A major beverage company installed smart vending machines that used facial recognition technology (with customer opt-in) and loyalty programs. The machine could recognize a returning customer and greet them by name. Based on their past purchases and preferences, it would then recommend new products or offer a personalized discount. This personalized experience led to a 25% increase in repeat customer visits to the vending machine. The company found that customers were more likely to try a new product when it was recommended to them by a machine that "knew" their preferences.

Similarly, a company selling personalized gifts and merchandise used vending machine kiosks at theme parks and tourist attractions. Customers could use the touch screen to upload a photo and create a customized t-shirt or keychain, which was then printed and dispensed by the machine in a matter of minutes. This instant customization created a unique and memorable shopping experience, and the company reported that its sales from these kiosks were 40% higher than its online sales for the same products. The ability to provide a tailored and unique experience is a powerful new selling point that sets modern vending machines apart from their predecessors.