Dines Powers Underbelly's Event Success
Transforming Complex Festival Logistics with Unified Payments and Real-Time Insights
How Dines Streamlined Operations for One of the UK's Largest Event Operators
As a long-standing promoter and production company, Underbelly has been the creative force behind some of the most successful shows like Macbeth and Cabaret, captivating audiences in the West End and on international tours. Specialising in immersive pop-up theatre experiences and large-scale events like the Edinburgh Christmas Market and Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, they are one of the UK's largest festival and event operators.
But with great ambition comes even greater logistical challenges.
The Hidden Strain Behind the Spectacle
Behind the curtain of Underbelly's spectacular events lay a web of operational inefficiencies that threatened to dim their shine. Managing multiple payment providers in-house became a mammoth task, consuming precious time and resources. The operations team found themselves entangled in a constant battle with slow support responses during peak times, escalating minor issues into major headaches.
Ultimately, the reliance on various payment systems slowed down preparation, which had a severe knock-on effect across other aspects of their events.
A Ticking Clock and Mounting Pressure
Imagine orchestrating events that span multiple cities, each with its own set of traders, bars, and food vendors. The complexity of coordinating payment systems across these diverse elements was staggering. The risk of connectivity issues loomed large, especially in outdoor settings where reliable networks weren't guaranteed.
Every delayed transaction, every support ticket left unanswered, was a moment lost: a potential customer turned away, and a negative impression formed.
Dines Steps Up: A Symphony of Seamless Solutions
In the midst of this operational storm, Underbelly sought a partner who could understand their challenges and offer a comprehensive solution. That's where Dines entered the picture. Recognising the multifaceted needs of such a large-scale operator, we deployed an all-encompassing payment ecosystem designed to simplify and streamline.
Turning Chaos into Harmony with Advanced Technology
One of the game-changers was the introduction of DinesPads at Underbelly's bars. Our handheld devices empowered servers to take payments swiftly, unshackled from the confines of fixed tills.
The result? Faster service, shorter queues, and happier customers willing to spend more.
But we didn't stop there. Understanding the pitfalls of unreliable outdoor connectivity, we implemented offline payment solutions coupled with multi-network eSIM technology. This ensured that transactions could proceed without a hitch, even when network signals wavered. In conclusion, no more lost sales due to technical glitches!
Navigating the Unpredictable with Proactive Support
Setting up for large events is no small feat. Our on-site support team worked tirelessly to set up hardware and guarantee operational readiness well before the gates opened.
When issues arose, our Customer Success team provided prompt technical support and handled customer inquiries. This enabled Underbelly's team to stay focused on the bigger picture, confident that the details were being managed by capable hands.
Streamlining Financial Complexities
Financial reconciliation can be a daunting task, especially with revenue splits and payment deductions across multiple vendors and events.
Enter the Dines Finance team. They collaborated closely with Underbelly's accounts department, simplifying these processes through regular communication and efficient data handling. Timely payouts became the norm, and the fog of financial complexity was cleared.
A Partnership That Fuels Growth
The owners of Underbelly expressed gratitude for Dines' support, highlighting how it enabled them to grow and take on new projects at greater scales. Having a reliable technology partner by their side helped them achieve operational success that far surpassed previous years.
With Dines handling the operational and technological heavy lifting, Underbelly was free to do what they do best: create epic events that captivate audiences and leave lasting impressions.
Lighting the Path Forward
Post-event, the benefits continued to unfold. The data insights captured through our unified payment solutions provided Underbelly with a treasure trove of information. They could analyse performance across different vendors and locations, informing future strategies and helping to drive continual improvement.
Facing Similar Challenges? Let's Elevate Your Event Together
If the complexities of managing large-scale events are casting a shadow over your operations, know that there's a way to bring everything into the light. Dines is here to help transform your logistical nightmares into streamlined success stories. Ready to focus on creating unforgettable experiences rather than wrestling with operational hurdles? Request a demo today, and let's embark on a journey to elevate your events to new heights.