News

Mag strip, smart card software added to self-service shredding kiosk

June 24, 2008

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — RealTime Shredding Inc. is introducing magnetic strip and smart card software on its self-service shredding kiosk, giving businesses the ability to provide 'shred cards' to their customers and partners.

The new offerings for the Self-Service Shredder come in response to retailers' and other business' growing interest in non-cash-based systems, while meeting demands for innovative ways to brand and provide loyalty benefits to customers.

The magnetic strip card is ideal for businesses with a single kiosk, according to Amanda Verrie, RealTime Shredding's president. A business can provide cards with a set number of shredding minutes and/or sessions to customers, partners and others. Non-profit organizations even can sell shred cards for fundraising, says Verrie. With a shredding rate of up to 200 sheets of paper a minute on the Self-Service Shredder, a business could offer substantial use with just a few minutes of time on a card.

Smart cards are good options for repeat users and for businesses with multiple kiosks, adds Verrie, including retailers and businesses with several branches, such as banks. For the individual user, she says, the ability to use the Self-Service Shredder at any of the business' locations makes it easier and more convenient to keep up with shredding on a regular basis.

"The business benefits significantly from a customer's increased visits to their location," she said.

The new software offers key branding opportunities for kiosk owners, says Verrie. RealTime Shredding can customize shred cards with a business' logo, photo and contact information. For businesses that do not own the Self-Service Shredder but still want to help fight identity theft, the software provides the ability to provide shred cards for use in a local kiosk. RealTime Shredding also now offers the Self-Service Shredder kiosk in custom colors, providing additional branding opportunities.