Payment systems “It’s therefore more crucial than ever for them to know they’re partnering


with the right payments adviser, to help guide them through the process and find a payment system that fits their specific needs. Laura Barwell, business development manager at VMC comments: “We


have seen vending machines being used in many different environments to bridge the gap and maintain supplies of essential items whilst shops and hospitality outlets have been closed. By thinking outside of the box some operators have also been able to directly support the COVID-19 effort by stocking their machines with items such as face masks and hand sanitiser, making them available 24/7 for those who need them.” “By adding contactless and thinking more broadly about what is available


inside their vending machines in the future, operators will have another viable option to grow their sales and bolster their reduced catering and hospitality operations at the same time.” Peter Sullivan-Stark, channel development, senior manager at Eden, says:


“Vending machines are an ideal, non-contact way to purchase a hot drink, soup or other beverage.” He points to machines such as the barista-style coffee machine ZEN,


which allow cashless payment, further reducing physical contact when purchasing a beverage – and what’s more it’s easy to clean. “Just as many high street cafes and retailers have moved to cashless


payment, the vending industry has also followed the trend, and in the current environment where enhanced hygiene is crucial, machines such as these are playing an important role ensuring access to hot drinks with minimal contact.” Jason Vincent innovation & software director of Aeguana says: “Following


the arrival of COVID-19, we are now living in a low-touch society. Yesterday’s coin mechanisms and note readers are no longer acceptable features. “This has ultimately been customer-driven, as quite simply consumers no


longer want to handle cash and increasingly choose not to carry notes or coins on them. “COVID-19 has shunted us all forward and as with many tech trends, what


we thought would happen in the next few years, is happening now. Every consumer retail channel is experiencing this. Automated Retail is no exception.” Managing director of SB Software, Simon Black, says: “For a long time,


the growth of payment systems in vending has been steady and sustained. Operators have recognised this as universities or hospitals, for example,


demand contactless on every machine. “And now, especially after the last 12 months, we are looking at


something fundamentally different. “Many people now leave the house without even taking cash with them.


Often their phone is the only payment device they need. It might not be the “death” of cash. Not yet. But its future is decidedly unhealthy. But, Simon adds, once people get into the habit of using cards or devices, there are opportunities in vending such as:


• Less price sensitivity • Larger average spends and a greater number of transactions • Increased opportunity for up-selling or link-purchases.


“For a long time, there was gradual sustained increase in payment systems


and contactless. And now the flood gates have been opened. So, this is the time to make as much (commercial) virtue out of necessity as possible.”


Going cashless: the right time to refurbish W


hat do you do if you already already have a


cash payment machine? One solution could be retrofit. Mark Stevens sales director


of Scobie McIntosh says: “Today’s consumers have increasing expectations from a vending machine, particularly since the pandemic. No longer are they satisfied with a simple machine offering snacks and drinks and taking cash. They want much more, the desire to avoid going in to towns and large shops to get their refreshments has understandably increased. “As responsible vending suppliers, we must react and offer solutions. We must offer better quality, healthier food, and drinks options in addition to the more traditional snacks and canned drinks and seek to solve other concerns, for example mask vending solutions. This helps the consumer get a greater range


of products to select from in a safe environment and it helps increase your profit, but that is just part of the solution. “This year consumers are spending up to 30% more when paying for their products via a cashless payment system. Up to 66% of all transactions in the UK are now contactless, and this is rising. Having a cashless


vending machine on-site is clearly more important than ever. “Our engineers have seen a huge increase in retrofitting cashless payment systems into existing vending machine nationwide. It is an easy, quick and efficient solution. The most popular credit cards and apps can be utilised to enhance the consumer’s experience and increase loyalty. Now is the time to increase your consumer’s satisfaction, product range and safety whilst also giving your sales a boost.


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