This is a question that we are frequently asked and yet when we searched for an answer there seemed to be very little information available that was in plain english. So here goes our very short sharp guide for an organisation that wants to collect Direct Debits.Step 1. Contact your bank and ask if they will sponsor you onto the SchemeIf in principal they are happy to sponsor you then, they should be able to provide you with the correct application forms to apply for a "Service User Number" or SUN as it is commonly referred to. If for some reason your bank are unable to sponsor you then you may still have the opportunity to implement Direct Debit by using a "managed service", many of the Bacs Approved Bureaux can offer this though it is usually more expensive than obtaining your own SUN and you may have to wait longer for the money to arrive into your bank account. Step 2. Choose Bacs software or a Direct Debit Bureau service provider. There are currently 18 approved suppliers of Bacs Software (Bacstel-IP) all with their own relative merits suiting the broad range of different businesses that collect via the scheme. As an alternative it is possible to collect via a third party company or "Bureau" of which there are hundreds. Choosing which option is right for you can be difficult to assess though broadly it is likely to be a choice between lower set up costs but higher ongoing fees (Bureau option) or higher set up costs and lower ongoing fees (In House Software Option)Step 3. Once you have been given approval by your sponsoring bank you will need to familiarise yourself with the 144 page long "Service User's Guide and Rules to the Direct Debit Scheme" this can be a little difficult to digest and understand which is why getting some outside help or Direct Debit Training can be a real time and money saver. If you do go via this route, ensure that you use a Bacs Accredited Trainer.If you wish to collect using the Paperless Direct Debit method then you will need to tell your sponsoring bank at the outset as there are additional application forms to complete. Once you have The Service User Number, the Software/Service and the knowledge you need to start marketing and promoting Direct Debit to your customers, members or donors. Once they have given you their authority you are ready to start collecting and seeing all the benefits that it can bring your organisation.