NU#6: Ivan Lee

NU Idea #6: New Product Improvements

More Vending Machines, Please!

By R080230

Tokyo has it by the thousands, why not Manila? Vending machines have truly changed the concept of “open, 24 hours” as now, more and more things are being served by this “robotic consumer wonder”. In Tokyo, you can find almost anything inside this robotic box – from fresh fruits, tea, coffee, canned drinks and yes, even t-shirts and boxer shorts. Maybe it’s the Japanese’s fascination with robots that makes them love these machines. Maybe it’s their penchant for anything technological that make them want these machines. Maybe, Filipinos have yet to discover the benefits of vending machines. Here are some of its benefits:

a.)    24 hour service – vending machines operate 24 hours a day and only stops if you do not refill them. Apart from that, business goes on.

b.)    No manpower needed to complete sales – fewer expenses in the long run since there’s no personal selling required.

c.)     All cash, no credits – no problems with bad accounts receivables.

d.)    Convenience to the customers since these machines are often located in places where there is high foot traffic, which means that customers will walk fewer steps to get to your business.

e.)    Faster and on time customer service versus possible long queues in the retail outlet.

One of the products I am thinking of is a vending machine that serves instant noodles called VENDORAMEN. This is not an entirely new concept as this is already existent in Tokyo and perhaps, some other parts in the world. However, for an instant noodle loving country like that of our country, developing VENDORAMEN has its benefits. For one, this will change how the number one instant noodle company in the country, Nissin Monde, sells its products. The company will no longer rely on retail outlets to sell to the end consumers; they will open a new front on how to reach their customers directly. Second, VENDORAMEN will redefine the concept of instant noodles since now, when you buy your noodle, you get to eat it at once – no need to look or boil for hot water. Third, it offers noodle companies the opportunity to test market new flavours without having to pay additional shelf space in retail outlets – which by the way, could amount to millions of pesos if we are talking about  a nationwide test run. Fourth, instant noodle companies who will employ these machines will skip competition in the retail outlets and they can lock in customers to choose from any of their flavours instead.

For the consumers, VENDORAMEN will redefine the whole notion of convenience of eating instant noodles.  Those looking to eat a hot meal will, for the first time in the country, have the opportunity to enjoy this with all the convenience offered by the vending machines. Working in overtime and want to eat real hot food? No longer will you have to walk to the nearest 7-11 or Ministop, you can have one right at your pantry courtesy of VENDORAMEN. Furthermore, instant noodles will no longer be the “instant noodle” it was once thought of. With VENDORAMEN, one can have his/her noodles in less than a minute or two without the hassle of opening packs, mixing mixes and looking for hot water. What’s more, food consistency will be assured.

With all these good things, why again do we not have a VENDORAMEN concept yet in the country? 

3.5

---

This email is confidential and intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above and may contain information that is privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify us immediately by return email or telephone and destroy the original message. - This mail is sent via Sony Asia Pacific Mail Gateway..