PURCHASE, N.Y. -- MasterCard Worldwide and USA Technologies said that Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages (CSAB) will equip vending machines in several U.S. markets with the e-Port cashless transaction solution to begin accepting all major credit cards, including those enabled with MasterCard PayPass contactless payment functionality.
CSAB, whose brands include Dr Pepper, 7UP, Snapple, A&W Root Beer, Hawaiian Punch, Canada Dry, Mott's and numerous others, is working with MasterCard and USA Technologies to enable as many as 1,000 Dr Pepper and Snapple [image-nocss] vending machines in Dallas, New York and Chicago to accept credit card payments.
At Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, we are dedicated not only to creating brands people love, but also to seeking better ways to get those brands in the hands of our consumers, said Mark Jackson, vice president of cold drink equipment and equity for CSAB. Convenience is a driving factor in consumer purchasing decisions and credit cards are becoming a preferred method of payment for purchases at all price levels, even those under $5. The e-Port cashless transaction solution makes purchasing our popular soft drinks, teas and juices from our vending machines easier and more convenient than ever.
USA Technologies said that Dr Pepper and Snapple Bottlers and distributors are adopting the latest technology to enhance the consumer's purchasing experience.
MasterCard applauds innovators like Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages who are embracing the latest technology to provide their customers with more payment options and convenience, said T.J. Sharkey, group head of national accounts, U.S. Commerce Development, MasterCard Worldwide. MasterCard PayPass is providing greater speed, ease and convenience for consumers making purchases from vending machines, while driving greater opportunity for vending operators to improve efficiencies and generate increased revenues.
Consumers no longer need cash and coins. To use the e-Port cashless payment technology, consumers tap their MasterCard PayPass-enabled credit card or device on the e-Port terminal. Within seconds, the terminal will flash a light and produce a tone signaling the transaction is complete. As with all MasterCard PayPass transactions under $25, no signature will be required. The terminals will also accept traditional magnetic-stripe credit cards.
In teaming with MasterCard, USA Technologies is creating value through innovation, evolving our e-Port product line to quickly meet rapidly emerging market trends in vending and unattended POS terminals, said George R. Jensen, Jr., Chairman and CEO, USA Technologies. A recent Ipsos Insight and Peppercoin survey found that 42 million Americans were willing to use a card when making a purchase from a vending machine, and 42 million had used their card to purchase a cup of coffee, confirming that consumers are willing to use cards for small purchases if the cashless option is available.
The Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages installations are the first of a total 5,000 self-service point-of-sale (POS) terminals and vending machines MasterCard and USA Technologies are deploying in 12 cities across the United States, including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Denver, Seattle, Miami, Orlando and Washington, D.C.
The 5,000 machines will be installed over the next several weeks and represents the largest rollout of contactless technology in the vending and POS markets, the company said. MasterCard PayPass uses radio frequency technology to transmit payment details wirelessly between the PayPass device and the merchant's terminal. The transaction is then processed through the MasterCard network for clearing and settlement. PayPass cards include magnetic stripe technology, so the cards can also be used in the traditional manner anywhere MasterCard is accepted around the world. PayPass technology can also be used in a number of noncard devices, such as a convenient payment tag that fits on a key chain for easy access.
MasterCard PayPass is ideal for traditional cash-heavy environments where speed is essential, and has led the way in bringing contactless technology to consumer categories such as quick-serve restaurants, drug stores, gas stations, vending machines, convenience stores, sports arenas, movie theaters, transit systems and parking garages, said the company. There are currently nearly 11 million PayPass cards and devices in the market, and PayPass is currently accepted globally at 36,000 merchant locations, including participating 7-Eleven, CVS, McDonald's, Regal Entertainment Group theaters and many others. PayPass is also accepted at numerous football and baseball stadiums.
Plano, Texas-based Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages is one of the largest producers of soft drinks and premium beverages in the Americas. It is a subsidiary division of Cadbury Schweppes plc, a $13 billion global confectionery and beverage company headquartered in London. CSAB's brand portfolio includes Dr Pepper, 7UP, Snapple, Mott's Apple Juice, RC Cola, A&W Root Beer, Sunkist Soda, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch, Schweppes, Diet Rite, Clamato, Mr & Mrs T Mixers, Holland House Mixers, Rose's, Mistic, Yoo-hoo, Orangina, IBC, Stewart's, Nantucket Nectars and other well-known consumer brands
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