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Today, it is impossible to ignore the potential of actively involving users in the purchasing phase. That is why it is necessary to evaluate, discover and explore how to use QR codes on vending machines. Thanks to this well-proven technology, you can make the most of communication and lead customers to important resources.
QR codes are a well-known and easy-to-use tool – you only need a smartphone to use them – also in the vending machine sector, revolutionising the way customers interact with machines. What advantages do QR codes bring to vending machines? The nuances are interesting, read on to learn more about this topic.
What are QR codes, a definition
Before we get into the connection with the types of vending machines, let us delve into this technology. QR codes (short for Quick Response) are visual codes with abstract shapes that can be scanned with a smartphone. You can learn more about them on Wikipedia.
The code, once scanned, redirects to a digital content such as a website, an application or a document that you want to share. For example, it is now commonplace to use a QR code for a restaurant menu. This mechanism is also particularly used on vending machines because it enhances the possibilities.
Why use QR codes on vending machines?
If a user arrives in front of your vending machine and notices the sticker with the QR code and a call to action inviting them to scan it, he or she may discover crucial information that can hardly find space and attention outside the smartphone. For example, once scanned, the QR code can show special offers, payment options and information.
You can also direct attention to discounts, coupons and partnerships with others that you can involve in the sales process. With these referrals, you can also do cross-selling and up-selling. Maybe pushing visits to sell related content.
Where do you find QR codes on vending machines?
Usually, these two-dimensional graphics – consisting of a series of squares of different sizes – should be placed at face height, in a visible position and easy to frame with a smartphone. It is advisable to use a generous size to prevent the QR code from going unnoticed. better to avoid stickers that could be easily removed.
Examples for using QR codes on vending machines
Let us assume a few scenarios. The first one: every time a customer uses the vending machine, he is invited to scan a QR code to get loyalty points that lead to a discount, increasing your ability to operate in a virtuous way on customer retention.
By scanning the QR code on the dispensers, customers can also obtain valuable information about the products in the dispenser. For example, you can learn more about allergens, ingredients and nutritional information. All this becomes an added value when you have to set up a food vending machine, specifically when you are facing an attentive public such as in gyms or wellness centres.
QR codes on food vending machines can also be used to handle complaints, to report problems and request immediate action, to activate the service centre if, for example, the machine is no longer working. But there are also payments to consider. This is a great way to exploit QR codes.
Indeed, with contactless payment methods you can increase customer satisfaction and make sure that everyone is always happy to be able to pay with their preferred method. Here, however, potential problems also arise: the need to ensure a stable internet connection and security such that transactions and user information are protected.
The next challenges for vending machines
QR codes are the tip of the iceberg. Vending machines are becoming more and more interactive and artificial intelligence, together with other dynamics such as the IoT, or Internet of Things, allows large amounts of data to be analysed quickly. So as to shape the offer quickly. That is why using QR codes on vending machines. On the other hand, it is only worth doing so if you have a company behind you that can support you every step of the way.
