Dines Powers Seamless Payments at the Royal Highland Show
At the Royal Highland Show, one of the UK's largest agricultural events, Dines faced a critical challenge: delivering seamless payments across 110 acres of space where Wi-Fi coverage is never guaranteed. Find out how we ensured uninterrupted transactions, transforming the payment experience for traders and customers, alike.
A Landmark Event in Scottish Culture
The Royal Highland Show is held annually in Edinburgh. It is a pillar of Scotland's agricultural heritage and is organised by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS). Attracting around 200,000 visitors over four days, and showcasing 6,000 animals and over 1,000 exhibitors, it blends tradition with innovation, bringing together farming advancements, food stalls, lifestyle exhibitions, and entertainment.
But with this scale comes significant logistical challenges. As the event grows, so do the demands on payment infrastructure, especially as more visitors rely on card payments. Traders and organisers faced mounting pressure - could they meet the demands of an increasingly cashless audience?
Battling Connectivity Issues
In previous years, traders faced payment difficulties due to connectivity issues in certain areas of the site. Limited coverage was known to disrupt card payments, which presented challenges for both traders and their customers. Therefore, ensuring reliable transactions was key for maintaining hassle-free operations and a top-tier customer experience.
In addition to the connectivity challenges, RHASS also identified opportunities to improve their access to real-time data. Limited sales tracking made it difficult to settle with traders efficiently, and with the extensive scale of the show, post-event reconciliation often required significant time and effort.
To streamline operations, their team sought a system capable of handling the unique demands of the Royal Highland Show. They wanted a solution that would perform reliably, even in areas with limited WiFi coverage, to make sure that data tracking was always accurate and comprehensive.
The Stakes Rise
As the event approached, tensions mounted. The scale of the show's area and the technical challenge loomed large. Traders sought reassurance that poor connectivity wouldn't ruin their sales. RHASS was equally concerned, the commercial success of the show was in the balance. Without reliable systems in place, they risked tarnishing the show’s reputation. The organisers knew they needed more than a quick fix - they needed to find a solution that could deliver across every corner of the event, no matter the challenges.
Enter Dines.
Dines Delivers the Solution RHASS Needed
Dines stepped in to tackle the challenge head-on. Our offline payment processing technology proved to be the game-changer RHASS and its traders were looking for. With the ability to process payments even when the network dropped out, traders no longer had to worry about missed transactions or long queues. Dines ensured payments could continue - no matter what.
Our system also provided real-time sales data. For the first time, RHASS had a clear view of trading activity across the show. This gave them the ability to track performance, charge traders accurately, and make faster, data-driven decisions.
But we didn’t stop there. Dines introduced a QR voucher system that simplified crew and guest catering payments, providing greater oversight and control for RHASS. This prepaid system allowed crew members to receive their meals quickly, without the confusion of handling cash or manual processes.
Key Solutions Delivered
Offline Payment Processing
Real-Time Data and Reporting
QR Vouchers for Crew Catering
Revenue Tracking and Compliance
Comprehensive Financial Reporting
Traders continued accepting payments without disruption, even in areas with limited connectivity, ensuring no lost sales.
Dines provided detailed, real-time visibility into trader sales, allowing for accurate charging and better decision-making during the event.
Dines provided detailed, real-time visibility into trader sales, allowing for accurate charging and better decision-making during the event.
Every transaction, whether cash or card, was captured in the system, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance, preventing revenue leakage.
Dines generated easy-to-understand, detailed financial reports post-event, helping traders reconcile their earnings and identify opportunities for improvement.
On-the-Ground Support
During the event, Dines went beyond simply providing technology. We embedded our team within the event’s operations. Dines staff members were on-site from 6am to 8pm daily, ready to assist traders or RHASS whenever needed. We set up dedicated WhatsApp group for key RHASS personnel, allowing for immediate response to any issues.
When traders encountered problems, our team could be there within minutes, resolving issues before they became serious. This real-time support provided peace of mind for traders and organisers alike, ensuring smooth operations across the entire event.
Reliable Payments, Even at Peak Demand
At the busiest moments of the show, such as during peak times in the food courts, certain areas of the site experienced reduced Wi-Fi connectivity. In previous years, this could have caused disruptions to payments. However, with Dines’ Offline Mode, traders continued to process card transactions without interruption.
As a result, transactions flowed smoothly, revenue was protected, and the Royal Highland Show maintained its momentum.
Financial Clarity and Rapid Reconciliation
On the financial side, Dines transformed how RHASS managed their post-event reconciliation. Using customised dashboards, RHASS could view all transactions in real time - whether they were card payments, cash sales, or crew meals. This transparency made it easier for the organisers to monitor trader activity and streamline the end-of-event reconciliation process.
Within just a week, Dines completed all reconciliations and settled payments, ensuring traders and organisaers were paid promptly. No delays, no confusion - just efficient, hassle-free financial management.
Building A Strong Partnership
Following the success of the Royal Highland Show, RHASS and Dines are already looking ahead to future collaborations. RHASS now sees the potential of deeper integration with the Dines platform, from enhancing stock management to exploring new features like tip donation systems.
With the Royal Highland Show, Dines has proven itself as a trusted partner, one capable of delivering reliable, cutting-edge solutions that work, even in the most challenging environments.
Conclusion: A Strong Base To Grow The Show!
Dines provided the technology and support that RHASS needed to run the Royal Highland Show without a hitch. From ensuring seamless payments to improving financial transparency, Dines enabled the organisers to focus on delivering a world-class experience. And with future events on the horizon, the partnership between RHASS and Dines looks set to continue growing, unlocking even more opportunities for innovation and success.