Are Self-Service Kiosks Worth It? Exploring the Pros and Cons

2025-10-21 15:32
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Self-service kiosks have become a key symbol of digital transformation.Have you noticed that nowadays, whether in banks, hospitals, shopping malls,

or subway stations, these devices are almost everywhere?
From taking a number and making payments to ordering food or buying tickets — everything can be done in just a few simple steps, faster and easier than ever.
Thanks to their convenience and smooth user experience, more and more industries are adopting Kiosk Ordering, driving the market to develop devices

that are more functional, versatile, and intelligently designed.


According to a 2024 report by Grand View Research, the global self-service kiosk market was valued at USD 34.36 billion and is expected to reach

USD 62.46 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 10.9%.


This shows that more and more businesses are turning to self-service solutions to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs — but are

self ordering kiosk truly flawless?

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Pros and Cons of self-service kiosks to help you quickly determine whether they're the right fit for your industry.

Self-service kiosks

What changes have self-service kiosks brought about?


  • Significantly Reduced Waiting Time

    A Self-Service Kiosk allows customers to scan a QR code to browse the menu, place orders, and complete payments on their own. This greatly eases the

    pressure of long queues during peak hours, ensuring a smooth and efficient kiosk ordering process even with high customer traffic.

    For diners, it means they no longer have to rush their decisions — they can take their time exploring the menu and selecting their favorite dishes, which

    enhances the overall dining experience.


    According to data from multiple retail reports, the use of self-order payment kiosks has reduced checkout times by up to 30%, enabling customers to

    complete the entire ordering process faster and more efficiently, while minimizing the time wasted

    Self-Service Kiosk(1).png

  • Increase sales revenue.

    Self-0rder Payment Kiosk can boost instant purchases and increase customer retention through personalized recommendations. The operation is very simple

    — customers only need to scan, order, and pay to complete the entire process.

    During ordering, the system automatically recommends related dishes based on the customer's selections, enhancing the overall dining experience. According

    to studies from major restaurants, using self-service kiosks can increase the average order value by 10%–20%.

  • Reducing Operating Costs

    The ordering kiosks rely on a cloud management system that enables unified management of menu updates, order data, and operational status,

    while also supporting remote monitoring. The cloud system can collect and analyze customer dining data—such as order records, popular dishes,

    and peak dining hours—to help businesses reduce operating costs through data-driven insights.

  • Enhancing Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty

    With the widespread adoption of smart devices, QR code ordering and self-checkout have become new dining habits—especially among younger consumers.


    For example, imagine two restaurants with equally long lines. One uses self-service kiosks, while the other relies on traditional cashiers. Most customers

    would likely choose the self-service option because it's faster, more convenient, and better aligns with modern dining preferences.


    Statistics show that 66% of customers prefer self-checkout over waiting for a cashier. Not only does this make the ordering process smoother, but self-service systems also help increase customer return rates, making restaurant operations more stable and profitable.


Self-0rder Payment Kiosk(1).png

Drawbacks: What Are the Potential Risks of Self-Service Kiosks?

  • High Initial Investment Costs
    The purchase of
    self-service kiosk equipment, along with software development and system deployment, can be quite expensive. In addition,

    costs such as installation, equipment calibration, routine maintenance, and future upgrades must also be considered.


    For small retail stores, these expenses can represent a significant financial burden, and the payback period for the initial investment is often lengthy. Therefore,

    it's important to carefully evaluate the cost-to-benefit ratio before deciding to implement self-service kiosks.

  • Not everyone can use self-service.

    While self-service halls can improve efficiency, reduce queues, and lower operating costs, not all customers are adaptable to this model. For certain groups,

    operating self-service equipment can be inconvenient or even annoying


    For example, elderly people often have trouble using self-ordering kiosks. A study shows that about 70% of visually impaired people

    and 60% of wheelchair users prefer help from staff rather than using self-service devices. This shows that self-service kiosks can still be difficult for

    some groups. Therefore, when setting up self-service systems, it is important to consider the needs of all customers and provide staff assistance

    for those who need it.


    Self-0rder Payment Kiosk

  • Equipment and Maintenance

    Any electronic display device may experience malfunctions or need repairs, so maintenance risks should not be ignored in self-service kiosks. If a lobby, restaurant, supermarket, or retail store relies entirely on self-service kiosks, system problem such as payment failures,device freezes, or screen delays—can seriously affect the customer experience.


  • Therefore, when choosing self-service kiosks, it is important to consider whether the devices use commercial-grade panels and can operate 24/7. VETO s

    self service touch screen kiosks help address these issues, ensuring stable operation and protecting both customer experience and business efficiency.

    Conclusion

    Kiosks machines are not only powerful tools for businesses to reduce costs and improve efficiency, but also a true "test"in the era of digital transformation.
    The key lies in how you perceive and leverage this technology.

    If you are planning to introduce self-service kiosks to your business, VETO LCD DISPLAY is a trusted partner. With over 17 years of industry experience,
    VETO has provided professional support across multiple sectors, including retail, military and defense, government and public institutions, technology,
    hospitality, and education.

    We offer customized designs and one-stop solutions to help businesses easily build efficient and intelligent service systems.

    👉 Click here to explore our self-service kiosk series and start your journey toward smart service.


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