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5 Tips for Merchants to Reduce Credit Defaults

Learn proven strategies to minimize risk and maintain healthy credit portfolios.

Mary WanjikuDecember 20, 20255 min read

Managing credit risk is essential for any merchant offering buy now, pay later services. Here are five proven strategies to minimize defaults and maintain a healthy credit portfolio.

1. Start Small with New Customers

When you first start offering credit to a new customer, begin with a small limit. This allows you to test their payment behavior without significant risk. As they demonstrate reliable repayment, gradually increase their limit.

2. Know Your Customers

The best credit decisions come from knowing your customers well. Take time to understand their income patterns, regular purchases, and payment capacity. A customer who buys regularly and has a steady income is generally a lower risk.

3. Set Clear Terms from the Start

Make sure customers understand the repayment terms before any credit sale. Be clear about:

  • Due dates for payment
  • Any fees for late payment
  • Consequences of non-payment

4. Send Timely Reminders

Don't wait until payment is overdue to reach out. Kopaduka's automated reminder system sends SMS notifications before and on due dates. These gentle reminders significantly improve collection rates.

5. Act Quickly on Overdue Accounts

If a payment becomes overdue, address it immediately. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to recover the funds. Have a clear escalation process in place.

Using Kopaduka's Tools

Our platform provides several tools to help manage risk:

  • Credit scoring based on payment history
  • Automated payment reminders
  • Easy-to-read analytics dashboard
  • Customer status tracking

By following these tips and leveraging our platform's features, you can confidently offer credit while minimizing your risk.

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