A beach chair rental machine lets guests collect a folding chair from a secure locker and bring it back through a guided self-service process. The touchscreen starts the rental, the card reader handles the card transaction, and a unique return code connects the guest with the original locker when it is time to return the chair.
For a resort or beach club, understanding that sequence helps with guest instructions, staff training and launch testing. This article follows the published workflow of the WEIMI five-locker beach chair rental machine. Screen wording and supported options should be confirmed for the final installation.
Quick answer: Tap Rent, select a chair, review the instructions, complete the card transaction and collect the chair from the assigned locker. To return it, tap Return, enter the code printed on the receipt, place the folded chair in the original locker and close the door. Follow the system's return confirmation before leaving.
For equipment selection, capacity and installation planning, see our complete beach chair rental machine guide for resorts and beach clubs.
What Connects the Screen, Chair and Locker?
The WEIMI reference model has five independent lockers controlled through a main touchscreen. Each rental needs to connect an order with an assigned compartment so the guest collects the intended equipment and can reopen that compartment for the return.
- Touchscreen: guides equipment selection and provides separate rental and return actions.
- Card reader: completes the card step before the assigned locker is released.
- Locker and lock: control physical access to the chair.
- Receipt and unique return code: give the guest the identifier needed to reopen the original locker.
A beach chair rental station therefore has two connected journeys: taking equipment out and bringing it back. The return instructions deserve as much attention as the pickup instructions.
How to Rent a Beach Chair: Five Pickup Steps
1. Tap Rent on the Touchscreen
The guest approaches the station and chooses Rent to begin. A visible station name and a short instruction beside the screen help distinguish a new rental from a return. Keep the approach clear so a guest carrying a beach bag can stand at the screen without blocking open locker doors.
2. Select an Available Chair
The guest selects the equipment shown as available. This article focuses on folding beach chairs; other equipment requires a suitable locker configuration. The reference model has transparent acrylic viewing doors, which let guests see the equipment inside.
Operators should make the on-screen item name easy to match with the chair being collected. If more than one chair type is offered, use clear descriptions and verify that each selection opens the correct compartment during commissioning.
3. Review the Rental and Return Instructions
Before continuing, the guest reviews the rental period, equipment-use instructions and return conditions displayed by the station. Make the return location clear at this point. In the published WEIMI workflow, the return code opens the original locker.
The instructions should also explain how to keep the receipt and where to get assistance. Avoid assuming that guests will remember a long paragraph read while standing in the sun. Use short prompts at the point where each action is needed.
4. Complete the Card Transaction and Keep the Receipt
The guest follows the integrated card reader's prompts. The published workflow then creates the rental order and prints a receipt containing a unique return code. The guest should keep that receipt until the return is complete.
Place a reminder near the receipt outlet: Keep your receipt. You will need the return code to reopen your locker. Guests should keep the code private. Local card compatibility and the exact terminal prompts should be demonstrated for the chosen configuration.
5. Collect the Chair from the Assigned Locker
The assigned compartment opens for pickup. The guest removes the chair, checks that no strap is caught and follows the on-screen door-closing instruction. A clearly identified locker helps the guest find the correct door without trying adjacent compartments.
Use the chair manufacturer's instructions for unfolding and use. A guest who finds damage or a missing part should contact the venue's support team before using the equipment. Staff need a defined way to take an affected chair out of service.
How to Return the Chair: Three Return Steps
6. Bring the Chair Back and Tap Return
The guest returns to the original station and chooses Return. Signs along the exit route can help guests find the station again, especially at venues with several beach entrances. Show the station identifier on the cabinet and include it in the assistance instructions.
Explain the permitted return hours before rental. Self-service equipment still depends on access to the venue, so the guest must know whether a gate or beach entrance will close.
7. Enter the Unique Return Code
The guest enters the code printed on the receipt. The system verifies the rental and unlocks the original locker. The code identifies the rental being returned; a locker number alone should not be treated as a replacement for that verification.
If the receipt is missing or the code is not accepted, direct the guest to the designated support contact. Staff should follow the approved order-verification procedure. Do not instruct guests to try other lockers or force a door.
8. Place the Folded Chair Inside and Confirm the Return
The guest folds the chair, places it fully inside the original compartment and closes the door securely. A simple storage-orientation illustration on the cabinet can show where the chair frame, fabric and carrying straps belong. The door should close without forcing the chair or trapping a strap.
The published workflow includes system confirmation of the return. Guests should follow that confirmation rather than assume the rental is complete as soon as the door moves shut. If confirmation does not appear, they should contact support while still at the station and provide the station identifier.
What Happens After the Guest Returns the Chair?
A recorded return and a chair ready for the next guest are separate things. The return code identifies the order and enables access, but it does not by itself establish that the correct equipment is present, undamaged, clean and dry.
Assign staff responsibility for inspecting returned chairs. Check the frame, fabric, joints and any supplied accessories, following the chair manufacturer's care instructions. Remove unsuitable equipment from circulation and document the problem. Confirm how the chosen system prevents an affected compartment from being offered while staff resolve an issue.
The published product information includes remote cloud management. During the project demonstration, ask which order records, station information and exception controls are available. Use those records alongside physical checks; confirm any automatic item-detection features separately.
Guest Instructions You Can Place Beside the Screen
Adapt these instructions to the installed interface and have staff test them with a first-time user:
- Tap Rent and select an available beach chair.
- Read the instructions and follow the card reader prompts.
- Keep the receipt and its unique return code.
- Collect the chair from the assigned locker and follow the screen instructions.
- Bring the folded chair back to this station and tap Return.
- Enter your return code, place the chair fully inside the original locker, close the door and follow the return confirmation.
Add the venue's assistance contact and permitted return hours. Provide relevant languages in the final interface and signage. Never place a customer's actual return code on a shared instruction sign.
A Rental and Return Test Before Opening to Guests
Run a complete rental using the actual chair and final station setup. Observe the process as a guest would experience it, then check the corresponding record using the operator tools provided.
- Selection: the displayed chair matches the equipment in the assigned locker.
- Card and receipt: the supported card workflow completes and the printed return code is legible.
- Pickup: the correct door opens and the chair can be removed without snagging.
- Return: the receipt code opens the original compartment and the folded chair fits without forcing the door.
- Confirmation: the guest can recognize the return confirmation and staff can locate the related record.
- Assistance: staff can follow the approved process for a missing receipt, a door problem or an interrupted return.
- Service handover: staff know how to inspect the chair and handle equipment that should remain unavailable.
Ask the supplier to demonstrate what happens during a network or power interruption. Agree on a support procedure before launch rather than assuming every step remains available offline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do guests need to download an app?
The published WEIMI reference workflow uses the station's touchscreen, card reader and printed return code. It does not describe an app-download step. Confirm the actual guest journey if your project uses a different configuration.
Can guests return the chair to a different locker or station?
The documented workflow reopens the original locker using the unique return code. Offer returns elsewhere only if that specific configuration supports the function and has been tested for it.
What if the guest loses the receipt?
Provide a visible assistance contact. Authorized staff should verify the rental through the approved support procedure before arranging access. Confirm the available recovery options with the supplier during setup.
Does closing the locker prove the chair is ready to rent again?
No. Operators still need to check the equipment's presence and condition. Confirm the installed return-detection functions and arrange inspection, cleaning and drying as appropriate.
Plan a Clear Rental Journey for Your Venue
A useful self-service process tells guests which chair to collect, what to keep and how to complete the return. Test the entire sequence with real chairs, make assistance easy to find and give staff a clear inspection handover.
Review the WEIMI beach chair rental station for the reference configuration. For the wider project plan, return to our beach chair rental machine planning guide, or contact WEIMI with your chair model and intended guest workflow.