OREANDA-NEWS. May 15, 2007. FSUE Russian Post and Home Credit & Finance Bank launched new project "Consumer crediting at Russian Post" in May 2007.

The joint project of these companies enabled crediting on household appliances and other consumer goods in 293 post offices in 29 regions in Russia.

To get the credit customer assisted by postal operator should fill in the form and necessary documents which are to be sent to the bank by the technology “Web-client” (operator gets the answer from the bank within several minutes) or by fax. Bank examines the documents operatively and makes up the decision on credit lending. If the customer gets positive answer he signs credit agreement, pays initial installment if the agreement stipulates for, then gets the goods.

"Consumer crediting service is another step of Russian Post’s policy aiming to providе the number of multiple-choice services in post offices so Russian people can use them along with already existing ones they come across with everyday, among them financial-banking ones. Wide range of post offices situated in the remotest parts of Russia allows for making the services maximally available for the customers", as noted I. Syrtsov, Russian Post Director General.

"The given service is aimed for people living in difficult-to-access settlements where post is the main means of communication. The program has social background as in some Russian regions customers will have an opportunity to get credit on the most suitable terms for them. The pilot project launched jointly with Russian Post in Bashkortostan in 2004 was a success. Since that time customers got over 20 thousand credits. We are strongly convinced of our offer’s efficiency", noted Ivan Artamonov, First Vice-President of Home Credit & Finance Bank.

Currently along with standard set of goods the enterprise offers a wide range of durable items, among them household appliances, digital photo and video facilities, computers and office appliances, heating appliances, furniture, equipment for gardens and farms.

Nowadays the service is granted in general and main post offices that have necessary area and appropriate technical equipment. In II-III quarters of 2007 post plans to join 70 regions, thus the service will be represented in 800 postal units.