Remember when you had to stand in a long line just to order a coffee or check into a hotel? We’ve all been there, awkwardly staring at the menu or reception desk.
We have all tried focusing on what to order while the people behind us were whispering, “Hurry up!” But times have changed. Kiosks are everywhere now, from fast food joints to boutique retail stores.
So, let’s be real about this, when was the last time you didn’t get impressed by a self-service screen that let you skip that chaos?
If you’re still running your business the old-school way, you might be missing out on more than just speed. You could actually be losing customers who expect modern convenience. And this brings us to the question: “How much does a kiosk cost?”
So let’s break it all down: how much does a kiosk actually cost, and is it worth the hype? We’re breaking it down so good, you might want one by the end of this post.
What exactly is a Kiosk?
If you’re here reading this blog, you probably already have some idea about what they are. But let’s make things clearer just in case, because when some people hear “kiosk,” they still imagine those tiny newspaper stands at mall entrances.
These days, kiosks are much cooler than before. Think of them as your 24/7 helpers who work digitally. They’re touchscreens that let customers do everything from placing an order to checking prices and more. Thanks to this, 84% of Gen Z prefer kiosks over interacting with people to order.
The best part? There’s no need for any eye contact or awkward small talk with the staff. You just get fast and smooth self-service. And guess what? Whether you run a café, retail store, clinic, or hotel, there’s probably a kiosk setup that could totally level up your customer experience.
What are the characteristics of a kiosk?
Kiosks aren’t getting popular for no reason. You’ve probably seen them at more and more malls and restaurants. Well, it’s obviously because of the convenience and ease that they provide to people in different spaces. But have you ever wondered what the secret is? It lies in the characteristics and features that a kiosk offers:
1. They Can Detect Inactivity
Modern kiosks are smart enough to know when someone’s just staring blankly or has walked away mid-order. They time out automatically and even reset the screen. Many even flash a “Need Help?” prompt.
2. Offline Mode is a Real Superpower
Even when the Wi-Fi connection fails, some kiosks continue to function thanks to their offline capabilities. Orders are stored locally and synced later.
2. They Can Learn from Customers
This is because some kiosks are powered by AI that remembers frequent choices. So if customers keep ordering oat milk lattes or size 9 sneakers, the kiosk might just start suggesting it first.
3. They’re Custom
Kiosks aren’t just black boxes with a screen. You can design them with your branding and vibes. It appears as a brand ambassador that matches your store’s aesthetic and fits right in.
5. Built-in Accessibility Features
Kiosks aren’t just convenient, they’re becoming seriously inclusive. This means that they will be able to cater to diverse customers, especially those with disabilities.
What are the types of kiosks and their costs?
Even though kiosks are generally the same in the way they look and work, they have different purposes. This is why we have many kinds of kiosks that businesses can use. It allows them to make the workflow easier for both their workers and customers.
The cost of kiosk is also affected by how much it is doing. One kiosk may just be showing an advertisement while the other might allow users to place orders through several screens. So, let’s break down the kiosk cost for each of these popular types.
1. Wayfinding Kiosks
Ever walked into a mall or hospital and immediately felt like you needed a GPS just to find the bathroom? That’s exactly where a wayfinding kiosk steps in.
It’s a touchscreen that’s usually placed near entrances or elevators. They help people find exactly where they need to go. These kiosks are interactive.
- Show dynamic building maps with updated directions.
- Let users search by store or department.
- Support multiple languages
Breaking the costs down:
- Hardware: $1500–$8,000
- Software and Navigation System: $1,000–$5,000
- Installation and Setup: $500–$2,000
- Ongoing Maintenance and Support: $300–$1,000/year
The price depends on whether it’s indoor/outdoor and basic or customized. Then, how many features it has also affects the prices. So, how much do kiosk software solutions costs varies.
2. Check-In Kiosks
Have you ever experienced that awkward moment when you walked into a clinic or hotel and didn’t know who to talk to or where to go? Check-in kiosks swoop in right there. A study even found that 66% of U.S. customers prefer to use self-service kiosks.
In simple terms, a check-in kiosk is a self-service kiosk that lets visitors or customers announce their arrival. They don’t have to queue up or explain their life story to the front desk..
- Let users check in with a tap
- Update waitlists or notify staff automatically when someone arrives
- Connect to other systems like booking software or patient records
Breaking the costs down:
- Hardware: $1,000–$6,000
- Check-In Software License or Subscription: $800–$4,000
- Installation and Staff Training: $300–$1,500
- Ongoing Support and Updates: $250–$800/year
So the answer to “How much does a kiosk cost?” may not be as simple as you think. It varies with how fancy you’ll make them.
3. Ticketing Kiosks
Imagine waiting in those never-ending lines just to buy a movie ticket or get into an event, only to find out it was sold out right as you got to the counter? We’ve all been there and never want to be again.
A ticketing kiosk is basically a self-service machine that lets users buy and print tickets without talking to a single soul. You’ll see them at busy places that need a ticketing system.
- Sell tickets with a card or contactless payments
- Display event/movie schedules and seat maps
- Print tickets or wristbands instantly
Breaking the costs down:
- Hardware: $1,000–$9,000
- Ticketing Software or POS Integration: $1,000–$5,000
- Installation (Printers, Payment, etc.): $500–$2,000
- Maintenance and Paper Supplies: $300–$1,200/year
Ticketing kiosks are all about speed, so if you’re running any kind of busy venue or transport hub, they’re basically like adding an employee who works 24/7.
4. Bill Payment Kiosks
Remember when paying a bill meant standing in line at a bank and praying the teller didn’t go on lunch break right before your turn? The good thing is that it’s just a memory now, thanks to bill payment kiosks.
It’s a self-service machine that lets customers pay bills and fees without needing a cashier or front desk. They help people make payments easily without any stress.
- Accept payments via various methods
- Let users look up accounts
- Print or email receipts instantly
Breaking the costs down:
- Hardware: $2,000–$10,000
- Software: $1,500–$6,000
- Regulatory Compliance: $500–$2,000
- Maintenance: $400–$1,500/year
The outdoor kiosk cost for a bill-payment kiosk is a bit higher due to the many assets involved. Plus, it’s open 24/7 if you want it to be.
5. Retail Kiosks
Think of how it feels to wander through a store and walk out empty-handed because you didn’t find what you wanted. It’s one of the annoying feelings that you just don’t want anymore.
That’s where a retail kiosk steps in exactly at that “meh” moment and turns those annoying feelings into a successful sale. It’s a touchscreen-powered setup placed inside a store that helps customers.
- Browse products or sizes that may not be on display
- Order out-of-stock items for delivery or in-store pickup
- Sign up for loyalty programs or newsletters
Breaking the costs down:
- Hardware: $2,000–$7,000
- Retail Software and POS Integration: $1,000–$5,000
- Brand Customization and UI Design: $500–$3,000
- Setup, Testing, etc: $300–$1,500
Whether it’s a flagship store or a small boutique, retail kiosks help your clients shop how they want and exactly when they want.
6. Digital Signage Kiosks
Signs used to be just signs. They were static posters stuck on a wall, quietly existing and hoping someone would read them. But now with digital signage kiosks, they aren’t boring anymore.
It’s basically a freestanding, touchscreen display used to show dynamic content like advertisements and slideshows. When wondering how much do kiosks cost, remember that digital signage ones are the most affordable because they don’t have much functionality.
- Display updated info like weather or product updates
- Schedule and rotate content automatically
- Run videos and interactive elements
Breaking the costs down:
- Hardware: $1,500–$10,000+
- Software: $500–$4,000
- Branding: $300–$3,000
- Setup and Support: $400–$1,500
The range depends on screen size and how custom you want your kiosk to be. This way, you can optimize well.
7. Restaurant Self-Service Kiosks
We’ve had a history of visiting different restaurants where we stood in long lines. Sometimes we’d have the cashier staring at us because we would be taking too long to order. Sometimes, those judgmental eyes are just not it.
This is probably the top reason why restaurant self-ordering kiosks are becoming popular. They actually let people order without those looks easily. McDonald’s has reported a 30% rise in the average order value after it got kiosks.
- Full digital menus with photos and pricing
- Easy customization (extra cheese? no onions? done.)
- Integrated payment systems
Breaking the costs down:
- Hardware: $2,000–$8,000
- Restaurant POS Software: $1,000–$5,000
- Menu Customization and UI Design: $500–$2,500
- Installation and Setup: $400–$1,500
Costs go up if you add extra features. But even with the basics, you’re making your restaurant awesome because no one misses standing in line just to order a burger.
Conclusion
As kiosks are becoming popular, many businesses are investing in them. The market size was $34.4 billion in 2024. It is also expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% through 2030. And the best part is that people also want to see kiosks at their favorite retail stores and restaurants. So your investment has a high success rate to begin with.
Self-service kiosks are shown to boost customer spending by up to 30%. So what are you waiting for? At Linkitsoft, we’re ready to design and implement your kiosk’s software at affordable prices. When you work with us, you won’t have to worry about the security or user-friendliness. We’ll make sure your customers love your business and your kiosk. Let’s connect!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 7 most common types of kiosks?
You’ll find various types of kiosks in public and indoor places. However, here are the 7 popular types:
- Wayfinding Kiosks
- Check-In Kiosks
- Ticketing Kiosks Bill
- Payment Kiosks
- Retail Kiosks Digital
- Signage Kiosks
- Restaurant Self-Service Kiosks
Is it worth it to invest in a kiosk for my business?
No matter what services your company provides, investing in a kiosk will always bring unlimited benefits. With so many people now preferring kiosks, you’ll only do what your customers want and even make functions easier for your team.
How much does a kiosk cost on average?
When you think about the average costs of a kiosk, it could start from as low as $2000. As you customize more and add extra features and branding, the costs can even reach $15,000.
Do you provide UI/UX design services for kiosks?
We certainly do! Our design team is skilled and knows just how to connect with your users. They design user-friendly and interactive touchscreens for all kinds of kiosks.
Can you update my existing kiosk software?
Yes, we can! At Linkitsoft, we have experienced devs who are skilled at updating outdated software. They do it so perfectly that there is no chance for bugs or crashes.
