With cash payments increasingly falling out of favour, the trend is towards a cashless future, driven by new technologies and innovative payment solutions.
Data from Statista estimate that between 2021 and 2026, the instalment payment market will grow by around 418 billion euros. This growth shows that the possibility of pay in instalments is here to stay, revolutionising the relationship between businesses and consumers.
In the automotive sector, particularly in Sociedade Comercial C. Santos, This evolution is already visible, with more than 70% of workshop payments being made by card.
In addition, the digitalisation of payments and the interest-free instalments at workshops have come to allow greater flexibility and better financial management for their customers, thanks to the payment solution Parcela Já com UNICRE.
How digital payments and the Parcela Já feature with UNICRE are transforming the lives of Commercial Company C. Santos and its clients, are the central themes of an interview with the managing and financial director, Sérgio Faria who was kind enough to answer us.
How has the digitalisation of payments changed your business? Do card payments make your business more efficient?
The digitalisation of payments has, I would say, changed the entire economy and not one sector in particular. A ease and convenience of digital means of payment is essential for many businesses and the automotive sector is no exception.
Card payments, especially at the workshops, parts counter and Mercedes-Benz boutique, are essential in the daily life of Sociedade Comercial C. Santos. More than 70% of the payments in our workshop are made by cardfor the convenience and safety of our customers.
More than just facilitating transactions, the he digitalisation of payments has brought us a new way of looking at efficiency and our customers' experience. It also means fewer worries in day-to-day management.
Everything becomes more fluid, more transparent, and this allows us to focus on what really matters: serving people with dedication and quality.
What is the biggest advantage of joining Parcela Já with UNICRE?
A he biggest advantage of Sociedade Comercial C. Santos garages joining Parcela Já with UNICRE is that it gives our customers more freedom and flexibility in how they manage their payments. Santos garages to Parcela Já with UNICRE is the possibility of giving our customers more freedom and flexibility in the way they manage their payments. boutique or original parts and Mercedes-Benz and smart workshop services.
Knowing that we can offer a solution that makes people's lives easier, allowing them to split the payment for the interventions carried out in our workshops - which sometimes have values that were not foreseen - in a simple and convenient way.
From our business side, it's a solution that can not only boost salesBut even more importantly, strengthens the relationship of trust with customers that Sociedade Comercial C. Santos has had since it was founded in 1946.
At the same time, we have security of receiving the full amount immediately. In essence, Parcela Já is a payment method that connects customers' needs with ours, helping us to solidify a more positive experience.
Since access to credit at the point of sale is easy and simple, does the Parcela Já solution with UNICRE boost higher value sales in your shops?
Easy and simple access to credit at the point of sale, through the Parcela Já solution with UNICRE, has the potential to have a positive impact on our business.
This tool allows us to create a more accessible and convenient shopping experience for our customersThis gives them the chance to reduce their worries about paying for higher-value products and services.
This flexibility translates into greater confidence and, of course, a more considered decision to buy or service the vehicle. For us, as a business, it means not only reducing risk but, above all, strengthening the relationship with our customers.
Do you feel that the possibility of paying in interest-free instalments is a differentiating factor for customers?
A the possibility of paying in interest-free instalments is undoubtedly a differentiating factor for our customers. Today, people value solutions that allow them to manage their finances in a balanced way and without additional costs.
For Sociedade Comercial C. Santos we, as a business, are he solution is a way of standing out, creating a more accessible experience in line with customer expectations.
It cannot be said enough: Customers are the most important link in the business of Sociedade Comercial C. Santos.
What are the major challenges facing your industry this year? And in the coming years?
The major challenges facing our sector this year include adapting to a constantly changing market, where the energy transition, digitalisation and consumer expectations play a central role.
Demand for electric and hybrid vehicles is growing, but we realise that many consumers still have doubts about this transition, as is natural. Questions such as autonomy, access to charging infrastructure and maintenance costs are common doubts among customers.
The implementation of retail models from traditional dealership to agency is also a challenge for companies in the automotive sector (from the point of view of consumers, nothing changes).
The key will be to focus on the quality and service that sets us apart, while helping consumers feel secure in electrification and the future of mobility. In this context, the The aim of Sociedade Comercial C. Santos' goal over the next few years is to continue to keep pace with this technological evolution, investing in innovation, sustainability and, above all, in a relationship of trust with customers.
In fact, however much technology in cars and in purchasing and servicing changes, our business will always be people to people.
About Soc. Com. C. Santos
Founded in 1946, Sociedade Comercial C. Santos has offices in Porto, Maia (Airport) and Felgueiras. It is an authorised dealer and workshop for the sale of vehicles, parts and services customer services (after-sales) for the Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Mercedes-Benz Trucks brands. It is also an authorised smart agent and workshop.
Sociedade Comercial C. Santos closed 2024 with around 3,700 new and used vehicles sold and 200 million euros in turnover (figures in line with 2023). It has close to 400 employees.
Don't leave your business behind in the payment revolution. Offer interest-free instalments now with the Parcela Já com UNICRE and guarantee more sales and satisfied customers.
Contact us today and transform your business.
EN 
PT