Tag: Fastcorp

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success stories vending view

Unattended Retail – How Fastcorp is a Leader

A Fastcorp DIVI positioned outside Katie's Ice Cream Shop
A Fastcorp DIVI positioned outside Katie's Ice Cream Shop

Fastcorp

In a world where time is of the essence, and convenience reigns supreme, businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of their customers. Fastcorp, a trailblazer in the realm of unattended retail, offers advanced robotic vending machines that redefine the shopping experience. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of unattended retail through vending machines and how Fastcorp is revolutionizing the way products are distributed and purchased.

Space Saving Solutions

One of the most significant advantages of unattended retail through vending machines is the efficient use of space. Traditional retail establishments require ample square footage for storefronts, aisles, and checkout counters. However, Fastcorp’s robotic vending machines can be installed in compact spaces, making them ideal for locations with limited real estate such as office buildings, airports, hospitals, and universities or increasing the efficiency of space used in your brick-and-mortar retail location. By utilizing vertical space and optimizing layout designs, businesses can maximize their retail footprint without compromising on accessibility or variety.

Increased Revenue, Minimal Staff

Unattended retail offers businesses the opportunity to boost revenue without the need for additional staff or overhead costs. Fastcorp’s robotic vending machines operate autonomously, eliminating the need for on-site personnel to oversee transactions or restock inventory continuously. With minimal staffing requirements, businesses can allocate resources more efficiently and redirect manpower to focus on other aspects of operations such as marketing, customer service, and product development. This not only reduces labor costs but also enhances profitability by maximizing sales potential round the clock.

Enhanced Customer Engagement

Fastcorp’s robotic vending machines are equipped with advanced technology that enhances customer engagement and satisfaction. Through interactive touchscreen displays, consumers can browse product catalogs, view detailed descriptions, and make informed purchasing decisions with ease. Additionally, Fastcorp’s vending machines can incorporate loyalty programs, advertising, custom messaging and promotional offers. By tailoring the shopping experience to the needs and preferences of consumers, businesses can foster brand loyalty and drive repeat business over time.

24/7 Accessibility

Unattended retail through vending machines offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility, enabling consumers to access products anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a late-night snack, early morning caffeine fix, or emergency purchase during weekends or holidays, Fastcorp’s robotic vending machines are available round the clock to meet the needs of consumers on the go. This flexibility and convenience not only cater to diverse lifestyles and schedules but also eliminate the limitations imposed by traditional store hours, empowering consumers to shop at their convenience without compromise.

In conclusion, unattended retail through vending machines offer a multitude of benefits, including space-saving solutions, increased revenue without increased staff, enhanced customer engagement, and 24/7 accessibility. With Fastcorp’s cutting-edge robotic vending machines leading the way, businesses can unlock the full potential of unattended retail and provide consumers with a seamless, convenient, and personalized shopping experience. Embrace the future of retail with Fastcorp and transform your business today.

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CBD Press Release - Regulated Vending success stories success stories - regulated vending

ZAR Cannatherapy – Elevate

Elevate with ZAR Wellness

and Former Greenbay Packer Jermichael Finley

"Elevate" with ZAR Wellness - the team at ZAR Wellness is feeling the excitement Razia Quereshi-Shalami and Asad Shalami founded the company and work together in the business. Together they have built ZAR Wellness into a driving force in the Dallas Fort Worth – San Antonio – Huston triangle in Texas.

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ZAR Cannatherapy – Elevate

November 21, 2023 No Comments

“Elevate” with ZAR Wellness – the team at ZAR Wellness is feeling the excitement Razia Quereshi-Shalami and Asad Shalami founded the company and work together in the business. Together they have built ZAR Wellness into a driving force in the Dallas Fort Worth – San Antonio – Huston triangle in Texas.

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infographics vending view - regulated

Unattended Retail – Infographics from Fastcorp Vending

Brought to you by Fastcorp Vending, the world's foremost unattended retail experts. Grow your vending business

Fastcorp Vending - September 2023

Brought to you by Fastcorp Vending, the world's foremost unattended retail experts. Grow your vending business

Vending Market set to grow to $60bn

According to the minds over at Yahoo Finance1, the retail vending machine market is predicted to reach a value of $60 billion USD this year and a staggering $143 billion USD by 2033! Here at Fastcorp Vending we believe that’s a reason to celebrate!

Driven by significant advancements in vending technology, such as cashless payment capabilities and the use of AI for targeted marketing, as well as customers demanding automation and convenience 2, It’s no surprise to see such promising projections ahead for our industry!

Here are a few more statistics to help you gauge the market…

AI and facial recognition are opening up new markets for smart vending

While the Internet of Things has been growing exponentially, the ability of suppliers to meet demand has also grown at speed. Partnering with some of the best and most recognized technology brands in the industry, Fastcorp Vending is leading the way in bringing unattended and contactless retail to regulated markets.

Inventory Control with ambient vending options

The staff break room is no longer the only place you will find vending machines on the manufacturing floor. Inventory control is a critical factor in profitability and supply chain management. Ambient vending machines provide a convenient option for the availability and management of critical supplies.

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Grow My Ice Cream Business

September 3, 2024 No Comments

The Very Serious Business of Ice Cream. You love your brand, you want to grow your brand, but you haven’t got the staff and capital investment is short. Learn How

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success stories

Molly Moon and a mission to make the world better

Molly Moon's mission to make the world a better place with a DIVI Frozen vending machine
DIVI Success Stories from Fastcorp Vending, the world's leader in frozen vending

Making the world a better place with Minimoons™

Molly Moon's mission to make the world a better place with a DIVI Frozen vending machine
With 8 brick & mortar locations in Seattle, they recently launched their robotic retail initiative by placing three DIVI machines selling minimoons!

Founded in 2008, Molly Moon’s mission is to make the world better, one scoop at a time as a multigenerational gathering place with sustainability and happiness at the core of all they do.

Challenge

Molly Moon Neitzel didn’t want to open a new Molly Moon’s Handmade Ice Cream shop because she was having a baby. But she still wanted to find a way to grow her business.

Solution

Working with the team at Fastcorp, Molly discovered she could buy vending machines with freezers in them for less than $12,000. That was just what she needed to bypass the $500,000 capital investment it takes to open even a small ice cream shop and still grow revenue at her business

Outcome

With 8 brick and mortar locations in Seattle, WA, they recently launched their robotic retail initiative by placing three DIVI machines around the city selling minimoons!

Now every generation has even more locations to gather and enjoy Molly Moon’s exceptional deliciousness!

Using assets provided by Molly Moons, the Fastcorp team provided a mock-up of how the DIVI would look. The team determined that a traditional theatrical-style DIVI with striking graphics that would be recognizable by new customers and old.

Our minimoons have been popping up all over the city from Washington State Ferries to Children's Hospital, and now we're launching ice cream vending machines in some of our favorite community gathering places, including KEXP and University Village. Each vending machine gives back 1% of its sales to a nonprofit related to its new home. We are so excited about this delicious new product and all of the awesome partnerships to come!

Molly Moon Neitzel,Owner

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success stories

Enjoy life . . . eat more ice cream from a DIVI™

Enjoy life . . . eat more ice cream from a DIVI Frozen. Read how Tom Costa balanced family life and increased profits with Fastcorp in Dickinson TN
DIVI Success Stories from Fastcorp Vending, the world's leader in frozen vending
Enjoy life . . . eat more ice cream from a DIVI Frozen. Read how Tom Costa balanced family life and increased profits with Fastcorp in Dickinson TN
Enjoy life . . . eat more ice cream from a DIVI Frozen. Read how Tom Costa balanced family life and increased profits with Fastcorp in Dickinson, TN

Enjoy life . . . eat more ice cream - from a DIVI™

For anyone who has ever craved premium ice cream at midnight but had no place to go and get some from, Katie’s Ice Cream had you in mind. Katie’s Ice Cream is a family business inspired by Tom Costa, his wife, and four children. To maintain family time for himself and his staff, Katie’s is closed on Sundays.

Challenge

“Family and recreational time are important for all of us, but I wanted to allow customers to come by on Sundays and after-hours and still be able to enjoy a few scoops of delicious ice cream. I began researching after-hours retail and came across Fastcorp Vending.”

Solution

“I worked directly with Fastcorp’s vice president, Colleen Morris, who assured me Fastcorp could design and manufacture a versatile, efficient machine that could vend ‘nicely frozen ice cream’. The machine’s configuration focused on 2 container sizes: a single-serving cup with a wooden spoon and lid, and a take-home pint container.”

Outcome

The DIVI offered Katie’s customers a 24-hour robotic storefront that accepts cash and cashless payments, and enables Tom and his family to enjoy their Sundays. “The DIVI sits next to our front entrance. Customer engagement has been a great added bonus in both our physical location and social media.”

Using assets provided by Tom, the Fastcorp team provided a mock-up of how the DIVI would look. Tom and Katie’s team were originally considering a theatrical-style traditional unit but ultimately decided on a programmable 24″ touchscreen menu and media player.

Customer excitement about having a vending ice cream machine has generated more traffic than we imagined.

It has exceeded my expectations, a few hundred dollars each Sunday and, even vending ice cream during our open business hours.”

Tom Costa, Owner
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CBD infographics vending view - regulated

CBD Industry & Infographics

Brought to you by Fastcorp Vending - The Future of Retail

As technology compounds upon itself, and society moves to using more automation, consumers demand buying experiences that align with those trends. CBD consumers are no exception! Federal and State laws have mostly caught up with those demands, and the future clearly lies in fast, streamlined, touchless buying options to ensure ease of use, quality assurance, and traceability.

The DIVI from Fastcorp Vending is:

Super Easy:

DIVI Regulated’s smart touch-screen interface allows customers to buy CBD products quickly and easily without interacting with a seller… leaving your valuable staff to advise customers who need more support. No lines at the register – it can be totally contactless!

Efficient:

The purchase process is much faster: No downloading apps and verifying ahead of time. Fastcorp’s DIVI Regulated and its ID Scan technologies process IDs in real-time… all in less than 15 seconds!

Guaranteed Fresh:

DIVI offers a variety of ambient, refrigerated, or frozen options ensuring amazing product freshness.

A Data Collector:

DIVI’s remote monitoring ability allows for customer purchase and preference tracking. Know what’s selling and when; adjust your inventory and marketing strategies accordingly!

These are just a few ways DIVI Regulated will offer a top-of-the-line buying experience for CBD sales! With sales in the CBD market expected to reach $24.4 billion by 2025 1, you may want to get ahead of the game… or expand your retail options now!

Here are a few CBD Industry statistics to help you gauge the market…

State of the CBD market for vending in the USA brought to you by Fastcorp Vending

OK - I'm ready to get started

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Complete the form to connect with one of our experienced sales team for a free consultation about your products and vending needs.

Find out more about regulated vending

Looking to enhance your retail solutions for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other regulated products?
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Sources:

Sources:
1  https://marketscale.com/industries/retail/cbd-and-the-vending-industry-a-match-made-in-heaven/
2  https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cbd-statistics/
3  https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cbd-statistics/
4  https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/cannabidiol-cbd-market
5  https://www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cbd-statistics/
6  https://cfah.org/cbd-statistics/New Paragraph

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DIVI Features vending view - regulated

How can you monitor inventory remotely?

Increase profits with remote monitoring and inventory control

Manage your business from the comfort of your office or couch with Fastcorp DIVI™ and DIVI Regulated™s remote monitoring system and inventory control.

Offering 24/7/365 real-time reposts and notifications on sales performance, usage, functionality, and maintenance, you can simplify your business and multiply the number of venues you have, monitoring each at a distance.

When dealing with machines remotely – possibly multiple machines as we have said – inventory management is not your only concern. Your machine is sophisticated and has many moving parts and processes that all need to align to offer the best customer experience possible.

At the simplest level your machine has to have power to work, and If your machine gets unplugged, or is due for routine maintenance that you fail to keep up with, you may have down time resulting in un-needed loss of sales and a smudge on your reputation.

With remote monitoring there is no need to worry about such things. DIVI is constantly monitoring its own functions and communicating with the remote monitoring system. DIVI will prompt notifications if things are not as they should be, and power supply interruptions are reported in real time to the portal. You will always be alerted when your machine needs attention!

Know when to restock

Until recently, knowing when to restock your vending machines was more of an art than a science. If you had a service number on your machine, you would receive calls complaining that you were out of those little ice cream tacos your customers enjoy so much. Or perhaps you relied on knowing your machines’ cycles from experience; in the summer, your machines need to be restocked every 3 weeks, and in the off-season, you can stretch it to 2 months! But what about that ad hoc event, did you run out of stock?

Did you miss out on sales?

The only other method was to “go and check”. If you don’t know your cycles and don’t want to wait for customers to complain, then you’re stuck physically going to the machine location… or if you’re lucky enough to have multiple machines, the multiple locations! You had to bring products, potentially wasting gas, money, and time checking your various machines.

None of these methods are ideal, and all leave room for error.

It would be so much easier to simply be notified when a product is running low in a bin or is out completely.

Remote monitoring with DIVI machines allows you to receive prompts when it’s time to restock your product. Take the guess work out of your inventory management and let DIVI do the monitoring for you, leaving you to enjoy your free time, knowing your sales won’t stop when you are out enjoying time with friends and family.

Monitor machine operations

When dealing with machines remotely – possibly multiple machines, as we have said – inventory management is not your only concern. Your machine is sophisticated and has many moving parts and processes that must align to offer the best customer experience possible.

At the simplest level, your machine has to have power to work, and If your machine gets unplugged or is due for routine maintenance that you fail to keep up with, you may have downtime, resulting in an unnecessary loss of sales and a smudge on your reputation.

With remote monitoring, there is no need to worry about such things. DIVI is constantly monitoring its own functions and communicating with the remote monitoring system. DIVI will prompt notifications if things are not as they should be, and power supply interruptions are reported in real-time to the portal. You will always be alerted when your machine needs attention!

The DIVI dashboard

Remote monitoring sounds great, right? Well, it’s all thanks to DIVI’s remote monitoring dashboard; easily accessed via a secure, password protected, online portal. Track your machines by locations and serial numbers and get valuable insight to streamline your vending business. The portal offers features such as…
  1. Transaction monitoring – cashless as well as cash.
  2. Units sold by bin.
  3. Units sold overall.
  4. Machine downtime – Know when your machine is unplugged or down.
  5. Door opening – get notified if the machine has been opened. Connectivity level –
  6. Know your machine has a proper signal to the IOT
  7. Reporting – View and download custom, specific KPIs.

In summary

Fastcorp ensures your vending operations experience is as simple and carefree as possible!

DIVI’s remote monitoring is a feature offered on all our machines. Take advantage of the portal and make sure your machine is stocked, running, and making those sales!

To learn more about DIVI and its capabilities, download the DIVI brochure here…

Arrange a free consultation today

Complete the form to connect with one of our experienced sales team for a free consultation about your products and vending needs.

Find out more about regulated vending

Looking to enhance your retail solutions for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other regulated products?
Find Out More

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DIVI Features vending view - regulated

Precision delivery to vend delicate products

Precision delivery to vend delicate products

We start with a sad story

It’s been a long scorching hot day at the ballpark, and you’re thirsty, but there’s a crazy line at concessions…

You spy a vending machine off to the side and eagerly approach. It’s not a Fastcorp™ machine, but that’s ok. You just need a drink! 

You press a few buttons and select an ice-cold bottle of beer. Yup you read that correct… a beer! Regulated products are becoming more popular in vending machines thanks to new technology. More on that in another post…back to the story.

Snack vending machines

You’re imagining that first refreshing sip when Bang! You awake from your reverie to the sound of your beer tumbling down a product chute and crashing into the delivery door like – like that home base runner you just watched on the field, completely out of control.

Your beer has been bumped, banged, tumbled, and tossed. You’re so darn parched, but you know your refreshment is now ready to spray at the first twist of the cap. 

Worse still, you realize it has broken INSIDE the delivery bin! Your lovely cold beverage is spilling everywhere. Now some yellow jackets have gathered to partake and are buzzing round the vending machine. You are certainly not making another purchase now, and someone will have to call the operator to clean it all up!

What’ya do?… Read on to learn how Fastcorp’s precision product handling makes this frustrating situation a thing of the past.

Fastcorp's robotics to the rescue

Fastcorp has a unique solution for dealing with carbonated, glass, or otherwise delicate products. Unlike traditional vending machines that rely on spiral delivery or product chute, Fastcorp’s DIVI™ implements a Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm.

We’ll call it SCARA for short.

Commonly used in the automotive and manufacturing industry, the SCARA robot excels at “pick and place” operations. This means it functions like a human arm; utilizing its jointed two-link design, the SCARA will lift the product from its bin and move it directly to the delivery pad for retrieval. With a full range of motion on its X-axis, while bolted into place on the Y-axis, SCARA can deftly handle and deliver products to the delivery bin without the rough ride of a product chute.

SCARA’s robotic vacuum delivery system is customizable to different product needs. Choose from three diameters of picker tips (1.5-inch, 2-inch, or 2.77-inch) based on your product’s shape, weight, and bulk. The larger the picker tip, the larger the surface area exposed to suction and the more stable the vend process.

Did you know DIVI and SCARA can handle products up to 4lbs!

Fastcorp's soft drop technology

To further ensure a safe journey for all your products, Fastcorp has developed its leading-edge Soft Drop technology.

Standard on all DIVI machines, Soft Drop allows you to customize the distance the SCARA vacuum hose and picker tip descend before releasing your product into the delivery bin.

Release from full height for fast vend turnaround on durable products, or set your hose to lower directly inside the delivery bin before releasing delicate items.

All product is delivered onto 4.5 inches of soft foam to ensure a gentle landing.

Grow your business - keep 'em coming back

Gone are the days of shaken beverages or banged-up products!

Fastcorp’s Precision Product Delivery System gives you full control over the movement and release of your valuable products onto a soft delivery pad. Set your parameters to best suit your products and vending style.

If you want to keep customers coming back and want to keep delivering products in their top form, make sure all your vending processes incorporate Fastcorp’s Soft Drop and Vend Delay Feature!

To learn more about DIVI and its capabilities, download the DIVI brochure here…

Arrange a free consultation today

Complete the form to connect with one of our experienced sales team for a free consultation about your products and vending needs.

Find out more about regulated vending

Looking to enhance your retail solutions for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other regulated products?
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Are you just starting out in vending? The world is your oyster with Fastcorp Vending on your side.

Getting started in vending with Fastcorp

November 20, 2022 No Comments

Learn about getting started in vending – the right way. Elevating the brand that you have worked so hard to build; satisfying your customers’ demands for 24/7/365 CPGs; keeping your regulated sales safe and in line with local legislation. Follow Fastcorp to the future of vending.

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success stories - regulated vending vending view - regulated

Getting started in regulated vending

All you need to know about unattended retail for regulated products using the DIVI from Fastcorp Vending

Getting Started with Regulated Vending

All you need to know about unattended retail for regulated products using the DIVI from Fastcorp Vending

The Need

There is a new trend rising in the vending industry that is a game changer for operators and customers alike.

As more states legalize regulated products, such as alcohol, CBD, and THC, retailers are searching for safe and effective channels to sell these high-value and age restricted goods while protecting the business owner and the business’s reputation.

Enter vending! Unattended retail units that electronically verify age and identity have become a smart and cost-effective option for operators and sellers.

Keep reading to learn more about getting started with regulated vending and how Fastcorp’s DIVI-Regulated™ can support your growing business.

The shift to unattended retail

Gone are the heydays of brick-and-mortar stores. While browsing a shop brings a sense of community and touch of nostalgia, it also brings to its owners the need for employees and the other expensive overheads that go with that.

Modern vending machines, like Fastcorp’s DIVI Regulated, are equipped with cutting edge ID scan and ID verification technology. This fast and reliable technology doesn’t just facilitate the sales of unique products but verifies buyers’ credentials with high accuracy, removing concerns about the human error when checking IDs.

Sellers can feel safe in their business process while the product remains secure and available!

What are age-restricted and regulated products?

According to LawInsider.com, regulated products are “any goods whose procurement, receipt, storage, transfer, distribution, return, destruction or disposition is regulated by any federal or provincial government entity”.

These products are commonly capable of being misused in some way and come with minimum age restrictions on purchasing. Availability varies from state to state, but some common regulated products include:

  1. Aerosol paint
  2. Alcohol
  3. Alcohol confectionery
  4. Botox and cosmetic fillers
  5. Certain over-the-counter medication
  6. Cannabis and THC
  7. Corrosive substances
  8. Fireworks and sparklers
  9. Knives / blades
  10. Lighter refills
  11. Nicotine vapor products
  12. Tobacco
  13. Movies (NC17, R, M, Etc.)
  14. Video games (M, AO, Etc.)

Fastcorp's technologies

When you are dealing with regulated products, a lot can be at risk! You need to follow state and federal regulations while protecting yourself and your business’s reputation. It really is a balancing act between a positive customer experience, and an operator/seller’s due diligence.

Identity verification

Fastcorp DIVI Regulated machines have an embedded ID scanner that can perform the highest level of identity-authentication.

More than 90% of suspicious IDs are identified using this system! Even without an attendant you can be certain that the ID is legitimate, and the purchaser is of legal age to complete the transaction.

The cutting-edge ID scan and ID verification technology from IDscan.net authenticates the ID and then uses real-time three-position facial matching to confirm the ID photo.

While other vending software can require buyers and sellers to download or install apps, making for a complicated buying experience, Fastcorp’s DIVI-Regulated and its ID-Scan.net® technology process IDs in in less than 15 seconds.

Vend Block

To increase your control over your product, Fastcorp’s DIVI Regulated also offers VEND BLOCK technology. This allows the vendor to block vending up to four times a day, seven days a week. When VEND BLOCK is on, products cannot be purchased – complete control for regulated products.

There's so much more!

You now should have a solid grasp on what regulated vending is and how Fastcorp’s DIVI-Regulated machines can help sellers/operators distribute their unique products with safety and security.

Watch out for more articles from Fastcorp and our partners about regulated vending – compliance, payments systems, security, and more.

Of course, if you have more question, we are just a click away!

To learn more about DIVI-Regulated™ and its capabilities, download the brochure here…

Arrange a free consultation today

Complete the form to connect with one of our experienced sales team for a free consultation about your products and vending needs.

Find out more about regulated vending

Looking to enhance your retail solutions for alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, or other regulated products?
Find Out More

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ZAR Cannatherapy – Elevate

November 21, 2023 No Comments

“Elevate” with ZAR Wellness – the team at ZAR Wellness is feeling the excitement Razia Quereshi-Shalami and Asad Shalami founded the company and work together in the business. Together they have built ZAR Wellness into a driving force in the Dallas Fort Worth – San Antonio – Huston triangle in Texas.

Read More »