The ShortCutQ is a simple shortcut gate for queue management systems (particularly in airports) that eliminates the need to zigzag frustratingly through empty lanes when there is no one waiting in line. The company was founded in 2014 in order to further develop and market this simple gate. Beyond alleviating tedious, unnecessary walking, the gate is also designed to save companies money given the queue management systems would require less staff oversight, and could potentially become a source of revenue for these companies through advertising.
ShortCutQ has begun discussions with the largest queue management company in the world, regarding the sale of the product on its behalf. They view the ShortCutQ as a potential revenue generating device for their global clients and are looking at potentially offering the product as part of their portfolio.
The ShortCutQ gate can be sold in any venue there is a queuing management system in place. The annual market for these systems is in excess of $150 million (excluding advertising). This could be airports, sport venues, theme parks, theatres, cinemas, retail outlets, train stations, any ticket office or tourist attractions. About 1,850 airports globally are large enough to warrant queue control barriers and there is a demand for such a product at check-in desks, security and passport control, and there is a high advertising potential.
We believe advertisers are constantly looking for new and exciting ways in which to engage the customer. Visibility is key, and with so many advertisers vying for attention, novel approaches to reach the customer are constantly being evolved. If a customer has to actively engage with the advertising and does so with a positive experience, then we believe the advertising effect is magnified and the advertising medium is more valuable. Our opinion is that with the 'feel good factor' of the ShortCutQ gate, advertising associated with the product will garner a premium. Out of home advertising in the UK alone was over £1bn in 2014.