Retailers were frustrated last week after Smiths News direct-debit error took their payments a day earlier than usual.
In a letter sent out by the wholesaler to retailers, Smiths apologised for the direct-debit “internal error” and urged them to contact customer services.
It read: “We are truly sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused and appreciate that during these difficult times this may have had an adverse impact on your business.”
Extinction Rebellion: damage to small shops ‘worth it’ to avoid ‘civilisational collapse’
A retailer, who wished to remain anonymous predicted many had “suffered financially because of this”. They added: “Thankfully, our business accounts were fine, but it could’ve easily been a different story if other payments had also come out at the same time.”
Meanwhile, Myles Earle, owner of Myles Newsagent in Swindon added: “I keep a tight eye on my money, otherwise I would have been severely embarrassed.”
When challenged by Better Retailing on what caused the issue, a spokesperson from Smiths responded: “We are conducting a full process review to understand how this could have happened to ensure it won’t be repeated.”
Read more on Smiths News
Comments
This article doesn't have any comments yet, be the first!