Published • 11 Feb 2025
A vending machine might seem like a straightforward way to offer convenient snacks and drinks—but what if there was a better way? One that drives higher sales, offers more flexibility, and delivers a better experience for both operators and customers?
The PicoCooler Vision isn’t just an alternative to vending—it’s a smarter way to sell. With better margins, lower maintenance, and a shopping experience people prefer, it’s the future of unattended retail. Here’s why it outperforms traditional vending machines.
1. Sell More, Earn More—Without the Vending Machine Limitations
Vending machines rely on a low-ticket, single-item purchase model that limits revenue per transaction. PicoCooler Vision changes that, encouraging customers to shop, not just buy. Operators who switch report:
- 40%+ higher sales volume compared to vending machines.
- Increased average ticket price—shoppers grab multiple items instead of just one.
- 10-15% higher profit margins, thanks to premium pricing flexibility.
- Penny pricing advantage—instead of vending’s nickel increments, you can price items more precisely, capturing more revenue.
- More favorable tax structure—sales tax is applied at checkout, similar to a convenience store, rather than factored into sticker prices.
2. Give Customers the Confidence to Buy
Vending machines force customers to take a gamble on what’s behind the glass. They can’t check nutrition labels, verify ingredients, or ensure an item meets their dietary needs. That hesitation leads to fewer purchases.
With PicoCooler Vision, shoppers know exactly what they’re buying before they make a decision. They can pick up an item, read the label, and make an informed choice. That’s why it performs so well in gyms, hospitals, office spaces, and anywhere customers want more than just whatever’s available.
3. Offer More Than Just Snacks and Soda
One of the biggest drawbacks of vending machines is their limited product range. PicoCooler Vision removes those restrictions, allowing operators to stock what customers actually want:
- Fresh meals, salads, sandwiches, and wraps.
- Specialty and high-margin beverages—electrolyte drinks, kombucha, and premium teas.
- Multi-serve or bulk items that customers can take home.
- Odd-sized products that vending machines can’t handle.
More variety means more sales, higher spending per visit, and stronger customer loyalty.
4. Less Maintenance, More Reliability
If you’ve operated vending machines, you know the headaches: jammed coin slots, failed motors, and outdated inventory tracking. PicoCooler Vision eliminates those issues:
Fewer moving parts mean fewer breakdowns and costly repairs.
Lighter and more compact (400 lbs vs. traditional vending), making installation easier.
Smart inventory management through ADM and VMS, helping operators track stock levels and sales in real time.
It’s a smarter, more hands-off approach to unattended retail.
5. More Secure, Less Shrinkage
Vending machines are easy theft targets—once an item is gone, there’s no tracking who took it. PicoCooler Vision prevents this by requiring a valid payment method before customers can access products.
This built-in security makes it ideal for semi-public spaces like dormitories, fitness centers, and hospitals—locations where vending machines often struggle with theft and product loss.
6. The Right Choice for Operators Looking to Grow
PicoCooler Vision is an ideal fit for two types of operators:
New operators looking for a high-revenue, low-maintenance way to enter unattended retail.
Existing vending operators ready to replace outdated machines with something more profitable and easier to manage.
For new operators, it’s an opportunity to launch with a model built for today’s consumer habits. For experienced vending operators, it offers a proven path to higher margins, better inventory control, and stronger long-term growth.
7. Real Results From Operators Like You
Operators who’ve made the switch have seen a clear difference:
“The computer vision units have worked quite well for us. They seem to be accurate, which is very important for us form a loss standpoint, but most importantly, we are charging customers for the right items that they are taking.”
— Mark Fletcher, Paradies
“Our customers prefer picking up products to touch and feel to traditional vending… With vending, you’re vending. With markets and PicoCooler Vision, you’re shopping now… It made a huge difference in sales. Our sales went through the roof with the increase of having these Picos compared to a vending machine.”
— Jon Evans, Breakroom Choices
“We sell against traditional vending, and we do very well selling against traditional vending. My advice would be these things work. They take some time to get used to… They’re easy to sell, they’re easy to maintain, they’re easy to stock, and they’ve been a great addition to what we all know.”
— Jason Postl, Fresh & Easy Markets
Considering a switch to the PicoCooler Vision is a big decision, and we understand you may have questions. Below, we’ve addressed some of the most common concerns to help you decide if this innovative self-service solution is the right fit for your business.
How reliable is the technology? AI and computer vision sound impressive, but are they prone to glitches or errors?
- The PicoCooler Vision is new technology, which means your cooler comes brand new and operates as expected. This is more reliable than a vending machine, especially those that are second-hand, that are prone to breaking down. In those scenarios, you have to be the maintenance worker to get your machines up and running. With 365 Retail Markets, should any issues arise, we have a 24/7/365 Support team based in Troy, MI, ready to help you when you need assistance.
Do I need technical expertise to troubleshoot issues? Is training required for my team to handle it?
- Setting up the PicoCooler Vision is straightforward. 365 Retail Markets provides all the necessary documentation to guide you through the process, available digitally on their customer help portal. And if you ever need extra support, their 24/7/365 Support team is just a call away.
Stocking a vending machine is simple. Will the PicoCooler Vision make inventory management more complicated?
- Managing inventory is easier than ever with 365 Retail Markets’ backend system, ADM. It connects to the 365Ops app, allowing you to manage inventory and your machines on the go—from your smartphone. Couple this with steps on how to create the correct plannogram, you’ll be up and running in no time.
Customers are used to vending machines dispensing products after payment. With the “grab-and-go” model, I’d worry about customers not trusting that the system will charge them correctly or feeling uneasy about not receiving a traditional receipt.
- The PicoCooler Vision ensures payment security by requiring customers to present payment before accessing the cooler. This is done through a pre-authorization (Pre-Auth) transaction, which verifies payment availability and restricts access to only those with valid funds. The final charge is processed immediately after checkout.
Will customers in my current locations (schools, offices, hospitals) value the ability to check nutritional info and have fresh options? What if they prefer the quick, predictable experience of vending machines? Would PicoCooler Vision be overkill for these environments?
- Health-conscious customers are more likely to shop from a system that lets them check calories, nutritional details, and allergens before buying. According to a report by NielsenIQ and the Food Industry Association, 66% of consumers prioritize transparency around nutrition and ingredients. Additionally, 80% of respondents indicated that factors like values-based information, certifications, and allergen details heavily influence their purchasing decisions.
Will people understand how to use the PicoCooler Vision, or will they hesitate to approach it because it looks different from traditional vending machines?
- To make the grab-and-go process intuitive, the Pico device on the cooler explains the steps for payment. For added clarity, 365 Retail Markets provides signage to guide customers.
A Smarter Way to Sell
Vending machines may seem like a familiar, safe option, but they come with built-in limitations—restricted product variety, lower margins, and frequent maintenance headaches.
PicoCooler Vision is the better way forward. Higher sales, a more flexible product selection, and a modern shopping experience that keeps customers coming back.
Looking to move beyond vending? Let’s talk.