Skip to main content

Providers & Front Desk Staff: Tips & talking points for offering Buy Now, Pay Later

This article shares simple ways for providers and front desk staff to bring up BNPL naturally, answer common client questions, and help clients feel comfortable exploring flexible payment options through Affirm or Klarna.

C
Written by Cassi Ettman

Buy Now, Pay Later is coming soon to Boulevard!

We’re excited too, but it’s not live just yet. Keep an eye on your inbox and Boulevard platform. We’ll share timeline updates as soon as they’re available.

Why mention BNPL before checkout?

Clients may hesitate to book a higher-value service, add an enhancement, purchase retail, or commit to a package because of the upfront cost. They may not always say that directly.

Bringing up BNPL earlier in the journey helps clients understand their options before price becomes a reason to say “maybe next time.”

BNPL can be especially helpful when clients are considering:

  • Packages or multi-session plans

  • Higher-value services

  • Add-ons or enhancements

  • Retail products

  • An alternative to a recurring membership

When providers should bring up BNPL

Providers are often best positioned to introduce BNPL during the service conversation, especially when recommending a treatment plan, upgrade, or product that supports the client’s goals.

Use BNPL as a helpful option to remove cost barriers. It’s not meant to come off as a sales pitch.

Moment

What to say

When recommending a package or multi-service plan

“Based on your goals, a package may be the best fit. If the upfront cost feels like a lot, we actually offer flexible payment options through Affirm and Klarna so you can spread out the payments over time.”

When suggesting an add-on or enhancement

“I do recommend adding this enhancement because it’ll help you achieve the result you’re looking for. If cost is a consideration, we also offer flexible payment options through Affirm and Klarna.”

When a client hesitates because of price

“I completely understand. If cost is what’s holding you back, we do offer flexible payment options through Affirm and Klarna. You can see what options are available without affecting your credit score.”

When recommending retail products for at-home care

“These products will help maintain your results between visits. If you’re purchasing your full skincare routine today, we also offer flexible payment options through Affirm and Klarna.”

When booking their next visit

“For your next appointment, you can also check BNPL options ahead of time so you know what’s available before you come in.”

When front desk teams should bring up BNPL

Front desk staff can help make BNPL visible and easy to understand before the client reaches checkout. Their role is to remind clients that flexible payment options are available and point them to the next step.

Good moments to bring it up include:

Moment

What to say

When booking a higher-value appointment

“Just so you know, we offer flexible payment options through Affirm and Klarna. You can check your options before your visit so you know what’s available.”

When confirming their appointment

“Your appointment is all set. If you’d like to review flexible payment options before you come in, you can check eligibility through Affirm or Klarna ahead of time through the application links in the confirmation and appointment reminders.”

At check in

“We offer flexible payment options through Affirm and Klarna if you’d like to check what’s available before checkout. You can do it privately from your phone. The links are directly in your booking confirmation and appointment reminders!”

When asked about price

“That service is [price]. We also offer Affirm and Klarna if you’d like to explore flexible payment options.”

At checkout

“You can pay today with your preferred payment method, or you can choose Affirm or Klarna if you’d like to split up the cost.”

“Were you able to check your Affirm or Klarna options before your visit? If you’d like to use Buy Now, Pay Later" today, I can choose that payment method for you now.”

When a client is purchasing products or added an upgrade

“We can add that today. We also offer flexible payment options if that makes it easier to include everything in one visit.”

Use check-in as a reminder

If a client arrives without having checked their BNPL options, check-in can also be a good moment to remind them.

Clients can sign up for Affirm or Klarna from their own phone in their appointment confirmation and reminder emails. This gives them a private, low-pressure way to review options while they wait, without needing to ask detailed questions at the desk.

A good prompt:

“Because we’re talking about purchasing a package instead of a single treatment, it’s worth mentioning that you can explore flexible payment options before checkout. You’ll find the links in your appointment reminders. It only takes a moment to check, and seeing whether you’re eligible won’t affect your credit score.”

Position packages as an alternative to memberships

Packages are eligible for BNPL and are a great alternative for clients interested in consistent care, but not ready to commit to a monthly membership.

Packages can be built around a full treatment plan, a series of sessions, or a longer-term care routine. BNPL gives clients a way to spread out the cost while still committing to the plan upfront.

For clients, this offers structure and consistency without an open-ended recurring charge. They know what they are getting, what they will pay, and when the plan ends.

For the business, it helps capture a higher-value sale upfront and establish future appointments for your providers.

A simple way to explain it:

“A package gives you a clear plan to stay consistent without committing to a membership. And if you’d rather spread out the cost, you can use flexible payment options like Affirm or Klarna.”

Keep the conversation casual

BNPL should feel like a helpful option, not a hard sell. The goal is to make sure clients know what is available so price does not quietly get in the way of the service, package, or product they want.

Helpful phrases include:

  • “Just so you know, we offer flexible payment options.”

  • “You can check your eligibility on your phone using the links on your booking confirmation or appointment reminders.”

  • “Checking your eligibility won’t affect your credit score.”

  • “You’ll be able to review any repayment options and terms you’re eligible for before you commit.”

  • “There’s no pressure, but it’s available if helpful.”

  • “A lot of clients like having the option to split up the cost into equal payments over time.”

Answers to common client questions about BNPL

Will checking my options affect my credit score?

  • No. Checking eligibility or exploring payment options with Affirm or Klarna does not affect a client’s credit score.

Will using Buy Now, Pay Later affect my credit score?

  • It may. Once a client accepts a payment plan, their credit may be impacted depending on the provider, the payment option selected, and their repayment history.

  • Encourage clients to review the terms presented by Affirm or Klarna before completing their purchase.

Why am I seeing different payment options than someone else?

  • Financing offers vary based on individual eligibility, purchase amount, and the BNPL provider.

  • Some clients may qualify for 0% interest offers, while others may see APR financing or different repayment terms.

Click here for more Client FAQs

Coming soon: Learn about digital tactics and templates you can use to promote BNPL to your clients.

Did this answer your question?