# Contact-Less Vending The traditional vending machine adopts smartphone payment systems. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published May 20, 2019 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/contactless-vending ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.3/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Contact-Less Vending trend? **Contact-Less Vending:** The convenience of vending machines is being enhanced by brands with the incorporation of contact-less payment systems that can be made through smartphones. This shift comes as this form of retail adapts to meet the demands of consumers’ rituals, with streamlined day-to-day transactions now being the norm. ## The consumer insight behind the Contact-Less Vending trend The ubiquity of smartphones has streamlined everything from entertainment to professional tasks for consumers. The use of this tech in nearly all facets of their lives has led consumers to expect that brands incorporate it into retail experiences, in everything from immersions to simplified payment systems. The elevation of retail experiences through seamless transactions allows consumers to move with ease throughout their daily routines. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 25, 2017 to Aug 22, 2019 - Published: May 20, 2019 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Contact-Less Vending trend ### Contactless Payment Systems The use of contactless payment systems is becoming increasingly popular in retail as consumers demand streamlined and convenient transactions. ### Smartphone Integration The ubiquity of smartphones has led to consumers' expectation that they be integrated into various experiences, including retail, thus creating opportunities for brands to elevate the retail experience through seamless transactions. ### Seamless Transactions Consumer demand for seamless transactions is driving innovation in vending machines and other retail experiences, creating opportunities for businesses to improve or disrupt existing retail models. ## What the Contact-Less Vending trend means for industry ### For Retail Retail industries can benefit from upgrading traditional vending machines and integrating contactless payment systems to meet the demands of consumers. ### For Education Educational institutions can take advantage of wireless smartphone payment technology and leverage existing student IDs to streamline purchasing experiences on campus. ### For Automotive Automotive industries can enhance customer experiences by introducing stress-free purchasing options, such as contactless payment and haggle-free vending machines. ## Workshop question How could your brand effectively streamline the purchase journey for its customers? ## Trend signals for Contact-Less Vending Trend score 5.3 out of 10, from popularity 78%, activity 72%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 78% - Activity: 72% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Contact-Less Vending trend 5 featured examples from Sep 25, 2017 to Aug 22, 2019. - [Smartphone Payment Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-retail-ekiosk): The Stora Enso New Retail e-Kiosk Has RFID for Transactions (Category: Tech) Implication: The rise of smartphone-centric purchasing calls for innovative mobile payment services to facilitate seamless transactions between consumers and vending machines. - [App User-Exclusive Pop-Up Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-popups): This Nike Pop-Up in Atlanta is Compatible with the SNKRS App (Category: Fashion) Implication: Retail stores could use merging physical and digital experiences to enhance customers' shopping experiences. - [Automated Office Pantries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pantry-box): Bodega Gives Workplaces Convenient Pantry Box Stores Stocked With Basics (Category: Business) Implication: The retail industry can explore the implementation of automated pantry boxes to provide a seamless shopping experience for customers. - [Contactless Car Vending Machines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-vending-machines): Auto Trader Created a Stress-Free Way to Purchase a Car (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive industry can benefit from implementing car vending machines as a disruptive innovation that transforms the traditional car buying process. - [Student ID Contactless Payments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nfc-contactless-payments): Blackboard's NFC Contactless Payments Work with Student IDs (Category: Tech) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with colleges and universities to implement NFC contactless payment solutions in their campuses and enhance the student experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)