System Park FAQ
ABOUT GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS
Q: Who are Gatekeeper Systems' customers?
A: There are thousands Gatekeeper solutions installed throughout the United States, Europe, and Canada. In the United States, Gatekeeper has installed cart containment systems for fifteen of the top twenty retailers in the world. We are proud to have several of the largest retailers in the world as members of our family of satisfied customers.
GENERAL SYSTEM INFORMATION
Q: How do the CartLock solutions work?
A: The CartLock line is a range of coin deposit systems that have been specially designed to help save retailers money by bringing down labor costs, reducing maintenance costs, and discouraging cart theft. Customers can retrieve each shopping cart or trolley (as commonly referred to in Europe) using a coin to unlock the interlocking connection chain. When customers have completed their purchases they simply return the cart back to the cart corral thus retrieving their coins back. Consequently shopping carts are no longer left unattended in the parking lot or carpark (as commonly referred to in Europe). Liability issues will be significantly reduced as customers will now tend to return the carts where they belong, reducing the chances of customer vehicle damage.
Q: What kind of warranty does the solution have?
A: The CartLock solutions come with a comprehensive one-year parts and labor warranty covering all manufacturer's defects.
Q: Is there an extended warranty available?
A: Our maintenance teams can supply a maintenance contract on site thanks to our international network.
Q: Beyond cart loss and retrieval costs, what other benefits are there to the solutions?
A: In addition to cutting the costs associated with lost shopping cart inventory, the CartLock solution also reduces the costs associated with retrieval and city ordinance fines. In addition to quantifiable financial benefits, there are also numerous intangible benefits associated with implementing a CartLock solution, including improved customer satisfaction, reduction in liability/risk, stable cart (trolley) inventory, a clutter free parking lot (carpark), lower maintenance costs, and improved community relations.
Q: How much does the system cost and what is the return on investment period?
A: Although the system components are identical for every installation, it is necessary to acquire specific information regarding cart quantities and special customer requirements in order to determine the exact price quote for a solution. In most cases, the solution will pay for itself in a 12 to 18 month period. Some customers report paybacks in as little as six months. If you are interested in obtaining a quotation, please Contact Our Sales Force. (link to sales)
GATEKEEPER SYSTEMS CARTLOCKS
Q: What is the life expectancy of CartLocks?
A: Tests have proven that the serviceable life of the CartLock is approximately seven to ten years. However, we prefer to conservatively estimate its life to be approximately six years based on an average of approximately six daily uses.
Q: Will the CartLock solutions stand up to the impact of normal customer use, e.g. vandalism?
A: After considerable field-testing, we have selected some of the most durable, high-performance production materials available. The CartLock solutions can stand up to significant use and abuse without failing. However, even under normal usage, a customer can anticipate a maintenance visit every two years
Q: How many coins will the CartLocks accept?
A: The CartLock solutions have optional one or two coin slots as well as country specific coins and varying coin types.
Q: Does it only take European coins?
A: The CartLock solutions are made to order for your store's specific needs. Whether, you prefer quarters, loonies, or euro's, Gatekeeper Systems CartLocks are created specific for your requirements.
Q: Does the CartLock solutions cost customers or do they receive their coins back?
A: The CartLock solutions encourages customers to return their carts to designated areas, thus keeping parking lots (carparks) clutter free and shopping carts (trolleys) easily accessible. The customer can easily retrieve their coin, once the interlocking key has reconnected with another cart. As long as the customer returns their cart, it is absolutely free.
Q: How do you release a cart that is connected to another cart with a CartLock Solution?
A: The shopping cart (trolley) is easily released by inserting the correct coin into the slot on the coin locking mechanism. Once inserted the chain of the previous cart is automatically released
Q: How do you designate where the carts should reconnect?
A: The starting chain and key accessory allows the retailer to anchor a cart (trolley) in a designated area, thus designating where the fleet of carts will be contained. It is important to note that all Cartlock solutions are compatible with each other.
Q: How do the CartLock solutions stand up to extreme weather conditions?
A: The CartLock solutions have undergone extensive laboratory and field-testing and has proven the ability to withstand a wide range of weather conditions-from extreme cold temperatures of -30 degrees Fahrenheit to extreme high temperatures exceeding 140 degrees Fahrenheit. All materials used are made from non-rusting materials and have been tested to resist severe abuse and vandalism.
Q: What type of materials are used on the CartLock solutions and can it be replaced?
A: Gatekeeper Systems has selected the best material for the production of the CartLock coin deposit systems. CartLocks systems are available with high quality durable plastic housing or zinc die-cast housing with high-strength powder coating. All components can easily be replaced on site or at the factory.
Q: What if any environmental effects do the CartLock Solutions have?
A: The CartLock solutions minimize the amount of new carts needing to be manufactured since fewer carts are damaged in parking lots or destroyed when removed from the property. The environmentally friendly CartLock solutions require no batteries further reducing the amount of waste sent to our landfills.
INSTALLATION
Q: How long does an installation take and will it affect normal store operations?
A: The average installation is completed on site in few hours depending on the number of shopping carts (trolleys). In order to best serve the customer and avoid unnecessary interruptions, the majority of the CartLock installations are performed during non-peak operating hours.
Q: Is it possible to install the CartLock solutions at the shopping cart manufacturer?
A: Absolutely, Gatekeeper Systems has established relationships with all of the major cart manufacturers. Because the CartLock solutions are completely standardized, it easily fits most North American and European cart models. CartLock deposit systems have been specially designed to be installed at shopping cart factories in a minimum amount of time. Most of the manufacturers will install the CartLock solutions at the factory at little or no additional cost.
SYSTEM OPERATION
Q: How are store customers notified about the presence of the system?
A: The CartLock Solutions include a Customer Awareness Component. The Customer Awareness Components are installed at each shopping cart corral. Informational flyers are also handed out to store customers before the solutions are installed.
Q: How does the system affect store customers?
A: Reports from our existing installation base show that the majority of customers and residents in the surrounding neighborhoods support the use of the system. In addition, many stores utilizing the CartLock solutions report improvements in overall customer satisfaction-resulting in higher sales. Retailers, customers, communities, and the environment appreciate the reduction of damaged carts which end up in our landfills.
Q: Are store employees trained on how to operate the system?
A: Employee training plays an integral role in the overall success of the system. Every CartLock implementation includes comprehensive training on system functionality, preventative maintenance, and optimum interaction with the system. In-store training is supplemented with system documentation that includes: step-by-step instructions on how to perform key system operations, Frequently Asked Questions, troubleshooting information, and Gatekeeper Customer Service contact information.
Q: How can you tell if a CartLock solution is not working?
A: If you experience difficulty with coin insertion, or chain connectivity your CartLock solution may be malfunctioning or vandalized. Please notify the manager or store contact if you experience any issues and have them contact Gatekeeper Systems Customer Service.
SERVICE & SUPPORT
Q: What is the service response time if the system does go down?
A: Customers who notify Gatekeeper Systems of a system failure will receive a visit from a certified Gatekeeper Field Service Technician within 24 hours of the initial service call.
Q: What do customers do when there is a problem?
A: When it comes to service and support, Gatekeeper Systems places the highest priority on quickly and efficiently meeting the needs of our customers. Customers can reach a Gatekeeper Systems Customer Service Representative anytime via the 24 hour toll-free Technical Support Hotline at 888.808.9433 (for Europe please call +33 1 48 54 76 72)
Q: Who will provide maintenance?
A: CartLock systems are maintenance free but in case of vandalism the Gatekeeper Systems team and subcontractors are ready to operate maintenance visits onsite to repair or change the systems. Our international network of maintenance teams are organized to service your fleets anywhere in the world |
