Dubsado’s Payment Processing Options: Affirm & Klarna Explained
Get to know the tools that get you paid on time
Let’s talk about money.
Specifically, how you’re getting paid – and how Dubsado’s newest payment processing options, Affirm and Klarna, can make things easier for you and your clients.
These Buy Now, Pay Later (BNLP) tools let your clients split payments into smaller, more manageable chunks. But you? You still get paid upfront with no awkward ‘just following up on your last invoice…’ emails required.
It’s part of a bigger trend: BNLP options like Affirm, Klarna, and Afterpay have taken off in recent years, transforming how people pay for everything from sneakers to business services. And now, they’ve landed in Dubsado.
But are these the right tools for your business?
Let’s dig into what they are, how they work, and whether they’re worth adding to your Dubsado payment processing lineup.
How BNPL Options Are Shaping The Future Of Service Businesses
Here’s the thing about big-ticket invoices: even when clients want to say yes, seeing a hefty price tag can give them pause.
That’s where BNPL options like Affirm and Klarna come in.
They give your clients room to breathe when it comes to finances, letting them say “yes” without worrying about emptying their bank account in one go.
For service-based businesses, this isn’t only about making life easier for clients. It’s about keeping up with how people want to pay. Thanks to the rise of BNPL in e-commerce, clients have come to expect flexible payment options everywhere.
- That $3,000 copywriting offer? It suddenly feels a lot more doable.
- The $7,500 wedding package? It’s now a “when can we book?” conversation, not a “we need to think about it” stall.
- Your mid-range design project? No hesitation, no second-guessing – just a seamless sale.
But offering payment plans is about more than closing sales. It’s about positioning yourself as a modern, client-focused business that gets what your audience needs to feel confident working with you.
How BNPL Options Are Shaping The Future Of Service Businesses
When Dubsado brought in Affirm and Klarna, they weren’t just adding bells and whistles. They were giving you two solid ways to help clients book your services without flinching at the invoice.
But these tools? They’re not identical. Here’s how they stack up:
Affirm is your go-to for those “gulp” price tags like $5,000 wedding packages or $9,000 website development offers. Clients spread payments over several months, which makes committing to those big-ticket services a little less nerve-wracking. You still get paid upfront and Affirm takes on all the admin. The hitch? It’s only available for businesses based in the U.S. and Canada.
Klarna, on the other hand, shines for mid-range projects. Think $1,500 brand photographs or $800 copy audits. Clients split their total into four interest-free payments over six weeks. Plus, Klarna works for businesses outside the U.S. and Canada, so if you’re operating from anywhere else, this one’s for you.
The Pros and Cons of Dubsado Payment Processing With Affirm and Klarna
The Pros
- No Tech Stress: Affirm and Klarna are built right into Dubsado’s invoicing system. No setup, no fuss – they’re ready to go.
- Flexible Payment Plans: Your clients can spread payments out in a way that works for them, making it easier to book your services without hesitation.
- You Get Paid Upfront: The full invoice amount lands in your account immediately. No chasing payments or wondering when they’ll come through
- Less Admin Drama: From collecting payments to sending reminders, Affirm and Klarna handle it all. Even missed payments? Not your problem anymore.
The Cons
- Not for Subscriptions: They only work for one-time, full-balance invoices – no autopay or recurring payments here.
- Processing Fees: Affirm takes 6%, and Klarna charges 2.9%-4.9%. Not bad if it helps close sales, but higher than Stripe or PayPal’s flat 2.9%.
- Blocked Industries: Certain types of businesses (like accounting, legal services, and personal counseling) can’t use these tools. Check the list before you get too excited.
Questions to Ask Before Using Affirm or Klarna in Dubsado
BNPL tools like Affirm and Klarna might be built into Dubsado, but that doesn’t mean they’re the perfect match for every business. If you’re on the fence, start with these questions:
- Do I offer high-ticket services that clients might need extra time to pay off?
- Do my clients value flexibility when it comes to paying their invoices?
- Can I justify the higher processing fees, especially on larger invoices?
- Are my services one-time fees or do I rely on subscriptions?
Taking a moment to think through these questions can help you figure out whether these tools fit your business.
Is Dubsado Payment Processing with Affirm or Klarna Right for You?
These tools aren’t one-size-fits-all, but when they fit, they really fit. Here’s how to tell:
Who should consider it:
- Affirm: Perfect for businesses offering premium, high-ticket services where payment flexibility could be the difference between “I’ll think about it” and “Let’s do this!”
- Klarna: Great for businesses with mid-range projects or products (think $50-$2,000) that need a budget-friendly, interest-free payment option to close sales.
Who should give it a pass:
- If processing fees make your profit margins cry.
- If your business relies on subscriptions or recurring payments.
- If your industry is restricted (sorry, legal services and accountants).
The alternative:
Don’t feel like Affirm or Klarna fit your business? That’s okay! There’s another way to offer flexibility without the fees.
Dubsado’s workflows let you set up custom payment plans with Stripe or PayPal. Add automated reminders, and you’ve got flexible options that keep clients happy without cutting into your bottom line.
No matter what you decide, one thing’s for sure: getting paid shouldn’t be a headache. Let’s make sure your systems are set up to save you time, impress your clients, and keep the cash rolling in.