The 4 Custom Kiosk Cover Mistakes We See Most Often
Equip has manufactured custom covers for over 25 years here at our headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In that quarter-century, we’ve seen our fair share of mistakes, errors, and issues when it comes to cover creation. And while encountered challenges along the way as part of our own learning process, today we’re honing in on a custom education piece: the most common custom kiosk cover issues that arise.
Whether for electronic kiosks, mall kiosks, or even manufactured RMUs, custom covers are only as good as their design, and the design is entirely dependent on the information that customers provide. Before you place your custom kiosk cover order, try to avoid these 4 most common mistakes.
Kiosk Cover Mistake #1: Not Measuring Your Kiosk Correctly
When it comes to custom manufacturing, precision is key. At Equip, we focus on precision at every step. In order to craft high-quality custom kiosk covers, we must first begin with the most accurate measurements possible.
Unfortunately, getting accurate measurements is not always possible—sometimes, the person ordering the cover is off-site, and must rely on someone else to take measurements. Or, as happens in many situations, the person measuring the kiosk does not have a good grasp on accurate measurement, and instead estimates or otherwise measures incorrectly.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Taking accurate measurements is not an easy task, but with a little bit of help, just about anyone can do it. First, measure the tallest point of the kiosk, from bottom to top. Once you have that number, measure the widest point of the kiosk from end to end. Finally, to get length, you’ll need to measure the kiosk end to end at its longest point.
When you send these numbers over to Equip, please format them as follows: Length x Width x Height. This helps us quite a bit, as we don’t have to mix around the numbers at all and will have the correct dimensions.
There is a caveat to this: if you’re measuring a customized, odd-shaped, or modular mall kiosk, height, length, and width may vary across its entirety. In that case, please provide dimensions from the highest, longest, and widest points.
If you don’t feel comfortable taking measurements yourself, there’s always another option: contacting the manufacturer of your unit to request line drawings. Once you have those in hand, send them over to Equip and we’ll take it from there.
Kiosk Cover Mistake #2: Not Accounting for Openings, Cutouts, or Special Features Needed
Another special consideration that often comes up with custom covers is the need for openings, cutouts, or other special features. This is one reason that Equip always asks for either photos or line drawings of the unit that needs to be covered: because our sales reps and production team are often able to spot the accommodations needed from the very start.
However, our team is made up of humans, and sometimes we miss things, which can lead to a cover that doesn’t fit correctly. For example, Equip created a cover for a convenience store that wanted to cover up their alcoholic drinks after midnight to abide by state law. Despite having very clear photos of the unit that needed to be covered, we were unable to see a large pole sticking out of the center of the unit—it was partially hidden in each photo and the customer did not mention it. Fortunately, this mistake was an easy fix—the customer sent the cover back to us and we were able to create a cutout in the exact place necessary. Once we sent it back, the cover fit like a glove and served its purpose without a hitch.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
When shopping for a custom cover with Equip, think about anything that may not be immediately obvious that could hinder the cover going on, such as handles sticking out or even small things like napkin dispensers attached to the side of a kiosk. Ensure your measurements include these special considerations—there’s a place in our quote form to fill out comments and concerns about how you want the cover designed.
Kiosk Cover Mistake #3: Not Thinking About End Use
Another mistake we often see with custom covers for kiosks is that the customer is not thinking about how the cover will work once it’s installed.
A kiosk cover may seem like a simple concept, but the way it is used on a daily basis matters. Will it be put on or taken off multiple times a day? Will it be used indoors or outdoors? Will it be exposed to the elements or heavy foot traffic? The answers to these questions can dramatically change how a cover will be designed.
For instance, an airport kiosk cover that employees must remove each morning before operations begin will have different material and design requirements than a cover protecting an outdoor electronic kiosk that only in service seasonally. The former will prioritize speed and ease of use, while the latter needs to offer weather resistance and lockability.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
Before sending in a quote, take some time to think through how the cover will be used once it arrives. Ask yourself:
Will the cover be installed daily or only occasionally?
Does it need to be lockable?
Will it be used indoors or outdoors?
Does it need to withstand rain, UV exposure, or snow?
Will one person be installing it, or will it require multiple people?
The more information that is provided about the cover’s intended use, the better Equip can recommend materials and design features that will make the cover easier to use and more durable.
Kiosk Cover Mistake #4: Purchasing a Cover After Damage Has Already Occurred
One of the most common things we hear from customers is, “I wish I’d found you sooner!”
By the time many businesses begin looking for a kiosk cover, the damage has already occurred. The screen has scratches, graphics are faded from sun exposure, moisture has found its way into the electronics, or the kiosk just looks worn after months or years of daily exposure.
A custom cover cannot undo that damage, but it can help to prevent future repairs and extend the lifespan of the equipment from the moment it’s installed. Replacing an electronic kiosk, retail kiosk, or RMU is almost always more expensive than protecting it in the first place. A quality custom cover is a small investment when you compare it to replacing damaged equipment or dealing with downtime while repairs are made.
How to Avoid This Mistake:
The best time to order a custom kiosk cover is before damage occurs—not after. If you’re installing new kiosks, it’s a good idea to include custom kiosk covers as a part of the project from the start. Even if your kiosks are already in service, don’t wait until damage becomes obvious. Covering your equipment when it’s not in use helps to cut down on unnecessary wear and can also significantly extend its life.
Don’t Make These Custom Kiosk Cover Mistakes
Ordering a kiosk cover is not a complicated process, and a little preparation goes a long way toward getting a result that saves you money on equipment replacement.
Accurate measurements, clear communication about special features, thinking about how the cover will be used, and purchasing a cover before damage happens all help to ensure that your finished product performs exactly as you expect.
At Equip, we’ve been manufacturing covers for more than 25 years, and every single project teaches us something new. Our goal is always to be as transparent as possible by helping customers identify potential issues before production begins. The more information you can provide, the better equipped we’ll be to manufacture a cover that fits well, functions properly, and protects your investment for years to come.
FAQs
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Measure at the longest point for length, the widest point for width, and tallest point for height. Submit your measurements in Length x Width x Height format. If your kiosk has strange or unusual shape or multiple height levels, include measurements from the largest points and provide photos whenever possible.
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That depends on the application. Indoor kiosk covers are often used to protect from dust or tampering and will require lighter materials, while an outdoor kiosk cover will typically use heavier-duty materials that resist the elements. Equip’s reps will recommend the best material based on the intended usage of the cover.
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Along with accurate measurements, please include photos or line drawings of the kiosk. It’s important to mention also how it will be used, what type of environment that the kiosk is in, and any special requirements such as lockability, handles, cutouts, or branding.
Order Your Custom Kiosk Covers Today
Equip, Inc. manufactures custom kiosk covers in the USA, tailored to your specifications. Our weather-resistant, lockable designs are trusted by organizations nationwide: from stadiums and transportation hubs to hospitals and retail chains.
📧 Email: info@equipinc.com 📞 Call: 719-599-0300
Request a quote today and keep your assets covered, protected, and ready for anything.
