How to Choose the Right Self-Service Ordering Kiosk: 11 Things to Check Before Buying 

A self-service ordering kiosk enables customers to check out and pay for their items on their own. While kiosks in restaurants and retail stores may look the same, they need to adapt to the business’s needs. As a reseller, you’ll need to select a self-checkout kiosk that supports a business’s operations and improves its customers’ experience. 

From durable and modular designs to system integrations, we’ll discuss the features of a high-quality self-checkout kiosk. Continue reading to learn how to choose the right self-service ordering kiosk for a business. 

Features to Look for When Selecting a Self-checkout Kiosk 

Every business has its own unique needs. When selecting a self-service kiosk for your customers, you’ll need to consider their daily operations and goals. While some self-service kiosk manufacturers offer industry-specific features, you should also know the basic features to look for.  

1. Intuitive Interface 

Caption: The right self-ordering kiosk for a business has an intuitive interface [Image: Logic Controls Kiosks]

A self-service kiosk enables a customer to check out their items on their own. This is the biggest difference between a kiosk and a POS system. 

When selecting a self-service kiosk for a business, you’ll need to check its interface. An intuitive and easy-to-use system helps customers operate the kiosk on their own. This also reduces the need for customers to request assistance from store employees to use the machine. 

Similarly, an intuitive interface helps business owners easily set up the self-checkout kiosks. From installing software to configuring the system to the business’s needs, the device should be easy to operate. 

2. Multi-language Support

Another factor you should consider is whether the self-service kiosk supports multiple languages. First, you’ll need to identify the common languages used by the customers in your market. Afterward, you can check whether these languages are supported by the self-service kiosk you’re considering. 

3. Responsive Touchscreen Display 

Caption: The touch panels on self-service kiosks have fast response times and high-resolution displays [Image: Elo Self-service Kiosk] 

For a better user experience, self-ordering kiosks have a touchscreen display. Kiosks help reduce customers’ waiting times during checkout. 

To do this, the touchscreen must be fast and responsive while being used. The best self-service kiosk manufacturers create machines with response times as fast as 6 milliseconds. These screens are built with capacitive touch technology for speed and accuracy. 

Aside from speed, the top self-checkout machine manufacturers offer various screen size options. You can choose compact 15” screens to massive 42” touch panels depending on your customer’s store size. 

Regardless of the screen size, the display should be high-definition. This is especially important if there are parts of the store with dim lighting. Some manufacturers make display screens specially designed for outdoor use, which is great for amusement parks and similar businesses. These screens have high-contrast displays to work in environments with harsh sunlight. 

4. Durable Design

Caption: Manufacturers like Bimi ensure each machine passes their in-house quality and safety tests [Image: Bimi Self-checkout Kiosk]

One of the benefits of self-checkout kiosks is that these machines are built for continuous use. In fact, some manufacturers have models that can run 24/7. Because of this, a self-checkout kiosk should be built with high-quality and durable components. 

The leading kiosk manufacturers conduct strict tests to ensure the hardware’s durability and quality. They conduct tests to ensure a machine meets the necessary safety and quality regulations for your market. The top companies ensure their machines meet the standards of CE, CB, RoHS, UL, FCC, and CCC.  

When selecting a self-service kiosk, its touchscreen should withstand continuous use. Look for a machine with a touchscreen display coated with tempered glass. 

Afterward, check whether the kiosk includes a metal frame or enclosure. Typically, these frames are made of aluminum to help the machine withstand harsh environments. 

Some metal enclosures protect the self-service kiosk from damage caused by exposure to heat, dust, humidity, and constant use. Self-ordering kiosks with tamper-proof locks are also available for added security. 

5. Accepts Multiple Payment Methods

Another advantage of self-service kiosks is reduced wait times during checkout. To help with this, a kiosk lets customers pay for their items using multiple payment methods. The machine can complete transactions made via: 

• Credit or debit card
• QR code 
• NFC (or other contactless payment channels) 
• Mobile wallet
• Cash

Some manufacturers provide accessories such as brackets for card payment terminals. You may also find models with built-in NFC readers or QR code scanners. 

Similar to POS systems, self-service kiosks should process payments securely and protect customer information. Be sure to check whether the kiosk meets the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).  

6. Available Integrations

A business’s self-service kiosks should seamlessly integrate with its app ecosystem. For example, a restaurant’s self-ordering kiosks should automatically sync with its POS and kitchen display systems. From item customization to payment, a customer can complete their transaction at the self-ordering kiosk. 

Business owners can also configure their self-checkout kiosks to make daily operations more efficient. In addition to POS and KDS software, kiosks can be connected to platforms for: 

• Inventory management
• Customer loyalty program
• Customer relationship management 
• Marketing

7. Operating System 

The extent of a kiosk’s integrations depends on its operating system. You’ll need to identify popular kiosk software (unless the machine already has one) used in your market. The common operating systems found in self-checkout machines are: 

• Windows
• Android 
• iOS
• iPad

However, Linux and ChromeOS devices are also available. You can also check if the kiosk manufacturer offers an SDK so you can test various software. 

8. Design and Customization Options 

Caption: Businesses can add product trays and other accessories to customize their self-checkout machines [Image: Bimi Self-Checkout]

A kiosk shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all self-service solution. The ideal kiosk for your customers should have a modular design so they can customize it to their needs. Business owners can add peripherals and accessories to increase a kiosk’s functionality. Some examples include: 

• Receipt printer
• Barcode scanner 
• Payment terminal
• Item tray
• Pin pad

A self-checkout kiosk should also have versatile placement options. VESA mounts are a good way to do this. These enable your customers to place kiosks on countertops, walls, floor stands, or desktops. This added flexibility helps them maximize their store space and place the machines in accessible areas for their customers. 

If you plan to tailor self-ordering kiosks for your market, look for a manufacturer that offers customizable machines. You can customize the color, peripherals, packaging, screen size, and other parts of the device. Some manufacturers also provide sample units so you can check your design before placing an order. 

9. Minimal Downtime 

A business’s self-service kiosks should have reliable performance, especially because the machines process payments. When you’re choosing a self-checkout machine, check the manufacturer’s uptime guarantee, especially for high-traffic businesses. Ask the manufacturer for information and documents about their: 

• Uptime targets
• Failure rates 
• Remote monitoring capabilities
• Service response times 

Minimal downtime ensures the machines can continuously process payments and provide a good shopping experience to a business’s customers. Luckily, kiosks are equipped with hardware and components to minimize downtime. Be sure to look for kiosks with Ethernet and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. 

Some kiosk manufacturers also include uptime monitoring to help detect network outages. This alerts business owners as soon as possible. 

10. Customer Support 

If a self-checkout kiosk has any issues, this should be addressed immediately. This is why you need a kiosk with good customer support. Ideally, your customer’s kiosk should include 24/7 customer support. It is also good to find a kiosk company that provides multiple support channels like email, phone, video, and in-person. 

Some companies also provide remote device management support. This enables them to quickly troubleshoot and solve a system’s issues. 

11. Maintenance

Proper device maintenance helps prolong its life. Check the duration of a self-service kiosk’s product warranty. Most kiosks have at least a 1-year warranty. Some machines have sides that can easily be opened for maintenance purposes. This ensures parts are repaired or replaced as soon as possible. 

Create Better Customer Experiences

The right self-service kiosk for a business provides an easy user experience for its customers to complete their purchases. While doing so, it helps a business reduce customer wait times thanks to its intuitive interface. When selecting a self-checkout machine, it should be tailored to a business’s operations and seamlessly connect to its app ecosystem. 

The self-service kiosks made by Bimi can narrow down your search. Its kiosks are highly customizable. You can add barcode readers, receipt printers, NFC scanners, and other accessories for a seamless customer checkout experience. Various screen sizes and operating system options are also available so you can tailor each machine to your customer’s needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should a self-service kiosk be easy to use? 

Yes, a self-service kiosk should be easy to use. It should have an intuitive interface so customers can operate the machine and complete their purchases on their own. Ideally, a self-service kiosk should also support multiple languages. When a kiosk’s interface is easy to understand, customers won’t have any trouble using it. 

The responsiveness of a kiosk’s touchscreen display also affects the user experience. Choose a kiosk with a responsive and high-quality display. 

2. How do you know if a self-checkout kiosk has a durable design? 

Self-checkout kiosks are found in high-traffic areas, so their hardware should withstand surface and environmental damage. Various components of the machine should be coated in protective layers to protect them from wear and tear. 

Touch panels should be coated in tempered glass to prevent them from breaking. Similarly, kiosks framed by metal enclosures protect them from environmental damage. 

3. Should a self-service ordering kiosk integrate with other software? 

Yes, a self-service ordering kiosk should integrate with other software. A cohesive app ecosystem improves a business’s operations. To achieve this, a kiosk should easily connect to software for: 

• POS 
• Inventory management
• Kitchen display system
• Customer relationship management 

4. Should self-checkout machines accept multiple payment methods? 

Yes, self-checkout machines should accept multiple payment methods. This ensures that a business provides a convenient self-checkout experience to its customers. 

Common payment methods also vary depending on a business’s region or market. When selecting a self-checkout machine, it should be able to process payments made through credit cards, mobile wallets, and more. 

5. Should a self-checkout machine have a customizable design? 

Yes, a self-checkout machine should have a customizable design. You should be able to tailor a machine to your customer’s needs. 

Businesses can easily attach peripherals and accessories to kiosks with a modular design. From receipt printers and barcode scanners to NFC readers, a machine can be configured to improve a business’s operations. This also enables businesses to place their kiosks on stands or mounts so they can be easily accessible to customers. 

6. What safety and quality standards should a self-service kiosk meet? 

A self-service kiosk should meet international and regional safety and quality standards such as CE, CB, RoHS, and more. These strict standards ensure a kiosk is safe to use, especially since customers will be operating it.

When a kiosk complies with these regulations, it also means the manufacturer has conducted tests to achieve this. A machine’s hardware, display screens, and other components undergo aging testing. 

7. Is product warranty important when choosing a self-service machine? 

Yes, product warranty is important when choosing a self-service machine. Be sure to choose a machine with a product warranty duration of at least 1 year. Most manufacturers offer warranty periods ranging from 1 to 3 years. A product warranty assures business owners that their machines will be fixed within the warranty period.

8. How do you know if a self-service kiosk is easy to maintain? 

You’ll need to check the kiosk manufacturer’s customer support availability. If a kiosk has a critical issue, the company’s customer support team should be able to address it immediately. For example, some companies monitor a kiosk’s uptime. If there is a network outage, the kiosk company immediately notifies the business about this issue. 

Some machines are also designed for easier maintenance. They can be easily disassembled from the sides for inspection and maintenance purposes. 

9. Is a self-checkout kiosk’s operating system important when selecting a machine for a business? 

Yes, a self-checkout kiosk’s operating system is important when selecting a machine for a business. The operating system determines the kiosk software that can be used. Similarly, it also affects the complexity of a kiosk system’s integrations. 

10. How do you choose the right screen size for a business’s self-service kiosk? 

When choosing the right screen size for a business’s self-service kiosk, you’ll need to consider the store area. More compact screens are a better fit for smaller stores. Business owners can mount 7” screens on walls or countertops. 

On the other hand, larger screens are ideal for bigger stores. A 32” touchscreen provides better accessibility for customers, especially when placed on a floor stand. This setup is a good fit for quick-service restaurants or supermarkets.