CHALLENGE
To make RV dump sites profitable all while providing greater value to customers, Sani-Star set out to identify a technology partner that could account for a number of challenges:
Collect payments reliable and securely
RV dump sites were often run at a deficit, since operators were unable to enforce payment and there was no standard fee for services. Sani-Star knew that businesses required a solution to lock RV dump caps in place, which would only open when a payment was received by a kiosk. Those payments needed to be secure, and the kiosks needed to be user friendly.
Enable connectivity without a power supply
Dump stations are primarily located in remote locations, without guaranteed access to a power supply or data lines. To process payments remotely, Sani-Star required both a power source capable of operating in far-off destinations and a wireless card reader and telemeter solution that could process and accept cash and cashless payments.
Compile results in a centralized database
Due to the remote nature of RV dump sites, business operators infrequently visit the actual sites. So they have limited insight into usage, payment, and servicing requirements. When delivering a technology solution to improve efficiency and generate revenue, Sani-Star needs to provide businesses with insightful reports from across their sites — stored in a comprehensive, remotely accessible database.
SOLUTION
Sani-Star partnered with Cantaloupe to develop the first Automated RV Dump Fee Collection system, leveraging Cantaloupe’s card readers to accept cashless payments across all dumping stations.
Secure payment acceptance
With Cantaloupe’s card reader technology, Sani-Star introduced highly secure, PCI compliant cashless payments — including mag stripe, chip, and NFC — to its locations. Once the card reader system was in place, customers would first need to swipe a credit card at the payment kiosk. Only then would they be able to open the locking cap on the dump receptacle. This allows businesses to charge for dump station usage, driving revenue from a historically unprofitable offering.
After implementing the Sani-Star kiosk, RV Dump sites saw an increased fee compliance of up to 200%.
Remote operation
Cantaloupe card reader and telemeter technology are wireless, which made them the ideal solution for RV dump sites. Through the development of a 90-watt solar panel with a 12-volt battery, Sani-Star was able to operate devices to their full capacity, enabling RV dump sites to run in a more convenient and compliant manner.
Global insight
Cantaloupe’s Seed Live device management portal provides RV dump site operators unprecedented insight into their dump stations. With the data collected and transmitted to Seed Live via the telemeter on location, businesses are able to manage revenue and generate reports for greater profitability and control.
RESULTS
Increased fee compliance of up to 200% after businesses implemented the Sani-Star kiosk.
Installations across 46 states and five Canadian provinces.
“The technology we enabled helps to keep RV dump stations open and operating. The can be difficult to find, but are very important to the RV community.”
Eric Huffman, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Sani-Star
