Online Payments Help Ponsonby Gym Shape Up

In May this year, Configure Express in Ponsonby, Auckland, introduced the newest technology for initiating and managing gym membership payments, the Debitsuccess Online Management Gateway (OMG).

Doing away with all paperwork involved in signing memberships, Configure Express owner Stacey Robinson, soon found that the OMG system also helped to shape the administrative side of the gym.

In addition to making the sign up and payment process for the customer a whole lot smoother, Robinson explains that "previously all new contracts were processed on paper and staff had to be responsible for ensuring all sections were completed correctly. It would then take several days to load the new memberâs details onto the system.

"Added to this was the complexity of being able to convert interest in the gym to membership in a timely fashion to result in an easy process for the customer. All in all, it added up to expensive hours of administration - and increasing frustration."

Now Robinson has found that the Debitsuccess OMG system has transformed her business.

Robinson introduced the OMG system with an on-line 'Join Now' template in May 2010, the OMG system allowing for the joining information to be sent via email with a web link to the electronic form.

This made it very easy for new members to join up while also putting an end to the paper contracts. Having all the information readily available online meant membership confirmation and billing could be done instantaneously. The benefit to Robinson and her team meant less administrative hours, and more importantly, money was received a lot sooner! It also meant a prospect could be converted while they were hot, instantaneously.

In addition to helping Robinson and her team with contracts, the ability to easily customise templates with the OMG system has been valuable for her team when alerting members and prospects to new offers or promotions. The OMG system is easy and simple to use and staff are easily trained to use it - it is a case of showing them once and they can do it themselves.

Robinson adds  "having a system which we can conveniently tailor to maximise our offers has made a real difference. I have really noticed a positive response to our profit driving promotions such as our 'Friday Frenzys'.

"These offer discounted membership fees through signing up online. Since adopting the OMG system our efficiency has also definitely improved. The system is quicker, and means that contracts don't go astray."

Another benefit of working with the OMG system was that it was paperless which gave it extra appeal to her branch. Many of the people living in Ponsonby are conscious of being greener, so using this system helps them, along with their members to be more environmentally friendly by using no paper. Additionally Configure Express affirms their commitment to sustainability by planting a tree for every new member that joins the club.

Configure Express Ponsonby now has more than 25% percent of members processed through OMG.

Robinson concludes "from the very beginning, life became a lot easier with the OMG system - for us and most importantly for our customers. This system has definitely made membership sign up much quicker.

"We know that a lot of our customers are online so now we are able to offer them information in a way that is more suited to them. Plus we could rest easy in the knowledge that Debitsuccess would ensure that membership fees are paid on time, and could sort out any issues with late payers.

"Working with Debitsuccess and its team of people has been a breeze! They are friendly and personable, and always very approachable. They have efficient systems in place for ensuring that we can provide the best service to our members while simultaneously promoting our sustainability commitments. With the continuous enhancements in our services, we hope to continue to see our membership figures grow."

Click here to contact Debitsuccess via their entry in Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.