The NFRN and Payzone met formally last week to discuss Payzone’s proposed new Terms and Conditions for its new tablet technology.
The new Payzone contract, which has been introduced to coincide with the new tablet technology, includes some significant changes from the existing retailer arrangement and the NFRN challenged principal areas in representation of its members.
Following what NFRN Chief Executive Paul Baxter described as “a full and frank discussion”, several key points were agreed:
- Retailers will receive 28 days to consider the new terms and conditions.
- Retailers that believe the new terms and conditions are impractical will be able to terminate their current contract without penalty charges at the existing expiry date stated on the current contract or sooner if the legacy hardware is discontinued.
- The new T&C clause required retailers to give six months’ notice to terminate – this has been reduced to 60 days.
- Any retailers that have had terminals already installed or have had charges levied already on the ‘new’ basis will be given the same ‘revised’ terms and conditions.
Although several key clauses remain to be thrashed out, Baxter was appreciative of the constructive way Payzone approached the discussions.
“We are supportive of Payzone’s technology investment and future business plans, and will work with them to ensure that our members receive fair and equitable terms,” he said.
Payzone will now work with the NFRN to consider further solutions in support of retailers who decide to enter into a new contract.
Rupert Lowery, Chief Commercial Officer at Payzone, commented: “We are totally committed to our core convenience market and have spent millions creating a better retailer and consumer experience which will bring several improvements to retailers.”
Lowery listed these as an increased range of services, including parcels and Transport Ticketing; increased footfall from new services; reduced transaction times; and more robust security.
He added: “We are providing this at a market-leading price, as we believe in a fair deal for our customers and are happy to work with the NFRN on the changes discussed. We recognise the role the NFRN plays and welcome the chance to get things right to the benefit of all sides.”
The charge for a new terminal will be 99p weekly. Additionally, retailers will be required to provide broadband access and pay the associated costs. The ‘low usage’ threshold rises from 35 to 40 transactions per week and the cost for any retailers below this level will £2.50 per week.
