How to Offer Finance for Outdoor Play Structures

Understanding Customer Finance for Large Outdoor Play Structures

Offering finance to your customers for large outdoor play structures—think climbing frames, playhouses, and multi-activity sets—can help make big-ticket purchases more accessible while boosting your sales. Here's what you need to know to confidently introduce finance options into your retail or installation business in the UK.

"Adding finance transforms customer hesitation into confident purchases, helping families afford the play areas children dream of." — Kandoo Team

Why Offer Finance? The Business Case

• Increase Average Order Values: Customers can spread costs, often choosing upgrades they’d otherwise forgo.
• Open Your Market: Appeal to those without disposable cash for a big upfront payment.
• Stand Out: Compete effectively, especially when larger e-commerce platforms already offer flexible payment plans.
• Improve Cash Flow: Approved finance payments are made to you promptly by lenders, so you don't wait for full payment.

What Types of Finance Can You Offer?

1. Interest-Free Credit

• Customers repay in monthly instalments with no added interest.

1. Interest-Bearing Credit

• Longer-term finance with interest applied.

1. Buy Now, Pay Later

• Delay payments for a set period, followed by a payment plan.

How Does Offering Finance Work?

1. Partner with a Broker or Lender:

• Most retailers use a broker (like Kandoo) to connect with regulated lenders.

1. Apply for FCA Authorisation:

• To promote or arrange finance, your business needs to be FCA-authorised, or you can work under a broker’s authorisation.

1. Integrate the Process:

• Install a simple finance application tool on your eCommerce website or point-of-sale system.

1. Customer Applies for Finance:

• The lender assesses creditworthiness and approves or declines.

1. You Get Paid:

• Once approved and the customer signs an agreement, you receive payment quickly—just like a normal sale.

Step-By-Step: Setting Up Retail Finance

1. Choose a Finance Broker or Lender

• Compare offerings, reputation, and support. Kandoo specialises in retail solutions tailored to the play equipment industry.

2. Understand Legal Requirements

• Read and understand your obligations around fair presentation of finance and data protection.

3. Integrate Solutions

• Work with your broker to add finance calculators and application forms to your website or invoices.

4. Staff Training

• Ensure your sales team understands finance products and can explain them clearly to customers.

Key Legal Considerations

• FCA (Financial Conduct Authority) Regulation: You must either be FCA authorised or act as an appointed representative.
• Transparency: Always present finance clearly—APR, terms, fees, and eligibility must be explained upfront.
• Data Protection: Comply with GDPR when handling customer information.

"It pays to be transparent about finance options—honesty fosters trust and closes more sales."

Boosting Your Finance Offering

• Prominent Website Placement: Use banners, badges, and popup calculators to inform visitors that finance is available.
• Upselling: When customers enquire about a certain model, show how the monthly payment for a better model isn’t much higher.
• Seasonal Promotions: Pair finance offers with sales events (e.g., summer play sales).

Top Tips to Maximise Customer Finance Success

1. Market finance at every touchpoint—website, emails, store posters.
2. Train staff to explain and normalise finance.
3. Use testimonials from happy customers who used finance.
4. Work with a broker who offers marketing and compliance support.

"Finance isn’t about selling debt—it’s about helping families invest in joy, play, and their children’s development."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to be FCA-authorised?

A: If you arrange or even just promote finance directly, yes—or you can act as an ‘Introducer Appointed Representative’ working under an authorised broker.

Q: Will I get paid up front?

A: Yes, after finance approval, payment is usually prompt—no lengthy waits.

Q: What if a customer defaults?

A: You’re not responsible for customer repayments; risk is with the lender.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Offering finance unlocks major sales potential for your outdoor play structure business. If you want a hand setting up or want more information about tailored solutions, contact Kandoo for a free consultation and get started today!