The most efficient way to pay for goods electronically is by use of a purchasing card.

This is a payment method that reduces the cost of ordering goods, particularly those of low value.
Fisher Scientific is able to accept both Visa and Amex purchasing cards.

The purchasing card is issued to you by your issuing bank for Visa, or direct by Amex. Goods can then be ordered directly from your suppliers, quoting your card details (1). As no purchase order is required, this reduces the time and paperwork involved in placing an order. We then dispatch the goods to you as normal (2), but instead of sending you an invoice, we transmit the details of the transaction to your bank, or Amex (3). The bank or Amex then pays us on your behalf (4). Your bank or Amex will then issue you with a statement with all your orders consolidated on it (5), together with management information, usually on a monthly basis, and you then pay your bank or Amex (6).

Features

Versatility - a card programme can be set up to suit your internal processes, by issuing cards to end users or a central purchasing function.
Security - each card is issued with a transaction spend limit and monthly spend limit. The card can also be blocked for certain 'merchant categories', preventing use with certain supplier types e.g. cash or travel. Most banks have now introduced PCI verification which requires the input of a password in a pop-up window as part of the transaction process. This is designed to provide added security.
Management information - your issuing bank will be able to discuss what management information you require to be reported. An information field is transmitted with your transaction detail to appear on your statement, which can be used to record cost centre, department code or budget code information.
Use with electronic ordering- payment for purchases made from our electronic catalogue can be made with your purchasing card.
Visa Global Invoice Specification - Line Item Detail has been replaced by a more flexible system and format that can cope with additional information. Visa International has specified a new data format - the Visa Global Invoice Specification (VGIS) - that holds Fisher Scientific invoice information, tax information and market-specific information depending on your purchases. The data format is based on XML (eXtensible Mark-up Language) message structures and applies to both the physical and the ecommerce worlds.
VAT enabled - all the VAT information is contained on your statement, which is accepted by HM Customs and Excise for VAT purposes, therefore there is no requirement for an invoice.

Benefits

Single consolidated bill for all transactions with all suppliers
Single payment for all transactions with all suppliers
Reduced paperwork
Reduced administration
Reduced purchase to pay costs
Simplified VAT accounting
Improved management information

Getting started

A purchasing card programme is very simple to implement. Your issuing bank, or Amex will be able to guide you through the process, issuing cards and organising spend limits. We are happy to get involved in the implementation process if you wish, even though you are able to use your purchasing cards with us without any set up required.

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