Direct Debit can be a convenient and successful payment method for (small) business. However, many (small) business owners come across a number of common objections with customers when explaining the benefits of direct debits. This is why we've compiled this list of common objections against monthly debits off a customer's bank account and how to argue against them.
![Someone using laptop](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6037738abe624cff1a786f49/619a94aee1c4e2b571fe4e2d_615c15947904db54f62e5a9c_burst-kUqqaRjJuw0-unsplash.jpg)
Not being protected
- In fact, other payment methods, like credit card payments, online payments, or standing orders offer less customer protection than a direct debit - direct debits come with eg refunds of any payments taken fraudulently or in error
Not being in control of payments
- Ensure that they receive advance notice before a direct debit is taken from their bank accounts and explain that direct debits can be canceled at any time
- If possible, enable customers to change their payment dates whenever they wish to do so
- Ensure them that, if a direct debit should be taken in error, they will be getting a refund
- Let them know that you will still send invoices or agree on payment in advance as usual
![Controlling payments](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6037738abe624cff1a786f49/619a94c7567237e07ab87457_615d786dc40cf359621b0a51_cardmapr-s8F8yglbpjo-unsplash.jpg)
Not wanting to change processes
- Explain and show how easy it is to set up direct debits
- List benefits, such as easy payment processing
- Understand what it is about their preferred payment method and meet them in the middle (e.g. let them choose their payment date or split payments over multiple installments)
![Man holding credit card](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6037738abe624cff1a786f49/619a94e7e8e286834eb3ce8e_6156e9b42593c784cead2551_rupixen-com-Q59HmzK38eQ-unsplash.jpg)
No reason to change to direct debit
- Make your customers understand why this method is the most efficient for both sides of the transaction - explain that increased efficiency in your business ultimately benefits them, so you’d appreciate it if they could cooperate
Not having time
- Again, setting up a monthly debit is easily done - show patience and advise the customer on how to do it
- Show them how paying via direct debit will actually save them money (as opposed to eg card payments or bank to bank transfers)
![Setting up a monthly debit](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6037738abe624cff1a786f49/619a94fd265aac9c9d0a62b5_615d78ff51a3522228ebc0c3_brooke-cagle-uWVWQ8gF8PE-unsplash%20(1).jpg)