Would you buy gadgets from a vending machine?
On a recent business trip to New York, I couldn’t help notice a woman buying a digital camera from a vending machine at La Guardia airport. Considering the last time I stepped into a big box store I couldn’t find anyone to help me, is this such a bad idea?
OK, so we already gave Best Buy some love in this blog post but I had to snap a picture on my Blackberry of this Best Buy Express-branded vending machine.
You can use your credit card to buy iPods, digital cameras, GPS navigation units, Nintendo DSi gaming systems, memory cards and USB sticks, noise-cancelling headphones and DVDs.
Considering the last time I used a vending machine (at the radio station I work for) I bought a Snickers chocolate bar, the concept of buying high-tech items from an automated dispenser amused me.
It reminded me when ATMs started to appear at banks and my father, who resists change, muttered “machines aren’t going to replace people.” To some degree, they have — when it comes to banking. When was the last time you talked with a teller?
And don’t you prefer those automated checkout counters at the supermarket, where you get to scan your own items?
Are tech toys next?
Do you think you’d buy a pricey product from a vending machine? What if you first needed advice from a salesperson? Is the familiar Best Buy brand more comforting to you in case something goes wrong (rather than giving money to “Mike’s Tech Depot”)? And what if your iPod nano gets stuck on that circular silver thingy and the box doesn’t drop? Will they believe you if you call an 800 number on the spot?
Would love to know your thoughts on buying portable electronics from a vending machine.
Spelling mistake.
And don’t you prefer those automated checkout counters at the supermarket, where you get to scan yoru own items?
No I don’t prefer those automated checkout counters… and I get the attendant at said automated checkout counters to scan my items for me
Lazy and rude much? The self checkout machines are easy and you can do it on your own.
Does the vending machine credit your card after the item is dispensed or upon selection?
For example, how many of you have put money into a vending machine only to have the snack you want get stuck and you wind up paying twice to get it unstuck with an extra snack or worse, the vending machine eats your money?!
It may be a novel idea, but what happens if you make your selection and the item is received damaged before you even use it? Your credit card is charged and now you don’t have enough left on it to replace the item with another. Maybe a gamble!
I could see myself buying an iPod from those because I’m familiar enough with the different models to know which one I’d like to get next. However, I couldn’t image purchasing a digital camera or GPS unit from one, as I’d like to read some online reviews before purchasing such a big ticket item.
They have had vending machines that distribute movies and cd’s for years. The cd’s are always way overpriced and if damAaged or not what you ideally; what or where would you have to return it??
You Speaky English – dumb ass
this idea is nice but drawback is what will you do received a damaged piece
after making selection. and advantage is simplicity of it.
…the credit card is charged once you remove the item out of vending machine. Damaged product is a problem from my point of view, even worse if you´re planing to travel and return weeks later…
I´ve heard that there may be software that allows you to see what a vending machine has and make a reservation from the PC and afterwards buy it…
These products are all backed by BestBuy, so i’m sure you can simply return them to the store. It’s got to print out a receipt. Worst case scenario, you just call your credit card company and request a charge back.
Hi,
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Thanks & Regards
Pentagram Technologies
India
Mobile : +91-9941522972
Email Id : karna@pentagramtechnologies.com
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