A new year is a perfect time for campground owners to set goals to improve profitability.  If you aren’t yet familiar with digital wallets and the latest mobile payment technologies, you might be interested in the benefits they afford campgrounds and RV parks, such as:

• instant access to funds and real-time financial data
• cost savings on third-party transaction fees and POS systems
• competitive edge—making it easy for customers to pay quickly and securely on any device.

Here’s a quick look at a few emerging payment options you may want to consider integrating with your campground or RV park in 2018.

Apple Pay

What makes Apple Pay so appealing to consumers and business owners alike is its ease of use, speed, and security. Anyone with a smartphone or Apple watch can make a purchase instantly by simply holding their device at a wireless payment terminal set up for Apple Pay.

Apple Pay can also be used to make secure purchases within apps or on the web.  If your campground wants to grow its business to cater to Millenials, this is a notable feature that you can add that Millenials will talk about with their fellow RVer’s.  Learn more about attracting Millenials and why it is important to focus on this group of customers.

Checking in guests quickly can also increase satisfaction.  The speedier your service, the happier everyone will be. Your guests won’t have to wait, which will make them happier and more likely to visit again, thus increasing your sales and occupancy.

If your campground already accepts major credit cards (e.g. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover), or Interac contactless payments, the good news is you should be able to set up Apple Pay without making any changes.

Even better news: Apple doesn’t charge additional fees for businesses who accept Apple Pay.

Apple Pay has been growing in popularity since its launch in 2014, and is currently used around the world (the full list is available here). For more info to get you started, visit the Apple Pay website.

Android Pay and Samsung Pay

Working in a way similar to Apple Pay, both Android Pay and Samsung pay will allow guests to pay by simply opening the app and holding their device over the point-of-sale terminal.

Cryptocurrencies

If cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, have been on the periphery of your awareness, look out. These alternate currencies are fast becoming mainstream payment options for small and big businesses alike.  You’ll want to keep your eye on this for the future, but it’s probably not ready for the campground industry just yet.

To learn more, take a look at Inc’s list of cryptocurrencies to watch in 2018.

Next steps
As digital technologies bring us closer to paperless financial systems, it’s important you offer your customers a range of convenient payment options, so they aren’t tempted to shop somewhere else.

Ensuring your guests can pay you using their preferred payment options, whether cash, check, debit card, credit card, mobile payment options, or EFT, will help you stay competitive, long-term.

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