Want to Keep Customers Longer? Don’t Sell More — Charge Their Phones

Summary

• Installing a public or portable phone charging station can significantly increase customer dwell time and satisfaction.

• People often leave businesses early due to low phone battery; charging stations solve this issue.

• Charging kiosks enhance branding, drive repeat visits, and boost in-store sales.

• Businesses can even monetize charging stations through ads or premium charging features.

• Industries like retail, hospitality, and events benefit most from offering this valuable amenity.

Why Charging Phones Keeps Customers Around

Imagine this: a customer is browsing your store or sitting at your café, and their phone hits 3% battery. What do they do? Most will:

• Leave early to find a charger,

• Stop browsing,

• Skip adding more items to their cart,

• Or avoid waiting for services like dining or grooming.

  
  

A study by LG found that 90% of smartphone users panic when their battery drops below 20% — a phenomenon called “low battery anxiety” (Source: LG Survey via CNET).

If you can remove that stress with a charging kiosk, you give them a reason to stay and spend.

📢 “When we added phone charging stations to our lobby, customer wait times increased — and so did sales.” — Retail case study via The Power Stop

What Is a Public Charging Station?

A public charging station is a secure kiosk or unit that lets customers recharge their mobile devices while they shop, dine, or relax. These are usually placed in:

• Retail stores,

• Coffee shops,

• Salons and spas,

• Events and trade shows,

• Hotels and airports.

Some offer locker-style charging, while others feature fast charging cables out in the open. You can even get branded units with your logo, custom screens, or advertisements.

Benefits of Installing a Phone Charging Station:

• Increase customer dwell time (which improves conversion rates)

• Reduce customer anxiety and enhance comfort

• Drive repeat visits — customers remember where they felt supported

• Enhance branding with custom kiosks

• Generate extra income via ad displays or paid charging

If you’re looking for a plug-and-play option, The Power Stop offers ready-made phone charging station kiosks for multiple industries.

Portable Phone Charging Station vs. Wall Units

So, which type is better: fixed kiosks or portable phone charging stations?

Feature	Wall-Mounted Station	Portable Charging Station
Setup	Permanent	Movable
Power	Direct outlet	Battery-powered
Use Case	Lobbies, stores	Events, outdoor venues
Branding	High visibility	Discreet
Maintenance	Low	Needs recharging

A portable phone charging station is ideal for events or flexible spaces like co-working offices or outdoor patios. On the other hand, kiosk models offer more consistent usage and ad revenue potential.

How Much Can Businesses Earn from Charging Stations?

You might be wondering: Is this just a customer perk, or can it generate income?

Here are 3 revenue streams:

1. Increased Sales from Longer Visits

   • Restaurants with chargers saw a 15% increase in average table time and up to 10% higher tabs, per Modern Restaurant Management.

     
     

2. Advertising Revenue

   • Use your charging kiosk screen to promote your products or sell space to other businesses.

   • Digital signage advertising is expected to reach $35 billion by 2026 (Statista).

     
     

3. Paid Charging Services

   • Offer free basic charging, then upsell fast-charging or locker-based security for a small fee.

   • Explore how to make money from your kiosk using Power Stop’s built-in monetization features.

What Types of Businesses Benefit Most?

If you serve walk-in or waiting customers, you're a perfect candidate.

Top industries using charging stations:

• Retail Stores: Keep shoppers browsing longer.

• Restaurants & Cafes: Increase stay duration and social sharing.

• Salons & Barbershops: Let clients recharge while they wait.

• Gyms & Fitness Studios: Offer secure locker charging.

• Events & Festivals: Keep attendees connected all day.

• Hotels & Airbnb Hosts: Add a premium amenity in lobbies or rooms.

Even college campuses and hospitals are turning to public charging stations to improve service and reduce complaints.

FAQs

1. Are public phone charging stations safe to use?

Yes,  as long as you use stations from trusted providers. Look for kiosks with built-in surge protection and USB data-blocking features. Avoid random, unsecured cables.

🔒 “Avoid ‘juice jacking’ by using charging kiosks that prevent unauthorized data transfer.” — FCC on device safety 

2. How do I install a phone charging station in my business?

It’s simple. Most stations are plug-and-play and only need a nearby outlet. For portable models, just charge them overnight and place them in high-traffic zones.

3. Can I customize my charging kiosk with my brand?

Yes! Companies like The Power Stop offer fully branded stations with your logo, messaging, and even digital video screens for ads.

4. Do people use public charging stations?

Absolutely. 6 out of 10 shoppers say they’ve left a business early because their phone was dying. Offering charging shows that your brand cares about their needs.

Real-World Example

Let’s say you own a mall kiosk selling sunglasses. You install a charging station next to your stand. Not only do you attract customers who want to recharge, but they linger longer — and maybe end up browsing your products while they wait. Now you're helping them and increasing potential conversions.

Or if you’re a hotel owner, offering charging in the lobby is a simple way to deliver 5-star comfort without massive upgrades.

Conclusion:

Customers aren’t looking for the next hard pitch — they’re looking for comfort, support, and solutions. A phone charging station delivers all three. It keeps them connected, reduces stress, and makes your business stand out.

If you want to increase foot traffic, boost loyalty, and even generate side income, it’s time to rethink your customer experience — one battery bar at a time.

Ready to Power Up?

Explore top-rated solutions from The Power Stop, whether you want a sleek phone charging station kiosk for your business or to make money from your kiosk through ad-based revenue.