News

Phone-charging and digital signage ad kiosk firm launches owner-operator program

Brightbox Inc., platform provider of secure mobile device charging lockers, announced today the inception of its Owner-Operator Program.

March 23, 2015

Brightbox Inc., platform provider of secure mobile device charging lockers, announced today the inception of its owner-operator program. Charter member owner-operators Best Bars, OIG and Downtown Charge are enhancing the guest experience at a variety of restaurants, bars, casinos and nightclubs across the country, the company said. According to an announcement by Brightbox, they are keeping patrons charged and engaged by providing secure charging via the Brightbox Mark3 Charging Platform.

Brightbox, a New York-based B2B kiosk technology company, develops and deploys secure charging stations for on-the-go people with mobile devices, including cellphones, phablets, backup chargers and batteries. Consumers can continue to communicate, navigate, search, share, pay and play on their mobile devices, while their devices are being charged at an optimal rate in a Brightbox station that the company says delivers both physical security and data privacy. Cellphone users just swipe a credit/debit or complimentary card to open an available station chamber, plug in their mobile device or accessory to one of three industry standard charging cords, close the chamber and return later to swipe the same card to retrieve their charged phone. Venues can offer device charging via Brightbox as either a complimentary or paid amenity.

Best Bars, based in New York City, provides Brightbox charging lockers in 10 bars in New York City and Chicago. Louisiana's Oaklawn Investment Group has charging kiosks in a number of casinos, and Downtown Charge currently serves a series of restaurants, bars and nightclubs in downtown Orlando's Wall Street complex with 15 Brightbox charging stations.

The Brightbox Owner-Operator Program is intended to provide multiple monetization opportunities — from recurring monthly revenue via PCI-compliant card payment processing, without the hassle of coin operation, to customized on-screen ad content as well as sponsorship and branding initiatives that increase customer loyalty and brand impressions for which owner-operators can receive credit.

"The program is an ideal way for operators in automated retail businesses like vending, juke box, ATM and point-of-sale to increase their service offerings and generate additional income," said Don Rossi, senior vice president of sales at Brightbox, in the announcement. "ROI from advertising revenue as well as amenity fees is immediate and impactful. Owner-operators can also attain quick capital payback and see profits from short-term kiosk rentals for conferences, festivals and other events."

The Brightbox Mark3 features a 10-inch interactive touchscreen that doubles as a digital signage brand-messaging platform with video and slide show capabilities that provide delivery of intimate and direct sponsor messaging, surveys, brand offers and promotions, the company said. Exclusive offers are also available via branded key cards specifically tailored for customers, events and activations.

"We're pleased with the consistent revenue stream that the Brightbox charging lockers generate," said Ted Lanzi of Best Bars in New York, in the announcement. "The ability to charge phones quickly and securely gives our locations added appeal to customers who love the convenience. It's another reason for them to frequent the bars we serve."

Watch a video below to see the digital signage charging kiosks in action: