Digital Vending Machine at Warung to Pay Bills and Deposit Cash
Digital payments are more and more common now, ranging from becoming a payment method when shopping, to paying your monthly bills. All can be done via a gadget and smooth internet access. Everything is easily accessible even if you don't have cash with you. As it is so efficient, now the government and all digital payment companies are increasingly trying to expand their reach, especially to rural and small areas.
Even though many rural communities are already familiar with technology, it turns out that access to top up digital money balances is still a challenge. Usually we top up the balance at the nearest modern minimarket or use mobile banking. In areas far from the big city, people usually still carry cash. Either from selling the harvest, wages, or those who still do not have a bank account. Some still have to travel long distances to pay bills. Then in this modern era, all payments began to be integrated into its digital version.
So in this case, what is the right solution for people in remote areas but want access to digital payments?
Starting point for digital payment ideas
Previously, WHS Shop used a vending machine from Smartven to sell in the Mangunjaya Village area, Arjasari District, Bandung. Their initial idea of using a vending machine was actually as a digital payment medium for the community.
WHS stores understand that because the location is far from being able to do digital transactions, they made a simple digital kiosk prototype. In collaboration with Mitra Tokopedia for a digital payment platform, they use a special table at the front of the store building. The concept is quite simple. Consisting of a monitor, a box to put money in, and CCTV, this digital kiosk is widely used by villagers. This kiosk itself is not guarded and remains open even though the shop is not yet open, because it is monitored by CCTV.
To make a payment, customers just need to enter the right amount of money according to the desired transaction. From the monitor, you choose whether you want to pay or buy anything, then proof of the transaction will be sent via WhatsApp from the number used for the transaction. Starting from paying electricity bills, buying tokens, top up digital wallet balances to buying credit for mobile gaming can also be done at this simple digital kiosk.
Bookkeeping and monitoring problems
While many people like the idea of a digital kiosk, of course, keeping it safe and putting money in the right way can be difficult. The owner of the WHS Store also admitted that even though the shop was not guarded, he still had to monitor CCTV when there were customers. Imagine if someone had to buy electricity tokens early in the morning while people were resting, it would be a hassle, right?
Sometimes, the cash inserted is not always in the appropriate amount even though it can be seen from the CCTV camera. Not to mention, later you have to manually match the amount of money in the box with the total transactions that have occurred. It will be more troublesome if the transaction types are different.
Digital vending machine at warung
From this digital kiosk prototype, Toko WHS uses a vending machine for all digital products that have been sold previously. With system customization from Smartven, the existing vending machine is then upgraded. The touch screen that usually only displays product catalogues, now has an additional menu, namely Setor Uang (Deposit Money) and Digital. The two new menus combine all the functions of the existing simple digital kiosk. Without the need for many devices, just a vending machine is enough.
As we already know, people in remote areas still carry cash. So, this vending machine still accepts cash in the form of coins or paper. The bill validator now appears with a coin reader, the inserted money will be automatically read and can be used for transactions. With a vending machine, the amount of money entered must match the amount so that the transaction can be processed. For administrative matters, such as ledgers, it becomes easier because the tracking is more real-time and the transaction information is clear.
For customers, the use of this money deposit menu can be like an ATM machine. The money entered can be transferred to a personal bank account or if you want to send money to another account. So you don't have to go all the way to the ATM anymore, okay?
The menu that appears when the Digital tab is selected is also quite complete. There are Wallet Top-ups, Games, Credit, Electricity, Bills, to Instalments. In this machine, residents of Mangunjaya Village can top up various digital wallets such as GoPay, OVO, ShopeePay, buy credit for mobile games such as Diamonds for PUBG or Mobile Legends, buy mobile data, pay electricity bills or BPJS, and also pay instalments. The method of use is also the same as cash deposits. Customers can choose the desired digital product, then just enter the appropriate amount of money.
A new digital era in remote areas
With the vending machine that sells this digital product, it is easier for the owner of WHS Store to manage all transactions that have occurred. Due to the large number of visitors at night, it is not possible to keep the shop all night long, so the existence of this digital vending machine is very helpful for both the owner and the customer. The WHS store, which carries a new concept in the 'warung' world, by selling digital products and various drinks and food through Smartven, can certainly be an inspiration for shops in other areas. It is hoped that with the advancement of technology, rural areas and many other areas will develop and have easy access to non-cash transactions. If you want your shop to sell products using a smart vending machine or have a business idea that can be developed with this machine, you can contact Smartven for further consultation by clicking the button below. You can also read more on the Smartven website or check out our Instagram for more information. Happy innovating, stay healthy and see you soon!
