Planet Payments: Boosting Merchant Competitiveness with Integrated Gift Card Solutions.

CUSTOMER NAME:

PROJECT TYPE:

New Programme Launch

SAVVY EXPERTISE:

Platform Configuration

This partnership with 3C/Planet enabled us to bring our gift card solutions to more merchants, allowing them to seamlessly integrate both physical and digital cards into their payment systems. By eliminating common barriers, such as the need for EPOS integration, we’ve empowered merchants to grow their gift card programs more efficiently. We’re excited about the opportunities this collaboration continues to unlock for both companies.

Eoin White – Chief Revenue Officer, Savvy

About the Partner

Planet Payments, a global leader in integrated payment solutions, retail and hospitality software, and VAT refunds, simplifies the travel and shopping experience. In 2020, Planet acquired 3C Payment, a company known for its world-leading hospitality payment gateway. Together, they provide enhanced payment solutions that streamline the experience for merchants, acquirers, and customers.

The challenge

In April 2020, 3C Payment partnered with Savvy to make Savvy’s leading gift card solution available on their PAX and Worldline terminals. The competitive acquiring market made it difficult for 3C to win new hospitality merchants, as many had successful gift card programs with their incumbent acquirers. Merchants were hesitant to switch to 3C unless they could maintain the same robust gift card solution on 3C terminals. To overcome this barrier, 3C needed a solution that could support Savvy’s gift card processing.

The Savvy solution

Savvy and Planet developed an integrated solution that allowed 3C/Planet terminals to process both physical and digital gift cards seamlessly. Key aspects included:

Terminal Integration: Savvy ensured 3C/Planet’s terminals were integrated for secure gift card transaction processing. This allowed merchants to use a single terminal for gift card services, without the need for additional hardware or costly EPOS integration.
Remote Deployment: The embedded ‘Gift Card’ application was developed to be remotely deployed to any terminal, eliminating the need for on-site installation. Once installed, the terminals were immediately enabled for end-to-end secure connectivity from the terminal to 3C’s central hub and then to Savvy’s REST API.
Technical Expertise: Savvy guided 3C through key project deliverables, providing technical support and certification services. This collaborative approach ensured that the gift card solution was fully integrated and functioned across 3C’s terminal estate.

Benefits and Strategic Impact

The integration of Savvy’s gift card solution into 3C/Planet’s terminals delivered multiple strategic benefits:

Increased Merchant Acquisition: By offering a solution that matched the capabilities of incumbent providers, 3C could effectively attract new merchants who required robust gift card functionality.
Cost Efficiency: Remote deployment and a unified platform eliminated the need for on-site installation or complex EPOS integration, saving both time and resources for merchants.
Enhanced User Experience: Merchants benefited from a streamlined, integrated gift card solution that improved operational efficiency, driving customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Approach and Implementation

Project Planning and Requirement Definition
Savvy collaborated with 3C to define the project’s technical and functional requirements. Regular communication ensured that both parties were aligned on the objectives and timelines.
Collaborative Development and Deployment
Savvy provided technical support throughout the development process, ensuring the gift card application was fully tested and certified. Once completed, the application was remotely deployed to merchants’ terminals.
Merchant Onboarding and Training
Savvy contributed to the creation of user guides for merchants, helping them transition smoothly to the new system. This ensured minimal disruption during the migration process.

Results

With Savvy’s solution implemented, 3C/Planet was able to support merchants in offering physical and digital gift cards without needing additional hardware or complex integrations. This solution has enabled 3C to attract new merchants, removing barriers to entry and driving growth in gift card sales across the UK and Ireland.