Tag: vending machines

New Phone App Allows Vending Machine Operators to Connect to Customers

Posted on by John Van Horn

No matter what industry you work in, few things are more important than providing unforgettable customer service. However, in the world of vending machines, where customers are buying your product via automated transactions, there is very little room for communication between machine owner and customer. However, thanks to the work of VendCentral, vending machine companies can communicate directly with those purchasing their products via an innovative smartphone app.

According to Vending Times, the Mobile Request 1 app, will allow vending patrons to leave feedback on machines, report operation errors, and request new products and refunds. Vending machine manufacturers can attach a QR code sticker to their machine, allowing customers to scan the code with their smartphone and be presented with all of the aforementioned options. According to the article, the app also allows for an all-new level of social media integration between vending companies and their machines.

Despite their many advantages over physical stores, vending machines do sacrifice the one-on-one customer service that only a real worker can provide. However, thanks to the Mobile Request 1 app, it seems that the gap will be closing very soon. Between social media integration and the advent of custom vending machines, it has truly never been a better time to get involved with this ever-growing industry.

Social Media and Vending

Posted on by John Van Horn

A few weeks ago we highlighted American Express’s new Twitter interactivity, and the age of social media innovation has just begun. The vending machine business continues to find new and interesting ways to merge with the vending industry and now seems like a better time than ever to have your own Twitter account. According to a video showcased by Vending Marketwatch, customers will be able to purchase Hot Wheels toy cars simply by using social media creatively.

Developed by TrojanOne, the Hot Wheels Camaro-Matic Trending Machine is a one-of-a-kind vending product. Developed out of a collaboration between Hot Wheels and Chevrolet Canada, the machine was created to celebrate the release of the Chevrolet Camaro at the Canadian International Autoshow in  Toronto last week. Any guest that tweeted @HotWheelsCanada with the hashtag #ChevyCIAS would receive a complimentary limited-time diecast Hot Wheels car.

Tweeting for vending products is a new trending topic, but it certainly has the potential to stick around for a while. While custom vending machines such as the one made by TrojanOne seem right out of the future, these types of innovations are brewed up every day by the vending machine manufacturers at IDS. No matter your vending vision, Intelligent Dispensing Solutions can make it a reality.

Ohio Company Goes Custom

Posted on by John Van Horn

Intelligent Dispensing SolutionsIt seems that almost everyday, businesspeople everywhere are adapting to the innovations made possible by modern vending. This month’s vending news is no different, as a recent article from the Journal News highlights a Miamisburg, Ohio firm that created its own vending machine business by getting creative. Patrick McDonald, looking for a new way to help his son sell t-shirts, eventually started creating custom vending machines that currently vend products from all types of companies, from food to retail.

Just like every Intelligent Dispensing Solutions customer, McDonald had a vision, and made it a reality. When you are working with us, the sky is truly the limit. Are you a retail shop owner and would like to have longer business hours but lack the necessary staff? Our innovative custom vending solutions can sell your product 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, whether you sell sporting goods or action figures for kids. Our custom vending machines are used in all types of industries, whether they are safeguarding the goods of a medical facility or servicing a busy fitness center.

Do you have a vending vision like McDonald’s? By working closely with Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, your dream vending solution can become a reality.

Pay for Products with a Tweet

Posted on by John Van Horn

While we are no strangers to innovation here at Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, we are constantly wowed by the great strides made by our ever-expanding industry. While cashless transactions have been around for years, the recent integration of social media into the commerce world has given the term “cashless” a whole new meaning. According to Vending MarketWatch, American Express has conceived a way for consumers to make purchases simply by using Twitter.

By syncing an eligible card to sync.americanexpress.com/twitter, customers can make full purchases just by using hashtags on a Twitter vending machine. This concept first appeared on Twitter last March, and social media-savvy shoppers can currently purchase American Express Gift Cards and select items from Amazon, Sony, Xbox, and more.

“We’re leveraging our unique technology and closed-loop network to introduce a seamless solution that redefines what’s possible in the world of social commerce,” said Leslie Berland, a senior vice president at American Express.

The vending industry only gets more creative and convenient as vending machine manufacturers figure out how to take their products into new and exciting territories. We are constantly inspired by these innovations here at Intelligent Dispensing Solutions and are happy to create a completely custom vending machine that is tailored to your needs. Whether you want the most durable custom vending machine in the business or you are looking to create the vending product of the future, we have you covered.

Never Shake a Vending Machine Again

Posted on by John Van Horn

Intelligent Dispensing SolutionsNorthern Illinois University campus publication The Northern Star recently published an article titled “Vending machines deserve your respect,” which humorously urged patrons to treat their local vending machine with care by providing the perspective of the machine itself.

“It’s not easy, but someone has to do it,” said Morty, the school’s vending machine. “I just wish they didn’t kick so hard.”

While the article provided a good chuckle to the vending machine manufacturers here at Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, it got us thinking of that age-old tradition of kicking and shoving vending machines until they vend that candy bar that simply will not budge. Neither you or your vending machine of choice deserve that type of abusive back-and-forth, and Intelligent Dispensing Solutions certainly has a fix to this eternal vending program.

In addition to providing an unparalleled level of customization for businesses ranging from retail to fitness, our smart vending machines solve that age-old problem of products getting stuck in their slots. By using cutting edge technologies and building our machines based on your exact needs, you will never have to worry about the vending woes of the past. With that being said, the next time you pass by your local “Morty,” please show him some respect. Our custom vending machines would not exist without him.

Sega’s SuperBooth Machine Reinvents the Photo Booth

Posted on by John Van Horn

Intelligent Dispensing SolutionsWhile not vending machines per se, photo booths have historically occupied the same spaces as drink and snack machines. Just as you can ways grab a quick soda or bag of chips while roaming the mall, you can just as quickly immortalize a fun moment with a close friend at a photo booth. And just as the custom vending machine world has evolved and created machines that serve as full retail stores, Sega Amusements’ latest innovation condenses the full experience of a professional photo shoot within the convenience of a simple photo booth set-up.

According to the Vending Times, Sega’s Superbooth is intended to be the world’s first interactive photo booth that offers many of the same professional touches found in an all-day shoot. The machine employs the use of a digital photographer, who guides the user through a nine-set shoot complete with flashy lights and pulsating music. The machine even boasts a fan for customers who prefer the “blown-back hair” look. Sega general manager Peter Gustafon calls his product “photo-tainment,” claiming that it represents a step towards the future of this classic device.

While we create custom vending machines here at IDS, we cannot help but be inspired by this progress in our sister industry. If you would like to join the future of interactive dispensing, talk to us today!

New Juice Machines Set to Rejuvenate Offices

Posted on by John Van Horn

Intelligent Dispensing SolutionsDrink vending machines have been a staple of office workplaces everywhere since their inception, but a new invention from Fructomat could potentially set a new standard for office refreshment. According to the Vending Times, the company’s new office juice vending machine offers a bevy of custom-made, vitamin-enhanced beverages within seconds.

Manufactured in Carson, CA, this custom vending machine is designed with sustainability in mind. Customers can use their own cups, eliminating the extra waste that comes with cans and bottles. The machine is small enough to fit on most office counters, and serves four different types of juices in addition to filtered water. Users have the freedom to combine drink flavors, as well as choose how concentrated their beverage is. The machine can dispense roughly 1,000 drinks before it requires a refill, making it ideal for even the busiest offices around. The Fructomat machine can automatically alert machine operators whenever refills or repairs are needed, allowing for prompt maintenance at all times.

We think the Fructomat office vending machine is a great step towards the future of the business, and the vending machine manufacturers here at IDS are always at the ready to provide the same level of customized customer service. Whether you want to dispense drinks, supplies, or anything in between, we will create a custom solution that goes above and beyond the standards of the industry.

New Smoothie and Slushie Vending Machines Distributed Worldwide

Posted on by John Van Horn

Intelligent Dispensing SolutionsWhile refreshing smoothies and slushies have been staples of convenience stores for decades, obtaining these delicious drinks is about to become even more convenient. According to the Vending Times, the Quinzee machine from Nicevend Ltd. started operating in Israel last year and is set to quench the thirsts of customers all over the world this year.

This innovative smoothie vending machine does exactly what you would expect, serving the types of drinks you usually head to your local 7-Eleven for, within the immediate convenience of a hospitality vending machine. The Quinzee has enough capacity for over eight frozen drinks, allowing for the easy dispensing of fruit smoothies, iced coffee drinks, or anything else that can fall under the “slushie” umbrella. The dispensing process is simple: Customers receive a cup and straw upon purchase and will have their cup filled with their refreshment of choice within a minute.

“Our concept and goal was to bring cutting-edge innovation into the industry, leaving the day-to-day operation a simple task, similar to common hot and cold beverage vending machines,”  Nicevend chief executive Udi Klier told the Vending Times.

Frozen drinks are just one of the many everyday products that are finally entering the vending world thanks to the advances of custom vending machines. Are you looking to bring this futuristic convenience to your customer base? Talk to IDS today!

Interest In Unconventional Vending Machine Reaches New High

Posted on by John Van Horn

Here’s a dispatch from the files of weird vending machines. As you are probably aware, in November residents in Washington and Colorado voted to legalize marijuana for recreational use. The new laws went into effect in December. With the legal marijuana market, both for medicinal and recreational use looking stronger than ever, there are companies out there looking to build around big-marijuana when commodity demand reaches critical mass. And custom vending machines might be at the cutting edge of that.

Medbox, a company specializing in the automated dispensing of medical supplies, saw its shares surge 3,000% this week — from roughly $4 Monday to $215 Thursday — before falling to $100 after executives sought to dampen investor enthusiasm. Their machines are available in some states where medical marijuana is legal; however, a fingerprint scan is required to verify the patient has a prescription, but the company is working on implementing them in states for personal use.

We here at Intelligent Dispensing Solutions pride ourselves on being able to manufacture unique vending machines for any situation, within the bounds of legality, of course. While we’re still a long way away from a Bill and Ted future where cannabis connoisseurs can light up with impunity, it’s most excellent to see vending machines take advantage of any new market.

Create the Ultimate Gaming Store

Posted on by John Van Horn

Whether you have seen one of our vending machines in action or you have read up on our products, you likely know by now that we create completely custom vending machines for just about any business. Retail is one of the best businesses for our products, especially if you sell video games and game consoles to technology addicts everywhere. Thanks to Intelligent Dispensing Solutions, you can expand the reach of your game store or even create a new one altogether.

As evidenced by both our products and the Best Buy and Apple vending machines that are popping up all over, electronics vending machines are certainly here to stay. With video games becoming just as integral to the entertainment world as film and television, creating a retail vending machine for gaming products is a no-brainer. If you already run a game shop, the benefits of a complementary machine are endless. Managing inventory and securing your product is easier than ever when your items are secured in a durable steel machine, and you can generate revenue by selling product through your machine long after your store doors are closed. Always pursuing action, gamers are not the type to wait around. Why make them? Our custom video game vending solutions can provide you the profit you need, while giving your customers the power to play all night long.