As a member of Gen Y, I like apps (otherwise known as digital applications on smartphones and tablets). They are fun to use, and often quite useful. When I read part 3 of Michael Kasavana’s article about V-Engineering, which is about marketing to vending consumers using their mobile devices, I was most interested in how apps will be used by and for vending machines.
It’s coming in the December issue of Automatic Merchandiser, so I won’t spoil the read for you, but I will say that Dr. Kasavava mentioned an app customers could use to find vending machines, no matter where they are. Interesting, but that has to be years away…maybe not. As I was scouring news sites, I came across a “similar” app called “Where to Wee.” Cintas Corp. a facility services company, made the app to display public restrooms near to the cell phone user. Not only that, it lets the user post pictures and rate the cleanliness.
Does Where to Wee directly related to vending? Admittedly, I’m stretching it, but I think the connection is that locator apps already exist. There are 100 millions smart phone users in the U.S. It’s only a matter of time before someone makes a vending locator app, and watch out if customers can rate and post comments. Could be good, or it could be…enlightening. But that’s another topic.
In the meantime, if you are out on the town and need to find a bathroom, checkout www.wheretowee.com.
