The Challenge
Firstshot, Bellmont, and Next 150 operate in the competitive world of lottery syndication, offering customers a seamless way to participate in EuroMillions draws through a subscription-based model. As the business scaled, so did the complexity of managing recurring payments, ensuring compliance, and maintaining a smooth customer experience.
Initially, the team trialled credit card payments, but this approach quickly revealed its limitations:
- High failure rates due to expired or incorrect card details.
- Operational bottlenecks from manual data entry and quality assurance checks.
- Customer confusion from delayed payment dates, leading to increased disputes and cancellations.
Security and compliance were also top priorities. With most sales made via telemarketing, the team needed a payment method that was both secure and easy to manage over the phone.
The Solution
The turning point came with the adoption of Access PaySuite’s Direct Debit solution, initially through EazyCollect Solutions, which Access PaySuite later acquired. This long-standing relationship, now over a decade strong, has become the backbone of the business’s operations.
“The people I worked with 10 years ago at EazyCollect are now at Access PaySuite. The acquisition didn’t disrupt us; it enhanced the relationship.”
— Campbell Pletts, CEO, Amalfi Outsourcing
Key elements of the solution include:
- Deep integration with a bespoke CRM system, enabling real-time visibility into payment statuses and customer journeys.
- Automated onboarding, with welcome emails and ticket delivery aligned to draw dates.
- Flexible payment scheduling, allowing customers to choose from a full range of debit dates.
- Dedicated support, with Access PaySuite staff described as “the real features and benefits” of the platform.
“We’re so intertwined with Access PaySuite that it’s the core. Our CRM is built around it, and it filters down to our reporting with Power BI.”
— Campbell Pletts, CEO, Amalfi Outsourcing
“Access PaySuite is the benchmark I use for what a supplier-client relationship should look like. It’s easy, effective, professional, and the value always exceeds the cost. That’s rare in B2B services.”
The Impact
Operational Efficiency
- The business has significantly reduced admin time by automating payment processes and integrating reporting tools.
- Real-time data insights help the team proactively manage customer retention and service.
- Improved Payment Success
- By expanding from six fixed debit dates to offering daily options, the business saw a measurable increase of around 5% in successful payments and a reduction of around 2% in Direct Debit Indemnity Claims (DDICs).
“Customers used to forget what they signed up for by the time the debit hit. Now, we can sign them up and debit them the next day. It’s reduced our DDICs and improved retention.”
— Campbell Pletts, CEO, Amalfi Outsourcing
Customer Satisfaction
The simplicity and reliability of the payment process have improved the customer experience, making it easier for players to stay engaged.
“Access PaySuite takes all the complexity out of payments. Their reporting feeds our operational direction.”
— Campbell Pletts, CEO, Amalfi Outsourcing
Scalability and Growth
The business is expanding into new subscription-based services, including legal documents, with Access PaySuite as the exclusive payment partner.
“We’ve got a new legal documents subscription project, and Access PaySuite is our preferred partner. We’ll always lean on that relationship.”
— Campbell Pletts, CEO, Amalfi Outsourcing
The partnership between Firstshot, Bellmont, Next 150, and Access PaySuite is more than just a vendor-client relationship, it’s a strategic alliance built on trust, performance, and shared growth.
Get in touch to discover how Access PaySuite can benefit your organisation.