If you haven’t yet discovered it through the comical ‘big head’ TV commercials, you may have heard about Gimmie — the new buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) online shopping destination.
Gimmie’s primary focus is on life’s ‘big buys’ — things you need when moving into a new home, starting a family, or changing lifestyles — such as furniture, appliances, TVs and tech. In two years of operation, however, there has also been significant growth across categories such as gaming, fitness and outdoor living.
Gimmie offers customers the ability to ‘buy now and pay later’, but it’s different to other BNPL services — some of whom are feeling the brunt of media scrutiny for less-than-commendable lending practices.
“Typically, consumers must go from retailer to retailer, each offering different payment options, often overwhelmed with confusing T&Cs and paying a lot more than they should,” Gimmie co-founder Scott Roworth said.
“We saw an opportunity to be different with a simple, transparent way to pay. The seamless shopping experience powered by GimmiePay, our BNPL solution, lets you pay the way you earn.”
Customers can shop online, from a range of trusted brands, and pay for their items over one or two years — in weekly, fortnightly or monthly options to fit with their pay cycle. The total cost ends up being just a bit more than the retail price but, if they pay out their Gimmie Plan within 90 days, they pay no more than the price of the item — with no fees or hidden costs.
Traditional online retailers generally offer credit card payment options or payment plans through other finance companies. Gimmie is different. And, unlike many in the buy-now-pay-later industry, it actually holds a credit licence.
ASIC is currently reviewing the federal government’s draft legislation on financial services, and their submission states that some BNPL solutions “can at times be a source of significant consumer detriment. The buy now, pay later sector is growing rapidly, driven by consumer demand. Consumers may lack understanding of what fees and charges are payable and … vulnerable consumers may be using these products.”
Committed to being a Responsible Lender, Gimmie goes to great lengths to ensure customers can afford to make payments, stay on track with their Gimmie Plans, avoid late fees and ensure they continue to improve their credit scores. Before they even apply for a plan, customers can use the repayment calculator on the Gimmie website to estimate their commitments and budget accordingly.
As Gimmie approaches its second birthday in March 2022, the team is excited at the growth they continue to see in a more equitable, customer-focused, buy-now-pay-later offering for Australian consumers.
As the slogan says, “It’s how we buy now!”
Find all the Gimmie big buys at gimmie.com.au