Macy's Launches Vending Machines for Electronics

Macy's department stores is announcing that they will be pushing out their electronics vending machines nearly chain-wide. They have been testing the machines in a few stores over the past year and apparently they have done very well. I've seen these machines in a variety of airports over the past couple of years as well. 

Macy's says the machines are loaded with, "products including iPods (Touch, Classic, Nano and Shuffle); Canon 7MP and 8MP digital cameras; Samsung 7MP digital camera and 1GB Camcorder; MyVu Personal Media Viewers; Sony, V-MODA, Bang and Olufsen and Harman Kardon headphones; and mobile accessories by Belkin. Products range from $14.99 to $349.99." My guess is that pricing is list and isn't discounted like most online merchants - but for impulse purchases, price is usually not a factor.

Returns appear to be handled by mail - no returns in-store. It also looks like there's no customer service or ability to play with the device before purchase. Of course with most customer service going down the drain, does it even matter anymore?

These machines are the new gum and candy rack at the checkout. "I wasn't thinking of buying a new iPod today but it's right there, why not pick one up?" And since it's a pain in the arse to return, I'll just keep it.

I am still waiting for these machines to show up at Starbucks to deliver your beverage - just enter what you want and it sends it right out to you - I get that Starbucks is supposed to be the classy and high-end coffee shop, but we all know that image is gone.

Update: These machines would have even more of a chance of succeeding if they the products came charged - buy an iPod and it's ready to go immediately. Or a camcorder, etc. - that would be killer.