At a Glance • Key Takeaways
- Automated Efficiency: Streamline online bookings, live availability scheduling, and customer communication without manual intervention.
- Live Capacity & Conflict Prevention: Prevent double-booking across staff, rooms, activity sessions, or rental fleet assets in real time.
- 0% Platform Booking Fees: SmartBookings does not charge transaction fees or take percentage cuts of your ticket sales or customer payments.
Payment Processing for Rental & Hire Operators
Managing cash flow in equipment hire differs from ticketed attractions. While some operators take full upfront payment online, many hire businesses require a modest booking deposit (e.g. £25) to hold the equipment date, with the remaining balance paid on delivery day.
Transparent Pricing: Processor Fees Are Their Own • 0% SmartBookings Fees
Payment Processing Fees: All merchant acquiring rates, interchange fees, and per-transaction processing charges are billed directly by your chosen payment gateway under your direct merchant contract.
SmartBookings adds 0% transaction fees! We never clip your rental orders, charge percentage markups, or take cuts of your customer payments. 100% of your hire deposits and balance revenues settle directly into your own merchant bank account.
SmartBookings connects with all 16 supported payment gateways (Stripe, Worldpay, Opayo, Square, SumUp, PayPal, and more) configured in Settings.aspx.
Three Effective Payment Models for Hire
- Model 1: Full Payment Online at Booking:
Customer pays 100% of the hire and delivery fee online. Eliminates on-site cash handling for drivers and secures revenue in advance.
- Model 2: Booking Deposit Online + Balance on Delivery:
Customer pays a non-refundable holding deposit (e.g. £20.00 or 25%) via debit/credit card to secure the date. Drivers collect the cash balance upon setup, or office staff email a direct payment link the morning of delivery.
- Model 3: 30-Day Invoicing for Commercial Accounts:
For schools, councils, and construction firms hiring plant or marquees, staff can select Invoice / BACS to generate formal accounting invoices without card processing fees.
Gateway Integration Walkthroughs
SmartBookings allows you to connect your existing merchant acquiring contract for the lowest transaction rates:
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can equipment hire businesses take a booking deposit online and the balance in cash on delivery?
Yes. SmartBookings supports hybrid payments. You can require an online deposit (e.g. £25 via Stripe) to reserve the date and collect the remaining balance on delivery day via cash or card terminal.
Does SmartBookings charge any transaction fees or commission on hire bookings?
No. SmartBookings adds 0% transaction fees. You connect directly with your chosen payment gateway (Stripe, Worldpay, Opayo, Dojo, etc.), and 100% of your customer funds settle directly into your merchant bank account.
How do security damage deposits work through online payment gateways?
Supported gateways allow pre-authorization holds on the customer's card. If equipment is returned clean and undamaged, the hold is released with zero transaction fees.
Can hire operators send SMS payment links for balance payments before dispatch?
Yes. Drivers or office staff can click 'Send Payment Link' in Booking Summary to text a secure payment link to the customer's phone.
Which payment gateways are recommended for equipment hire operators?
Stripe and Square are popular for fast setup and Apple Pay/Google Pay integration; Dojo and Worldpay are favored by high-volume operators with established card acquiring contracts.
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