Self-service: Ubox Enabling M payments at Vending Machines
- In China, Ubox proposes the eponymous mobile app for Android, iPhone and Java-based phones allowing customers to made mobile payments at vending machines. The customer first has to sign up for this service and add funds to his Ubox account via a UnionPay bank card or Alipay.
- He brings his mobile phone close-by a participating machine, starts the app and selects the product he wished to buy using his Smartphone. The transaction takes place through the app awarding a 10 percent discount on all purchases. The central boron enables the user to pick up the product.
- The hardware and software developed by Ubox cannot be set apart. It intends to have a large number of vending machines installed in the Chinese metro stations and shopping centres.
- This solution again illustrates the increasing opportunities allowed by ever-present mobile media. Self-service devices are also evolving towards the adoption of mobile payment. This evolution could help secure these machines (no cash).
- The France-based vending machines manufacturer Selecta had also tested mobile payment in 2007 through proposing a mobile purse (Crandy). This new service makes the difference as it allows the customers to make their choice using the mobile app.