Seems like EZ-Link is on the row this year! Just last month, they announced their collaboration with PERX, and the new Hello Kitty EZ-Charms (which was sold out within days!). Today, they continue to surprise the public with their new initiative, The TRUST Programme, a collaboration with CASE and the Spa and Wellness Association of Singapore (SWAS), to safeguard spa-goers, like you and me, from the terrifying spate of closures years back.
During that fiasco, thousands of consumers were left in lurch, with hundreds to thousands missing from their pockets – and worse still, they had no way of getting any of it back. That’s where the new TRUST card comes in. Managed and powered by our everyday EZ-Link CEPAS technology, you can sign up for, say, a prepaid spa package at that discounted price per session, but only make the official payment after redeeming it at the outlet that very day. Essentially, EZ-Link will be the acting custodian, which, in the case of a sudden closure, the un-used sessions will be refunded back to the cardholder! So, there’s no fear in paying the huge bulk sum, thinking one day you could be making futile calls to a dead number.
What’s more, instead of the filmsy hand-written records easily misplaced or damaged, I can just log onto the TRUST card website to do everything from viewing account balance, transaction history, temporary suspension and reactivation, updating of profile and checking the expiry dates. It keeps everything in the clear, black and white, and skips the troublesome process of calling and filling up forms. The only issue is that each merchant will have their own card – it is not a one card fits all situation – but, multiple prepaid packages can be stored in the same card, provided it is from the same place.
With convenience, control and confidence all in one card, both merchants and consumers will have a lot to gain from this new programme. Let’s face it, it is hard to trust a stranger you meet once every month with hundreds to thousands of your hard earned savings. Not only will consumers get a form of assurance, but also allow merchants to build brand confidence and loyalty in the long run. Even better yet, signing up to be CASE-TRUST accredited is great alternative to the current costly insurance scheme, which takes away the upfront premium payment, lengthy administration process and annual renewal; perfect for Singapore-based SMEs.
Ultimately, the programme hopes to draw more to the cause, and to include other industries offering a prepaid payment option. As of now, there are 13 participating merchants, and those accredited will be featured on the website (good for cross-checking). There is no special sign up process or activation for the consumer, just go to one of the accredited locations and enjoy a pleasant spa experience, no strings attached. UOB Visa or MasterCard credit card holders even have the option to pay through a 0% Interest Instalment Payment Plan those wanting a tighter control on their monthly cash flow.
For more information, check out The TRUST Programme website/FAQ.
About the Writer
Jessica is a young lady of many obsessions. She gets herself into everything ranging from the latest in the monochrome fashion world (she only wears black, and sometimes, white) to convincing the masses that Community is the best TV series ever made.
Currently, she enjoys looking like Sailor Mercury had a baby with Wednesday Addams.
