5 Things to Consider when organising a Kiosk...
by Jessica Caggegi, on 26/02/20 3:00 PM
Kiosks are an exciting way to get your brand out there and sell your products without spending large dollars on long term leasing costs. A common issue we have come across is that clients are not being properly educated on the intricate details of designing a shopping center kiosk and in return having to spend more money to meet required guidelines.
So, what is involved when organising a shopping center kiosk?
We have put together a detailed list of all the nitty gritty details to keep in mind when considering going down the kiosk path and ensuring that everything is covered in your allocated budget from the very beginning.
1. Time Frame of Lease
One of the very first questions we ask a client is the time frame of lease. The first stage in planning for a kiosk is knowing whether the kiosk lease is temporary, long term or permanent. This factor determines instantly what can and can’t be used to construct the kiosk. But also, what will be the most cost-effective solution. Knowing whether a kiosk is staying in a center for a short, long- or permanent time frame makes all the difference. It also narrows down the options of whether components of the actual kiosk can simply be hired out or need to custom made.
A client who had a short-term kiosk lease, was provided with a hired solution. This was the most cost-effective option for them as being only a 6-month lease, meant there was a definite install and dismantle date. Which in return allowed them the opportunity to hire all components. One thing to keep in mind is with hiring out a kiosk, it does restrict you from what you can and can’t do and gives you less flexibility with design, colour scheme and overall layout.
For a long term lease a custom solution is the most cost-effective option as once any lease exceeds the 6-month period, costs of hiring components simply is not worth it. In doing so, it really broadens the horizons of what you can do. Allowing you to really bring the brand to life and meeting all expectations of the overall layout design and functionality of the kiosk.
2. Height
Height is something that every client wants to use to their full potential. In a shopping center it can make all the difference – especially when competing with the stores around and potentially levels above you. Being that a kiosk will sit within a central location, there are specific height restrictions and guidelines that must be met. Any walling used for the kiosk generally cannot exceed over 1.5m in height. In addition to this there will also be specific requirements of how high your branding pillar can be. This is generally so it does not obstruct and view from stores surrounding the kiosk.
3. Colours and Material Finishes
Branding guidelines are essential, so deciding on colours for your kiosk is a big decision. It creates brand recognition and continuity. In conjunction, the materials used to finish the overall look on your kiosk will make all the difference to not only the physical appearance but the overall cost. However, a crucial piece of information seems to always be passed down to the client once these decisions have already been made. Depending on the shopping center or location you are displaying your kiosk at, each venue will have a set documentation that simply outlines all the guidelines and requirements that the kiosk must meet. This can begin with small components such as basic functionality of the kiosk but can get quite specific as to detailing what colours can and cannot be used. Each center has a specific look they want their kiosks to portray and this document is used to ensure all kiosks are consistent. This tends to become a problem when a client has a specific look or design in mind however it does not actually meet the guidelines. In addition, the document will also outline specific materials the center suggests being used as finishes on the kiosk and also highlighting materials that are simply not allowed. This again, can become quite an issue to prospective clients, especially when the materials suggested or not exactly cheap. Our job is to try and get around these requirements the easiest and most cost-effective way possible while still ensuring they meet what is asked.
4. Design
Following on from the point above, design is also another factor which can be affected quite significantly by the center’s kiosk guidelines. The process undertaken is once a design has been agreed upon by the client and the stand builder, we then send these plans off for final approval to the center kiosk management. Upon reviewing the plans, we are then given feedback, further suggestions or simply any objections in relation to the design. This could be minor changes or something as severe as starting again. This process can take several weeks to go back and forth depending on the center’s kiosk designer and final approval process. It is a good idea to keep this in mind when allocating designated planning and building time.
5. Access Times and Installation
Shopping centers generally operate within standard business hours (9am – 5pm), extended trading hours on Thursday and Friday evenings (9am – 9pm). So, when can a kiosk be installed? Generally, it requires to be done outside of business hours. For the pure reason that works cannot be done while the center is trading, and the public is roaming. The con of this is that ultimately it means any work done outside of standard business hours will result in penalty fees and overtime rates. This is another issue that catches a lot of our clients out, as things like penalty fees aren’t ultimately considered. In addition, most centers will also state in the move in/move out schedules that a security guard must be onsite for the duration of the install or dismantle of the kiosk. They generally charge an hourly fee which we then pass onto the client. Again, something that isn’t revealed until later down the track.
So, there you have it! Some finer details which many clients aren’t aware of in the beginning. Designing your kiosk is an exciting process! Knowing the ins and outs first, sets you up for no disappointment further down the line and gives you a clear direction. For specifics on any of the above it is best to ask your builder/supplier to get in contact with the shopping center and obtain all relevant information for you. From there you can make an educated decision on how you proceed.
If you are thinking about obtaining some space at a center for a kiosk or wanting to start the process of designing one – talk to us, we are more than happy to help! Contact us at letschat@events720.com or fill in the form and we will be in touch!