What is Balance Builder?
A Balance Builder plan collects a fixed monthly contribution (e.g., £20/£40/£60). These contributions build up as service credit in the customer’s wallet and can be redeemed for services later. It’s not a loan and it’s not linked to credit reports — it’s simply prepaid store credit for your services.
Who it suits & when to use
- Customers with irregular visit patterns (beauty, car care, pet services).
- High‑ticket but infrequent work (detailing, deep cleans, treatments).
- Seasonal services where customers prefer to spread costs across months.
How to price contribution amounts
- Offer 3 tiers (e.g., £20, £40, £60) and map each to an example outcome (“build credit for a deep clean every 3 months”).
- Add a small top‑up bonus occasionally (e.g., +£5 credit when contributing £60) to reward higher tiers.
- Show a “credit to service” table so customers see how fast they reach a goal.
Messaging: build service credit (not credit reports)
Use language like “build service credit,” “prepaid balance,” “wallet,” and avoid “credit score/report.” Make clear this is store credit for your services only. Suggested line: “Your monthly contributions build service credit you can redeem for treatments/cleans — it’s not a loan and not reported to credit agencies.”
Switching from standard plans
- Migrate customers who skip months or frequently reschedule.
- Keep your normal plans for regulars; offer Balance Builder as a flexible alternative.
- Update your plan copy and post an announcement explaining who should switch.
Examples by niche
| Niche | Examples | Typical use of credit |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty / Hair | £20 / £40 / £60 | Build toward colour, facial, or 3rd blow‑dry |
| Auto care | £25 / £50 / £75 | Detailing every 2–3 months |
| Home services | £20 / £40 / £80 | Deep clean, gutter clear, or seasonal jobs |
| Pets | £15 / £30 / £60 | Full groom every few months |
Tips for a smooth launch
- Highlight that customers can use their balance flexibly for any of your services.
- Show example goals (e.g., "Save up for a deluxe treatment or use for regular visits").
- Use clear, friendly language like "wallet," "service credit," or "prepaid balance."
Next steps
- Pick your three contribution tiers and set example goals for each.
- Update your plan copy to explain how the balance works and what it can be redeemed for.
- Announce your new Balance Builder with a business post—consider offering a bonus for early signups.