Palmer Retail Solutions Blog

Questions to Ask Your Retail Kiosk Manufacturer

Posted by Kathy Heil on Aug 9, 2016 8:07:01 PM

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Designing and fabricating a kiosk is no simple task. You’ll have to make many choices, but the most important is undoubtedly picking your retail kiosk manufacturer. Make the right choice, and you’ll be on your way to creating a kiosk that is a selling machine in more ways than one. Choose poorly, and you could wind up with a kiosk that disappoints.

Ask yourself some questions first.

Before you start your search for the ideal retail kiosk manufacturer, be as clear as you can on what you want and need. With a list of criteria, you can easily weed out less stellar choices and zero in on top candidates. Then, to delve more deeply, be sure to ask those top candidates these questions:

How deep is their experience with your type of kiosk?

Do you need a small fleet of kiosks to help customers handle a specific task? A mall kiosk to serve as a petite retail store? A mobile food cart? Every detail matters, so pick a manufacturer that has already helped others work out the bugs and kinks when it comes to ergonomic design, storage, and other construction details. That way, they can help you avoid common mistakes and create a far more effective kiosk. Look for two things:

  • Someone who listens carefully to your needs and wants before proposing a solution.
  • Someone willing to share their merchandising insights with you. That comes from experience. Beyond efficient functionality, your kiosk needs an eye-catching, welcoming presence. Otherwise, shoppers won’t stop and buy.

Ask for references, then actually talk to people about their experience during the design phase and in the months (or years) since.

How deep is their digital knowledge?

If you’re looking for a self-serve kiosk to use as a stand-alone vending machine or to use in your retail store to take payments, etc., top-quality electronics and software are a must. But even a mall kiosk selling wallets or skin care products can gain a serious competitive advantage by incorporating digital displays or touchscreen technology. We live in a digital world now, so make sure your retail kiosk manufacturer has the tech savvy you need.

What else can they do for you?

Physical design, aesthetics, and electronics must work together so your kiosk stands out from the crowd and offers customers a stand-out experience. That requires customization.

If your kiosk will be located in a mall, will your retail kiosk manufacturer serve as your liaison with mall management? Malls have specific requirements for design, construction, and installation, and having a pro take the conversational lead can save you time and untold frustration.

What will it cost?

Aside from price to build your kiosk and install it, if needed, costs also include the availability of post-sales support and service. What kind of warranty do they offer?

Where are they?

A retail kiosk manufacturer located in the US can provide reliable quality materials. They also have far more control over delivery schedules, so you can get your kiosk sooner.

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Topics: Kiosks

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