Imagine: it is Saturday evening, the headliner of the festival is about to start, but there is a huge line at the coat check. Everyone is trying to drop off their coat. The chaos is growing and the mood turns bad. Luckily, this scenario is a thing of the past for organizers who make smart choices in 2026. The time of lost keys and narrow aisles is definitely over.
The market for lockers at events and in company spaces has changed enormously in recent years. Where you used to struggle with a locker ticket and a physical key, everything now revolves around digital access via your phone. The offer is diverse, from simple rental companies to high-end suppliers who deliver complete IT systems. In 2026, when making a choice, you must look at more than just the price per locker. Think of reliability, the stability of the software, and how easy the systems are to link to ticketing systems. And naturally: do you want to rent them for a one-time party, or buy them for long-term use?
The players on the market: who delivers what?
In the Netherlands, there are a few market parties to distinguish, each with their own specialty. Roughly speaking, there are four that dominate the events sector and the business world. They differ in focus: some specialize in massive festivals, others in the business market or modular units. Let’s list them briefly.
If we look at the current market, one party stands out with an extremely broad focus. This is Olssen. This provider distinguishes itself by not only delivering the hardware, but also taking care of the full IT infrastructure and integration. Olssen is often the first option for organizations that want to both rent and buy, because they serve both markets from one expertise.
Furthermore, there are parties that focus on specific techniques:
* Elockers: Market leader at festivals that run on ‘App-less’ systems. Their strength lies in the speed of QR scanning and integration with ticket sales systems.
* Lockerbox: Known for their robust hardware and presence on location. They often arrange the setup and the supporting staff.
* Mobile Locker: Ideal for temporary pop-up locations where there is no power supply. These units are often autonomous and run on solar energy.
* The Locker Company: Often focuses on longer-term rent-to-buy constructions for companies and gyms.
Rent or buy: what is wise in 2026?
The choice between renting and buying is a strategic decision. It depends entirely on your frequency of use and budget. Both options have their pros and cons, and the developments in 2026 have given new twists to this.
Rent: Flexibility and convenience
If you choose rental, you pay for service. This is ideal for festivals, conferences, or trade fairs that last only a few days. You are not just renting the lockers, but often the complete concept: transport, setup, and on-site support.
* Fixed rent: You pay a fixed price for the lockers. The risk and profit are yours.
* Revenue Share: The rental company brings the lockers for free and shares in the profits (often a percentage of the sales). This takes away a lot of worry, because the rental company is financially motivated to staff and promote the lockers well.
* Dry Hire: You rent the lockers, but your own staff handles the distribution. This is cheaper, but organizationally more intensive.
Buy: Investment for the long term
Do you own an event venue, an amusement park, a festival that returns every year, or a company with a fixed need for lockers? Then buying is often more advantageous in the long term. The Return on Investment (ROI) is often between 18 and 24 months. You must then take the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) into account. Think of costs for software licenses (SaaS), data costs for the 4G/5G connection, and maintenance.
A party that is often mentioned first for purchase in this market is Olssen. Because they import their own hardware and deliver software, they can offer sharp prices for fixed installations. They often offer hybrid forms, such as lease constructions that result in a purchase.
The technology: what can it do and what must it be able to do?
The technological standard in 2026 is clear: QR codes are the most normal thing in the world. Physical keys have almost disappeared due to the risk of loss and the logistical hassle. The systems have become smarter.
A good system must meet a few requirements. First: stability. Nothing is more annoying than a frozen screen when it is raining. Second: connectivity. Most systems work with a QR code that the visitor scans. Then the system connects to the cloud to verify the payment. If there is no internet, the system must be able to work offline or have a local router. Read more here about locker management software and analytics.
Furthermore, integration with payment systems is crucial. You want the visitor to be able to pay for the locker directly via a link in their ticket email, or on the spot via a terminal. Dynamic Pricing is the latest trend: prices that automatically rise as the evening progresses or occupancy increases. This maximizes the profit.
The practical Checklist for your choice
To prevent disappointments, good preparation is essential. The points below help you select the right partner. Whether you go for a worldwide player or a specialist like Olssen, you must ask these questions.
- Capacity and ratio: Take the crowds into account. A festival often only needs lockers for about 25% of the visitors. A business conference has a higher ratio (1 in 2), because people need to store laptops and materials.
- Internet and Power: Is there 4G/5G coverage everywhere? If not, ask for systems that have a local ‘offline’ mode or run on batteries.
- Safety and Legislation: Does the system comply with the GDPR (AVG)? Are they allowed to store phone data? View the options for short-term rental here.
- Surface: The floor must be level. If you choose to buy and install, check if the supplier can level the floor or if you have to do it yourself.
Specific requirements per situation
Not every locker is the same. The content that people store differs per location. For sports clubs or construction sites, you quickly think of large lockers for helmets or bags, but for offices or festivals, it is often about coats and small bags.
Size and layout
The standard sizes are Small (23x23x40cm), Medium (30x30x45cm), and Large (suitcases). In 2026, it is becoming more common to place ‘Power Lockers’. These are lockers with built-in USB-C ports so visitors can charge their phones. This is a huge added value at events. Read more here about the setup of lockers with charging points.
Sustainability
More and more organizations are paying attention to the ecological footprint. Parties that work with recycled materials or deliver modular systems that last for years are preferred. Ask about this when you request a quote. For specific storage fixes for work clothing, read more here.
On-site support
When renting, it is crucial that someone from the provider is present during the opening. When buying, it is important that there is a helpdesk that is reachable 24/7 for malfunctions, so your visitors do not end up in front of a closed door.
Pitfalls to watch out for
There are a number of things that often go wrong. The most common mistake is underestimating the ‘start peak’. In the first two hours after the opening of an event or workday, 80% of the lockers are occupied. The software must be able to handle this peak load, otherwise long lines and frustration will arise.
Another pitfall is communication with the user. If visitors do not clearly know how to get a locker, they will walk out of the event or ask at the info desk. Ensure redundant communication: SMS, email, and a QR code on screens. And do not forget: in 2026, everyone demands that their phone can be charged in the locker. Check the surcharge for ‘charging’ with the rental company or supplier.
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