For More Information Contact:
John Shandley
Print Pod Limited
Tel: 0871 855 0760
john@watford.co.uk
WATFORD ELECTRONICS GROUP DEVELOPS BREAKTHROUGH PHOTO PRINTING KIOSK
Watford Electronics Group Announces the PrintPod Kiosk and Its Entry To The Marketplace.
Luton, Beds, June 1st - At the upcoming Retail Solutions Show at the NEC, Watford Electronics will demonstrate its new internet connected, self service PrintPod Kiosk. This enables retailers to capitalise on the massive category growth opportunity of prints from digital without the need for counter staff to attend transactions or collect payments, which minimises queues and shrinkage.
Many believe that photo printing kiosks are the NEXT BIG THING in retailing. Prints fulfilled through them are enjoying phenomenal growth.
This growth benefits from a “double whammy” effect: Both the total number of prints made from digital camera images, and the share of prints made at retail locations (including kiosks at those locations) are increasing. Retail printing growth exceeded 300% for the year ended January 2005, according to a Photo Marketing Association report.
A key component of The PrintPod Kiosk is the Sony UP-DR150 Digital Photo Printer. This extremely versatile printer meets the requirements of the most demanding customer as it can produce high-quality 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 inches) prints in approximately 8 seconds. Furthermore combining the UP-DR150 high-speed printer with “Print by Sony” media ensures superb print quality and stability, making the UP-DR150 the unrivaled choice for digital photo printing.
PrintPod Kiosks allow consumers to make prints from pictures taken by their mobile phones and digital cameras. No intervention by counter staff is required, removing labour costs, and eliminating queues. PrintPod Kiosks even automatically collects payment from the consumer, via notes and coins (issuing change) or credit and debit cards with chip and pin.
The payment infrastructure and authentication solution has been developed with Trintech plc, a long term strategic partner of the Watford Electronics Group.
PrintPod Kiosks provide consumers with stunningly fast service, while providing retailers with a valuable source of extra revenue and profit. Their appeal is across all ages and in all retail channels. PrintPod kiosks drive extra profit AND additional footfall.
Shiraz Jessa, Group Managing Director, Watford Electronics Group comments: “Our mission has
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been consistent: to make IT technology accessible to all, through all channels. Clearly, this philosophy has been embodied in the PrintPod Kiosk. Its unique shape, and its simple to use software do not intimidate, but pass the “grandma test” with flying colours. We believe that this product has the widest consumer appeal of all photo printing kiosks currently available”.
The PrintPod kiosk works in less than 3ft2 of space. Regular PrintPod kiosks carry “Print by Sony” branding to signal the quality and consistency of output. The kiosk can also be adapted to carry a retailer’s individual livery.
Every Print Pod kiosk can be connected to the internet. This facilitates remote monitoring of the kiosks to deliver service and support. Retailers can also take advantage of this facility to track usage.
John Shandley, Managing Director of Print Pod Limited comments “We are developing programmes aimed at delivering a net profit of £10,000 - £15,000 per kiosk over its first three years. This will be achieved by integrating conventional prints from digital with revenue generating digital content, supplied over the internet connection”.
The Print Pod kiosk is fully “ruggedised”. Therefore, it possible to site these kiosks well away from the counter, so as to optimise convenience for the customer and maximise sales for retailers.
Print Pod Limited will be showcasing their latest Print Pod unit at Retail Solutions 2005, (June 7/8/9) at the NEC in partnership with Trintech, providers of the Print Pod’s robust and secure chip and PIN payment infrastructure. The product is available now. Retailers requiring more details can visit www.printpod.co.uk or contact Print Pod Limited on 0871 855 0100.
About Watford Electronics
Formed in 1972 as a supplier to home hobbyist/designer of electronic components, the then Managing Director and now Chairman, Mr. Nazir Jessa, has created a company that endeavours to supply the latest IT products, through all channels, making IT accessible to everyone, anywhere. With a heritage of foresight and understanding that spans over 30 years, 2005 sees no change and business continues to grow, with Watford and the massive ‘savastore.com’ website identifying new and exciting areas of opportunity, always staying ahead of the competition.
Print Pod is a trademark of the Watford Electronics Group. All product names herein are trademarks or registered trade marks of their respective owners.
About Sony
Sony manufactures audio, video, communications and information technology products for the global consumer and B2B markets. With its music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to become a leading personal broadband entertainment company in the 21st century.
In Europe, its business division is now a leading supplier of broad horizontal communications
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solutions as well as magnetic and optical storage solutions. Amongst others, Sony Europe's market segment solutions and service & support packages are targeted at organisations in the Healthcare, Media, Retail, Transport and Large Venue sectors. Device components such as camera sensors and modules, displays, batteries and semiconductors are targeted at OEM manufacturers and system integrators. For more information please visit www.sonybiz.net
Sony is a registered trademark of Sony Corporation, Japan.
About Trintech
Trintech is a leading provider of transaction reconciliation and payment infrastructure solutions to retailers, financial institutions, payment processors and network operators globally. Built on 18 years of experience, Trintech's solutions manage each area of the payment transaction cycle from authentication, authorization, settlement, dispute resolution and reconciliation - enabling its customers to reduce transaction costs, eliminate fraud, minimize risk, maximize cashflow and increase profitability. Trintech can be contacted in Ireland at Trintech Building, South County Business Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18 (Tel: +353 1 2074000), in the US at 15851 Dallas Parkway, Suite 855, Addison, TX 75001 (Tel: +1 972 701 9802), and in the UK at 186-192 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1AF (Tel: +44 (0) 1707 827000). www.trintech.com
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