What drives the price of an OEM self-service kiosk

Short answer: The price of a custom self-service kiosk comes from five parts: the screen, the computing platform, the peripherals, the cabinet and the software. Peripherals and the platform choice usually move the price the most; screen size matters less than buyers expect, and branding changes add very little.

1. Screen

Size, touch type and brightness set the screen cost. Capacitive touch costs more than infrared at the same size; high-brightness panels for windows and outdoors cost considerably more than indoor panels. Moving from 21.5″ to 32″ raises the price, but often less than adding one more peripheral.

2. Computing platform

An Android mainboard (RK3288 or RK3399) costs less than an Intel PC with a Windows license. If your software can run on Android, this is usually the largest single saving. See Android vs Windows for kiosks.

3. Peripherals

This is where kiosk prices diverge. Each module adds cost and assembly time:

• 80 mm thermal receipt printer, or A4 printer
• QR / barcode scanner
• ID, IC or NFC card reader; room-card dispenser
• Face-recognition camera; surveillance camera
• Payment terminal bracket, cash or card acceptors
• 4G module, speakers, microphone, help button

Specify only what the workflow needs. A self-ordering kiosk that takes QR payment needs a printer and scanner, not a card dispenser.

4. Cabinet

Standard cabinets reuse existing sheet-metal tooling. Changing color or adding a logo costs little; a new shape needs new drawings and sometimes tooling, which is quoted per project. Outdoor cabinets add sealing, cooling and galvanized steel.

5. Software

Pre-installing your app costs little. Developing a new application, integrating with a hotel PMS, payment gateway or government system, or adapting drivers for new peripherals is quoted by scope.

How to reduce cost without reducing reliability

• Start from an existing cabinet and change color and logo instead of shape.
• Use Android if your software allows it.
• Remove peripherals the workflow does not use.
• Order a sample first, then a batch: setup costs are spread over more units.

Frequently asked questions