5 Reasons You Should Offer Your Constituents Installment Payment Options
With online transactions increasingly becoming the norm, governments and municipalities that offer installment payment options to their constituents increase their chances of getting paid on time. One recent survey indicated that 63% of respondents reported making government payments through a website. It’s worth considering updating your system to provide constituents with the financial flexibility they truly want.
Offering flexible payment solutions, such as installment plans, not only facilitates easier financial management for residents but also fosters a more positive relationship between the government and its citizens. For instance, the Internal Revenue Service provides installment agreements that allow taxpayers to pay their taxes over time, helping to avoid penalties and reduce the financial burden on individuals.
Are installment payments right for your agency’s menu of fee and fine collection options? Here are five compelling reasons why installment payments should be a standard offering for your department.
1. Make it easier for constituents to decide what they can afford
When unexpected expenses arise, it can be challenging for people to pay large bills all at once. For example, if a resident’s water bill triples due to a malfunction in their home water system, paying the entire amount upfront can be a significant burden. By offering installment payment options, governments can create a more manageable payment experience for their constituents. This approach not only lowers the barrier to entry for municipal services but also strengthens the relationship between the government and its taxpaying residents.
2. Cover all service needs with one invoice
At CSG Forte, our goal is to simplify the payment process for both governments and their constituents. We can organize and present a comprehensive billing experience that includes options for utilities, recreational services, fines, fees and other one-time or recurring services. By consolidating all service needs into a single invoice, governments can streamline their billing processes and make it easier for residents to manage their payments.
3. Enable standardization for your service teams
Supporting outdated payment methods can be a significant pain point for government service teams. Countless service calls and unhappy constituents can create a stressful and inefficient work environment. By shifting to modern payment options including installment plans, governments can reduce the number of service calls and create a more predictable and aligned approach for their internal teams. This shift not only improves the experience for constituents but also allows government employees to focus on their core responsibilities.
4. Align with the industry shift in consumption
Today’s consumers are increasingly accustomed to monthly payment options for a wide range of services and products. Rather than committing to large, upfront expenses, many people prefer the convenience and affordability of spreading payments out over multiple months or years. By offering installment payment options, governments can align with this industry trend and meet the expectations of their constituents.
CSG Forte provides a convenient and easy to implement monthly payment option that can help governments stay in step with modern consumption habits.
5. Make it easier to upgrade to new services
Once residents become accustomed to monthly payments for services, it becomes much easier to introduce upgraded solutions near the end of the term. When new, enhanced services are recommended, they are often anticipated and welcomed by constituents because the expense is already part of their monthly budget. This approach not only benefits residents by providing them with improved services but also creates a long-term relationship between the government and its citizens.
CSG Forte is dedicated to helping governments and municipalities implement modern payment solutions that benefit both their constituents and their internal teams. Our comprehensive billing solutions are designed to simplify the payment process, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the overall experience for residents. By partnering with CSG Forte, governments can take advantage of our expertise and technology to offer flexible, convenient, and affordable payment options.
Offering installment payment options is a smart move for governments looking to improve their financial interactions with constituents. By making it easier for residents to manage their payments, covering all service needs with one invoice, enabling standardization for service teams, aligning with industry consumption trends, and facilitating upgrades to new services, governments can create a more positive and efficient payment experience. With the support of CSG Forte, implementing these solutions has never been easier.
Ready to get started? Get in touch today by contacting our team of experts.