Guest post by Vinny from Phoenix Kiosk
You have probably used a computer kiosk to check in at an airport, and maybe you appreciated how it cut your time waiting in line. Perhaps you have seen one of these freestanding computer stations at the big retailers or mega-stores where they are becoming more common for submitting employment applications or providing help in locating an item. But have you ever considered that this same high-tech kiosk could be useful in your much smaller business too?
Computer kiosks, which have already proven their value as a time-saver in high-volume situations, are now proving to be helpful in small business and niche situations as well. Step back, brainstorm, and rethink all the customer relations aspects to your business. You know the ways a computer can help you in your office, but is there some way that giving your customers or clients access to a specialized computer program could help you even more?
If you can think of a need, you can probably get a customized kiosk that can fill it. Here is a list of brainstorming ideas to get you started:
• Need to be in two places at once? A kiosk could give you a presence at another high-volume location while you are back tending the shop. It would increase product awareness at the same time.
• Wishing there were more hours in a day? A kiosk could let your customers make after-hours orders or payments.
• Do you sell small standardized items? You could make them available in a vending machine styled kiosk at unstaffed locations.
• Do you sell big stuff or offer a service that won't fit in a machine? A kiosk can still take orders, schedule appointment calendars and help develop consumer relations.
• Does your business involve maintaining customer accounts that involve a routine procedure? A kiosk could let your customers help manage their account and reduce duplication of some of the recordkeeping.
As a creative forward-thinking businessman, you can probably imagine other ways that computer kiosk technology could distinguish you from the competition and generate interest for sales. One of the greatest advantages of a kiosk is that while kiosks are similar enough that people are familiar with using them, they can also be highly individualized for your small business needs. This is apparent even in the model choices: floor-standing, desktop, or wall-mount; keyboard or touch screen.
Your brainstorm might have silver-lined clouds.
The Phoenix Kiosk writing team have provided quality articles published online and in print, specializing in technology and business. Phoenix Kiosk offers small business kiosks for a variety of applications.
Gary Shouldis
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This is not a bad idea. I have seen some kiosk in other countries that you can put your grocery orders and get delivered within hours at your doorstep. I will plan how we can put the kiosk in use for our business.
Kiosks can be a great tool for busy areas. They are improving on the technology everyday.
Thanks for sharing this idea. I was actually talking about this with my boss yesterday. I will have this article ready for her to read. I will definitely provide your site to her.
Thanks Harold!