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Assessing-value-for-money-in-financial-services-products

Assessing value for money in financial services products

James Yerkess

James Yerkess

Founding Partner

It is essential for any firm in the financial services industry to be clear about value for money when assessing the products it provides to customers. Working out value for money involves evaluating the benefits of a product or service to justify the cost.

 

Unfortunately, it is often difficult to figure out the value for money that a product provides. This is because there are many factors to consider, and the cost can be opaque.

Ways to assess value for money

There are a few ways to approach working out value for money. One way is to consider the cost of the product compared to its benefits. This can sometimes be difficult to quantify, as benefits can be intangible and hard to compare.

 

Another way to assess value for money is to look at the cost of the product over time. This approach considers factors such as durability.

 

When trying to figure out the value for money of a product, it is essential to consider all of the relevant factors. Only then can an informed decision about whether the product offers value for money.

Poor value products are easier to spot

Financial services products can be expensive. They are often a poor value for money because they are not affordable for low or middle-income families. For example, payday loans have high fees and interest rates that make them difficult to repay. As a result, many people take out multiple payday loans, incurring even more debt.


Similarly, longer-term loans can have high-interest rates and fees that make them a poor value for money over time. Also, financial services are often poor value for money because they are not transparent. For example, many credit card companies use confusing terms and conditions that make it difficult for consumers to understand the true value of the service. As a result, consumers can end up paying more than they expected.


Finally, financial services are often poor value for money because they are not accessible. For example, many banks only have branches in major cities, making it difficult for rural residents to access banking services.

Products need to supply better value

Financial services products are essential, but they are often a poor value for money. This needs to change. Financial institutions need to be more affordable, transparent, and accessible to consumers to supply a better value for money.


Financial services products differ from other products in several ways. They are often intangible, made up of a series of promises rather than physical goods. They are also often complex, making it difficult for customers to understand what they are buying. Therefore, financial services providers are responsible for ensuring that their products supply good value for money.


This means offering products that meet customer needs at a fair price. Also, providing clear and concise information about the products and ensuring that customer queries and complaints are dealt with promptly and effectively.


By following these principles, financial services providers can help to build trust and confidence in the industry and ensure that their customers are getting the best possible value for money.

 

Practical steps to building value for money products

When supplying a financial services product, it is essential to look at the value for money it offers. Here are four simple steps a firm should take when figuring out if a product provides a fair exchange with the customer.


1) The cost of the product in relation to its quality.

2) Whether or not the product will be used often or be able to recoup your costs over time.

3) How well the product stacks up against competitors.

4) If there are any added bonuses or incentives that come with buying the product.


Figuring out the value for money of a financial services product can be difficult. Although, it is essential to be clear about the value for money to avoid regulatory issues.


These factors that need to be considered when assessing value for money are many and varied, making it challenging to produce an exact estimate.

Seek practitioner help and expertise

Despite these difficulties, it is essential to try and work out the value for money that a financial services product provides. This can be done through consulting experts in the field or by doing extensive market research.


By taking the time to understand the benefits of a product and how it compares to the cost, you can make more informed decisions about whether it supplies value for money. Also, how to clearly communicate this information to customers.


Our experts help firms design value for money products that stay compliant with regulations, ensure customers get fair value and strengthen competitive advantage. It’s what we do!