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Today’s shoppers expect service providers to consistently upgrade their service. In our channel, that’s the products we sell and the equipment we use to serve and sell what we offer. You may be thinking it doesn’t apply to your business. But it does. And it is even more of an issue for younger people — who will be your customers for the next 20 to 30 years.
Young people are always looking for the latest device and then the newest application for their highly sophisticated iPhone, BlackBerry, Google Android, etc. At the same time, they expect that your business is looking out for their interests — by finding and deploying the latest and greatest equipment in vending, foodservice and OCS.
We have a simple business. We sell food and beverages. We’ve been doing it essentially the same way for 20 to 30 years — maybe more. What’s happening is that our customers are changing. They’re younger. They’re much more high-tech than their parents. They’re very fickle. If you don’t satisfy their needs — they’re gone. What you sell can be purchased elsewhere — in a more interesting place.
We’ll see you in Chicago — at the NAMA OneShow. You’ll learn more there at my education session — “The Vending Store of the Future.”
For more information, contact:
Coca-Cola Co., 800-438-2653, www.thecoca-colacompany.com
Kraft Vending & OCS, 800-852-9393, http://kraftvendingocs.com
Sara Lee International, 800-261-4754, www.saraleefoodservice.com
Talking Points
The kiosk and digital signage industry is developing interactive capabilities that vending machines can use.
A handful of firms are incorporating these sensory-intensive tools in vending and testing them in the field.
The vending consumer is changing as the technology savvy younger generation expects a new and more satisfying vending experience.
