Hunter Local startup behind a world first
Two locals Matt Thomas and Richard Hannan set up Uberflow when their contract to maintain Automatic Teller Machines was sold off to overseas interests. Matt Thomas said "that after a weeks’ notice we had to put food on the table and wanted to use our expertise in computing, electronics and marketing.
We looked at the vending industry and how old school it was and with a foray into the world of Chinese manufacturing it did not take long to make the decision to design, source and build this game changer "WallHanger" using local Australian resources.
Contracts were signed with only a starting concept in January and within three months a prototype machine was produced and we had fifty of the world first digital touch screen vending machines, all with tap and go, remote stock control and multimedia advertising at the premium Sydney airport.
Below is the release from retail world
World first vending machines
by Inside Shopper on May 5, 2014
Sydney Airport has launched digital touch screen vending machines that stock travel size toiletries in its terminals.
The digital vending machines have been designed by Melbourne-based washroom vending company, Powder Room Interactive Media (PRI Media), and are tailored for washrooms in Sydney Airport’s T1 International and T2 Domestic terminals.
Customers visiting T1 and T2 will now have access to a range of popular travel size beauty and grooming products from brands including Nivea, Carefree, Listerine, Dettol, Durex, Herron, Napoleon Perdis, Gucci perfume, and D&G cologne.
All machines feature a 32-inch HD LCD interactive touchscreen with audio, enabled to run TVCs, interactive banner advertising and campaign messaging. The machines will also enable brands to take an active role by facilitating product sampling and promotions.
PRI Media has installed 55 interactive vending machines in both female and male washrooms in T1 and T2, with all products sold via the vending machines meet Customs requirements for liquid allowances.
The machines accept credit card payments, including ‘tap and go’ functionality, as well as coins.
Sydney Airport head of advertising and new media, Martin Salter, says it is important to offer customers access to everyday essential products and services at the airport.
“Sydney Airport is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience that offers travellers choice, value, and convenience. These new digital vending machines in T1 and T2 will provide customers with access to the brands and products they want, when and where they need them,” said Salter.
“We’re delighted to be the first airport in the world to offer this unique and innovative washroom experience to our customers.”
PRI media GM, Michelle Davis, said the launch of the digital vending machines at Sydney Airport marks the beginning of a new era in the domestic washroom space.
“The washroom vending machine market has come a long way from the coin-only metal box stuck in the corner of the bathroom. In today’s digital world, consumers want convenience combined with brands they know and trust. Our machines combine easy access to popular personal products and cosmetics with targeted marketing messaging and advertising opportunities,” Davis said.