VendScreen Upgrade Adds Service Alerts Refund And Promo Codes

PORTLAND, OR -- VendScreen reports that its retrofittable touchscreens for vending machines now support real-time reporting, refund codes and one-time-use promotion codes. The simple upgrade is "over the air" to current customers with VendScreen touchscreens.

The new features include a help screen that enables customers to report issues with the vending machine in real time, including "out of stock," "product jam" and "not taking bills." The operator receives an instant text message or email alert identifying the problem. Customers have the option of submitting a phone number and requesting follow-up.

When a product jam or no-vend situation occurs, "manual" or "instant refund" codes allow operators to provide customers with reimbursements in the form of free vends. According to VendScreen, refunding money to customers often costs 10 to 15 times the actual cost of the item. Vendscreen's refund codes save the hassle of mailing funds to customers or keeping cash on hand, as well as improving the customer experience, for less than the cost of a stamp.

The codes feature has been successfully beta-tested by many operators, the company said.

"Being able to communicate with customers helps me better manage my business, and keeps our customers happy," said Brad Bohlin, owner of All Texas Vending (Houston). "They get a refund while they are still at the machine, which is a customer delighter."

Promotional codes allow operators to provide their locations with a set of unique instructions that enable a free vend. Clients recognize the value of this feature for rewarding employees in conjunction with a companywide event or to provide codes on an individual basis for a job well done, VendScreen noted. Some beta-test operators have branded the codes with their logos for marketing purposes.

"We love the freedom to give our customers a free vend or refund any time," said Tara Vina Roth, owner of Vina Distributing (Fullerton, CA).

Promotional codes can be purchased directly from VendScreen in packages of 100 or more.

Information on the VendScreen product line, programs and the new upgrade can be found at vendscreen.com/refunds-promos.