Gladstone A NEW DAWN User Manual

A NEW DAWN

D I R E C T D E B I T

R EL E A S E 1 . 0

C O L L E C T I O N O P T I O N S
F O R R E O P E N I N G

H O W T O G U I D E

MARCH 2021

Following recent Government announcements, the leisure industry is expected to restart in the next
few weeks/months, dependent on nation. The return of customers to our leisure facilities will be a
positive step forward as we prepare to move out of lockdown. Businesses collecting Direct Debits
however are likely to have an added complication. Where customers return part way through a
month, there is the question of how to charge the correct memberships fees for the days remaining.
To assist and support your decision-making process, we would like to summarise a selection of
options you may wish to consider. These options vary greatly, and we strongly advise each
business to consider which approach is most suitable.

Direct Debit Collection Options for Reopening

Direct Debit Collection - Reopening

Option 1 : No Direct Debit collection in the first month

We recognise this option may be unfavourable based on the loss of income. However, the dates of
lockdown have resulted in some sites collecting Direct Debits and subsequently closing mid­month. On balance when opening mid-month, the fees already collected will offset the days
remaining when business resumes. In delaying the Direct Debit process until the next full month
begins, the good-will shown to customers may have a positive impact to the business and simplify
the problem.

Option 2 : Change Direct Debit product prices

Where businesses wish to charge a pro-rata fee by Direct Debit to customers returning mid-month,
it may be possible to amend the Direct Debit product. In changing each Direct Debit product price
to a pre-calculated fee based on the number of days remaining in the opening month, customers
will be charged the correct pro-rata value. Upon successfully completing the Direct Debit run, the
product prices must be returned to their normal value. Please note this option will not work for
customers who use subscription discounts or fixed prices.

Option 3 : Chargeable Service

Gladstone will provide a chargeable service whereby a one-time correction will be applied to the
Direct Debits collected. By following specific instructions for the Direct Debit process, the Direct
Debit sales can be raised, and values recalculated automatically by Gladstone. The recalculated
values are based on the number of days to collect which must be provided to Gladstone in
advance. This approach requires no manual changes to configuration. For further information and
pricing regarding this service, please contact your Account Manager.

Gladstone
Hithercroft Road
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 9BT

www.gladstonesoftware.co.uk
[e-mail]