. If you’re a company, for example, we’ll need to verify your certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles of organization, and other documents. If you’re a trust or partnership, we’ll need your trust/partnership deed, registration certificates, and other documents. 

Step 2: Check for sanctions and PEPs on the sanction and PEP lists.

The names of our clients and their beneficial owners must then be checked against specified lists, such as national and international terrorism lists, or lists of “Politically Exposed Persons.” We must also notify the Financial Intelligence Unit of India (‘FIU-IND’) if a name appears on a sanctions list. We also check blacklists, greylists, and defaulter lists for firms, directors, and other individuals issued by banks, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the Enforcement Directorate, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (US), and others (for a detailed list please see Appendix II below). These checks help us combat terrorism and money laundering, as well as determine risk thresholds for individual clients. 

Step 3: Merchant screening and onboarding policies

Following that, we do a background and antecedent check in the form of an initial screening, for which we establish an internal merchant Onboarding Policy. The purpose of this step is to confirm the nature, purpose, and legitimacy of a potential client’s business. To determine business legitimacy, we conduct a variety of checks, including licensing/registration checks, credit checks, profit and loss statement checks, balance sheet reviews, and so on, based on information we obtain directly from the prospective client, as well as publicly available information such as the merchant’s websites, product listings, end-customer reviews, social media activity, and so on. We must additionally check for PCI-DSS compliance because it is mandated by law.  

Step 4: Merchant profiling and levels of diligence

Following these preliminary assessments, we must categorize merchants as low, medium, or high risk. Based on this, we determine the levels of due diligence and post-onboarding monitoring we do; for example, we need to conduct enhanced due diligence for PEPs but simpler due diligence for self-help organizations. We’re also barred from doing business with some industries (tobacco, hacking, gambling, weapons, and so on), while others are considered high-risk (pharmaceuticals, matrimony, gaming, security brokers, jewelry, and so on), necessitating more scrutiny and caution. 

Step 5: Continuous due diligence

Following onboarding, our due diligence procedures will continue to monitor any suspicious changes in merchant behavior. A change in the merchant’s website details, for example, or an unexpected display of high-risk products, could suggest fraud. These circumstances may necessitate a review of merchant risk profiles and due diligence levels. 

Step 6: Keep track of your transactions

We monitor merchant transactions as part of our onboarding process to look for any potential red flags, such as differences in expected transaction characteristics. Expected total transaction volume, average order value, chargeback frequency, and so forth are examples. For instance, if a merchant exceeds the maximum transaction limitations, exhibits a strange refund pattern, or receives frequent end-customer complaints, these are all red flags. Regulated entities must report any suspicious transactions (such as those that raise money laundering concerns) as well as transactions above specific thresholds (e.g., cash transactions over Rs.10 lakh, cross-border wire transfers surpassing Rs.5 lakh) to the FIU-IND. 

Step 7: Requirements for record-keeping and internal governance

Then, for at least 5 years, we preserve records of all merchant transactions and identity documents. These must be made available to the authorities upon request, such as in the case of an investigation. Internal governance demands such as dedicated internal committees, internal audits, periodic risk assessments, and proper employee training are also in place to ensure effective implementation of requirements. A Designated Director and a Principal Officer must also be selected, as they have specific reporting responsibilities under the PMLA. 

Step 8: Updates on a Regular Basis

Finally, both merchant risk profiles and KYC must be updated on a regular basis. It is required by law to update merchant KYC every 10 years for low risk, 8 years for medium risk, and 2 years for high risk. This is also aided by the continuous due diligence checks. 

Final thoughts:

Merchant onboarding is beset by the same age-old regulatory, trend, and competition issues that hamper the payments industry as a whole. Where once the industry dynamic was split between large retailer’s competitive margins and smaller merchant’s regulatory issues, the spectrum has now expanded to embrace the rising marketplace economy. Because everyone is a merchant in today’s environment, merchant onboarding volume, and transactional volume are both lucrative and hard. The marketplace economy has created a risk and regulatory gap, which is being navigated by a subset of creative payments organizations. 

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Best Practices for Managing and Improving Merchant Onboarding

Merchant Onboarding

Best Practices for Managing and Improving Merchant Onboarding

The recent global health crisis has had an influence on a wide range of industries and geographies, not least the payments industry, which has seen an unprecedented transformation. Consumer purchasing habits have evolved to online shopping for products and services, resulting in the requirement for faster onboarding and better continuing merchant monitoring to reduce fraud and compliance risk for merchant acquirers. 

When it comes to onboarding new merchants, automation is critical in order to make a smooth transition from the previous time-consuming approach to a slicker, faster process that reduces friction for the new merchant. But what steps should merchant acquirers take to guarantee that they are prepared to meet this new challenge of changing the customer experience while limiting risk? 

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Automation of underwriting processes

It is critical for acquirers to provide a smooth merchant onboarding experience for their customers. With the epidemic hastening the general public’s shift to a more online approach, new smaller digital-only merchants are popping up all the time, with low margins and a need to be up and running quickly; for them, a swift onboarding procedure is vital. 

Before an underwriting decision can be made, the normal merchant onboarding process comprises a number of phases that must be completed, as shown in the creative below. This is typically a 3–5-day process. This process is too protracted, as previously said, given the current climate and the unique terrain of online-only micro-merchants. 

Digital automation can shorten the time it takes to underwrite a new merchant from days to minutes. However, if not done appropriately, this speed in decision-making can come at the expense of risk management and have a detrimental influence on the acquirer’s profitability. 

Collecting data that is both actionable and objective

Effective onboarding decisioning requires access to meaningful and objective data. To enrich their perspective of each applicant, merchant acquirers should use a combination of their own data, third-party data, and assessment services. The best strategy is to combine application data with external data from a growing industry of data suppliers who can provide essential insight and assessment on topics like bank account validation, email addresses, IP addresses, device IDs, and negative hotlists. Internal data from various sources is ingested, which eliminates human data entry and reduces judgmental underwriting decisioning while also ensuring consistency. 

Using analytics and algorithms

Acquirers should not only have precise and objective data, but they should also be able to analyze it using analytic models and procedures. The tools should allow the acquirer to import models, scorecards, trees, and tables, and they should be completely user-configurable. Acquirers frequently have historical data about applicants in addition to external data, but it is inaccessible owing to the sprawl of data. Rather than going through the pain of trying to centralize all referential data in a single data store, design a solution that allows you to take data from multiple sources and retrieve it when you need it. 

Effective risk management, tracking, and learning rates

Risk management should not be the primary consideration for merchant acquirers and their merchant customers during the onboarding process. Merchant acquirers’ portfolios have become riskier as a result of increased digitization and demand for innovative payment options. As new entities pop up and enter the system at breakneck speed, the barrier to entry into the digital/ecommerce economy has increased. Validating these new entities necessitates the use of more robust systems that can make use of both internal and external data. 

Acquirers should improve their ability to manage fraud and compliance risk by evaluating possible collusive or fraud-targeted merchant behavior, the chance of merchant attrition or insolvency, and current and prospective merchant profitability. 

There is an increasing requirement for merchant monitoring in real-time in order to spot aberrant merchant behavior in time to prevent losses. We also find a lot of value in linking pre-book (onboarding) performance/results with post-book (monitoring) outcomes in order to establish a faster learning loop and enhance both areas. In reality, many acquirers are looking to meet both of these demands with a single platform/capability to improve insight sharing. 

Ensuring that merchant monitoring methods are comprehensive

Risk management is a continuous necessity that does not end after a merchant is onboarded. The world of business moves quickly, and many businesses, particularly smaller, more flexible ones, must pivot or alter their course quickly to stay competitive. Their consumer profile may alter as a result of these developments. As a business grows, a merchant may need to expand into new markets or adjust the way they accept payments to accommodate a greater range of card types and payment methods. As a result, their risk profile may shift, leaving your company vulnerable.

Identifying potential changes in a merchant’s sales operations that could influence their risk criteria requires some type of ongoing monitoring. Keeping note of indicators such as surges in sales activity, surpassing payment thresholds, out-of-area or strange sales activities, and altering website products or connections can provide you with an up-to-date image of each merchant you work with and show any potential red flags. Keeping a lookout for their presence on punishment lists, as well as any unfavorable or adverse media coverage, will be essential.  

An effective merchant monitoring approach will be automated, leverage cutting-edge analytics, real-time urgency and flexible data ingestion, and be able to proactively alert acquirers to potential risks and double as a competitive advantage for attracting new merchants to their network. 

Technology that is 'plug and play'

It’s critical to get your relationship with your new merchant off to the greatest possible start. A quick and flawless automated sign-up procedure can help attract and secure new merchants to your payments firm, but if things go wrong once they’ve signed on the dotted line, all your efforts could be for naught. A key component of the merchant onboarding process is a faster merchant setup. It enables merchants to swiftly deploy the equipment and technology they require to accept payments right now. As a result, this step should be as simple and straightforward as signing up.

Your new merchant will be a happy customer if everything is ready to ‘plug and play’ right out of the box. If it’s difficult to set up and get ready to use, they’ll toss it in the back of the drawer before it’s even used – and your brand’s reputation suffers as a result. As a result, make sure that all of the software, training materials, and other information that the merchant will need to get up and running is preloaded or supplied with the device, so that your new customer has everything they need right away. 

Quicker go-live

Because of the ecommerce boom, the introduction of smart technology, and the pervasiveness of social media, today’s consumers demand fast access. This puts pressure on merchants and brands to be available to their customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which necessitates collaboration with service providers that can assist them in achieving this high level of service. Merchants, like customers, don’t want to wait weeks for a new potential payment provider to process their manual (or even paper) application. They expect to be up and running in a matter of minutes. Why not a merchant account if they can obtain this level of service with a commercial banking account?

To learn more about our advanced merchant onboarding solutions. 

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Are Corporate Businesses in India prepared for the disruptive nature of the Gig Economy?

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Are Corporate Businesses in India prepared for the disruptive nature of the Gig Economy?

As the novel coronavirus prompted businesses throughout the world to reconsider their operational strategy, maybe nothing has had as big of an impact as the mainstreaming of India’s formerly marginalized gig economy. The gig workforce has grown steadily in recent years, and this trend appears to be here to stay.

At present, India has a pool of 15 million gig workers staffed in projects across IT, HR and designing. In addition, India’s workforce is growing by 4 million people annually. And as most of them are young millennials, they are showing an increasing preference for gig contracts.

This trend is expected to significantly impact the reach of India’s emerging markets in the near future. Gig economy statistics indicate that India was the fifth largest gig economy market in 2021. 

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Is India's corporate sector prepared for the Gig Economy's disruptive nature?

The pandemic-induced lockdown was effective in dispelling doubts about the dependability and long-term viability of a gig workforce. Many organizations are beginning to recognize the benefits of remote working in terms of reduced overhead expenses and stretched liquidity, and many are seriously evaluating their operational strategy.  

Gig work has proven to be advantageous to both companies and employees. Businesses are discovering that hiring gig workers saves them money on office space and equipment while also providing them with greater recruitment flexibility. Workers, for their part, benefit from flexible hours, a variety of jobs, and the option to supplement their income by working multiple jobs. 

The corporate workforce is changing—rapidly and radically—from the rising usage of contingent freelance workers to the expanding use of robotics and smart technologies. These developments aren’t just a diversion; they’re actually affecting labor-intensive emerging markets and the economy. 

 

 

The “gig economy”—networks of people who make a living working without a formal employment agreement—is reshaping the concept of “contingent workforce management.” 

Why is the gig economy in India gaining traction?

The rapidly growing gig economy in India is more than just a reaction to shifting economic conditions. Here are a few reasons why workers prefer to work on a contingency basis and why organizations prefer to hire more contingent workers: 

The following are some of the advantages of the gig economy for workers: 

Advantages of Gig Economy For Workers

Benefits of the gig economy for businesses include:

Supporting the gig economy in India: 5 challenges for Businesses:

Retaining corporate culture and employee involvement

When 30 to 50 percent of your staff are non-employees, how can you create and maintain the desired company culture? Working on a contract basis may have an impact on employee attitudes, particularly in terms of their dedication to the company’s long-term needs. 

Addressing this issue begins with displaying a commitment to all workers, whether they are full-time employees or part-time contractors. It’s vital to keep in mind that in the gig economy, people who move on to other jobs may return to new roles in the future. Employees who leave may return as contractors, and consultants may return as long-term employees. 

When all employees are supported, they are more likely to be dedicated to the company’s objectives and even function as ambassadors after they leave. 

Organizations may help to foster this mindset by creating conditions that encourage all gig economy workers to feel like they’re a part of the team. 

Keeping up with the fast pace of corporate change

One of the benefits of the gig economy for businesses is the option to scale up and down their staff as needed to meet changing business objectives. Companies can, for example, quickly construct a new team to satisfy a business requirement by hiring project-based contingent labor. It’s also less difficult to relocate gig workers with certain skill sets within business teams for short-term projects. 

 

In the gig economy, organizations must be prepared to adjust to the fast-changing structure of business teams. 

Providing opportunities for collaboration

Almost everyone agrees that in today’s workplace, more teamwork is required. This is because collaboration produces better ideas, resulting in the innovation required to compete in the global emerging markets. When teams are continuously in motion and workers don’t know each other as well, increasing collaboration in the gig economy might be even more difficult. 

 

Organizations must create proper collaborative areas to allow greater impromptu collaboration within and across teams. 

Contributing to the future workplace's strategy and analytics

To effectively serve the increasing gig economy in India, business executives will need to grow well beyond their traditional positions. Executives must collaborate closely with business units and give voice to the company’s strategic goal. 

Encouraging employee mobility

It’s no secret that gig workers are becoming more mobile, frequently on their own volition. People work from home, coffee shops, and on the go, depending on their duties, schedules, and lifestyles. Because they may not have a permanent workstation to work at, contingent workers may not have a choice in the issue. 

Organizations can assist gig economy workers stay connected and productive by offering technology that enables them to do so. Even better, shifting toward shared, agile work spaces (which can accommodate more people in less space) can allow and even encourage contingent workers to spend more time in the office. 

HR, technology, and business leaders will face new challenges as the workforce of the twenty-first century evolves, necessitating greater levels of collaboration to discover solutions. The open talent economy and the new workforce-machine era are gaining traction, redefining “talent” to include people and machines working in various locations and under various contracts. 

Unlocking the Potential of the Gig Economy in India

The ‘gig’ economy has risen dramatically over the last decade with the introduction of digital platforms such as Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Dunzo, and UrbanCompany, among others. With the rise of technology-enabled gig work platforms, more than 200 million people are now considered part of the global ‘gig’ workforce.

In India, ‘gig’ employment is not a novel concept. With its enormous informal economy and casual workers, India has long had the equivalent of gig work in both urban and rural areas, ranging from temporary agricultural workers to daily-wage construction laborers to delivery personnel. What has changed in recent years is the use of technology to match and expand on-demand services. 

The gig economy helps companies, employees, and the economy as a whole, with benefits that go beyond traditional conceptions of convenience, on-demand availability, and flexibility. This is due to the underlying economic factors that platform-enabled gig work addresses at scale, as well as the collateral advantages it can provide, which can lead to a virtuous expansion cycle.

 

Some of these benefits include: 

The long-term potential of the ‘gig’ economy could comprise:

Construction, manufacturing, retail, transportation, and logistics might account for more than 70 million of the potentially ‘gigable‘ positions. 

The Bottom Line:

Now is the time for businesses to rethink the role of gig workers in their organizations and devise a strategy to retain them in the future. While their expanding ranks may bring workforce agility and cost efficiency, as the economy improves in 2022, companies must examine how to retain the best gig workers to help their organization expedite recovery efforts in the months and years ahead. 

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What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its Benefits?

CSR

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its Benefits?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has progressed from its inception, as a suggestion that corporations set aside a percentage of their income for charitable causes, to becoming an integral part of how many businesses function. It is now a broad word that refers to a company’s efforts to better society in some way. These initiatives can range from monetary donations to the implementation of ecologically friendly workplace rules. 

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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is no longer a nice-to-have in today's culture; it is a need.

CSR can take many different shapes. Small and large businesses are expected to lead the way in developing a progressive CSR programme that gives back to people and the environment, and one that adapts to the current social and economic situation. 

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a sort of business strategy that considers how a company may benefit society as a whole. These can range from more ethical behaviors like philanthropic fundraisers to moral issues like environmental protection and animal testing. The overall goal is to strengthen the company’s public relations and brand image. 

Some businesses donate 1% of their revenues to charity, while others give their employees time off to volunteer with local charities. Others may invest in developing a more ecologically friendly product and lowering the supply chain’s carbon impact. Google, for example, pledged to invest $1 billion in renewable energy in 2014. 

Corporate Social Responsibility is mostly a business strategy for big corporations due to the expenditure involved. Small and medium-sized enterprises, on the other hand, lack the profitability to divert resources on a significant scale. 

Important Points

What are the benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility for Organizations?

Boosts Employee Morale and Engagement

Employee engagement can be increased by a company that is socially responsible. Workers increasingly aspire to be a part of something broader than their employment. Instead of going to work, working, going home, and repeating, they are a part of something more meaningful. 

Some companies have specific CSR teams that focus on charity events. Sports or sponsored activities, for example, could be used to raise funds. The goal is to get employees interested and feel like they are contributing to society as well, but with their employer’s help. 

As a result, it assists employees in finding purpose outside of work. As a side consequence, this may be beneficial to employees’ mental health. The everyday grind can demotivate people, therefore assisting them in being a part of something bigger can be motivating. 

Surprisingly, the younger the employee, the more significant the company’s ideals become. For example, nearly nine out of ten millennials would accept a lower salary to work for a company that shares their beliefs. This suggests that, as time goes on, a company’s social responsibility will become increasingly crucial in attracting and retaining employees.

 

At the same time, research shows that employee engagement is favorably linked to CSR. 

Society's Advancement

The majority of CSR is carried out through nonprofits and CSR benefits charities such as Cancer Research, the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross Foundation in some way. 

 

As a result, such charities receive the funds they require to battle cancer, assist the homeless, and aid in disaster relief. We also have certain companies that actively donate to charitable causes. Amazon, for example, gave $3 million to Seattle University’s Center for Science and Innovation. The goal was to make STEM and computer science education more accessible to women and other minorities. 

In other headlines, Wells Fargo, a US bank, gave $444 million to over 11,000 nonprofits in 2018. More than $117 million was spent on down payment assistance and other services to help people buy their first home. Additionally, nearly $90 million was spent on education, assisting underserved populations in obtaining higher education. 

 

Overall, such efforts can benefit local communities by assisting individuals who are struggling. Donations like these can help people get out of poverty, fight illness, and improve their overall well-being. 

Brand Recognition

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can have a big impact on a company’s image and reputation. According to research conducted by Edelman and Young & Rubicam, 87 percent of UK consumers expect companies to consider their societal impact as much as their own, and more than 70 percent of individuals make it a point to buy from companies that share their viewpoints.  

As a result, it is not only morally beneficial, but it can also benefit the financial line of the company. Customers are more likely to shop at ethical businesses, which equals more revenue. Even if the expenses are higher, more demand can make it a win-win situation. 

Consumers buy from companies that share their beliefs, according to the report. Those who are concerned about the environment, for example, may turn to companies that use green technologies and invest in renewable energy. Accenture has conducted such studies. 

Enables professional and personal development

Companies with a CSR culture can easily inspire their workers to volunteer and donate to charitable organizations. Employees are more likely to become personally generous if their employer encourages them to do so. Employees, however, are aware that their firm is dedicated to improving their local and worldwide communities. They will be more motivated to be productive and creative on their own after that. As a result of corporate social responsibility, employees are able to grow professionally and personally. 

Provides media opportunities

Effective CSR can generate a lot of media attention. If your company has ever struggled to gain online popularity or press attention, your CSR initiative could be the answer. Create a CSR programme that gets you noticed, and your brand awareness and general online brand affinity will skyrocket. 

However, be wary of the motivations underlying your CSR initiatives. Greenwashing refers to CSR that isn’t genuine; if your CSR project appears to be too disconnected from your vision and principles, people may doubt its purpose, even if it is well-intentioned. 

Employee opinions about CSR programs have been demonstrated to influence workplace attitudes, trust in top management, organizational pride, job happiness, and even performance. Your staff is your most powerful brand ambassador; an honest CSR campaign will lead to genuine media engagements. 

Conclusion:

As we’ve seen, there are numerous advantages to a robust CSR programme for firms. A CSR business strategy for an organization is primarily determined by the organization’s goals and growth initiatives. 

The benefits of CSR are even greater than those discussed in this essay. It is beneficial not only to the corporation, but also to the community and society at large. Despite the fact that corporate social responsibility is not a compulsory practice in any given country, businesses should view it as a necessity and begin trying to become socially responsible as soon as possible. 

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How MIMOIQ is helping Hinduja Leyland Finance to scale up their Operation-Process.

How MIMOIQ is helping Hinduja Leyland Finance to scale up their Operation-Process.

Here is an example of the tasks and processes that MIMOIQ executes for Hinduja Leyland Finance: Hinduja Leyland Finance offers easy financing options or car loans to customers who are looking to purchase a vehicle.

About Hinduja Leyland Finance

Hinduja Leyland Finance Limited offers loans to customers for commercial and personal vehicles including tractors, cars, and multi-utility vehicles in India. It was incorporated on November 12, 2008, and finances a wide range of commercial and personal vehicles in the primary as well as the secondary market of used vehicles. These include medium and heavy commercial vehicles (“MHCVs”), light commercial vehicles (“LCVs”), small commercial vehicles (“SCVs”), cars, multi-utility vehicles, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers. 

HLF’s vehicle finance business has a diversified customer base comprising of First Time Buyers, Captive Users, Retail Operators, Strategic and Large Fleet Owners, Small Truck Owners, and self-employed individuals, who are largely based in urban and semi-urban locations. HLF also finances tractors and construction equipment and provides loans against property. In September 2015, HLF launched their housing finance business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hinduja Housing Finance Limited, which focuses on providing finance for affordable housing loans. 

Challenges faced by Hinduja Leyland Finance in recovery of loan amount after the car has been picked up.

There could be several reasons for the scenarios mentioned below :  

MIMOIQ assists Hinduja Leyland Finance to overcome these challenges by providing and executing a comprehensive audit process for the identification of the vehicle and recovery of loan amount. This task is made easy with the help of their vast network of field officers equipped with cutting-edge technologies. 

 

How is MIMOIQ helping Hinduja Motor Finance achieve their goals?

If a customer avails a car loan from Hinduja Motors Finance and a situation arises where the customer is unable to pay his/her installments for two consecutive months, the car is picked up and sent to a car yard. Our field officers are then activated via the robust MIMOIQ mobile app powered by MIMOIQ’s software solution, TraQSuite. The field officer assigned the task with the data provided by the Hinduja team visits the car yard to verify whether the vehicle is indeed the same vehicle that was registered under that particular loan. This is done by clicking pictures, verifying chassis numbers, vehicle registrations, and also matching the documents available at the yard with the data that the field officer possesses. Once the vehicle has been identified, the field officer then reports back to the client with the required data.

Nationwide coverage with skilled field officers

We create long-term value for the Hinduja Motor Finance Group with our cutting-edge technology and a ground presence of 14000+ field officers. MIMO’s professional field officers are equipped with agile technology that ensures data authenticity, which includes geotagging, negative monitoring, quality management, and real-time data delivery—a robust mix of services and tech to provide an organization with comprehensive constructs required to execute any activity related to audit surveys that include document verification, asset identification, data authentication, and real-time reporting. 

Streamlining the Asset Audit Process

The asset audit process for Hinduja Motor Finance is deconstructed into 3 easy steps by MIMO that includes

Asset Identification

This includes verifying and matching the data provided by the client. 

Data Authentication

This includes verifying all document-related data and authenticating the information received by the client. 

Real-time reporting

Instant updates regarding any development regarding a particular task or activity. 

Reduction in Turn Around Time (TAT):

A vast network of field officers across the country ensures reduction in TAT for any task assigned by the client. With MIMO’s ever-growing army of field verification associates, multiple tasks can be assigned, and multiple visits can be executed within a short period of time. 

How can this process be used to help other brands?

Organizations with similar standard operating processes (SOPs) can avail of MIMO’s software solutions for Asset and Inventory management, streamlining of asset audit processes, seamless data integration and verification, and the utilization of highly scalable, portable, and easily integrable automated processes.

We create long-term value for organizations with our cutting-edge technology and a ground presence of 14000+ field officers. MIMO’s vast network of professional field officers equipped with agile technologies enables a highly effective and efficient mix of skilled associates and state-of-the art tech which ensures that tasks are completed within a short period of time. 

Can CIBIL Score affect your Job Prospects?

cibil score

Can CIBIL Score affect your Job Prospects?

The credit score is a three-digit numeric number representing a person’s credit history in India. This rating is based on an individual’s credit payment history across loan kinds and credit institutions over a set period of time, as recorded in the CIR. Credit-scoring organizations also notes a person’s payments, late payments, loan terms, and other factors. 

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Can a person's credit score have an impact on their job prospects?

This practice cannot be guaranteed because certain firms from other industries may examine your CIBIL score and credit record before shortlisting you for an interview. Many firms have begun to focus on an individual’s financial health in order to evaluate numerous human traits such as reliability and honesty, as time has passed. 

What Is A CIBIL Score and Why is It Important for Job Seekers?

The CIBIL score is a three-digit figure that ranges from 300 to 900 and is used to offer a summary of your loan and credit card payment history. This report outlines your loan and credit transactions with each bank and financial institution during a specific time period. Simply explained, your CIR is your credit report, and your CIBIL score is the credit ranking you receive based on your CIR’s performance. Your CIBIL score is a good indicator of your financial situation.

Although the CIBIL score’s primary function is to show your credit worthiness, it also aids in determining how financially responsible a job applicant is. Employers used to check a candidate’s CIBIL score only when he or she applied for certain jobs or profiles, but now practically every major private and public employer checks a candidate’s CIBIL score for all types of job openings. 

What factors do companies consider when reviewing credit check reports?

In this scenario, it’s important to analyze the employer’s perspective in order to properly understand why CIBIL scores are scrutinized before employing people. The following are some of the most common explanations: 

Checking Your Background

A background employment check is one of the legitimate reasons for investigating your credit record or score. A person with a poor CIBIL score, for example, may be perceived as reckless, and his or her talents may be seriously questioned. Companies are known to be hesitant to hire someone with a criminal past; in the near future, an individual’s severely poor credit score may have an impact on his or her career opportunities. As a result, poor credit and employment checks are intimately linked. 

Bad Characteristics Analysis

Would you trust someone with a low CIBIL score? Such a person might not be considered a trustworthy employee candidate, and his or her honesty would be severely scrutinized. The employer’s point of view functions and concerns a calm workplace atmosphere in this circumstance. 

 

In any instance, if the firm policy states that they will not hire anyone with a terrible credit record or a credit score below 650, even the most qualified individuals will be excluded from consideration. 

High Debt Trap Hampers Performance

Focusing on work becomes tough for someone who has a large debt hanging over his head. Employers who are keen on examining a person’s CIBIL score are fully aware of this reality. Financial troubles have a significant influence on work life, and they can completely derail your ability to deliver the exact outcomes that the employer requires. 

Are CIBIL scores checked by all employers and sectors?

Analyzing a person’s credit record is a relatively recent trend in India. Although it is not widely used, it is gradually becoming so in several industries. Currently, only senior-level interviews in the financial and IT sectors are used to test the CIBIL report. What may employers see on a credit check, you might wonder. Employers attempt to obtain a detailed understanding of the candidate’s financial transactions and credit management skills; thus, the response should be yes. 

A thorough examination of loans and payment patterns tells a great deal about a person’s nature. There are significant rumors that in the next years, all corporations will require candidates to submit their credit ratings as part of the interview requirements. 

What can one do in this situation?

It’s worth noting that the RBI has issued rules indicating that credit reports kept by businesses like CIBIL can only be accessed by banks and other financial institutions. Furthermore, inquiries from other businesses or groups are not considered. As a result, the need to present a CIBIL report in order to secure work is solely at the discretion of the firm giving the position. 

Is it possible to acquire a job with negative credit?

If you’re preparing to apply for a job, the first thing you should do is to perform a credit check and obtain reports to make sure there are no red flags. There are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure this: 

Repayment History

It is important to ensure that one’s loan/credit card payments are consistent and made on time. This is a major determinant of your credit score and report. Verify that your report contains no payment delays or non-payment penalty. 

Borrowing in Moderation

Most individuals aren’t aware of this, however borrowing excessively lowers your CIBIL score. If you have taken a large loan or overused your credit card to the point that your limit is almost surpassed, your credit score may suffer as a result. As a result, it is critical to limit credit usage.

Credit mix

To maintain a strong CIBIL score, an individual’s credit history should include a mix of secured and unsecured loans. If your credit record mainly contains unsecured loans, it may have a negative impact on your credit score.

Loan Requested or Accepted

It’s important to understand that when you seek a loan, a financial institution or bank may request your credit report. As a result, making too many inquiries in a short period of time may lower your score. If you’ve been turned down for a loan or a credit card, wait a long time before applying with another bank.

Resolve Conflict

There may be occasions when, owing to a communication mistake, erroneous information is provided to CIBIL, resulting in a negative impact on your report. As a result, a person should double-check his or her report to ensure that the correct information is being copied. Additionally, to avoid any type of dispute or quarrel, strive to bring it to the notice of CIBIL while also informing your bank of any mishap.

It’s a good idea to monitor your credit report routine. This would provide an opportunity to guarantee that your credit reports reflect well and, as a result, ensure that you do not miss out on future job prospects. 

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How much does it Cost to Send an Invoice? How to do it Digitally?

Digital Invoicing

How much does it Cost to Send an Invoice? How to do it Digitally?

Did you know that 90% of all invoices are still processed manually around the world? So, how much do your invoices cost? While you ideally get paid every time you send out an invoice, you still need to figure out how to keep the expense of each invoice to a minimum. 

Creating, delivering, processing, and occasionally amending invoices can be a time-consuming procedure. Business leaders can be empowered to make sound data-driven decisions about optimizing their invoicing process by evaluating the cost of sending manual invoices. This allows their company to expand with confidence, knowing that they’re supported by a scalable invoicing automation technology that actually saves them money. 

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Manual Invoices: How much do they Cost?

Although sending manual invoices is costly, the majority of firms continue to do so. So, let’s take a look at the invoicing process’s costs. 

Direct Costs

With paper invoices, there are fees associated with the paper, ink, and mailing costs that must be incurred. Obviously, this will differ from business to business. With e-invoices, you avoid incurring these expenses. 

Indirect Costs

These are the expenses that are incurred in order to perform a task that includes an employee being compensated for packing paper invoices into envelopes, and the amount of time it takes you to enter all of the necessary information to generate an invoice, such as the client’s name and address. Manual invoicing is more expensive due to the additional manpower required to do the task. 

Hidden Costs

When it comes to invoicing, there could be a number of hidden fees to consider. Invoice lag results in a negative cash flow situation. It takes several days for a client to receive, examine, and respond to a bill that has been sent via snail mail. In the meanwhile, you are unable to pay an expense because you lack the funds, and you are assessed a late fee. Electronic invoices can be paid instantaneously because they are digital. Furthermore, what happens if there is a mistake? 

Examine the following six elements if you wish to assess your invoice processing costs:

Digital Invoicing

It’s no wonder that e-commerce enterprises are struggling to keep up with demand, especially because the E-commerce boom shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Working smarter, not harder, has never been more important, especially in light of rising customer expectations and constraints such as supply chain issues and transportation shortages. Digital invoicing may have been disregarded as many e-commerce enterprises attempt to expedite their procedures in order to keep up with demand. 

Digital invoicing is a more current method of reconciling online payments against invoices, which cuts down on the time and expenses of preparing, sending, and receiving digital invoices. It also eliminates the need for paper because you can send and receive invoices online, straight into your and your supplier’s accounting software. It’s merely one component of a comprehensive e-commerce strategy. 

What is digital invoicing, and how does it work?

The process of sending a customer a bill for goods or services by email or through your website is known as electronic or digital invoicing. Customers can usually pay their bills electronically if they receive an e-invoice. It can also refer to mailing a paper invoice with a request for payment via a website or secure payment form. 

Ecommerce shopping sites use a different form of electronic invoicing. A request for payment is launched by the business for goods or services that have been given or will be provided under agreed-upon terms using electronic invoicing. The customer initiates payment on ecommerce purchasing sites. 

What Does It Mean for Businesses?

The method for creating digital invoices differs depending on the service. Some systems let you send e-invoices directly from your accounting software, while others provide an invoice generating tool to help you get started. Specific functionalities differ depending on the processor or service. Some processors allow you to personalize the invoice‘s appearance, include logos, provide a discount for early payment, or automatically add late fees when invoices are past due, among other things. 

An invoice’s content is frequently customizable, and it may include information such as the customer’s name, a purchase order number if applicable, the invoice number and date, and payment terms. 

You may be able to set the invoice up as a one-time bill or as a regular bill. Setting up recurring billing is perfect for cases when you need to bill your customers on a regular, predetermined schedule, such as for memberships or monthly product “clubs.” With recurring billing, the client’s preferred payment method (typically a debit or credit card) is automatically paid at a pre-determined interval. Customers may view online payments, update their card and billing information, and more. Some providers offer a card update feature to prevent recurrent billing charges from being refused owing to expired or unusable cards. 

How It Works for Customers

When a customer receives an e-invoice, they will receive the information as well as the option to pay online. The link to pay online will usually be sent to a secure website through the gateway of your credit card processor. All of the information that the business provides in the invoice is visible to the customer, including the amount due, payment terms, due date, purchase order number, and any other items selected. Even though recurring billing is sometimes associated with e-invoicing, most recurring billing services do not send an e-invoice or request payment. Instead, payment is automatically debited to the client’s card or account. 

Is it possible for consumers to make changes to their e-invoice details themselves?

Customers are unable to update invoice specifics (such as the amount owed) because e-invoices are frequently converted to PDFs before being distributed. If there is a discrepancy, the customer can contact the company that sold the product or a third-party vendor (who is responsible for the invoice and billing service) to rectify the issue and request that a new invoice be issued with the proper information. 

When setting up a digital invoicing system for a business, what are the most important factors to consider?

Accounting and Digital Invoice Integration

Check for compatibility with your existing accounting software or systems when looking into how to send digital invoices with your processor or other invoicing provider. For easier reconciliation and record keeping, several e-invoice providers can link with QuickBooks and other accounting applications. 

Security

Security is vital for both your business and your customers when using any method of receiving online payments. Make that your digital invoice service (which is normally provided by your credit card processor) is PCI compliant and up to date on current security technologies. Tokenization, encryption, and other card security procedures are examples of security features. 

Costs

Depending on your processor, the cost of electronic invoicing will vary. Some processors provide the service free of charge in addition to your card acceptance rates and costs. Your clients won’t have to pay more for the convenience of paying by card through your digital invoice because e-invoicing is usually free. 

Final Thoughts:

Businesses can’t afford to ignore minor modifications to their processes in a time when consumer expectations are high, delivery costs are rising, and competition is fierce. Those who do not want to implement digitized processes risk slipping behind larger corporations and peer-level competition. 

 

If administrative activities are eating up too much time and preventing you from focusing on other elements of your business, digital invoices can help save a lot of time. Whether you’re an online shop, a third-party logistics (3PL) provider, or a warehouse, automating the invoice process is a cost-effective approach to communicating with clients about online payments and keeping track of your revenue. In a nutshell, digital invoices help with accuracy, metrics, time, and money benefits. 

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How can TraQPayments assist Merchants with the Setup of Recurring Payment Systems?

recurring payment Systems

How can TraQPayments assist Merchants with the Setup of Recurring Payment Systems?

Recurring payments are charges made by a merchant to a customer‘s credit card or bank account on a regular basis. These are frequently set up on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis, and are a convenient and efficient way for businesses to collect payments based on agreed schedules. Recurring payment processing not only saves time but also encourages customer retention and results in a more enjoyable purchasing experience for the customer. 

However, when it comes to completing these types of payments, payment service providers have a variety of methodologies and pricing structures to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at what recurrent payments are, what they are used for, and how TraQPayments can assist organizations with the setup of their recurring payment infrastructure. 

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What is a Recurring Payment?

A recurring payment is a kind of bill payment in which a company charges a customer for certain services on a predetermined schedule. To process recurring payments, the company must first obtain permission from the customer to charge a credit card on a regular basis. The company can then continue to collect scheduled payments until the customer opts out of the recurring billing arrangement. 

Recurring Payments in India

According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, customers must carry additional factor authentication (AFA) on all recurring payments made with their debit cards, credit cards, UPI, and prepaid payments instruments (PPIs). 

 

Customers can use any UPI application to allow recurrent e-mandates for recurring payments such as mobile bills, power bills, EMI payments, insurance, mutual funds, and loan payments, as well as paying for transit/metro payments up to INR 5,000. Customers must complete each mandate with their UPI PIN if the sum exceeds INR 5,000. 

For transactions under INR 5,000, AFA is a one-time process that works in the same way as OTP approval at the time of registration. (1080 × 1080 px)

Businesses profit from recurring payments because they provide a predictable stream of cash. Accepting recurring payments has a number of advantages. Here are a few of them:

Improve your Cash Flow

Accepting recurring payments ensures that your business will have a consistent cash flow into your bank account each month, and with a predictable cash flow, you’ll be better prepared to manage your business expenses as well as any unexpected costs. 

Receive Payment Quicker

Clients can set up a payment schedule and then let the billing software take care of the rest, eliminating the requirement for clients to pay according to the vendor’s schedules. Because there is no possibility of payments being forgotten or paid late, the payment procedure is expedited.  

No need to Track Payments

Recurring payments also mean businesses spend less time tracking payments from clients, which means they have more time to focus on their business rather than spending time on administrative accounting work. 

Billing Efforts are Minimized

Businesses don’t have to spend time each month writing invoices and processing customer payments. Instead, they only need to set up the initial payment schedule and then leave the rest to your payment software. You only need to get involved if an adjustment is needed in the charge amount or payment method. 

Enhances long-term Customer Retention

Allowing customers to set up recurring payments can assist businesses in improving long-term customer retention by saving them time and energy during the payment process. It’s also more likely that your consumer will view your service as a long-term investment, adding you to their regular budgets. 

Secure Payment Processing

For transactions under INR 5,000, AFA is a one-time process that works in the same way as OTP approval at the time of registration.

Allowing customers to set up regular payment schedules gives them additional peace of mind because this offers a more secure method of payment. Online payment services encrypt your clients’ data for a more secure transaction, and your clients can decrease the quantity of sensitive banking information in circulation by not making payments via mail. 

When Should Recurring Payments Be Used?

Recurring payments are ideal for businesses with clients who pay a set or similar amount on a monthly basis. Offering clients, the option of recurring payments makes sense in the following business scenarios: 

TraQPayments as a Recurring Payments Service Solution : Benefits of using TraQPayments

How can TraQPayments assist with Merchant Payment Schedules?

Merchants can schedule recurring payments via TraQPayments, which is an online payment system. The merchant must enter the customer’s information and designate a date on which the customer will commence payment. The platform will automatically keep track of the scheduled payments and will send out a notification to the customer on corresponding or pre-assigned dates 

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There are a number of methods that a business can use to collect recurring payments with our robust and well-equipped software. These include:

Conclusion:

Customers do not have to be physically or digitally present in order for recurring payments to be processed, which makes them one of the most convenient payment options. Instead, customers agree to share their payment information (usually a debit or credit card) with a business’s payment processor and to allow their card to be charged on a schedule that the business establishes with them. 

Setting up recurring payments with TraQPayments is a simple and uncomplicated process. We will assist you through the process of setting up your recurring payments systems for you. 

 

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Payment Gateway vs Payment Processor: What Is the Difference?

Payment Gateway

Payment Gateway vs Payment Processor: What Is the Difference?

The number of people buying things online is increasing. Companies have begun to adapt to a more digital style of selling in the aftermath of the pandemic, and have begun to look for ways to enable digital payment methods in-store. In fact, 71 percent of merchants say that their annual online and mobile sales have improved, according to a survey conducted by American Express Digital Payments. How does one manage this transformation as a company? 

You must first have the proper procedures and processes in place before you can sell online. Finding and sourcing a payment provider, on the other hand, might be difficult, especially if you are new to the industry. You may have found yourself asking issues like these as the world continues to become a digital marketplace, and you struggle to move your firm into the future. 

What is the difference between a merchant account and a business account? What exactly is a payment processor, and how does it differ from a payment gateway? What choices do I have for giving alternative payment methods to my customers? Is it going to cost me money? 

These are all frequent payment-related inquiries, each with a detailed response. In this article, we’ll look at one of the most significant aspects of setting up online payments: the difference between payment gateways and payment processors. 

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What is the purpose of an online payment gateway?

Any business that accepts electronic payments online, regardless of scale, needs a payment gateway to make the process easier. Payment gateways are the “online” counterparts to conventional credit and debit card readers. If you’re used to in-store payment systems, think of payment gateways as an online version of a point of sale (POS) terminal. 

Online payment gateways enable card-not-present (CNP) transactions, whereas POS terminals are primarily geared for in-person/in-store transactions. These are online transactions in which the buyer and vendor never meet in person. To continue the payment lifecycle, a payment gateway sends data from the point of entry – whether it is a POS terminal, website, or mobile device – to the payment processor. 

To summarize, payment gateways serve as intermediaries. They process information entered during the checkout process and manage the authorization and fulfilment of payments made to online shops. However, it doesn’t end there. They are also used in brick-and-mortar enterprises, as stated previously. 

What is the purpose of a payment processor?

We’ll move on to payment processors now that we’ve learned about payment gateways. You’ll need both to run a profitable business and accept payments.

Payment processors operate as a link between your company and the financial institutions that participate in a merchant’s business transaction. When your customer swipes their card, the processor handles everything, including encrypting their data, transferring it to their bank for confirmation, and finally to your bank. 

Payment Processor vs Payment Gateway: What are the main differences?

How does a Payment Gateway work?

The stages that describe how a Payment Gateway operates are as follows : 

How does a Payment Processor work?

A payment processor’s task is to deliver confidential customer information in the following format : 

How do they work together?

Payment gateways gather and send credit card information to the payment processor. They inform you and your consumer about payment approvals or denials. To break it down even further, consider the following : 

 

Payment processors function behind the scenes, securely routing data to various parties from the start of the transaction until the money is settled in your bank account.

 

The transaction is facilitated by the payment processor. A payment gateway is a mechanism that allows a firm and its customers to communicate the approval or rejection of business transactions. 

 

A gateway’s most typical purpose is to take payments for goods and services offered online; but, in today’s payment landscape, gateway technology has remarkably extended to create a seamless buying experience across all sales channels and devices. To handle online payments, an e-commerce business must choose both payment services (payment gateway and payment processor). 

 

Most crucially, the payment processor does not interact directly with an authenticator; this is handled through the Payment Gateway. As a result, selecting the correct payment gateway is critical for safeguarding your customers’ sensitive data. 

 

You’ll need both a payment gateway and a payment processor to process online transactions for your business. The gateway is where the transaction begins and ends. The customer will enter their credit card details and will be notified whether the transaction is approved or denied. 

 

The payment processor transfers data from the customer’s bank to the merchant’s bank. Every online transaction necessitates both so it is inconceivable to have one without the other. 

How to select a suitable Payment Gateway and Payment Processor?

Payment gateway technology has evolved to keep up with the evolving payments landscape, despite the fact that they were originally designed for traditional eCommerce business transactions. 

 

Payment processing can also be managed over a much wider number of channels and devices using modern gateways. This allows businesses and customers to have a more seamless omnichannel experience. 

 

Different companies can technically manage your merchant account, payment gateway, and payment processing. However, when problems or disagreements develop, this might cause problems. Who is to blame if your online store abruptly ceases to accept payment cards? 

 

You can avoid interoperability difficulties by getting all three from the same vendor such that there is only one vendor you need to contact if a problem arises. 

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