GlobalCollect evaluation of "issuing" opportunities

The evaluation of issuing-side opportunities uses a pragmatic approach

Phase 1: External assessment

This phase includes a review of payments-
related offers that are promoted by the
merchant's competitors, as well as unmet
needs among customers in the merchant's
sector.  It typically involves project activities
such as mystery-shopping among competitors
and in-depth interviews among customers.

Phase 2: Internal assessment

This phase includes an assessment of the merchant's customer base (e.g. what are the merchant's target segments) and channels (e.g. website, call centers, physical stores, mobile).  It also includes identifying any major constraints and
merchant-specific characteristics (e.g. IT infrastructure, outsourcing arrangements, attitude to risk, geographic reach).

Phase 3: Opportunity identification and evaluation

Based on the outcome from the internal and external assessment and from EDC's industry knowledge and experience, this phase includes identifying a "long list" of opportunities that are evaluated and prioritized based on criteria such
as ease of implementation, size of the
opportunity, customer appeal, fit with merchant's business strategy, etc.

Project approach and deliverable

This project involves an elapsed time of 6-7 weeks with external research (e.g. client interviews), 5-6 internal interviews, an internal data request, and 2-3 interactive workshops.  The main deliverable is a report that describes the outcome of all three
phases and key recommendations (should the merchant pursue any issuing-side opportunities).