A kiosk is an interactive system designed for public use that delivers information or enables transactions. Standard or custom applications developed for information kiosks provide customers with information, the ability to participate in loyalty programs, and transaction capability. Enterprises deploy kiosks to increase customer loyalty, strengthen their brand with target customers, and reduce operational costs.

A kiosk includes a computer and a display screen and allows for customer input of data via an input device such as a touch screen or keyboard. A kiosk differs from a standard computer in that it runs application(s) developed for a specific purpose(s).

There are two primary kiosk types. Many shoppers are familiar with the type of kiosk that is found inside a shopping mall’s wide hallway. This small, booth-like kiosk offers specialty products. Typically, only one or two workers are employed at a kiosk to operate the register and answer customer inquiries. This type of kiosk often sells goods from a larger chain store that does not wish to invest in another full-scale store.

A kiosk can also offer an excellent means of bringing products to rural areas. In these areas, there may be some interest in the product, but not enough to support an entire store’s rental, merchandising and employment costs. In this case, a kiosk can be ideal especially when you incorporate the bizM3 platform for continued advertising and data capture.
Another type of kiosk takes advantage of today’s technological age. Large chain stores and retailers can offer services through self-service kiosks. For example, drug stores frequently offer self-service photo developing kiosks. Imagine the power of having bizM3!

In fact, Kodak offers a kiosk capable of printing pictures from digital cameras. Customers can crop the photo, remove red-eye, and enlarge prints with the touch of a button. Within minutes, the photos are printed and ready to take home. This kiosk has become immensely popular in many areas of the world.

Kiosk video rentals, kiosk Internet stations, and even kiosk ATMs in rural areas are becoming increasingly popular. A shopper can use his or her credit card or cash at these kiosks, which are often open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This type of kiosk can be somewhat costly to set up in the beginning, but as the kiosk is used frequently, it eventually pays for itself.