Christmas market keeps up with the times, goes cashless

The old system of using paper invoices for payment at central cashiers and cash which has to be converted into coupons is now being phased out. These payment methods take up a lot of time and in the peak periods, cause long queues.

After much searching and discussion with various retailers on cashless solutions, a partnership between the Parkview Charity Christmas Market and PayCorp was concluded.

A small card device linked to a Smartphone, laptop or tablet will allow all vendors to take credit and debit card payments, whilst the monies accrue to one account and then are split up into organiser and vendor portions.

Both parties receive a full statement of transactions and the visitor receives an electronic receipt on their cellphone. Visitors wishing to buy smaller items with cash, or wanting to give their children an amount to make their own purchases, can obtain a preloaded gift card and use it at the stalls to purchase goods.

The gift card is fully secured with a PIN in case it gets lost and if any money is left on the card at the end of the market, the card can be used at any shop anywhere thereafter. There is even an option to reload the card and use it as a Christmas present.

“This year will be more about less cash than cashless. Our food stalls, beer tent and champagne and oyster bar, as well as the kids’ entertainment activities, are run by the charity itself and hence we will allow cash and card payments. The gift card option also allows people to convert their cash to card and pay with this at all vendors,” said Karola McArthur of the organising committee.

This convenient offering is also in line with the environmental policy of the charity, which puts much effort during the market in separating garbage and recycling thereafter.

Details: nicarelacharity@gmail.com