Tidewater Finance Company follows a simple creed: “We believe in giving flexibility to our dealers to do what’s best for their customers and what keeps their customers happy,” said George H. White III, national sales manager.
Tidewater is a secondary financing company that offers prime-financing features, such as 12 months of deferred interest, as much of $7,500 in credit, no application or start-up fees and in-depth analytics and reporting.
Once Tidewater approves a customer’s application – instant approvals – it’s up to the retailer and the customer to work out the best terms for everyone.
This flexibility makes Tidewater an excellent Home Furnishings Association Solution Partner.
Revolving lines of credit offered
The advantages for retailers boils down to capturing sales that otherwise would be lost. Some retailers don’t have an option for customers between the prime lenders that are out of reach for some consumers and the tertiary finance firms that can’t lend enough for significant purchases. Tidewater fills a big void. Its lowest approval amount is $1,750, and its revolving lines of credit allow for repeat business.
“What we’ve noticed is that about 25 percent of customers will return and make additional purchases,” National Client Services Manager Marlys A. Mead said.
“You’re getting a customer for life ,” White added.
‘Dedicated to customer service’
Tidewater prides itself on making everything easy for its clients, from in-store training to responding immediately to questions. If you ask Mead what she thinks distinguishes Tidewater from other finance firms, she won’t hesitate: “I don’t know another company that is as dedicated to customer service as we are.”
Tidewater offers additional services as well, such as marketing opportunities. Those include direct mail campaigns to customers with open lines of credit, coupon inserts and email blasts. The goal is to help retailers increase sales and help customers purchase the furniture they want.
That’s how Tidewater has been an industry leader since 1992.
“We’re making money for the retailers, their customers are happy and we’re making enough to keep us in business for a long time to come,” White said.
For more information about Tidewater Finance, contact an HFA member specialist at 800-422-3778.
