INTERNATIONAL. Global Blue has launched an in-store VAT refund service with online and mobile payment platform Alipay.
‘Fast Refund’ gives Chinese shoppers the option to receive their VAT refunds digitally, and direct to their Alipay accounts, when making a tax free purchase. The service is operated by Ant Financial Services Group.
When a purchase is made, staff at participating stores can select Alipay as a refund option and scan the Alipay QR code generated by the shopper’s smartphone. The refund payment is then triggered to the Alipay account. A notification is also sent to the user that the real-time refund has been processed successfully.
After completing the transaction, the store staff member issues a tax free form to the shopper. He or she then needs to validate the export at customs and mail the form back to Global Blue within 21 days.
Global Blue said the initiative would save Chinese travellers time at the end of their trip by reducing the need to queue for a refund at the airport.
The service is currently in a two-month pilot phase with key merchants across Europe. Global Blue plans to roll the technology out to all its affiliated stores throughout 2018.
The launch follows the introduction of instant refunding to Alipay at airport refund counters in February 2017, which has been rolled out to 14 airports worldwide.
“Global Blue’s early refund services have proven to be a highly effective tool for retailers looking to attract and retain globe shoppers and we are delighted to be the first to offer them to Alipay users,” said Global Blue Senior Vice President, Product Tax Free Shopping Tomas Mostany.
“China remains the most valuable origin market for the tax free shopping industry and Global Blue is committed to offering the widest possible range of refund options to Chinese globe shoppers, wherever they choose to shop.”
