4 minutes Referring Customers

After referring a business to SAPI, they may come back to you with questions. This guide explains what you can help with, what you should direct to SAPI, and how to support customers without providing regulated financial advice (unless you're FCA-authorized).

✅ "What is payment-linked financing?"
Answer: It's a cash advance repaid as a percentage of your daily card sales via Direct Debit. Flexible repayment adjusts with your revenue.

✅ "How do I apply?"
Answer: Visit [SAPI application URL] or SAPI will contact you directly after I refer you. Application takes 10-15 minutes online.

✅ "How long does approval take?"
Answer: SAPI typically decides within 24-48 hours after you submit your application.

✅ "What documents do I need?"
Answer: Business registration, bank statements, director ID. Full list is provided when you apply. See SAPI's "Documents We Need" article.

✅ "Do I qualify?"
Answer: Likely, if you're UK-registered, processing £10k+ monthly card sales, trading 6+ months, and not insolvent. SAPI will confirm during application.

✅ "How long until I get the money?"
Answer: If approved, typically 1-2 days after you accept the offer and sign the agreement.

✅ "How does repayment work?"
Answer: SAPI collects a percentage of your daily card sales via Direct Debit. If you process £1,000 in sales and your percentage is 15%, they collect £150 the next day. Adjusts automatically with your sales.

✅ "What if I have no sales one day?"
Answer: They collect nothing that day. No penalty. Repayment just takes longer.

❌ "What rate will I get?"
Answer: "SAPI will provide a personalized offer based on your application. Contact them at [email protected] or +44 20 3868 4990 for specifics."

❌ "Should I take this financing or a bank loan?"
Answer: "That depends on your specific needs and situation. SAPI offers speed and flexibility. Banks offer lower cost. You should compare options and possibly consult a financial advisor. I can't advise on which is best for you."

❌ "Can you look at my offer and tell me if it's good?"
Answer: "I can't provide financial advice on whether to accept. You should review the offer details, consider your cash flow, and possibly consult an accountant or financial advisor. SAPI's team can answer questions about the offer at [email protected]."

❌ "Why was I declined?"
Answer: "SAPI will provide a decline reason. Contact them at [email protected] or +44 20 3868 4990 for details. They can explain and advise if you can reapply in the future."

❌ "How do I connect my payment processor?"
❌ "My Direct Debit failed—what do I do?"
❌ "What's my current balance?"
❌ "Can I get a top-up?"

Answer: "Please contact SAPI's support team directly—they manage your account. [email protected] or +44 20 3868 4990."

Providing financial advice without FCA authorization is illegal (unless you're exempt as a simple introducer).

Financial advice includes:
- Recommending specific products
- Assessing suitability for customer
- Advising to accept or decline offers
- Comparing products and recommending one

Simple introductions (no authorization required):
- Explaining what a product is generally
- Explaining the process
- Referring customer to provider for specifics

If you advise and customer loses money or is mis-sold:
- You may be liable for customer losses
- You may face regulatory action (FCA, FOS)
- Your professional indemnity insurance may not cover (if you're not authorized)

If you simply introduce and direct questions to SAPI:
- SAPI is responsible for suitability and advice
- You're protected as an introducer (not advisor)

"I can explain what payment-linked financing is generally, but for specifics about your application or offer, SAPI's team is best placed to help. Here's their contact: [email protected]."

When referring: "I'm introducing you to SAPI. They'll guide you through the application and answer all your questions. I earn a commission if you're funded, but the decision to apply and accept is entirely yours."

Give customers:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +44 20 3868 4990
- Application URL: https://journey.sapi.com/sapi-direct/application?utm_source=intercom_help_articles&utm_medium=header_cta&utm_campaign=apply_now
- Help Center: https://help.sapi.com/

"No pressure to apply or accept. SAPI will provide an offer if approved. You decide if it's right for your business."

Good: "Did SAPI contact you? Do you have any general questions I can help with?"

Bad: "You need to accept that offer! It's a great rate!" (Pressuring and advising)

Q: If a customer asks me "Should I accept this offer?" what do I say?
A: "I can't advise on whether to accept—that's a decision for you and potentially your accountant or financial advisor. SAPI can answer questions about the offer terms at [email protected] if anything is unclear."

Q: Can I help customers negotiate better rates with SAPI?
A: You can facilitate communication, but can't negotiate on their behalf unless you have explicit written authority. Better: Advise customer to contact [email protected] directly to discuss their offer.

Q: What if a customer complains to me about SAPI?
A: Listen, sympathize, but direct them to SAPI's complaints process ([email protected] with subject "FORMAL COMPLAINT"). Don't try to resolve SAPI's service issues yourself—that's SAPI's responsibility.

Q: Can I share my own experience or opinion about SAPI with customers?
A: General experiences are fine ("Most businesses I refer to SAPI get decisions within 48 hours"), but avoid specific endorsements that could be seen as advice ("SAPI is definitely the best option for you").

Q: If I'm FCA-authorized, can I provide advice?
A: Yes, if your authorization covers credit-related advice. Follow your compliance procedures, document suitability assessments, and ensure professional indemnity insurance covers this activity.

Q: What if a customer asks about repayment issues or arrears?
A: Direct to SAPI immediately: [email protected] or +44 20 3868 4990. Don't get involved in collections or payment disputes—that's between SAPI and the customer.

Partner boundaries questions: [email protected]
​Compliance questions: [email protected]
​Customer support guidance: [email protected]

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 20 3868 4990

Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm GMT