Let's set the scene. You own a business, and a customer walks in holding a package. Instead of standing in line or waiting for help, they step up to a small, self-service kiosk in the corner. A few taps on the screen, a quick weigh-in, payment done, label printed. Package ready. They're out the door in minutes.

That little station? It's a shipping kiosk. And for a lot of business owners, it's quietly becoming one of the smartest tools they've added to their space.

This shipping kiosk buyer's guide will help you figure out what to look for, how to compare your options, and how to make sure you actually get the value you're paying for.

More Businesses Are Turning to Shipping Kiosks

Shipping kiosks are basically self-serve post offices. They let customers or staff weigh, label, and ship packages without any assistance. You can find self-service shipping kiosks in coworking spaces, hotels, retail stores, print shops, and more.

Why the recent widespread adoption of self-service kiosks?

• Extra Passive Income: You can add a markup to shipping rates and earn something from every package sent.

• Less Staff Time: Shipping kiosks are operational around the clock, so you're not tying up employees with shipping requests.

• Happy Customers: People love anything quick, easy, and self-serve.

Explore this shipping kiosk buyer's guide to learn exactly why so many businesses are making the switch.

The Features That Really Matter

Various kiosks might look similar at first glance, but the details make a big difference. Here's what to keep an eye out for:

Hardware

Look for a built-in scale, a thermal label printer, and a touchscreen that's easy to navigate. If you'll be handling heavy boxes, check the weight limit. Many top models handle up to about 70 pounds. And don't forget the basics — you'll need the right amount of space (usually very little), a power outlet, and internet access.

Software

The best kiosks work with multiple carriers such as USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, and sometimes international services such as PostNL. Features such as built-in address checking and live rate calculators keep mistakes and overcharges from creeping in. Multilingual options are also a big plus if your customers might be international.

Branding

Some kiosks let you add your logo, adjust colors, and even control which carriers show up on the menu.

Payments and Reporting

Card and QR code payments are standard now, but be sure to double-check if the kiosk manufacturer also provides you consolidated billing and detailed invoices. These can make tracking your revenue much easier.

Support and Pricing

A ready-to-use kiosk such as the Anytime Postage kiosk can be delivered pre-configured in about two weeks. Expect to pay around $2,499 up front, $199 per year for licensing, and a small share (about 5%) from each shipment. You can learn more about pricing here.

Where a Kiosk Can Make Sense

You might be surprised by how many places a shipping kiosk fits in, and they work effectively in:

• Corporate mailrooms to handle bulk outgoing packages.

• Retail and coworking spaces that want to offer extra services without extra staff.

• Hotels, campuses, and event centers where guests need quick, easy shipping.

• Print shops that already deal with documents and can easily add handling parcels into the mix (with self-service shipping kiosk).

Choosing the Right Setup for You

Before you start shopping, take a moment to consider:

• How many packages you expect to handle on a busy day.

• Whether it will be out in the open for customers or in a staff-only area.

• Which carriers you might want to offer.

• What languages and payment types your audience will expect.

One thing any business owner or manager has learned — buying without knowing your needs is a sure way to overspend or miss out on key features.

Getting Up and Running

Most kiosk purchases follow similar steps:

1. Place your order with the provider.

2. Work with them to set up the branding and software.

3. Receive the kiosk, plug it in, connect to the network, and it's ready to go.

If you want to know exactly what setup looks like, check out the following detailed feature breakdown.

Getting the Most Out of Your Kiosk

Here are a few things this shipping kiosk buyer's guide recommends to boost your revenue:

• Set shipping markups that make sense for your market.

• Let customers know your kiosk is there — it won't earn much if no one knows about it and uses it.

• Review reports to see which carriers are most popular.

• Keep the kiosk tidy and stocked with labels so it's always ready.

Final Thoughts

A shipping kiosk can be one of those "why didn't I do this sooner?" upgrades. It saves time, makes shipping easier for your customers, and can bring in steady income without adding staff. Use this shipping kiosk buyer's guide to focus on what matters, compare your options, and make a choice that actually works for your day-to-day needs.

If you could offer a service that runs all day, every day, with no extra staffing, and earns money every time someone ships a package, would you? The Anytime Postage kiosk is designed for exactly that. Picture it in your space, carrying your logo, and paying for itself in repeat shipments. 

Your customers are already sending packages. The question is, will they be sending them with you?