While fitness establishments have traditionally relied on lockers in locker rooms for storing members’ belongings, only recently have they started to add small express security lockers in or around exercise and activity centers. Secure, convenient and small these lockers are a boon to facility managers!
Typically less than two feet wide and three feet tall, with as many as 14 patron doors per unit, these new express MINI-CHECK® units can be installed in multiple locations and in various configurations for maximum convenience.
What’s Driving the Trend Toward Express Lockers?
Two factors: The pervasiveness of technology devices such as as cell phones and PDAs, and the fact that club members often come prepared for a quick energy boost (already in their workout clothes) and do not need a locker room for the traditional change of clothing. Yet, they still need a place to secure their wallets, watches and keys and other personal effects.
It is noteworthy that while health clubs and their membership rolls are getting larger and larger, the compelling need for smaller specialty storage systems is growing as well.
Using MINI-CHECK® locker systems can be as simple as using an ATM or a vending machine. Place personal effects in the express lockers and enjoy a worry-free workouts. Security and convenience to the patrons, no hassle to facility mangers.
Clubs can choose among many specialty express models: one where guests create their own security codes for self-service access; one where coins or tokens are used for self-service access and revenue generation; one where keys are rented or provided for access, lastly, an electronic model for the truly avant-garde.
In the first and newest model, shared use patrons select and set their very own personal three digit combination. This lock type is new and revolutionary to the U.S. market. As soon as a user is finished with a locker, the compartment is ready for re-use by a second user without staff intervention. There are no coins, tokens, keys, or electronics to manage. Even if customers forget their codes, the situation is easily remedied. A control key opens the master load frame in mere seconds. This consumer-friendly trend is all about providing convenience. Users no longer carry keys or risk losing them. Club owners and managers are relieved of the responsibility of dealing with lost keys as well as the time associated with collecting coins/tokens from the units. Since this new model is entirely self-service, efficient, and low-maintenance for clubs to operate, most consider this is to be the most desirable service system available.
In the second model, orangecapped security keys are either rented or provided for free at the front desk and returned by the patron upon leaving the facility. Unlike the first and third models, which promote self-service, in this model, patrons have to pick-up and return the key to a staff member before leaving the facility. Again, non-duplicative security keys ensure security. Here too, a secure adminstrator control key for accessing the master load frame is included. This model promotes controlled access to lockers.
The third model, with security keys plus c o i n s / t o k e n s – f r e e operation-is flexible. Lockers can be set to accept coins or tokens, in various amounts, for a full-fledged revenue stream or lockers can be set to work on a return system in which usage is essentially free. The lockers can be set to secure the key after use so that this system, too, can be self-service, and available for the next user. Helpful hint: for security reasons, don’t settle for anything less than a manufacturer that offers 16 million distinct, non-duplicative, security keys. And, of course, a secure administrator control key for easy access to individual locker compartments and cash/token drawer(s) must be included.
A future model, electronic lockers, provides an interesting look into the lockers of tomorrow. Locker compartments of necessity will be larger. Software can program lockers for one-time or repeat usage, but at a higher cost per unit. Not for the faint of heart, facilities must think through audit trails, networking, power and privacy needs and risk that electronics will not perform to the level of mechanical systems.
The common denominator among the varvious MINICHECK ® models is convenience, security and access control for patrons, owners and operators. In addition, choice of colors and sizes adds to their appeal.In choosing a particular system, facilities must define their goals. Ask yourself what you are trying to achieve: self-service, additional revenue, convenience, security? Keep things simple. And, look for value. Ask yourself if adding small express MINI-CHECK® locker systems will facilitate better customer relationships. Ultimately, locker systems are about secure storage, convenience and operator control, and meeting customer needs. Express specialty MINI-CHECK®lockers can provide a place to store personal effects and valuables for club members who need it.
NEXT STEPS
Positive word-of-mouth at all levels is the goal. When it comes to express MINI-CHECK® security lockers, an ounce of prevention and proactive management is surely worth the proverbial pound of cure. For more information on MINI-CHECK® security locker systems, please contact American Locker Security Systems at 1.800.828.9118 or visit www.americanlocker.com.
Also, please listen to our free Teleclass @ www.clubsolutions.biz
Jonathan Ruttenberg is Vice President of Marketing for American Locker Security Systems, Inc. He can be contacted at 1.800.828.9118 or by email at jruttenberg@aol.com, or visit www.americanlocker.com
