Hello, I wonder if anyone here has experiences with Self check-in Kiosk? I am thinking to invest in a self check-in machine to cut hiring staffs who often make me headache and sick. I wonder how much normally will be for one kiosk machine? I talked to one company and they asked for around $10,000USD. Not include shipping and tax. I hope to find a supplier in the USA but it seems like most of US suppliers do not really sell their products to small business. Does anyone have any suggestion on this?
My hostel can accommodate around 50-60 guests. We will be installing digital door locks in all bedrooms, entrance doors and offices in a few months. So when guests checks in, they can get their key card dispensed from the machine then they can enter to the room themselves. However, we will have staffs all days to assist guests when they need.
Do you think this idea is possible? And is it worth to invest $10K+ for it? I am leaning toward getting it because I also have other businesses. Besides I think this will help us save cost in the long run so we can improve our service in other area such as cleanliness and breakfast bar. However, it is a bit pricey.
Any advices would be appreciated. Thank you very much!!
8 years
Hi DCPlanet,
I can't vouch for their usability in a hostel - as am not an operator. But as a software company providing solutions to the hostel industry, we know from speaking with suppliers, the kiosks themselves for $10k is on the lower end side.... We have seen some kiosks up to USD$15,000 each.
You will also need to factor in connecting the kiosk to your PMS too - and make sure that end of the process works! It's not as easy as just buying the kiosk.
8 years
Craig, thank you so much. My PMS does not support kiosk. I spoke with them and they said it's under development. So I might have to leave them obviously if I am really getting a kiosk. I called some suppliers in the US. Some of them are not interested in helping me because I only want one machine. LOL Some of them are trying to help me. They can customize the kiosk for me but they are not sure about the software for hotel self check-in. I think in the US, only big hotels like Hilton and Marriott use Kiosk. They developed their own software and probably buy the machine from China. Speaking of China, do you know if any of your clients buy kiosk from China? Some Chinese suppliers will ship the machine to the US. However, I am skeptical about them. Besides, like US suppliers, they cannot recommend me a software as well. Though I found one company from Spain who sells machine, software and PMS. They seem really understand about the hostel business and what we need. So I might go with them if I cannot find anything here. However, I have yet to find out about the shipping cost and taxes. Hopefully, they won't cost me legs and arms.
P.S. I checked out your company's website and very interested. Do you have any clients in the US and is there any of clients use kiosk?
Thank you very much!!
8 years
Hi DC,
We have integrated to two kiosk systems over the years! The first one was for an Australian based kiosk provider and was done a great many years ago when technology was not as advanced as it is now. The company we worked with however no longer exists! The second integration work we did was with Speeron out of Stockholm. Sadly the end client as I recall had not factored in the cost of the terminals and never deployed them....
As for getting the machines from China, we actually looked at doing this ourselves and building and designing the whole process. We found a supplier who would sell us the terminal itself. Our payment card partner could supply the credit card pin pad and swipe device to allow payments and we would design the process via a web page on the terminal.
However the sticking point to the project was finding the key dispense hardware to build into the terminal. None of the key vendors provide these (as they build their own kiosks) and when we tried to source the dispense unit, we could only buy in units of 5,000.... And the fact we were only forecasting perhaps 100/200 terminal sales a year (based on expected demand) was just too many units to buy. And that was the last obstacle for "doing it ourselves".
But if you wanted to contact Speeron, we have designed an integration to that system! And then we would be happy to talk about our PMS with you.
Cheers
Craig
7 years
Hi DC Planet,
Working on the business plan for a new independent US hostel right now - any chance you would be willing to share more about who you are going to use for the door locks?
What company have you choosen?
Are you using key pads, key cards, or FOB's?
How many doors are you installing the devices on?
What kinds of costs are we talking about.
I have been having a lot of trouble getting a quote on such a product. Any answers woudl be greatly appreciated.
7 years
Hi, DCplanet,
I am pleased to see your interest in implementing modern technology in your hostel and I would llove to know how it all went? Do you have a kiosk already? I hope to hear any feedback if you do.
I am also glad to tell you that our software development company introduced a new kiosk that is integral part of the hostel PMS software and works together with the self-service app where guests can check-in, digitally sign a registration card, checkout and more. If you or anybody else is intereseted, I would gladly provide more information.
Cheers,
Faith from Clock Software
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