News: Kiosks – Empower and Engage Your Customers

Lately, we’ve been fielding many calls and emails about kiosks. Clients want to know what requirements are needed for a kiosk and what types of features are available to engage their patrons on the floor. We’ll use this opportunity to provide an overview on what a kiosk is comprised of, its uses and benefits.

A kiosk is a basically a regular computer set up to allow self-service by customers. For security and ease of use, there is some specialized equipment required. The difference between a computer in your home or office and a kiosk are as follows:

• A touch screen monitor replaces the standard monitor. This eliminates the need for a mouse and makes it easy for customer interaction.
• A card swipe replaces the numeric keypad on the keyboard. The card swipe can read either a barcode or magnetic strip and allows customers to easily swipe their card. The keyboard is normally stored inside the kiosk for security reasons and is accessible by the individual (s) responsible for the program.
• A printer is typically used for speed, size and security. It operates just like a regular printer but special paper and ink is used.
• The kiosk enclosure protects the items listed above from vandalism, theft and tampering. Enclosures come in all shapes, sizes. Kiosk enclosures provide you with an opportunity to be creative and display brand/advertising message along with that of any sponsors as well.

A kiosk uses special software to achieve a defined set of tasks. Our software allows our customers to perform the tasks listed below.

Sampling of Kiosk Uses

• Track attendance
• Swipe to earn points
• Check points balance
• Answer survey questions
• Redeem rewards via coupons
• Allows patrons to select "choice rewards"
• Issue instant rewards
• Distribute targeted, segmented offers & information
• Distribute targeted, segmented coupons
• Communicate with patrons
• Promote advertising and marketing messages to patrons
• Promote sponsorship messages and offers
• Use video clips to enhance messages
• Incorporate your own images and video greetings
• Use "attract mode" to engage patrons

Benefits

• Reduce costs of customer support
• Allow employees to focus more on customer service instead of routine tasks
• On-site mechanism to collect patron information
• Customer convenience
• Cater to all segments of patron database (even those who may not have a personal computer at home)
• Build brand loyalty (for you and sponsors)
• Cross sell, up sell & introduce new products/services to patrons
• Provide personal, relevant and targeted communications to patrons
• Easy set up of kiosks at your location – one screen does it all