PayPoint is poised to add a new service for use with its third-generation PayPoint One terminal in partnership with shopping giant Amazon in time for the Christmas present buying season.

C-Store understands that Amazon “top-ups” will launch next month and allow customers to buy electronic gift vouchers for purchasing presents online.

PayPoint would not be drawn on the details of the scheme before its official launch, expected to be mid-November.

It will be the first new major service announcement since the official launch of the PayPoint One platform in September, which offers retailers its traditional terminal services along with an integrated EPoS system and payment capability all in one.

The launch comes after the payment services company has made strides in improving its relationship with its retailers after store owners saw red over a commission payments revamp last year which led to an acrimonious #PayPointPayFair campaign on social media.

PayPoint established a regular retailer forum which Steve O’Neill, group marketing director, said had led to the company changing its contract length from five to two years and given retailers the right to terminate if prices go up in the future.

“We’ve also reduced the direct debit failure fee for first time offenders and increased the downloadable marketing support for retailers,” he said.

Paypoint launched its new “retailer pledge” in August, outlining its commitment to deliver “first-class service and innovation by continuing to listen and champion independent retailers”.

O’Neill said the field team had completed more than 46,000 visits in the past 12 months and improved its contact centre resulting in 94% of calls answered.

A Bluetooth beacon included in the new system had not yet been enabled. However, it would eventually be used to send targeted offers to mobile phones, O’Neill said.