Why there's no rental fee
We've started installing automated lockers in shopping and entertainment centers with no rental fee. Why no fee? Because for mall management, this is mainly about tackling lost and stolen belongings among visitors.
They really don't like the word "theft," so it's best not to bring it up in conversation. Pickpockets are fairly common, and shopping centers are one of their favorite spots. On top of that, for management this is another way to keep customers around a little longer while they use the internet or charge their gadgets, since installing paid Wi-Fi access points and mobile device charging stations is also part of our plans.
How to negotiate favorable terms
If you approach the conversation with management the right way and don't rush to offer money upfront, letting the idea "sink in" instead, management usually calls back on their own and suggests installing the lockers. This has already been proven in practice. If you do end up rushing it, the standard installation fee at a mall is roughly $200-300.
But if you run a proper consultation, explain why these lockers are needed, and point out that automated lockers in shopping centers are still a fairly new idea that hasn't caught on everywhere yet, you can land a reasonable rent of around $50-100 a month. Sometimes you won't have to pay anything at all: usually it's just a contract signed for a token amount.
Bottom line
The result is a great, fast-payback business, and on top of the surprisingly low cost of the lockers themselves, we're also sharing an idea on how to make your initial investment even smaller.
Good luck!
