Why Direct Debit is right for your aquatics club or swim school

Running an aquatics club or swim school should mean focusing on nurturing talent, not chasing late payments. 

Yet, many clubs and schools struggle with managing membership fees, lesson payments and other recurring charges. 

Inconsistencies in payment collection can affect your cash flow and increase administrative burden – sending those awkward texts, anyone? 

This is where Direct Debit comes into play as the ideal solution.

Why Direct Debit?

Direct Debit offers flexibility, control, and convenience, making it an ideal payment method for aquatics clubs and swim schools. 

Unlike standing orders or manual bank transfers, Direct Debit puts you in control of the payment process. 

You can collect payments automatically when they’re due, adjust the amount or frequency, if necessary, and significantly reduce the chances of late or missed payments.

Here’s why Direct Debit, especially through a trusted provider like GoCardless, is the right choice for your aquatics club or swim school.

Predictable cash flow

One of the most significant challenges faced by aquatics clubs and swim schools is the unpredictability of cash flow caused by late or inconsistent payments. 

Direct Debit ensures timely payment collection, giving you more control and peace of mind. 

Whether you’re collecting monthly membership fees or one-off payments for lessons, you’ll know exactly when funds will arrive. 

This makes budgeting and planning easier, helping your club or school stay financially healthy.

Reduced admin 

Managing membership payments can be time-consuming, especially as your club grows. 

Direct Debit through GoCardless automates the payment process, reducing the time spent chasing members for late or missed payments. 

With features like automatic notifications of failed or cancelled payments, you’ll always be informed without the need to manually track accounts.

Research shows that GoCardless merchants spend 90% less time on payment admin compared to the average business.

Fewer late payments

Late payments are a frequent issue for aquatics clubs and swim schools, often resulting in awkward conversations with members. 

By using Direct Debit, you ensure that payments are collected automatically on the due date, eliminating the need for members to remember to pay manually.

Flexible payment options

Direct Debit provides the flexibility you need to manage varying membership types, seasonal changes, or one-off events. 

Unlike standing orders, which require members to manually adjust the payment amounts, Direct Debit allows you to update the payment amount or schedule when necessary. 

Whether you’re introducing new pricing, or adjusting for additional training sessions or events, you can make these changes easily without waiting for members to act.

Cost-effective

Relying on payment methods such as credit cards comes with high transaction fees. 

With GoCardless, Direct Debit fees are lower, making it a more cost-effective solution. 

For example, GoCardless charges a flat fee per transaction that’s generally much cheaper than the fees associated with credit cards, which can be as high as 3%. 

In the long run, this can lead to substantial savings for your club or school.

Improved member experience

Direct Debit isn’t just convenient for your club – it’s great for your members too. With an easy set-up process that takes only minutes, your members can forget about logging into their bank every time a payment is due. 

They’ll also receive notifications when payments are scheduled, giving them transparency and peace of mind. 

Plus, all payments are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, ensuring their money is safe.

Choose GoCardless, your partner in payments

As your aquatics club or swim school grows, managing payments manually or through standing orders becomes increasingly inefficient. 

GoCardless offers a streamlined Direct Debit solution that integrates with your existing software, reducing admin and ensuring reliable, timely payments.

GoCardless helps more than 85,000 businesses, including many aquatics clubs and swim schools, simplify payments. 

Make the switch to Direct Debit with GoCardless today and enjoy a 90-day fee-free trial. 

Let payments become one less thing you need to worry about, so you can focus on what truly matters – helping your members excel in the water.