Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Automatic Ticket Machines

This is topic Automatic Ticket Machines in forum Ground Level at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Tim Massett (Member # 3512) on 10-06-2008, 02:08 PM:

hi,
i apologize if this has been discussed before. I attempted a few searches and did not come up with anything.

can anyone refer me to info/dealers for those newly fangled machines that magically produce tickets for folks without going to the ticket counter?

thanks!
tim massett

[ 10-06-2008, 11:05 PM: Message edited by: Adam Martin ]

Posted by Justin Hamaker (Member # 2165) on 10-06-2008, 02:11 PM:

Most likely this is something you would need to discuss with the company that makes your ticketing system since the machine (kiosk) and software must integrate with your existing systems.

Posted by Tim Massett (Member # 3512) on 10-06-2008, 02:16 PM:

thanks! i don't have a ticketing system set up yet but...is there one in particular that stands out?

the twin i will be running has yet to open it's doors.

tim

Posted by Galen Murphy-Fahlgren (Member # 4535) on 10-06-2008, 02:37 PM:

Of the (3) POS systems that I have used, RTS is probably the best suited to the needs of a small independent. It is very economical as well.

Posted by Tim Massett (Member # 3512) on 10-06-2008, 02:57 PM:

Thanks Galen.

Posted by Tim Massett (Member # 3512) on 10-16-2008, 08:57 AM:

anybody here ever use Tick-It! 2K by new concepts software? i am being talked in to using it but have never heard of it.

thanks!
tim

Posted by Bill Carter (Member # 156) on 10-16-2008, 10:26 AM:

I'm a big fan of RTS also, which handles concession and inventory functions as well as ticketing.
It appears that Tick-It only does ticketing. Prices seem to be in the same ballpark for the two.

Posted by Tim Massett (Member # 3512) on 10-16-2008, 11:46 AM:

well, it seems i am only in need of ticketing. the cinema that will be opening here has an unusual set up. there will be a full service restaurant on floor one with a small black box theatre as well. in the basement will be a two screen cinema. the software for the concessions will be the same software that the restaurant is using. i am only looking for software for ticketing and the existing black box theatre is using this software. i was hoping to get some feedback though on the cinema application of the software if anyone here has used it.

Posted by Dominic Espinosa (Member # 2122) on 10-21-2008, 06:23 PM:

For such a small set-up I wouldn't mind TSS (I think they still sell it) as it is light on resources, very compatible, and extremely reliable.

Another one I like is TicketPro. It has a lot of features and is a bit heavier than TSS. It's designed to be your one-stop-shop kind of thing. But it can be integrated with kiosks and their tech guys are always available and in my experience can work with you on a solution if you have a quirky rig; they've probably seen it all before.

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 10-26-2008, 03:08 PM:

I still like OmniTerm despite its quirks

Posted by Brad Allen (Member # 470) on 10-27-2008, 11:34 PM:

The big problem with RTS now is that they have jacked the price up through the roof for those just starting out with it.
They've added a $1000.00 per station "customization fee" [Eek!]

RTS website

Posted by Anslem Rayburn (Member # 1267) on 10-28-2008, 05:22 AM:

From that link to RTS

quote:
Recurring Licensing Fee Pricing:
1 Station: $250
2 Stations: $850
3 Stations: $1100
4 Stations: $1300
5+ Stations: $100 per additional station

Why in the name of all that's holy is there a $600 jump in licensing from 1 station to 2? There's got to be a reasonable explanation, but that seems weird to me at first glance.

Posted by David Zylstra (Member # 4230) on 10-28-2008, 10:26 AM:

I think the drastic rise could be due to support - i.e. it is easy to support a single non-networked stand alone station vs 2 networked stations where one is the "master"

I ran a quick comparison with our current POS costs and factoring out all the extras we have that RTS does not show pricing for (or offer) I come up with almost a wash on costs for our 18 screen location (both initial purchase and continuing support for 35 stations) - I actually thought RTS would have been significanlty cheaper.

I've used several systems including RTS and they are definitely one of the best for small locations on a budget.

Posted by Mark Hajducki (Member # 1732) on 10-30-2008, 11:00 AM:

quote: Tim Massett
the software for the concessions will be the same software that the restaurant is using. i am only looking for software for ticketing and the existing black box theatre is using this software

Depending on the layout, opening hours, and other factors, it may be useful to have the ability to sell tickets at the concessions/restaurant.

This would allow you to reduce the staffing at quiet times and allow some more flexibility at busier times.

The automatic (staffless) machines seem to be used more for pre-booked ticket pickup, and only in larger (chain) cinemas. They are not a substitute for staffed ticket selling.

Posted by Jack Ondracek (Member # 1466) on 11-02-2008, 01:01 PM:

quote: Brad Allen
The big problem with RTS now is that they have jacked the price up through the roof for those just starting out with it.
They've added a $1000.00 per station "customization fee"

Yes, but you don't have to pay for the service. If you're network savvy enough, you can do all that yourself.

I remember when I first started with RTS. I was the proverbial "customer from Hell". Nothing went right, everything went wrong, and most of it was my fault.

After a short learning curve, I took my system from two stations to 11, over 2 theatres, plus credit cards, gift cards, internet ticketing and central data polling. Except for some advice, I didn't have RTS do any of that.

Setting up an existing menu into possibly several screens, including ticketing and tax functions can take a lot of time. Once it's done, keeping it updated is pretty easy.

It is a lot of money, but probably not too far off what it costs them to dedicate someone to your needs for awhile.

As for the cost of RTS's software, I think they've just shuffled things around to where the costs really lie. At one time, they charged for credit card processing and internet ticketing (which involves a site they have to maintain). Those services are now free, and you get to keep whatever ticketing fee you might charge.

Posted by Caleb Johnstone-Cowan (Member # 3710) on 11-02-2008, 09:07 PM:

Selling tickets solely at the concession stand during non-busy periods should also increase your hit rate and spend per customer. Most cinemas with this facility seem to use the opportunity to reduce staff. I would instead have more tills on concessions open. This will reduce queues and give your staff more time to upsell and cross-sell on each transaction.

Agree with Mark that the machines aren't something you'd want to have as your primary source of ticket sales. When they break you will be screwed.

Posted by Ryan Navaroli (Member # 3477) on 02-09-2009, 06:50 PM:

We use RTS and I think it would be perfect for your situation with the restaurant included. Very easy to set up custom graphics etc for all the items you may need, everything could be networked (tickets, restraunt, concessions, kiosks) and all could share inventory deposit etc...