DALTON—Times may be tough but Mohawk wants dealers to know that credit is still available for flooring customers. To make it easy for consumers to see their credit availability, the mill has partnered with Versatile Systems on an in-store credit kiosk that processes information quickly while giving customers privacy and security.

“We know that store credit is one of the most valuable selling tools for our industry,” said Mike Zoellner, vice president of marketing services for Mohawk. “Studies show the average ticket sale with a branded store credit card is $2,600 compared to $600 for a cash sale or $750 for a bank card. Also, the initial purchase on a new private label credit card is typically higher than a store’s average ticket sale.”

Kiosks are available in a custom cabinet with graphics or as a table-top model. Either way, they feature a touch screen that allows the consumer to connect to the lender and apply for credit. An answer is provided in seconds.

“Self-service technology is being rapidly adopted by many industries,” said Oliver Poppenberg, executive vice president of sales for Versatile. “Credit kiosks have been extremely successful for our customers with over $2 billion in approved credit, securely processed.”

This credit information system has helped stores across the country increase the number of store credit applications as well as increase the size of the average sales ticket.

Jerry Hennen, general manager of Carpets of Dalton, noted his company has had a table-top Versatile kiosk in place since October, and it is readily used by customers and saves the store time and money by cutting a step out of the credit process. “Customers do everything themselves,” he said. “And, when we’re getting more turndowns, they really appreciate the privacy.”

Zoellner said the system is available to all Mohawk dealers paired with the mill’s consumer finance program from GE Money.

For more information on the kiosk, visit, www.mohawktoday.com.