The Hidden Upsell That’s Hiding in Plain Sight
If you’re an AV integrator, signage vendor, or digital solutions provider, you know the game: scope the client’s needs, pitch the core system, close the deal, and move on.
But how often are you leaving $10,000+ on the table?
In today’s margin-compressed AV world, every project counts. And yet, one of the most overlooked upsell opportunities—one that’s easy to pitch, fast to deploy, and increasingly in demand—is something that’s often left out of the proposal entirely:
Smart, interactive kiosks.
Whether you’re installing LED walls, menu boards, video conferencing systems, or digital signage networks, there’s one simple question every partner should be asking:
“Have you considered adding a kiosk?”
In this article, we’ll break down why digital kiosks are the ideal add-on sale—and how bundling HootBoard’s kiosks and software with your existing solutions can turn a $20K project into a $30K one without increasing your sales cycle.
Why Kiosks Are a No-Brainer Add-On
Let’s say you’re quoting a signage rollout for a retail chain, a university campus, a visitor center, or a municipal project.
You’re providing:
- Displays
- Media players
- Mounting hardware
- CMS licenses
- Installation and configuration
That’s your core package. But most of your competitors are offering the exact same thing.
Now imagine inserting just one additional line into the quote:
+ 2 Interactive Digital Kiosks w/ HootBoard Platform — $9,998
Suddenly, your proposal:
- Looks more innovative
- Solves more use cases
- Includes a modern engagement tool
- Unlocks a recurring revenue stream
- Gives your client more ROI from the same vendor
All without changing your core scope. That’s the power of a smart upsell.
Why Clients Say Yes to Kiosks (Even If They Didn’t Ask)
Your client might not come out and say, “We want kiosks.”
But they will say things like:
- “We need a better way to communicate with visitors.”
- “We want to promote our events and services better.”
- “We need a digital directory or map.”
- “We want something interactive for guests.”
- “We’re tired of printing flyers.”
- “Can we monetize our digital signage somehow?”
These are kiosk pain points. They just don’t know it yet.
With HootBoard, you can present kiosks not as an upsell—but as a natural solution to needs that already exist.
Example Scenarios Where Kiosks Fit Seamlessly
🏨 Hospitality:
Pitching digital signage for a hotel lobby? Add a kiosk to:
- Display self-service concierge info
- Promote nearby attractions
- Integrate with the property’s event schedule
- Offer QR-based directions and maps
Add-on value: $5,000–$10,000 per unit
Recurring software license: $1,200+/year
🏛️ City & Government:
Rolling out displays in city halls or visitor centers? Add kiosks to:
- Show civic updates and emergency alerts
- Offer event and tourism listings
- Display directories and transportation info
Why it sticks: Improves accessibility and public engagement
🏢 Corporate:
Installing signage in corporate lobbies or campuses? Add kiosks to:
- Handle wayfinding
- Promote internal initiatives
- Display announcements or ESG stats
Bonus: Departments love being able to manage their own content
🏫 Education:
Setting up displays in student centers or lecture halls? Add kiosks to:
- Replace physical noticeboards
- Provide class schedules or room locators
- Promote clubs, events, and wellness programs
Higher ed buyers love visibility + interactivity.
The Math: How One Simple Question Leads to $10,000+
Let’s look at the math on a typical add-on:
| Component | Value |
| Kiosk Hardware (e.g., AirX) | $4,999 |
| Mount/Base | Included or $500 |
| HootBoard Platform License | $1,200/year |
| Optional Add-ons (QR design, content service, wrap) | $2,000–$3,000 |
| Total Value | $9,999 – $12,000+ |
Add just one kiosk per client, per project—and your annual revenue spikes.
Do this 10 times per year, and that’s $100,000+ in incremental revenue from a product that takes no extra inventory, training, or complicated installs.
It’s Not Just Hardware—It’s a Sticky Software Sale
The beauty of selling kiosks isn’t just the initial hardware margin. It’s the platform revenue.
HootBoard provides:
- A cloud-based CMS
- Remote content scheduling
- Multi-user permissions
- Real-time updates
- Analytics dashboards
Clients want this functionality—especially when it:
- Cuts down on manual signage updates
- Allows multiple departments to control content
- Enables emergency alerts and announcements
- Tracks usage for reporting
As a partner, you benefit from recurring licensing revenue and stickier client relationships.
Why Partners Miss the Opportunity
So why don’t more resellers include kiosks?
- “The client didn’t ask.”
But it’s your job to surface solutions they haven’t thought of. - “We don’t want to complicate the quote.”
One extra line item doesn’t complicate—it elevates your solution. - “We’re focused on volume.”
Volume is great—but so is high-margin expansion. - “We’re not familiar with kiosk software.”
HootBoard is built to be plug-and-play for AV resellers. No steep learning curve.
Sell Smarter with HootBoard Bundles
HootBoard kiosks can be bundled into almost any environment:
- Add to digital signage proposals
- Layer into wayfinding or event signage installs
- Include as a “visibility & engagement” add-on
- Offer as part of a “Campus or City Communication Package”
You don’t have to become a kiosk expert. You just need to know the opportunity and offer it.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Walk Away From Easy Revenue
You’re already doing the hard work: landing the client, designing the system, managing logistics. Why not increase the value of every deal—without increasing your cost of sale?
A kiosk is more than a screen. It’s a communication hub, a brand statement, and a recurring revenue machine.
Next time you scope a project, ask the simple question:
“Would you like to add a smart kiosk to your solution?”
Chances are, the answer will turn a good deal into a great one.
