Case Study: Streamlining Payment Processes for a Car Subscription Service Using No-Code Solutions

In the competitive landscape of car subscription services, efficient and reliable payment systems are vital for maintaining customer satisfaction and ensuring steady cash flow. Our client, a leading car subscription company, faced challenges managing recurring payments effectively across multiple payment channels, including credit cards, PayPal, and SEPA. The need for an advanced, automated payment system led to the decision to integrate Stripe, a modern digital payment platform, using a no-code approach. This case study explores the implementation of Stripe, the automation of customer communications for open payments, and the seamless integration of a third-party service company for fund collection.

The Challenge

Before the intervention, the car subscription company manually managed recurring payments and customer communications regarding open payments. This manual process was not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, leading to unsatisfactory customer experiences and delayed revenue collection. The need was clear: streamline and automate payment processes to improve efficiency and reduce overhead costs.

The Solution

Integrating Stripe with a No-Code Platform

The integration of Stripe as the payment processor was accomplished using make.com as a leading no-code platform. This approach allowed for the easy setup of Stripe to handle various payment methods, including credit card transactions, PayPal, and SEPA direct debits.

• Fast Implementation: Leveraging no-code tools, the initial Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for the payment system was up and running within just 2 days.
• Cost Efficiency: The no-code approach reduced expected implementation costs by 52% compared to traditional software development methods.

Automation of Customer Communications

To address the issue of open payments, we implemented automated communications through the same no-code platform. This automation included sending reminders via email and SMS to customers with due payments, ensuring timely notifications and reducing the number of open payments significantly.

• Digital Communication: Templates for emails and SMS were created to standardize communication and ensure consistent messaging.
• Trigger-based Notifications: Automated workflows were established to trigger notifications based on payment status, ensuring timely and appropriate communication.

Integration of Third-Party Service for Fund Collection

To further streamline the process, a third-party service company specializing in fund collection was integrated into the system. This integration was designed to automatically transfer cases of non-paying customers to the service company for professional handling.

• Seamless Transition: Open cases were automatically forwarded to the third-party service company if payments remained unsettled beyond a certain period, allowing for professional debt recovery.
• Quick Integration: The integration of the service company into the existing system took an additional 7 hours after the initial payment system setup.

Results

• Speed of Integration: The total implementation time from start to the final running system took about 9 days, marking an 80% faster integration compared to traditional methods.
• Operational Efficiency: The automation of the payment system and the customer communication process significantly reduced the manual effort required and minimized the incidence of open payments.
• Enhanced Customer Experience: Automated, timely communications and multiple payment options improved overall customer satisfaction.

Conclusion

The no-code integration of Stripe into the car subscription company's operations not only streamlined payment processes but also significantly enhanced operational efficiency and customer relations. By automating key components of the payment cycle and integrating a professional service for fund collection, the company could focus more on core business activities and less on administrative burdens. This case study demonstrates the transformative potential of no-code platforms in modernizing business operations quickly and cost-effectively, setting a new standard in the subscription service industry.