Choosing kiosk vendors

There is more to a kiosk purchase than just selecting the technology and understanding how it works. You also have to consider the physical characteristics of a kiosk and where to place it.

Regardless of the type of kiosk vendor you work with, make sure to meet every potential partner. Find kiosk vendors that will help you build a solution that suits your needs. Some vendors deal exclusively with one type of kiosk such as digital photo or ticket kiosks – determine the vendor’s level of expertise in the type of kiosk you want.

Also, carefully evaluate the software the kiosk vendor will install. Most kiosks come with commercial off-the-shelf software that's inexpensive and easy to maintain — but it can limit how much you can customize your application. Some companies specialize in creating unique kiosk applications that are tailored to your company. Ask to see a full demonstration of one that performs functions similar to yours to get a sense for the look and feel. Look for customization options that could better suit your business goals.

If this is your first time buying a kiosk, you'll need kiosk vendors who can provide you with plenty of attention to discuss your options and answer any questions. As long as you can clearly outline what you plan to offer through your kiosk, a vendor should be able to design a program that works for you, or suggest a basic off-the-shelf solution that accomplishes the same goals. Try to get some insight into work they've done for companies similar to yours, and ask the vendor for a list of references you can speak to about their performance.

When purchasing sensitive technology like a touch screen, beware of kiosk vendors offering equipment at drastically reduced prices. You want to make sure your vendor will be around if the screen fails to repair the problem or replace the unit. Also find out what warranties each vendor offers.

Avoiding kiosk scams
Years ago, various scams almost killed the kiosk market entirely. Franchises used to sell kiosks for tens of thousands of dollars promising large ROI, but without any real support, customer service, or training. In some cases, businesses would pay for kiosks ahead of time and never even receive the machines.

Kiosk vendors are working very hard to distance themselves from past mistakes. However, before making a kiosk purchase, you should still perform your due diligence. Check out the Internet for information on kiosks and how to best use them. Non-profit organizations like kiosk.org and kioskscams.com provide valuable information on things to look for and avoid when shopping for kiosks. They also maintain track records of different companies and raise red flags for those that seem sketchy.

To prevent being taken, avoid any kiosk application that sounds too good to be true. If a company promises unrealistic ROI, for example, it's natural to be skeptical. The scam artist may tell you that a large initial investment can make you $10,000 or more per month, but you may only see a fraction of those returns. If you pay these excessive prices for kiosks, you may never recoup your investment.