Tried the Wicket?

[Whale of a Wash]

Has anyone purchased the Wicket system by IDX. I kind of like it. It reminds me of the system at FedEX Kinkos that dispenses a card. It seems like a good way to sell gift cards, fleet sales, and repeat customers. Anyone using it???

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I looked into it, but I felt that it was too similar to the ExpressKey system offered by Ginsan. I decided that it just made more sense for me to go with credit card acceptance.

 

[Whale of a Wash]

What did you go with? I was thinking about all new bay meters w/bill and CC, But get thinking about $3500 x 36 or even half 18 and worry about the cost. I liked the icket idea because i could put it on the vacs easily. Not sure It's a good idea if no one else uses it!!

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I went with the Etowah Valley system and have been happy with it overall. I see your argument, that is a pretty big bill to swallow for all new boxes. I have done mine one at a time due to the "sticker shock".

 

[Greg Pack]

Yes that is one big advantage to Etowah Valley's system. You can do one bay at a time if you like. There is a $10 month minimum charge with the merchant processor though, which could skew your merchant fees (as percentage of gross) much higher. You may be able to incorporate the EVE it into your existing doors.

 

[Uncle Sam]

Compatible with ShurVends

Whale,

If you do go with the Wickets system, it is already compatible with the ShurVend vending machines you have installed. May work well with your gift cards and other higher dollar vending items.

Uncle Sam

 

[Whale of a Wash]

etowah- said my old a-ok doors are too small. I am probably going to change out all new boxes on one wash and see how it goes. In theory though i like the wicket system, but at over $1 per card they may throw alot of cards when empty. It seemed like a shortcut to accepting bills and CC's in the bays. It seems like a good idea for customer loyalty programs.

 

[Jeff_L]

My two cents - start with credit cards first, you'll see a faster ROI. Since putting CC acceptance in at one of my washes, I've seen the CC percentage to overall revenue increase without really any impact to my cash. Thus, CC acceptance has helped grow my sales.

I have added fleet to my system (washgear) and am getting nice traction for it. However, I'm picky, right now I only accept/offer it to business owners.

 

[KronicFever]

I looking into Wickets vs everything else and found that Wickets was better overall. I was going to put CC readers in each bay but decided to put one on the Wicket dispenser. That way CC users would still be able to wash they would just have to get a Wicket first. I can keep up with who my repeat customers are and reward them for staying loyal.

I have more than one wash and own a laundry. I can have the Wicket work on one, some or all my locations. I like having that option available. My customers earn points when they use their Wicket and can later trade in points for free washes, wax, hats, t-shirts, etc. It's a great way to market.