Question

Topic: Advertising/PR

Where Can I Find Out How To Contact Kiosk Owner/operators?

Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 1/31/2004 at 12:31 PM ET 250 Points
This question seems to be quite ironic coming from a marketing company who, as one of it's main facets, specializes in promtoting and distributing clients' products into the mall kiosk sector!

I have been quite successful so far, but over the years I have been "restricted" access to the lists of kiosk operators that all Mall corporations possess. I have to use the mall managers as middle men/women to obtain contact info on ONLY the operators THEY deem fit to sell the product. Obviously, I would like to be the judge of that AND have access to the operaters to present my products. The operators can then contact the malls for placement.

Although my company obtains initial approval for the products to be sold in the malls, I feel that reaching out to operaters will not only increase the exposure of the products and provide a useful "database" for them to search through for hot, "mall approved" products via my website, but also create a lucrative "bidding war" for kiosk placement and leasing at the malls since multiple operators will be calling up the malls saying "I want in with product XX!!".

I have approached the malls wit this on several occasions only to be ignored...which, to me is surprising since creating a frenzy for kiosk placement would obviously drive more business their way and give them a chance to increase captalization on leasing kiosks.

So, my question is: Does anyone know of a website, journal, "Kiosk Operator Association" or ANYTHING that can provide me with the means to get in touch with these folks so I am not at the mercy of the mall managers?

I have searched online until I could feel my pulse palpating in my eyes and forehead! LOL!

Any comments regarding strategy or my above statements are welcome as well!
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by clpsf on 2/1/2004 at 12:17 PM Member
    I'm stymied that you haven't had luck on the search engines. A three second search of kiosk manufacturer; kiosk magazine (e.g., https://www.kiomag.com/home ); kiosk org (e.g., https://www.kiosks.org; https://www.eurokiosks.org) brought up numerous results and paid ads. You might also want to check DMOZ.org.

    At the risk of telling you what you probably already know, mall operators are in the commercial property / management business. They are particularly known for micro-managing their properties, not unlike a franchise. https://www.kiosks.org/), and each delivered numerous And since kiosks and client / customer lists are assets, it is highly unlikely that they would give up direct contact (which is the same as giving up control) to third parties.

    A solution is to contact manufacturers, repair and supply companies, etc. -- all of which you'll find in the magazines and search engines. Clearly, the way you structure your offer is vital, especially with manufacturers. But that's a different question.

    Carmen
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 2/1/2004 at 12:44 PM Author
    clpsf,

    On the surface, I can understand your bewilderment. However, I have visited all the sites you mentioned in the past.

    Yeah, they have tons of links, but one major problem..

    ...They ALL focus on KIOSK CONSTRUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY....not OPERATERS!

    I appreciate your input, but I am looking for kiosk operaters, not kiosk design firms.

    Thanks again! If you can come up with anything else, let me know!

  • Posted by ReadCopy on 2/3/2004 at 9:28 AM Member
    Hey bud, I'm still looking into his myself and trying all my network resources in the US, I'm currently trying to get an answer for you from a guy that has designed interfaces for Kiosks to see if he can help!
  • Posted by Blaine Wilkerson on 2/5/2004 at 9:07 PM Author
    Thanks everybody for your help.

    Ultimately, Sharon ended up directing me to (almost) exactly what I am looking for. Although the site does not sell lists, they are the only resource for kiosk operators and provide reasonable ad rates to reach out to them.

    Tough question, good effort....Thanks again!
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