Vending machines have come a long way since Ancient Greece. From accepting coins and dollar bills to machines with credit card readers, vending companies have been quick to adjust with the times. Just this month, Vagabond Vending and Automated Merchandising Systems (AMS) have partnered to create a touchless vending machine. Thanks to Vagabond's viv technology, their design eliminates the use of coin mechanisms, dollar bill validators, and even credit card readers, benefiting both consumers and operators.
So, how does it work?
Vagabond Vending's viv technology is a mobile platform that connects a vending machine to an app that allows customers to browse product information and make a purchase using whichever form of payment they prefer. The items are dispensed without any contact with the vending machine itself.
The technology is a win for everyone. Without coin and dollar bill mechanisms, there's more room for merchandise, so vending companies are able to sell more product. They're also able to reduce service calls by 90%, since most issues are a result of a malfunction of the coin or dollar bill mechanisms. Vending machines equipped with the viv technology are 20% cheaper than AMS ambient snack machines.
Consumers benefit by being able to make a more informed purchase as the app allows you to browse product information. They can also make purchases without worrying about losing money in a vending machine.
The first model available is the ambient snack machine, but other models--including temperature-controlled units--will be available towards the end of the year.
