As an online merchant, it is crucial which payment methods you offer your buyers. The numbers speak for themselves: According to the E-Commerce Sentiment Barometer 2024 by HWZ, invoicing with 70% is still one of the most popular payment methods.

The fact that merchants have also recognized this is shown by the 2024 Online Merchant Survey by ZHAW: Around 72 percent of Swiss online merchants offer this method. For 34 percent of them, invoicing even accounts for over 50 percent of sales. Those who do not offer this payment method forgo potential sales.

Moreover, no other payment method meets the need for control and security in online shopping as well. First-time visitors to your webshop often want to check your goods and services before actually paying for them. This gives them the confidence that the ordered product meets their expectations. Invoicing makes exactly that possible.

Generate more revenue thanks to stronger trust

The trust foundation you create by offering invoicing works in both directions. On the one hand, you give your customers the security to first check the goods. On the other hand, you show that you rely on their fairness regarding payment. A study by HWZ on success factors in Swiss e-commerce confirms that this perceived security significantly lowers the purchase threshold, especially for new customers.

Many people are also skeptical of online shopping—particularly when they have to enter sensitive data, such as their credit card information. Accordingly, the purchase process is often abandoned at this point. With invoicing, you overcome this hurdle: Your customers can conveniently obtain the goods or services and usually only have to provide their address for delivery.

Ultimately, invoicing also has a positive effect on the revenue of your online shop. If you offer this payment method, your business appears more serious, you can significantly reduce purchase abandonments, and increase the conversion rate, especially among new customers. Data from the Netcomm Suisse Association regularly show that the lack of preferred payment methods is one of the main reasons for shopping cart abandonment. Satisfied customers are also more likely to return and recommend your shop.

Protect yourself against potential risks

Although the advantages of invoicing clearly outweigh the disadvantages, this payment method also carries several challenges. For example, it may happen that you ship the goods but the payment from your customers is delayed. Such a situation can cause significant problems, especially for smaller merchants with limited resources. The manual effort involved in managing payment receipts, reminders, or collection processes should also not be underestimated.

Therefore, it makes all the more sense to delegate the effort and responsibility. Studies by the University of Applied Sciences Lucerne on accounts receivable management for SMEs emphasize that outsourcing processes to specialized providers not only minimizes the risk of payment default but also preserves liquidity and significantly reduces the administrative burden. 

The good news: There are various invoicing providers who take on the payment default risk and the credit check of the buyers for you. Below, we take a look at all these options and explain how you can use them with your Payrexx account.

The following providers can be integrated via third-party providers with Payrexx:

POWERPAY

With POWERPAY, developed by MF Group AG, you can offer your customers invoicing with a partial payment option. POWERPAY assumes the credit check and the risk of payment default. This provider is ideal for shops focused on the Swiss market, where customer satisfaction and security are paramount.

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CembraPay

Grant your customers maximum flexibility by offering them invoicing with or without the option of partial payment through CembraPay as a payment method. A unique solution in Switzerland—without interest or additional fees. For you as a merchant, with guaranteed risk of default and pre-financing. CembraPay helps you achieve a higher conversion rate and increase your sales.

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Ideal Payment

Ideal Payment is a good solution for small and medium-sized businesses that want to negotiate terms individually and adapt processes to their business model. With Ideal Payment, you receive a secure invoicing solution without high fixed costs or complicated integrations. This provider is particularly interesting for you as a merchant if you want to start with little effort and still appear professional.

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The following provider is available within the payment provider developed by Payrexx, Payrexx Pay Plus:

Klarna

Klarna is perfect for merchants selling their products internationally. Klarna is well-established across Europe and builds trust with customers, especially in medium-sized and larger shops. In addition to traditional invoicing, Klarna offers options like "Pay Later," installment payments, or financing.

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Invoicing is much more than just a payment method you offer as a merchant. It is a strategic tool that directly addresses the need for security and trust among new customers. If you offer this option, you can gain a clear competitive advantage. And with Payrexx, these benefits can be easily transferred to your online shop.