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Apr 9, 2006 11:55 am US/Eastern
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iPod Vending Machines Catching On
ATLANTA (CBS) ―
At up to $300, they are not exactly an impulse buy, but Apple's popular iPod music players are fast becoming the must-have items among the tech savvy. Now, a company that is making it easier than ever to get an iPod says it plans to expand to meet the demand.
Zoom Systems has installed iPod vending stations in airports at Atlanta and San Francisco. They have dozens of other similar stations in six cities.
Even though buyers are asked to plunk down a credit card for almost three bills to walk away with an iPod, the company says demand is strong, and they've started researching other locations.
The vending machines, actually an automated kiosk, sell iPods and accessories and accept a credit card for payment. A phone built into the machine allows for human contact if needed. After all, it's one thing to have a vending machine stiff you for a $.75 candy bar; it's another to be out $300 should the technology have a hiccup.
Zoom, which is based in San Francisco, reportedly monitors the sales and knows immediately if an item sells out. The company also is said to be able to change the price of a product almost instanteously.
The kiosks also sell cellphones and other electronic items. Zoom launched the machines in March, but says it hopes to have 10,000 of the devices by the end of 2007.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)