Installing a self-service shipping kiosk is a smart investment for any pack-and-ship store. It speeds up transactions, reduces congestion at the counter, and offers customers a fast, flexible, and contact-free way to ship.

And while installation is the first step, the benefits to your business rise exponentially as once your customers know the kiosk is available, understand how it works, and feel confident enough to use it. This is where communication comes in.

In this guide, we’ll walk through how to promote your shipping kiosk, encourage use, and ensure it becomes an everyday part of your operations—whether you’ve just installed one or want to boost engagement with your existing kiosk.

Why Promotion Matters

Shipping kiosks such as the ATP system from Anytime Mailbox combine real-time rate comparison, label printing, and drop-off options across multiple carriers in one easy-to-use platform. These tools are built for maximum efficiency, but without visibility and clear communication, they could be underutilized.

And promoting your kiosk does more than just get it noticed. It helps reduce your staff’s workload by handling routine transactions. It also improves traffic flow in-store during peak hours and elevates your brand image—positioning your store as modern, convenient, and customer-friendly.

Equip and Empower Your Team

Customer adoption starts with your staff, and your team plays a key role in shaping how people interact with the kiosk. Be sure your team members understand how the kiosk works and when to recommend it—for example, for prepaid label drop-offs or simple domestic shipments.

Encourage staff to offer a quick tutorial if someone seems unsure. A one-minute walkthrough can be enough to make a customer feel confident using the kiosk next time. And when your employees see that the kiosk lightens their own workload, they’ll be more likely to advocate for it enthusiastically.

Use Clear and Visible Signage

Signage is one of the most effective ways to guide customers toward your kiosk. Be sure to place clear, benefit-driven signs near your entrance, checkout counter, and the kiosk itself. Highlight the time-saving aspect: “Skip the line,” “Drop off in under 2 minutes,” or “Print. Pay. Ship. Done.”

Keep language simple and direct, and use strong visuals or arrows to draw attention. With the right placement and messaging, the kiosk becomes an obvious option—not an overlooked feature in the corner.

Promote Digitally to Stay Top of Mind

Let your online channels do some of the heavy lifting. Promote your kiosk on your website, in email campaigns, and across your social media platforms. A short demo video or before-and-after reel showing a customer using the kiosk can be highly effective.

And don’t forget your Google Business Profile. Adding “self-service shipping available” to your description can help attract foot traffic from customers specifically searching for faster, easier ways to ship packages.

Offer a First-Time Incentive

Sometimes all it takes to convert a hesitant customer is a small reward. Offering a modest incentive, such as a discount on packaging supplies, a free label print, or a loyalty punch card, can be enough to drive initial usage. Once customers experience the convenience firsthand, they’re more likely to return and use it again without prompting.

Focus on Speed and Convenience

When promoting the kiosk, emphasize outcomes rather than features. Customers care most about saving time and avoiding hassle. Messaging such as “Short on time? Ship in under 2 minutes” or “No lines, no waiting” reinforces the practical value and helps customers see your kiosk as a great solution to everyday challenges.

Use Visual Demonstrations

Visuals are powerful. Consider displaying a simple looped video or animation that shows your kiosk in action. You can also place a QR code nearby that links to a 60-second demo video. 

During slower hours, staff can invite curious customers to try the kiosk with live guidance. Showing is often more effective than telling—especially for customers who are a little shy about trying new technology.

Highlight Real Feedback

As you gain traction, share testimonials from customers who’ve used and liked the kiosk. A printed quote near the kiosk, or a social media post with a quick customer reaction such as “So easy and fast—I’ll use it again” builds trust and normalizes the experience. Word-of-mouth, even in short form, plays a big role in building comfort and credibility around a new tool.

Cross-Promote to Digital Mailbox Renters

If your store offers digital mailboxes through Anytime Mailbox, your renters are the ideal audience for the kiosk. Many of them already forward, return, or receive packages and would appreciate a self-service shipping option.

Promote the kiosk through renter onboarding emails, in-dash alerts, or signage in your mailbox pickup area. Highlight that they can now complete shipping tasks quickly, independently, and on their own schedule.

Keep the Momentum Going

Promoting your kiosk isn’t a one-time launch task—it’s an ongoing opportunity. Add mentions of the kiosk on receipts, thank-you emails, or seasonal campaigns. For example, during peak shipping season, a sign that says “Avoid holiday lines—use our self-service kiosk” is both timely and effective.

You can also include mentions in customer onboarding materials and welcome packets to establish your kiosk as a core part of your service from the very beginning.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to promote your shipping kiosk is key to unlocking its full revenue potential, and with a few smart strategies—empowered staff, great signage, digital outreach, and customer-focused messaging—you can increase usage, ease staff workload, and provide a faster, more modern experience.

The technology is ready. All that’s left is helping your customers feel ready, too. So when you’re ready to turn your kiosk into a customer favorite, simply explore how ATP kiosks from Anytime Mailbox can help pack-and-ship stores run smarter and serve even better.