WDSGlobal unveil revenue enhancing self-serve solutions for mobile retailers

13th April 2005

SELF-SERVE IN-STORE KIOSKS PROMISE TO DELIVER INCREASED SHOPFLOOR PRODUCTIVITY AND REVENUES FOR MOBILE RETAILERS.

WDSGlobal today announced a retail proposition for the introduction of self-service ‘knowledge’ kiosks into the mobile retail environment. WDSGlobal, specialists in mobile data support, configuration and education solutions currently operate a number of successful self-serve web portals for many major Manufacturers and Operators worldwide. The deployment of similar services into the retail environment enables the retailer to keep abreast of increasingly complex mobile devices and services while offering impartial and informed advice to the customer.

fig 1. example of a knowledge kiosk interface.

“When you look beyond the differentiators of price and brand recognition it is the specialist knowledge,impartial advice and value added services that will be the qualities that build the reputation of the retailer in the battle for high street market share” states Doug Overton, Head of Marketing for WDSGlobal.

“It is time for the industry to embrace self-serve and revisit the opportunities afforded through in-store kiosks and semi-automated POS solutions. In a market where digital photos, airline tickets and closer to home – pre-pay top-up cards are all selected and retrieved through self-service the mind-set of the consumer is already well conditioned to the idea of the kiosk”

The WDSGlobal Knowledge kiosks enable customers to make informed decisions when choosing a device or service, based on selection criteria relating to lifestyle, design preference, application requirements or technology characteristics. The result being a short list of devices and services that can then be graphically simulated through interactive media that enables the customer to try a ‘live’ device prior to committing to a purchase.

"Kiosks not only enhance the knowledge and advice that can be delivered in the retail environment, they also add an element of impartiality to the advice proffered to the customer; something which is not always forthcoming from the sales agent“ says Overton.

"Moreover, in an environment where live devices, and more importantly live services, are rarely available for demonstration, the kiosk provides the essential try-before-you-buy service to the customer”

“In some instances the kiosk can also draw the attention of the customer during busy store times when sales assistants are not available for help” says Overton.

“This can be the make or break of a customer leaving the store to make a purchase elsewhere, and can help boost turnover and productivity on the sales floor”

The self-serve solutions available from WDSGlobal do not just rest at the advice and education of staff and customers. Once a purchase has been made, the customer’s device can be configured for a range of data services including personal Email or PDA connectivity ensuring that when they leave the store they do not have to embrace the device set-up complications that inevitably damage their loyalty and result in lengthy after-sales visits to the store.

This page was last updated on Monday, November 5, 2007.