In a fast paced, do-it-yourself world it’s no wonder a self-service kiosk is gaining popularity and are popping up in more locations. From ATMs to retail vending machines, businesses across the country are realizing the advantages of using kiosks. Aside from not having to staff a kiosk, the user-friendly nature of these machines draws customers in. At one time, ATMs were the only kind of kiosk around. Now, kiosks are used in grocery stores, casinos and hotels. Here’s a look at 10 cost saving or lucrative ways businesses are using self-service kiosks:

Financial Kiosk

The financial world is still the most popular place for kiosks. Making deposits or withdrawals from a car seems like second nature to many and one research company believes this trend will continue to grow.  A report released by Retail Banking Research shows by 2013, there will 2.5 million ATMs around the world. Despite concerns over saturation and the future of cash, the global ATM market has continued to expand rapidly, according to the report. More new machines were added worldwide last year than ever before, with total installations approaching 1.8 million.

Check-in

Checking in for a flight, a doctor’s appointment or even a hotel room is now easier than ever through an automated kiosk. Companies using check-in kiosks use the machines as a way to cut down on wait times. At the airport, multiple passengers can check in at once by using a touch-screen monitor to answer a few questions and print boarding passes. At the doctor’s office, patients can zip through a few screens and be seen by a doctor faster after electronically checking in. And at a hotel, there is no need to drag luggage through the line of tourists waiting at the front desk, a kiosk can check in a guest quickly and efficiently.

Grocery Stores

For the “get-in and get-out” grocery shopper, kiosks offer a fast checkout. That is one of the main reasons they have become popular in grocery stores across the U.S. For those wanting to avoid the women with a fist full of coupons, the kiosks are the way to go. Right now customers have to scan each of their items separately, but National Retail Federation’s Senior Asset Protection Advisor Joe LaRocca says an improved self-checkout kiosk will make an appearance soon. These kiosks will be equipped with a “tunnel scanner” that will allow shoppers to put their items on a conveyor belt and a machine will scan each item, including unlabeled items like produce.

Job applications

People looking to apply for a job are often directed to a kiosk. Job Application kiosks are often set up near the customer service specifically for people looking for work. While these kiosks are mostly found at big box stores, smaller businesses are turning to the machines for simplicity and record keeping.

Vending Kiosks

Vending kiosks have come a long way from dispensing soda cans; they are now stocked with electronics, books and everything in between. When a traveler realizes he forgot his headphones at the hotel, he can scoot over to the nearest kiosk and buy a new set without hassle. Kiosks, like the VIGIX makes product vending a breeze. These innovative machines can sell physical goods ranging from twenty-four cell-phone-sized boxes to one hundred forty-four DVD-sized envelopes.

Fast Food Kiosk

It makes sense in a fast food restaurant that kiosks would streamline the process of ordering, but this area is still emerging. Restaurant owners worry the kiosk may impersonalize service, but if foreign markets are any indicator, kiosks could take off within the next few years. European and Asian restaurant chains are successfully using kiosks in many establishments.

Casinos  

Slot machines are basically a mini-kiosk, but casino executives are going one step further by incorporating loyalty cards into their everyday use. A gambler can now slide a card into his or her favorite machine, the card tracks the activity, and the customer is rewarded through loyalty programs.  Kiosks for Casinos are growing in numbers rapidly.

Ticketing Kiosks

Companies handling tickets of any kind are also turning to kiosks. At some concert halls, the will-call window is now a kiosk, where a customer can print his or her ticket without the need for staff assistance. Tickets to sporting events and movies are also bought and dispensed at kiosks in an effort to keep lines moving and customers happier.

Map Directory

Located in tourist destinations and well-traveled areas, kiosks that offer a map or directions have become quite popular. Now inside state parks and amusement centers,  self service kiosks offer busy sightseers a fast and informative way to get the most out of their trip. At a visitor’s center in Rhode Island several kiosks are set up for tourists to check out hot spots in town and learn the best way to travel from place to place.

Receptionist

With the economy still recovering from a recession, small businesses are looking for ways to cut costs. A reception kiosk can be an affordable way for business owners to streamline their main lobby. Kiosks can augment or replace a receptionist. Certain kiosks offer software packages that enable visitors to speak with employees through the Internet, or through an existing network.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Are all of your Kiosk models designed to meet ADA requirements?

Yes, all of our Kiosks models are designed to meet ADA requirements. However, the COREmaxx & COREmurl must be keyboard-equipped to meet ADA guidelines. Also, certain larger LCD sizes may disqualify units from compliance, so please check with your PK sales representative on this.

2) On an ADA compliant Kiosk, how many inches off the ground must the user interface be? What is the Maximum height the user interface cannot exceed?

The user interface of the kiosk will be higher than 9” and lower than 54” off the ground, assuming the user is 10 inches from the front face of the Kiosk. Phoenix Kiosk units always have the user points higher than 9” on the front face and are generally lower than 54”.

3) Is the bottom of the Kiosk easy for a person on a wheelchair to roll-up on and still reach the touch screen?

Yes, the base plates on our standard kiosks do not exceed ¼” off the ground so it is very easy to roll-up on.

4) What is the angle dimension on the Kiosk Monitors? And, is it tilted back?

While it is common for the monitor to be tilted back inside a kiosk, there is not a standard measurement for which to angle the monitor. Each kiosk is designed at its own unique angle and some may not be tilted back at all.

5) Is Section 508 (Electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities) part of the ADA standards? Do you comply with Section 508?

Section 508 is not an ADA standard, but is an additional set of requirements for products developed for the Federal government. We can tailor our Kiosks to comply with Section 508.

What is the ADA standards for Accessible Design?

Clear Floor Space - Parallel Approach

The Department of Justice published revised regulations for Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 “ADA” in the Federal Register on September 15, 2010.  These regulations adopted revised, enforceable accessibility standards called the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.  These standards set minimum requirements for scoping and technical, for newly designed and constructed or altered State and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.

According to the ADA’s published guidelines for design, the diagrams on this page describe the requirements to meet federal regulations.

The figures  represent the reach ranges when approaching an object from the side in a wheelchair. If the clear floor space allows for parallel approach, then the maximum reach

Maximum Side Reach over Obstruction

shall be no higher than 54” while the minimum reach shall be no less than 9” above the floor. If the side reach is over an obstruction, the reach clearances are shown in figure.

What does this mean for a Phoenix kiosk?

Phoenix Kiosk does not put obstructions on the front of any units that stick out more than 24 inches.  On an ADA compliant kiosk, the user interface of the kiosk will be higher than 9 inches and lower than 54 inches off the ground, assuming the user is 10 inches from the front face of the kiosk. In the event that a wheelchair can be closer than 10 inches from the front face of the kiosk, the lowest point can be lower and the generally have user points lower than 54 inches.  The distances noted are for use points on the unit, not the overall height of the unit. So, for example, if there is an LCD with a

Height and Low - Side Reach Limits

touchscreen that has buttons on the application, as long as the buttons are below 54 inches, the unit is considered to meet the guidelines even if the top of the LCD is above the specified height. The same would be true for things like a webcam, which might be seated above the monitor on the kiosk (above the 54 inch maximum), but which the user did not have to touch. Although this peripheral is above the maximum height, the unit would still be within the guidelines since no use points are above the maximum height.**

** All Phoenix Kiosk units are designed to meet ADA accessibility requirements. COREmaxx & CORE murlmust be keyboard-equipped to meet ADA guidelines. Certain larger LCD sizes may disqualify units from compliance. Check with your PK sales rep.

When you think of a ”receptionist,” what images often come to mind?  Most likely you’ll envision an employee sitting in the front lobby of an organization or place of business.  Quite often they are perpetually smiling and exhibiting a very high energetic, perky personality.  But the key functions to this responsibility are generally to greet any clients or other visitors and coordinating them with whoever they have an appointment with.  Can a kiosk solution handle this?  Of course it can! Phoenix Kiosk offers the all-in-one Virtual Receptionist Kiosk, starting at $6,000.

Kiosks built with this purpose include powerful software and hardware features that allow a very effective augmentation of receptionist duties.  This intuitive package connects through an existing network, internet or phone system.  This allows visitors to search and communicate directly with your employees.   The kiosk with this type of user interface will allow visitors to easily manage their own visit.

The first impression of a sleek looking kiosk presenting a custom welcome screen in your lobby is enough to draw attention to it.  As the visitor approaches, a proximity sensor alerts the kiosk someone is approaching and he or she will be prompted by the kiosk to get started with the search. Within seconds the user can find who they are looking for and initiate a connection with them in order to alert their presence.

Other Advantages to the Virtual Receptionist Kiosk:

Reduce Costs- A kiosk is paid for at a fraction of a receptionist’s salary.  Over the course of time the savings can be reinvested into your business for growth, marketing efforts, and stability.

Enhance and Modernize your Brand- the kiosk presents itself as a custom application in regards to both the software via user interface as well as the exterior by displaying colors, graphics or logos specific to the business.  The familiarity will be welcome and appreciated by the user.

Provides a Positive and Memorable Experience – With the ease of use a priority when developing these kiosks and related software, your visitors will appreciate the speed, efficiency and intuitiveness of a virtual receptionist. The effect will leave visitors very satisfied with the greeting and communication experience.

Full Customization of the Software – Beyond the custom user interface and welcome screens, there are endless possibilities as to what else you would like your Virtual Receptionist Kiosk to accomplish.  Perhaps you wish to grant access to your company’s website, marketing partners or provide locations to local eateries or other places of interest.  All very possible through the power of customization.

Real Time Directory Updating – Always have up to date and pertinent information available to your guests.  Updating is a simple process that will take no time at all.

In conclusion, if you find yourself in a position where you can effectively utilize a kiosk for receptionist type responsibilities, it may be exactly the solution necessary to continue to effectively grow your business in a positive and profitable direction.

To learn more about the Virtual Receptionist Kiosk by Phoenix Kiosk, please call Chris Johnson at (480) 505-5749 or contact him at chris.johnson@phoenixkiosk.com.

Money Set-Aside for the Health Initiative Act

Part of the Healthcare Initiative Act sets aside money that will be refunded to organizations that take a pro-active approach in public health education and information including help for domestic violence victims, sexual assault, and other issues women can be faced with. Kiosks are user friendly and simple to navigate, offer an ideal method to spread public awareness, as well as qualify for the government incentives. Organizations that should take advantage of this are Medical Facilities, Healthcare Centers and Hospitals, Doctor Groups, Insurance Companies and more.

The Affordable Healthcare Act

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is a health care law passed in 2011 that has zeroed in on its target, the general public, in order to improve our current health care system. This will be accomplished by increasing access to health coverage for all Americans and introducing new protections for people who have health insurance. This change will greatly benefit young adults who do not have insurance, people who cannot afford insurance, and the elderly and sick who are dismissed by insurance companies due to preexisting illness or medication regimes that insurance companies shy away from paying.

Kiosks are the Perfect Fit for the Healthcare Industry

Kiosks make a perfect, affordable, and user friendly way to educate patients on this current healthcare act. With easy to understand functions, it is perfect for any age and can answer most questions a patient may have in a quick, easy way. No hassles with looking it up online, calling government numbers, or contacting insurance companies. Health Kiosks and Blood Pressure Kiosks are simply the easiest way to get all the information you need without all headache and stress.

If you currently have health insurance, you will benefit from provisions to stop insurance companies from cancelling your coverage if you get sick. This law will also require insurance plans to cover your out-of-pocket costs for many proven preventive and screening services, such as colonoscopies and mammograms. This way common illnesses or problems can be caught at their earliest, most treatable stages. Yearly check-ups will be covered, along with any other preventive maintenance, such as blood testing, vitamin testing, OB-GYN check-ups, and other normal and necessary preventive maintenance.

Your job might not offer health insurance, or maybe you have been denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition such as multiple sclerosis, asthma, or cancer. The law now offers health plans for people with pre-existing conditions who have had trouble finding care, and it will increase access to coverage for more Americans in 2014.

The law not only helps small businesses pay for health insurance for their employees, it is also working to increase the number of primary care physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and other health care professionals that are available to us.

Phoenix Kiosk wrote this as a feature article on Kioskmarketplace here

If we lived in Japan, the answer would certainly be “Yes”. Cell phone-based payments have become the standard means of paying for just about anything in Japan. The Times Online notes that of Japan’s six competing cashless payment systems, “many” are built into wireless phones. In total, Japanese consumers are estimated to carry some 120 million cashless payment chips.

In the United States, companies like PayPal are making it easy to make purchases and swap money using only a mobile phone. Rather than trying to replace credit and debit cards, American companies like Square and GoPayment are equipping phones to work with them.

While there is not yet a true “standard”, there are several companies eagerly striving towards it.

NFC is a short range, high frequency, wireless communication technology which enables the exchange of data between devices over about a 4 inch distance. This technology is an extension of RFID that combines the interface of a smartcard and reader into a single device. An NFC device can communicate with both existing contactless infrastructure already in use for public transportation and payment. NFC is primarily aimed at usage in mobile phones.

There are currently three specific uses for NFC:

1. Card Emulation – the NFC device behaves like an existing contactless card
2. P2P mode – two NFC devices communicate together and exchange communication.
3. Reader Mode – the NFC device is active and reads a passive RFID tag, for example using it as an interactive advertising campaign.

What this translates to (application wise) are endless opportunities:
1. Mobile Ticketing in public transport, such as using your phone as a boarding pass.
2. Mobile Payments where the device acts as a debit/credit card
3. Smart Posters/Billboards – generates additional information (targeted or otherwise) where space may be limited.
4. Electronic Ticketing for sporting events/concerts
5. Electronic Keys – replacing Car/house/office keys (a security code system may be utilized for applications that demand it)

Points to Consider:
1. Almost everyone carries their mobile phone with them everywhere they go. Traditionally, fast, convenient, on-the-go payments and consumer activity require some type of additional hardware. By integrating payments with a device that is already on the person, the problem of available hardware is solved.
2. This technology is here and already exists in both hardware and software form. Standardization is the current bottle neck preventing these technologies from rapidly moving forward.
3. By enabling payments via smartphones, the number of payment options increases. Cash, Plastic and now Smartphones will ensure options are available when you might not have access to the others.
4. Mobile payments will never be as universally accepted as Cash. Cash is king, accepted everywhere. It will take a bit of time for mobile payments to become universally accepted as common place.
5. Security will always be a concern when linking to financial accounts. However these concerns are consistently being addressed and will be made very safe to use. A new development will allow owners to “load funds” onto their phone. This “stored value” approach as well as PIN security may ease security concerns.

In Summary
Mobile payments are here and have been well adopted in many parts of Asia. The US has traditionally been slower at adapting to changes and technological advancements. However slow that adaption process is, there will always be early adopters eager to peruse these advancements.
It will not be too long before Mobile Payments are the norm in Kiosk solutions. Companies should always be looking towards what the future holds and be one-step ahead.

Green Energy is energy that can be extracted, generated, and/or consumed without any significant negative impact to the environment. A major green energy source comes from our closest star in the form of solar radiation. Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular because it is sustainable, requires little maintenance and is cost-effective in the long run. This has fueled the growth of the solar contracting and manufacturing industry. Whether you are a solar contractor looking for the perfect upsell or a school principal looking for the perfect educational tool, Phoenix Kiosk is now offering an ideal kiosk solution.

Phoenix Kiosk believes we should all do what we can to help preserve the Earth’s resources and Solar Power is a perfect way to contribute to the cause. While we don’t actually manufacture solar energy collecting hardware, we do have the next best thing, a Solar Monitoring Kiosk we call the SolarSentinel.

The SolarSentinel was engineered as a solution to provide accurate measurable data, directly reflecting the efforts of renewable solar energy utilization:

• Solar Contractors can now offer an attractive and modern solar metrics solution to those clients who wish to display their eco-conscious efforts.
• The SolarSentinel is an excellent way to educate students, customers and employees about the positive environmental impact resulting from your organization’s solar energy utilization.
• The SolarSentinel may be showcased in school buildings, corporate lobbies or other high traffic areas.
• The metrics are displayed in an attractive, compelling and informative presentation that highlights the clean energy production, positive environmental impact, and real time data of the attached solar hardware.

All SolarSentinel hardware and software may be purchased as a complete bundle or by item as necessary.

Our Account Managers are here to help you move forward. Contact us Today!

Phoenix Kiosk’s Customer Referral Program

We’re excited to announce that we are offering a limited time Customer Referral Program. As a past customer, you’re already aware of our quality products, helpful staff and the benefits of having a kiosk work for you. Now, if you refer a customer our way that turns into a purchase by August 31st, 2011 we’ll take 5% of that customer’s purchase, and credit your account (no cash-back value). That’s real money for you to use for additional supplies, add-ons, or even another kiosk!

For more information on the “Customer Referral Program” please contact Phoenix Kiosk at 1-877-335-4675 or email us at sales@phoenixkiosk.com

1) Be Bold

Use color schemes that will stand out boldly and dramatically when placed against your chosen location’s backdrop. Go for your company’s or local team’s colors. Metallic or glittery colors often draw the most attention.

2)  Shapes Sell

Try using an overlay with an edge. Depending on your location, you could aim for a retro/hipster feel or something classic and elegant to blend in with a restored downtown setting.

3)  Lucid Letters:

When designing what your kiosk will say on the outside, be loud. Use a color that stands out boldly against the backdrop. Try a font that is clear and eye catching so that it can be seen from a distance.

4)  The Right Paint

Choosing the right type of paint can steer the direction of the overall appearance of your kiosk. The hottest paint technique right now is powder coating. This paint is much more durable and long-lasting than the old ways. You can get as creative as your heart desires while creating the color scheme.

5)  Light Bright

Anything with bright flashing lights will attract customers like moths to a flame. Try using colors that flatter the sweet powder coating of your kiosk.

6)  Play Dress Up

If you really want to draw some attention, be creative. If your kiosk is outside of a gas station, try dressing up your paint job to resemble an old time phone booth. If the kiosk is in the food court at the zoo, go for zebra coloring.

7)  Green It Up

Advertise on your paneling that your kiosk is green and tree friendly. Try putting your own version of the recycle symbol on the kiosk in an overlay to draw attention. Use eco friendly paints and reduce your carbon footprint as much as possible by reducing energy and using solar power.

8.) Go 3D

Make your kiosk really stand out from the other giant boxes by making it 3D. Using a 3D sign will catch the eye more than a painted on symbol or name. Add real brilliance to it by throwing in a light.

9) Curves Sell

Go a step beyond loud colors and flashing lights with a curved, futuristic look. Curves are more appealing to the consumer’s eye than sharp straight edges. The sleeker it looks, the cooler it will seem.

10)  Classy Keyboards

Make your keyboard easy to use and read, with large letters and buttons that will be simple for any hand to use. Try lighting the background to the keyboard for efficient low light use.

Visit Our Custom Kiosk Section For More information!

Our experienced in-house engineers, analysts and developers have completed hundreds of successful custom projects. We have provided stand-alone hardware and software, as well as integrated systems that include both. Regardless of your specific needs, the PK team looks forward to putting its talent and experience to work for you.

Click here to visit our Custom Kiosk Section

Click here to read more about the Vigix Solution on Phoenix Kiosk’s Product Page.

Q. Hello Eduardo, thanks for taking the time to chat with Phoenix Kiosk about the Vigix system. You’re a designer, engineer, and author of Design-Inspired Innovation. Why did you turn your attention to vending? How did the “Vigix system” come to life?

A. Thanks for having me Rich. It’s our pleasure to chat with Phoenix Kiosk about the Vigix system.

To be honest, I wasn’t trying to improve vending. I saw an opportunity to place a fully-functional micro-store in just 2 sq. ft. of space exactly at the point of consumer need.  Accomplishing that required a very agile re-supply system and extreme reliability.  Working with IDEO, the world’s premier design firm, we created the Vigix automated retail system, with attractive, ingenious hardware and powerful yet intuitive software. Our emphasis on clean, simple design led us to a solution that is unlike anything else in the market.

Q. Kiosks are kiosks. What makes Vigix different?

A. Thank you for asking!  Vigix is the only true kiosk capable of dispensing physical objects from a footprint the size of an information-only kiosk (2 sq. ft.). Vigix’s proprietary dispensing system has no moving parts, making it extremely reliable. Even replenishment of Vigix kiosks is unique: product is packed in our Vbox cartridges and can be shipped to kiosks via a third-party carrier.

Q. So, an operator doesn’t need to have trucks and drivers on the road to re-stock and repair machines?

A. It’s true.  With Vigix’s Vbox product cartridges and web-based VGX control system, operation of a network of kiosks is controlled from a central location.  Pack a cartridge with products in your warehouse, and scan the items to tell the system what’s in that cartridge.  Deliver, or have a third-party carrier deliver, the cartridge to the kiosk.  The kiosk recognizes the unique RFID in the cartridge and unlocks to allow the old cartridge to be removed and the new one inserted.

Q. But doesn’t someone still have to visit the kiosks to set pricing and load the user interface content?

A. Not unless they get lonely.  From a central location, the VGX control system allows you to upload all UI content, set prices, view inventory and kiosk status, and view transactions in real time.  Because the system is web-based, it’s accessible from any web-enabled device: a desktop, a laptop, a tablet, or even a smart phone.

Q. The kiosk is so small, though.  How much product can really fit inside?

A. More than enough- of the right items! Vbox cartridges can hold from 24 cell-phone sized boxes to 250 gift cards. Vigix kiosks are ideally suited for higher-value, physically-smaller products. Personal electronics (GPS, e-readers, digital cameras, ear buds, prepaid cell phones, USB memory, etc.) are ideal. Other applications include cosmetics, fragrance, jewelry, and personal accessories such as watches or leather goods. Vigix’s proprietary ability to track individual items also makes it the only system capable of securely dispensing activated gift cards and debit cards.

Q. OK, this is impressive.  Do you have to win the lottery to afford it?

A. It depends; are we talking daily number or Powerball?  Given how efficient our system is to operate, the cost to deploy a network of Vigix kiosks is surprisingly affordable. It includes the hardware (kiosks and Vbox cartridges) and software (customizing the VGX control system for your network). The hardware is about half the cost of many automated retail alternatives (and even less in quantities of 50 or more units). The software customization cost is a one-time expense: once completed, the control system will support an unlimited number of kiosks.

Q. Any final thoughts?

A. The fundamental consumer and business trends supporting self-service are strong and getting stronger. If you have a product with a retail value of $30 or more and you’re looking to sell in premium locations, then you should consider Vigix kiosks.  Our technology offers capabilities that aren’t available anywhere else. We welcome the opportunity to talk with operators who are interested in taking advantage of those. 

————————————————————————————————————————-

Thanks again Eduardo for spending time with Phoenix Kiosk & explaining the Vigix technology. If you want to learn more about Vigix, you can download the PDF Here.

If your business is looking for a Retail Kiosk Solution and you think Vigix is a good fit, Please contact Phoenix Kiosk to learn more. Our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff can answer your questions about Vigix and our other Kiosks models.

Below are the top 10 ways to make your kiosk and booth really “Pop” at trade-shows.

Pre-Gaming – Use Social Media to Increase Traffic

Social Media has become vital in all areas of marketing, and this is also true for trade shows.  You will need to plan ahead for the big day by promoting your upcoming booth.  Utilize social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and any other social networking outlets that you can access.  Let people know about free gifts and prizes that will be available, and where you will be located during the show.  This will give you an opportunity to network ahead of time so that potential customers will consider you a friend, and will want to talk with you in person.

Twitter will also allow you to follow “hash tags” based on keywords.  Use these keywords to network with people who are already discussing the event.

I See Pretty Colors

People’s eyes are naturally drawn to lights, color, sounds, and movement.  If you really want to draw a crowd amidst hundreds or thousands of other booths, you have to combine all of these things.  You can do something as simple as adding flashing lights that reflect off shimmery fabric, or step up your game by renting or purchasing a system for 3D laser imaging and video projection to provide a show at your booth.  The key is to target as many of their senses as you can, and use that to draw them to your booth.  If you can engage their senses, then their body is sure to follow.

Did you Say Free Gift?

Nobody can turn down a free gift.  At Phoenix Kiosk we often give away thumb drives and our “Kio Birds” at the booth.  These gifts are fun and useful for the prospective customers, but also serve as take-home marketing devices for the company. Potential customers will likely see these gifts on a daily basis, which provides a constant reminder of your products and services.

And the winner is….

Have a contest!  Invest in a nice and preferably eye-catching prize to draw the crowd.  You can have them fill out a slip with contact information in order to enter the drawing, and with this you have just built an immediate client base for sales leads.  In the past we have done contests like guessing how many “Kios” are stuffed in a large vase.  Really anything will work as long as the prize is worth more to the customer than the time it takes to fill out the information card.

Banners – Doing it Big

One of the worst things you can do at a trade show is trying to save money by getting a smaller or less brilliant banner for your booth.  You only have a few seconds to grab the attention of a potential client, so your booth must make a strong impression and grab their attention quickly. Make sure your company name and tag line is very clear and big in any banners you display.  This is the image that will be ingrained in the customer’s subconscious when they realize they are having a great time at your booth.  If people remember having a fun time, along with meeting professional, upbeat people at your booth, they will naturally associate those same feelings with your product.

Also remember that the more interactive your booth is; the longer people will stay there.

Dress the Part

It is very important to dress professionally for any trade show, or really any promotional event.  You don’t necessarily need a suit and tie; either a golf shirt or button up shirt and some slacks should be fine.  Make sure you are clean and sharp with your hair cut, fresh breath, and trimmed nails.  If you appear professional people will know that you ARE professional, and they will be much more willing to do business with you.  I can guarantee that if you have bad breath and look like a mess your potential customers will not stick around to hear what you have to say.

Money Booth

If you have a little bit of extra money in your budget, consider buying or renting a “money booth.”  You may have seen one of these before.  They basically look like fancy phone booths, except they have fans in the floor that blow money all around the inside of the booth.  People will line up at your booth for a chance to win free money as they stand in the booth and it flutters around them.

You’re probably thinking, “I can’t afford to put thousands of dollars into a money booth.”  Luckily you don’t need to.  Pack it full of dollar bills, and add just a few $100s and a handful of $20s.  People will be drawn just for the chance to catch one of the big bills.  Even if they don’t catch one, they will have fun and enjoy the challenge.

Sitting down on the Job?

If you are sitting down at your booth it will discourage most people from coming over, no matter how flashy and nice you decor may appear.  You must appear energetic and excited about your product.  The body language conveyed by sitting down tells the customers that you don’t want to be there, that you are tired, and that you don’t really care about their business.  You need to be on your feet, moving and engaging customers as they walk by.  Most people are reserved and shy by nature, so you have to initiate the conversation and draw them in.  Remember to wear comfortable shoes, and schedule people to cover your position during breaks so that the booth is never left empty.

Choosing the Right Staff

Choosing the right staff will depend a lot on the expected audience for your kiosk.  Ideally, whoever you pick will need to be very energetic, warm and personable. If you really want to push the envelope, you could even go for the addition of a celebrity, professional athlete, comedian, or Chef to your booth.

Summary

I hope you found this list helpful and a little pre-planning can go a long way at distancing yourself from the competition. If you see Phoenix Kiosk at an upcoming convention, make sure to say “Hi” and don’t forget to take one of our Thumb-Drives and Kio Birds home with you!