Street Interview: Vending Machines in Indonesia
Vending machine is an automatic machine that can be used for various things, mainly to make shopping transactions. Starting from choosing the product you want to buy, choosing the desired payment method, to getting the product you need quickly without having to queue. There are various products sold using vending machines nowadays. Starting from what normally sells bottled drinks and snacks, now it has developed a lot. You can sell beauty products, health products, top up digital wallet balances, to fashion products in the form of clothes, bags, and others.
Having previously explained basic information through Smartven's Vending Expert Series, we are curious to what extent the involvement of Indonesian people, especially in Jakarta, in this world of vending in their daily lives, by conducting Street Interviews. This short Q&A was conducted in a recently hip area, namely Dukuh Atas, and an office building area at The Energy Building SCBD, Jakarta.
A total of three questions were asked to each respondent, namely:
(1) Respondents' involvement in the use of vending machines in their lives,
(2) The reason why people in Indonesia are still relatively new to the world of vending machine, and
(3) Their opinion is that if the function of a conventional shop or shop turns into a vending machine in the future.
Respondent relations with vending machines
Each respondent was asked whether they had ever used a vending machine and their experience if they had used one. Most of them answered that they had seen one but didn't use it often, some said they use this machine almost every day. The impression they get based on their experience is how practical and sophisticated these machines are. But apparently the second impression is the mindset to always use cash in good condition. So it turns out that they often experience jammed cash or do not want to be read, which leads to failed transactions. Also, almost all respondents think that this machine can just sell drinks.
In these interviews, the Smartven team also educates respondents about the current development of the vending machine world in Indonesia - which may sound unfamiliar. Because Indonesia has established many public and private facilities to help the community in reaching their various needs. Moreover, the developed smart vending machines now can rely on a cashless system using QRIS, not just cash payments.
We agree with the proverb “out of sight, out of mind”. To be more familiar with using this automated machine, surely people need to be told that it is quite easy to use the machine regardless of their familiarity with the technology. Because later when they are familiar with the machine, it might make their life easier because they are used to using it.
The reason why vending machines are still new in Indonesia
Based on our first question, some don't know what a vending machine is. What's the reason? This question also incites curiosity how distanced Indonesian people are with vending machines, whereas that can actually make their lives easier. According to several respondents, this is because most of these sophisticated machines are only placed in areas that tend to be exclusive so that for people who are far from the area, of course, the opportunity to see these machines will be smaller. Some of the exclusive areas mentioned are train stations, airports and shopping centres. Even though it is still accessible, it is undeniable that shopping at the easily found minimarkets or warung is still more familiar to them.
This is a good opportunity to start a vending business. Seeing the interests and needs of the community compared to the vending business industry who do not have as many as conventional retailers, this is a great opportunity to embrace the community and popularise your business using vending machines with relatively light competition!
Vending machines to replace conventional shop functions
From the opinions of the respondents, we also asked what if one day the conventional store is replaced by a vending machine. Most are interested in this idea, especially if there is an option to pay with a QR code which is certainly more practical and accessible than paying with physical money. This opinion comes from the younger generation and those who often rely on their smartphones. However, for workers who often carry cash with them, going shopping to conventional stores is still an option because it feels more familiar to them. Then a small number of respondents think that this situation depends on the product they want to buy. If there is a special product sold through this machine, then they will use it. If not, it will continue to shop at the store.
As with other technologies, the entry of a new way of life, in this case a new way of shopping does take time and a gradual process to achieve a habit or culture. In the future, when vending machines are more widely available and people feel the benefits, shopping without shopkeepers will become a common daily habit. Especially in big cities where people have busy activities and must carefully manage their time effectively and efficiently. This automatic shopping trend will be a method that helps make it easier for people to reach their needs quickly and practically.
Also read: Strategies to Develop Small Business Growth
Find out more
After being asked this Street Interview question, the respondents were then given a short explanation so that the public would be more aware of the development of vending machines in Indonesia. Don't forget to watch the full video on the Smartven YouTube channel! Also turn on notifications, like, comment and subscribe. You can also check out our website and Instagram page for more information. Stay healthy and see you soon!
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