BlueStar Retail & Hospitality News

Emma Edwards

Recently back from a trip to the local library with my young daughter during which she returned then checked out her own books at a kiosk as if it was normal part of daily life, I realised how self service has become such an integral part of our lives. It also reinforced our decision to dedicate this issue to Self Service!

The use of self-service technology has grown exponentially in the last 5 years, thanks sadly in no small part to the pandemic, forced lack of human interaction and subsequent labour shortages. It has now become the de facto way of interacting with our favourite retailers or fast food outlets in store, allowing staff to be used more effectively and give an all round better customer experience. Kiosk solutions are such an accepted technology that they are no longer limited to retail and hospitality – adoption is growing in logistics, healthcare and public services….including libraries!

We have so much to tell you about Self Service solutions at Bluestar, it’s hard to condense it into this Newsletter! We’re in a great position to assist you with your Self Service. For partners already selling kiosks, we can help source product and give you access to a broad solution offering. Keen to start selling Kiosk solutions to complement your current offering? We can help educate your team, advise on product selection and software partnerships, marketing support and demo units. In this issue, we share some insights from our vendors on the self service market, introduce you to some of our software partners and product offerings.

Hope this whets your appetite for Self Service and Bluestar!

Eager to find out more? Visit our Self Service microsite here.

Solution Spotlight

Introducing Solutions For Q2 2024

With over a decade of experience, BlueStar collaborates with leading industry manufacturers to offer a diverse range of kiosk solutions. The advantages of kiosks, including autonomy, consistent messaging, and enhanced customer decision-making, are complemented by BlueStar's commitment to excellence. As your one-stop solution provider, we offer a comprehensive selection of self-service components, standalone units, and applications from several manufacturers. Discover the latest kiosk solutions from MicroTouch, Custom and Star changing the way our local shops and cafes operate.

MicroTouch & Custom Kiosk

Countertop Kiosk Solution

Deploy the ultimate line-busting solution. Self-service kiosks allow customers to check product availability, order out-of-stock merchandise, look up prices, and checkout without assistance from a sales associate. MicroTouch offers durable, user-friendly touchscreen solutions for retail that deliver peak performance, even in high-traffic, high-volume environments. You also have a range of options and customizations to choose from for any cabinet, kiosk, or enclosure.

Shop MicroTouch MACH Series >

Star Kiosk Printers

Kiosk Printer Solution

Offering high quality receipt, ticket and label printing solutions from specialised kiosk mechanisms and housed printers, Star solutions are integrated into some of the world’s largest kiosk and self service applications including Government projects, Click & Collect and product returns stations, endless aisle, parking and access control, food ordering and visitor management. From complex integrations to super compact “Next Generation” tablet kiosks, customers can benefit from the renowned reliability and superior features of Star’s printer range.

Custom CONNECT

Indoor Kiosk Solution

The CONNECT is a multifunction kiosk stand designed for self-service applications in any indoor setting. Versatile for both countertop and floor-standing applications, CONNECT can easily be configured to work in attended or unattended scenarios. Tailor your kiosk with a selection of Custom touch computers, printers, payment devices, and scanners to craft the ideal solution for your specific requirements.

Shop Connect Kiosk >

The Importance of Complete Integration in Hospitality

Richard is joined by Microtouch’s Tyler Wells to talk about the importance of integrated systems in the hospitality industry. In a wide-ranging discussion, we touch on the factors that are driving the growth of self-service in hospitality, including rising wages and changing demographics. Looking at the drive to enhance efficiency in restaurants we examine the rise of mobile ordering, kitchen display systems, developments in payment technology, and inventory management.

We also discuss some of the differences between the US and European markets and dive into the vital importance of partnerships such as ISVs to help offer a complete suite of solutions to today’s hospitality operators.

Self-Service News

BlueStar's Partnership

with QMATIC

Jord Malcorps

Dear Resellers,

Exciting news! We've teamed up with QMATIC, renowned for their cutting-edge customer journey management solutions, and partnered with BlueStar's exceptional self-service hardware, this collaboration could provide incremental revenue streams and growth to your business. I’ve described some of the key benefits of this partnership.

Comprehensive solutions

With QMATIC's innovative software solutions seamlessly integrated with BlueStar's extensive range of self-service hardware, you can offer your customers comprehensive, end-to-end self-service solutions. From interactive kiosks to digital signage displays, our bundled solutions ensure that your clients receive everything they need for a seamless and efficient self-service experience.

Capitalising on market demand

Self-service solutions are in high demand across various industries, including hospitality, retail, and healthcare. By partnering with QMATIC and BlueStar, you can capitalize on this growing demand and position yourself as a trusted provider of cutting-edge technology solutions.

Driving revenue growth

Expanding your product offerings to include bundled solutions comprising QMATIC software and BlueStar hardware opens up new revenue streams for your business. Diversifying your portfolio allows you to cater to a wider range of customer needs and drive sales growth in competitive markets.

Expert support and resources

QMATIC and BlueStar are committed to providing resellers with comprehensive support, training, and resources to help you succeed. From technical expertise to marketing materials, we'll equip you with everything you need to effectively promote, sell, and implement self-service solutions for your clients.

Gaining a competitive edge

Partnering with industry-leading providers like QMATIC and BlueStar allows you to differentiate yourself in the market and gain a competitive advantage. The combination of innovative software and reliable hardware positions you as a trusted advisor to your customers, enhancing your reputation and market presence.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock new possibilities for your business. If you want to dive deeper into the benefits and growth opportunities, please reach out to me directly.

Self-Service News

BlueStar & QikServe

Jamie Mitchell

Discover the pinnacle of self-ordering kiosk software with QikServe, where innovation meets industry expertise. Trusted by global hospitality giants, QikServe has made its mark in 7,500 locations spanning 49 countries. What truly distinguishes QikServe is their seamless integration ethos, exemplified by over 100 strategic partnerships with leading technology providers.

Operating exclusively through reseller partners, QikServe empowers hospitality businesses with effortless white labelling of their self-service kiosk solution. Their subscription-based model not only ensures recurring revenue for partners but also minimizes upfront costs for end-users. QikServe goes the extra mile by offering comprehensive support including training, sales materials, and access to a dedicated partner portal.

BlueStar resellers can seamlessly integrate QikServe’s self-service solution into their portfolio, bolstered by support for a wide range of hardware from the BlueStar catalogue. To elevate your offerings in the hospitality industry with QikServe’s cutting-edge solution, contact BlueStar BDM Jamie Mitchell today and explore how QikServe can revolutionize your services.

TSPs have the opportunity to meet demand for solutions that deliver convenience to customers and greater efficiency to merchants.

Retail self-service is undergoing an evolution driven by demographics, culture, and technology. Some countries, like France, lead the way in adoption across large and small retailers, implementing both self-service checkouts and mobile apps with scan-and-go services. Leading retailers in Germany, Finland, Portugal, and Romania are also investing in self-service solutions. Additionally, the increasing consumer demand for convenient and efficient self-service is driving market growth at an 8.2% CAGR, and projections put its value at USD 4.7 billion by 2027.

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