Been abroad this summer? Had any photo’s printed while you were there? If so, you may well have walked into the store and sat at one of a bank of kiosks do to do so. Could your customers do the same?

The argument over whether or not is pays to install multiple kiosks in one store has raged for some time now in the UK, but Fujifilm for one believes it is time we sat up and took note of what is happening outside the UK and learn lessons that have alreadybeen learned there.

Statistics show that by 2009 80% of UK households will own a digital camera, with digital set to account for nearly 75% of the photo-processing market by that time. In light of this, Darren Peake, marketing manager of Fujifilm Photofinishing, thinks it’s time D&P operators not only prepare themselves for this increased demand but begin to stimulate it, by adding value to their existing service – you’ve got it, by installing multiple kiosks.

“Digital cameras have evolved into mass market products over the last couple of years, with increased affordability seeing their penetration into the amateur market soar. In direct response to this, there is a new generation of photographers on the street who are more technologically savvy than ever before. These consumers want high quality prints from their digital photographs and, more than ever before, are turning to the high street for their photoprocessing.

“While some people are happy to do their editing at home, others who do not own a PC or who want to print off large quantities of images find in-store kiosks the perfect solution. This new generation of photographers is becoming much more confident when it comes to using in-store facilities and taking a more hands-on approach. Offering a kiosk, where customers have access to the latest editing and enhancement software at the touch of a button, is a sure fire way to attract this new breed.

“Digital kiosks have revolutionised the way in which consumers can access prints from digital media, and it is thanks to the ease and accessibility of such kiosks that they can take some of the credit for the growth of the digital print market.

“Installing multiple kiosks linked to a digital minilab is a trend that is currently popular with our businesses in Australia and Ireland and is already hitting UK shores, with many retailers reaping the rewards. Offering a choice of kiosks means reduced queue times and a more relaxed environment for customers to edit their images, which all adds to the customer experience. By linking your kiosks to a digital minilab, not only can you offer photographers full control of editing capabilities coupled with optimum quality prints, but you can extend your service options from single prints to large volume orders. A range of price points, with a premium on faster services, will help boost profit levels and provide customers with the option to choose from instant, one hour and overnight.”

Thanks to new technologies, all-in-one kiosks linked to both instant printers and minilabs are now available, providing retailers with a total photo editing and processing solution. For instance, Fujifilm’s Digital Photo Zone (DPZ), with its instant print capabilities, works well as part of a multiple kiosk arrangement. It includes a 15in flat screen monitor and incorporates the latest SmartPix technology to offer rapid print in as few as four screen touches. An onboard ‘chip and pin’ payment facility is available, and the kiosk is compatible with both infrared and bluetooth technology so that customers can print from a range of digital media, including mobile phones.

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