For decades, Flyhawk Beach Parking has operated near Misquamicut Beach in Westerly, Rhode Island, serving generations of seasonal beachgoers. Owner Rick “Fly Hawk” Koch has demonstrated a strong commitment to local history and community engagement. He once brought a restored F9F Panther fighter jet to the parking lot as a public exhibit to honor veterans. This event helped raise awareness and funds for related causes.
Koch’s long-standing company recently modernized its parking payment system to streamline transactions and enhance service during the busy summer season. This case study examines how embracing such technology, through a partnership with Sekure Payment Experts, improved day-to-day operations and contributed to seasonal success.
The challenge: a legacy payment system that slowed down seasonal customers
Flyhawk Beach Parking relies on swift customer turnover during its peak season. Long lines of vehicles form when the weather is favorable, and slow payment processing can lead to customer frustration. Koch recognized that outdated payment methods were delaying these transactions and creating backups at the entry point.
Before partnering with Sekure, Flyhawk Beach Parking used a provider that frequently took two to four minutes to approve charges. “I had another provider. The service was slow. That was the main problem — it was too slow,” Koch recalls. These delays caused impatient honking and confusion for drivers who simply wanted to park and enjoy the beach. In an environment where time is critical, even a short slowdown can result in lost revenue and strained customer relations.
Another obstacle was the limited payment flexibility. Many beachgoers arrived without sufficient cash on hand, yet the system’s slow transaction speeds made credit card payments cumbersome. Koch saw a steady increase in credit card usage but lacked a reliable solution that could handle high-volume transactions without creating a bottleneck. “I was held up for two, three, four minutes,” he explains, describing how each delayed sale disrupted traffic flow and irritated customers waiting in line.
Faced with rising customer expectations and the need for faster service, Flyhawk Beach Parking sought a more efficient payment system. Eliminating these challenges became essential for maintaining smooth operations and preserving a positive beach-going experience.
The solution: a modern payment solution with expert support
Flyhawk Beach Parking partnered with Sekure to address slow transactions and expand payment methods. This move allowed the business to offer credit card payments for the first time, eliminating the exclusive reliance on cash. “Before, I never accepted credit cards. It was always cash,” Koch recalls. He recognized a growing trend: “But the reason I turned to the service was that more people are carrying less cash and they want to use credit cards.”
Modern payment systems — like those offered by Sekure — operate on secure, high-speed platforms that shorten approval times. Flyhawk Beach Parking’s new solution reduced transaction lag from several minutes to mere seconds. “I don’t remember who turned me on to your company, but you promised me a faster service. And I went with you guys, and I was very happy with you,” Koch notes. This upgrade ensures smooth traffic flow at the gate, preventing vehicular backups and easing customer frustration.
Expert support further strengthens Flyhawk Beach Parking’s operations — whenever they need assistance, it’s readily available. One Sunday, Koch accidentally processed a $2,400 charge instead of the intended $24. He immediately contacted Sekure’s support line, and a representative guided him through canceling the erroneous transaction. “Every time you call them, there’s not a long wait on the phone. I usually get right through, and it’s very good,” Koch says. This level of responsiveness helps resolve issues quickly, securing revenue and maintaining trust in the system.
I have been very pleased with Sekure, and the time they have taken to help me when I have questions. Their rates are competitive, and they are not ‘sneaky’ like the company I had before them. I’ve done business with them for almost five years now.
Get free contactless payment solutions
Sekure Payment Experts modernized Flyhawk Beach Parking’s operations with a high-speed, contactless payment framework that eliminated lengthy approval delays. This specialized approach cuts transaction friction and safeguards revenue, while maintaining customer satisfaction.
With Sekure, every merchant receives dedicated support from an ETA-certified Payment Expert, ensuring swift resolutions for technical concerns and system updates. This hands-on assistance keeps lines flowing smoothly and prevents revenue loss due to transaction bottlenecks.
Sekure’s cost-effective, next-generation contactless payment solutions remove hardware hurdles, enabling businesses to offer modern payment methods without large upfront expenses. The transparent pricing structure, coupled with robust data security, meets rising consumer demands for speed and convenience. With these features, Flyhawk Beach Parking sustained steady throughput during peak hours, maintained a positive customer experience, and reinforced its market reputation.
As another merchant wrote, “I have been a customer of Sekure for a number of years. They have worked with me on any issues or concerns that I have had and found solutions that I am pleased with. I would recommend Sekure to any restaurant owner and look forward to continuing our business relationship with them. Thanks again, Sekure, for your attention to my needs.”
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