Good business decisions most often result from asking the right questions, doing appropriate research, and finding answers that serve your organization’s goals. 

And while this universal business truth applies to simple things such as buying Post-its or office chairs, asking the right questions is particularly vital when deciding if, when, or how to add a new product to your current lineup.  So, if you’ve been considering possibly adding a self-service shipping kiosk, this blog is for you.

This shipping kiosk buying guide answers your questions about how a self-service kiosk works and what potential value it can provide for your business. Before you invest in a self-service shipping solution, be sure to read this purchasing guide first. 

Shipping Kiosk Buying Guide

On Self-Service Shipping Kiosk Functionality

1. How Does a Shipping Kiosk Work?

A shipping kiosk is a technology advanced, yet simple to operate machine that allows customers to ship mail and packages independently. It comes with a touchscreen display where customers can enter sender and recipient details, choose a carrier, and make a payment. And it has an integrated weighing scale and thermal printer for printing shipping labels. 

As a proprietor, you can choose the carriers the kiosk offers, and your kiosk can handle both customer-facing and back-office shipping tasks. Self-service shipping kiosks are connected to the internet and show you and your customers carrier rates in real-time.

Here’s a quick rundown on how it works:

• A customer weighs their mail or parcels on the scale. 

• They enter the mail details, add dimensions, and pick a carrier.

• They pay using a debit or credit card.

• The kiosk prints a shipping label, and the customer attaches it to their mail or parcel. 

• They bring the item to your staff or a designated drop box.

• The courier picks up the mail or parcel for shipping.

2. Do I Have Space For a Shipping Kiosk in My Store?

Definitely. A shipping kiosk is a compact machine with a minimal footprint. Anytime Postage, in particular, measures 28” x 15” x 12” (70cm x 37cm x 30cm). It can be placed on a small counter or workstation, making it ideal for offices and retail spaces. 

3. What Types of Mail Services Can a Shipping Kiosk Offer?

A shipping kiosk can accept letters and parcels, and both domestic and international shipping. Anytime Mailbox has two weight capacity types: 30 lbs (15 kg) or 70 lbs (30 kg). 

It supports all carriers with an active API integration and an account. 

4. What Carriers Can I Use for the Kiosk?

You can add any carrier that supports active API integration (which is just about all carriers), so you can provide your customers with a wide array of carrier options, offering them shipping services that fit their needs and budget. When you unpack your new kiosk, it comes with default accounts that are set depending on your location. You can quickly and easily update or customize these based on your preferences.

5. Can the Kiosk Work as a Company-Only Shipping Solution?

Yes. In-house self-service shipping kiosks can handle your organization’s shipping needs, providing your employees with a secure and convenient method to mail documents and important packages to customers or between store branches, offices, or headquarters. 

On Self-Service Shipping Kiosk Profit & Payments

6. How Do I Earn from a Shipping Kiosk?

You earn a profit via additional charges and markups on carrier services. You can apply a markup to your significantly discounted business rates, therefore generating revenue on each shipment.

7. Is a Shipping Kiosk Expensive?

Anytime Postage offers several payment options to fit our partners’ budgets. You can purchase the kiosk outright or lease it for a set period. 

Leasing is ideal if you’re not 100% certain about investing in a self-service shipping kiosk. It allows you to gauge usage and ROI properly without the long-term commitment and initial outright purchase expense. 

Aside from the kiosk itself, software subscription charges also apply. The subscription ensures that the kiosk is up to date and running on the latest and secure self-service shipping program. We also offer volume discounts applicable to the lease or purchase price. 

For more detail, explore the Anytime Mailbox kiosk pricing guide HERE.

On Self-Service Shipping Kiosk Ease of Use & Operation

8. Is a Shipping Kiosk Easy to Use?

A shipping kiosk is extremely easy to use for customers and your staff. It has a user-friendly touchscreen interface and an easy-to-follow guide for adding shipping details, choosing a carrier, and paying for the service. The machine auto-populates essential address information to reduce errors, and a thermal printer prints the shipping labels to avoid smudging. 

Likewise, your staff won’t need complicated training to assist customers in using the machine. In fact, since your customers will be using the kiosk on their own, your staff may only need to make sure that letters or parcels are correctly sealed. To assure you get up and running smoothly, we provide comprehensive training materials and resources for your staff. 

9. Is a Shipping Kiosk Easy to Install?

A self-service shipping kiosk is ready to serve your customers immediately when you receive it. It’ll arrive in your store pre-configured and ready to generate revenue. Simply plug and play. 

10. How Do I Purchase a Shipping Kiosk?

The process of buying a self-service shipping kiosk is simple. At Anytime Mailbox, you can purchase a kiosk from our online shop. If you’re buying the machine outright, go ahead and set the quantity you want, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout. We’ll then contact you to discuss the setup and delivery. 

You can assure delivery within six weeks, or for a nominal fee, we can expedite shipping for faster delivery.

Final Thoughts

We get it. Adding a new amenity to your location is a big decision. What if your customers don’t use it? Would it be worth the investment? Will it assist you in achieving your long-term business goals? 

However, as noted in this shipping kiosk buying guide, this investment is low risk, high reward, and can benefit your business tremendously. By adding a self-service shipping kiosk to your list of services, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:

• Increased sales by serving more customers, particularly when your staff is busy.

• Improved reputation from happier customers who can have a seamless and efficient experience, and didn’t have to wait in line.

• By adding a tool that helps your staff work more efficiently, morale is boosted and your team becomes more productive and efficient.

Want to see how a kiosk would work for your space? Simply request a demo to explore the many benefits a self-service shipping kiosk provides.