Tell Me More: Internet kiosks

Internet kiosks provide public web access for a fee to people that need to get online when they are away from home or the office. Businesses with heavy foot traffic – shopping malls, highway rest stops, and airports – offer these machines to the public to check email and web sites at a moment’s notice. These kiosks are staples of Internet cafes that provide dozens of terminals for customers along with a coffee bar to surf and sip in comfort.

Featuring a computer with a hard-wired or wireless high-speed connection, Internet kiosks are built into a sturdy enclosure that doesn’t take up a lot of space. It may include a standard keyboard and mouse or a touch screen display that can be activated with a finger or attached stylus. A bill acceptor or credit card reader allows the user to prepay for their access and provides secure access to the Web for a specific length of time. You can also elect to include a printer at an additional charge for the customer.

With the use of specially designed software, you can customize applications for Internet kiosks to protect user information and the machine’s security. The software can allow you to provide encrypted web surfing so nobody can steal sensitive data the customer enters. For your own protection, the software prevents the user from making changes to the actual software or downloading harmful viruses. You can also program your kiosk to show users how much time they have left and when their session will end.

Avoid Internet kiosk scams
Beware of shady offers from vendors offering kiosks at outrageous prices with the promise of hefty monthly returns. These sellers convince businesses and individuals to invest money in Internet kiosks by claiming they can make thousands of dollars each month. Often times, you pay in advance, but the kiosks never arrive and the vendor disappears. Even if you do receive your kiosk, the money you earn doesn’t come close to the numbers quoted.

Before you pay a single penny, make sure you research the kiosk company. Get written statistics that prove revenue claims as well as a list of references you can contact. Also, check the better business bureau or your local Chamber of Commerce to see if they are members and have any complaints registered against them.