u/Far-Cantaloupe-6478

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Hi everyone, I’m researching the user experience of smart open-door vending coolers in the U.S. market and would like to hear real feedback from everyday customers.

I’m not referring to traditional vending machines where products drop down after purchase. I mean smart vending coolers that work more like a convenience store fridge: the user scans a QR code, taps a card, or uses a mobile payment method to unlock the door, takes the products directly, closes the door, and then the system automatically identifies the items and charges the customer.

I’m especially interested in hardware or device-related issues during the actual user experience, such as:

1. Product access and shelf layout Are the shelves easy to reach? Is the spacing, height, and depth reasonable? Are products easy to grab, or have you ever picked the wrong item because the layout was too crowded or unclear?
2. Product recognition and billing accuracy Have you ever taken one item but been charged for another? Or put an item back but still got charged? Does the final billing take too long?
3. Refrigeration experience If it was a refrigerated smart cooler, were the drinks or food cold enough? Did the glass door fog up? Was there any odor inside? Would you worry about temperature control or food safety?
4. Trust and comfort level Do you feel comfortable using this type of machine? Do you worry about being overcharged, unclear receipts, difficult refunds, or privacy issues related to cameras?
5. Best locations for this type of machine Where do you think smart open-door vending coolers make the most sense: offices, apartments, schools, hospitals, gyms, hotels, airports, laundromats, or somewhere else?

I’m trying to understand the real hardware problems and user experience barriers people face when using these machines.

If you’ve used a smart open-door vending cooler before, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience, whether good or bad. What kind of design or hardware improvements would make you more willing to use one?