With the idea to create a new sales channel for flower companies without any labor or high fixed costs, Hypervend was established in June 2021 in Boston. They designed a smart vending machine that can interface with any website or app via an API they provide for a seamless omnichannel experience. After the establishment, they grew quickly and spread their wings internationally with customers from Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, UAE, KSA, Australia, and soon in the EU countries.
How does it work?
They have two sizes at the moment, one with 6 doors and one with 12 doors. And in each compartment, users can put one or two products, explains founder and CEO of Hypervend, Alex Frost. But how does it work? "A consumer uses the app, visits the website, or visits the machine to make a purchase. Once the purchase is made, they can choose to pick it up or have it delivered (with a local delivery partner like DoorDash or Getir, Rappi, etc., depending on the country)."
Optimal temperature and humidity
The flowers are farm direct, and according to Frost, they are maintained in the machine at optimal temperature and humidity. "These refrigerated lockers can be cooled to 35-44 degrees and 85% humidity. And perishables last longer as we collapse the supply chain (farm direct) vs. the traditional route from farm to the importer to wholesaler to retailer. So consumers get more vase life out of the flowers they buy from a machine. And our software monitors the real-time status of each product. "
New machine for mass market
Currently, retail florists, wholesalers, farms, and franchises are using the machines, and soon, they will also have one for the mass market. "By the end of the year, we are planning to introduce a new machine, the HC-1, which is 36" wide and 60" tall."
Future plans
And when looking at their future plans, Frost tells us that they are planning to integrate drone delivery, when legal, in certain countries.
For more information
Hypervend
www.hypervend.com