Will Pepsi's Social Vending Machines Transform Everyday Technology?

The technology is fascinating but the real excitement is around whether this will stimulate additional sales. Social commerce is more of a belief system than an economic reality. It is not surprising that an aggressively managed and forward-thinking company like Pepsi got the jump on this. Measurement of incremental sales via mobile records should be telling. the other benefit is the buzz it generates for employees and customers whose affinity for a brand that promotes edgy concepts may increase favorability which should translate into economic growth. Eric reports in BuzzStudy:

Last week Pepsi unveiled a prototype of a “social vending system,” branding it as the next generation in interactive vend technology. The machine features a touch-screen that allows users to buy a drink as well as gift one to someone. By entering the recipient’s name, mobile number and a personalized text message, the machine generates a code and instructions on how to redeem the beverage at another social vending machine

The announcement generated good buzz for Pepsi. The vending machines were mentioned in nearly 30% of all Pepsi conversations online last week.

People seem to like the idea. Sentiment around the Pepsi social vending machine is currently 73% positive. One of the hottest topics within the conversation was the ability to gift drinks, which was mentioned in nearly 20% of the conversations and was 95% positive.

Are computerized social vending machines the start of everyday technology becoming more social?