Retailers ordering from Unitas Wholesalers will soon benefit from faster, more secure and more convenient payment methods as Unitas members partner with EchoPay.
Customers who use the new service will have the chance to win vouchers each month as part of its ‘VIPayer’ initiative – described as “the world’s first open banking rewards scheme”. Each month EchoPay and Unitas will give away five prizes of up to a £100 in voucher form. In December, one £500 voucher will be up for grabs. Each transaction over £50 retailers send will count as one entry into the competition.
EchoPay enables wholesalers to take payments using open banking channels rather than through more costly debit and credit card providers (such as Visa and Mastercard).
Retailers will be able to pay for orders with Unitas wholesalers via a secure branded website or app. On average, it takes 18 seconds to pay using EchoPay’s platforms, which are said to be more secure and efficient than standard card payments.
The service is currently rolling out across Unitas Wholesale members and has already integrated with United Wholesale Scotland, Small Beer Wholesale and ABV Wholesale. Wilds of Oldham, R D Johns Foodservice, Venus Wine and Spirits Merchants and others have signed up in recent weeks.
EchoPay is headed by James Ward who held senior and director positions at wholesalers including AC Ward and Son and Forward Wholesale.
“A growing number of retail and foodservice businesses are using EchoPay to pay for orders and are benefiting from greater security and a better user experience,” he said.
“EchoPay has a longstanding partnership with Unitas and it made perfect sense for us to launch VIPayer together and give a further incentive for a retailer or caterer to deal with a Unitas Wholesale member.”
