News

SwiftPix photo kiosks drawing profit

August 6, 2003

WELLINGTON, New Zealand -- A trio of twenty-something entrepreneurs launched the SwiftPix Digital Photo Kiosk in Wellington's Visitor Information Centre this past March. One of the founders said the business is already making about $1,000 per week.

According to a report in Stuff.com, marketer Paul Johnston, lawyer David Johnston and computer whiz Isaac Young founded the business based on digital photographic technology. They designed the kiosk for international tourists.

The technology allows digital camera owners to print, save to CD, and email their photos at the touch of a button. Users can also upload their photos to the SwiftPix Website, where they can create viewing albums.

The concept of a digital photo kiosk is not unique, but the trio believes it has developed the only kiosk that can email and sell CDs.

"We came up with the idea around October 2001 and it took us about 18 months to get it ready," Johnston said in the report.

The kiosk is now profitable and the capital cost is being paid off, Johnston said. The report did not disclose financial information.

"In terms of growth we had a good incline when we started, it then leveled off and now revenue is rising steadily again to where we're doing close to $1000 a week," he said.

"We're already thinking about where we will put the next kiosk and that's a big decision, with Auckland and Christchurch being considered."

The report said the businessmen are exploring franchising opportunities. They plan to expand to Australia. See related story, "A picture is worth...a lot to retailers."