Car key fob replacement has long been a costly and inconvenient process, often requiring a trip to the dealership and hundreds of dollars. However, KeyMe, a company known for its innovative key duplication kiosks, is changing the game with its new Key Fob Kiosk service. These kiosks now offer consumers a convenient and affordable way to copy car key fobs, providing a much-needed alternative to traditional dealership services.
Using a key fob kiosk from KeyMe is straightforward. Customers simply select the “fob” option on the kiosk screen and input their car’s make, model, and year. The next step involves placing their existing car key fob against the designated key slot. This allows for the secure transfer of the transponder ID, which is crucial for the new fob to function correctly with the vehicle. KeyMe then takes care of the rest, coding a new transponder, cutting a new blade if necessary, and shipping the fully programmed duplicate key fob directly to the customer via complimentary priority mail, complete with a tracking code.
This innovative service supports a wide array of modern car key fobs, spanning from luxury brands like BMW, Audi, and Lexus, to popular premium brands such as Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. KeyMe is also expanding its capabilities, currently testing support for “proximity-based” key fobs prevalent in many higher-end models from 2014 to 2016. This broad compatibility makes the key fob kiosk a versatile solution for many car owners.
Greg Marsh, founder and CEO of KeyMe, highlights the significant consumer benefit: “Consumers have historically been forced to go to a dealer to replace lost or duplicate car key fobs and often pay hundreds of dollars. This technology enables KeyMe to scan car keys at the kiosk, read the transponder, and ship a fully-programmed copy with a tracking code for typically 50 to 70 percent less than a dealership.” This cost saving alone is a major draw for consumers seeking affordable car key solutions.
The introduction of the key fob kiosk service comes on the heels of significant financial backing for KeyMe. The company recently secured a $15 million series C funding round led by QuestMark Partners, following a $20 million series B round in December 2015. This brings their total funding to an impressive $45 million. This financial strength is fueling KeyMe’s rapid expansion, with plans to add over 3,000 next-generation kiosks by the end of 2017. These kiosks will be located in convenient retail locations including 7-Eleven, Albertsons, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Kmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Mall of America, Rite Aid, Safeway, and Sears, making the key fob kiosk service easily accessible to a large customer base.
Beyond the convenience of key fob kiosk duplication, KeyMe offers an added layer of security and peace of mind. Customers can save digital copies of their keys to the cloud. When using the key fob kiosk, the transponder and blade information are securely stored in the customer’s account. This means that if the new fob is lost, KeyMe can readily send a replacement. This digital backup extends to house keys as well; customers can save digital copies and retrieve them at any kiosk using their fingerprint, providing a safeguard against lockouts and the high costs of emergency locksmith services. KeyMe also offers free iOS and Android apps, allowing for keys to be ordered, stored, and accessed from smartphones, further enhancing user convenience.
Furthermore, KeyMe’s technology surpasses traditional key duplication methods in accuracy. Traditional services often suffer from error rates of 15 to 20 percent due to their “tracing” methodology. In contrast, KeyMe’s robotics and artificial intelligence technology ensure key copies are not only accurate but often more precise than the originals, reducing the chances of key malfunction.
With its key fob kiosk service, KeyMe is not just duplicating keys; it’s reinventing key replacement. By offering a cost-effective, convenient, and technologically advanced solution, KeyMe is set to become the go-to destination for car key fob duplication. To find a key fob kiosk location near you, visit www.key.me/kiosks.
