Sunnyvale-based VSi is now offering ShipMate�, a self-service shipping station from which hotel guests can ship packages and other work-related materials at any time of day or night. 

�This is a service that business guests are demanding�and business hotels, as a result, are clamoring for a self-service product they can offer their guests 24/7,� said Saeed Kazmi, VSi President. �Our surveys show that a lot of guests want to ship their materials from the hotel at odd hours, and that�s usually difficult because hotels comply with service-center operating times. Also, hotels don't make any money on shipping things for guests, but they do pay out considerable money in labor costs. Now, with ShipMate, hotels will be able to offer their business guests a convenient place they can use to send business correspondence quickly, easily and with no hassle.�

ShipMate is a computer-based shipping tool that can be integrated into a hotel�s existing business center or can stand independently in a lobby or other strategic location. If a guest has an account with UPS, FedEx or DHL, they can click on that carrier, insert their account number, and enter information on the package to be shipped, print the shipping label and drop the package into a box provided by VSi. If the guest does not have an account with one of these shippers, the guest can pay via credit card or using VSi pre-paid cards.

�The shipping station includes a weight machine, so users can get information quickly, and all packages are shipped within the time frame of normal shipping hours,� Kazmi said. �This is an excellent amenity not only from the busy business guest�s point of view, but from the hotel�s point of view because no staff has to be involved�VSi manages all shipping. ShipMate is perfect for larger business properties, for convention hotels, for properties without guest shipping-and-receiving facilities, and for limited-service properties that would now be able to offer a virtually unlimited shipping service to its business guests.�

The self-service ShipMate station�s features include:

• 24/7/365 availability
• Guests can select their choice of shipping carrier and packaging, and can print shipping label and package the material being shipped
• Payments are made using credit card, VSi Prepaid card or personal account number of guest�s preferred shipping vendor
• Wide range of kiosk colors available, so hotel can match it up with brand requirements, room décor or location theme 
• Multiple shipping carriers from which to choose (UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.)
• No hotel staff required 
• Secure user information�user data is completely erased after each use.

For information on more of VSi�s wide range of products and services, visit the VSi Web site at www.ver-sys.com.  
 

About Vertical Systems Inc (VSi)
Vertical Systems, Inc. (VSi) is the worldwide leader in providing guest services technology and solutions to the hospitality industry. Its products, which are aimed at serving the growing needs of business travelers and mobile users, include automated business centers, Wi-Fi hotspots, kiosks and in-room technology. VSi's products are sold through channel partners that include major hotel chains, broadband and wireless service providers, audio-visual service providers and large system integrators. For more information, please visit our website at www.ver-sys.com. VSi contact: [email protected]. VSi is a privately held corporation based in Sunnyvale, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. The company's revolutionary software and system architecture uses FreshStart� (proprietary technology developed at VSi) to create computers ideal for multiple users and remote situations. VSi solutions are backed up by 24/7 tech support.  Automated Business Center operators can provide reliable, virus-free, state-of-the-art computer systems to customers with zero maintenance.