ENTREPRENEURS
T-shirts now delivered by vending machines
Local company has machines at two sites and plans expansion in products and venues.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Local entrepreneurs Patrick McDonald and Jeff Thibodeau of Innovative Vending Solutions are hoping to expand their business in Mobile Tee Vending machines, like this one at the Dayton Mall, beyond T-shirts and beyond the Miami Valley. Staff photo by Jan UnderwoodMIAMISBURG — If Patrick McDonald and Jeff Thibodeau have it right, a retail revolution is being staged in the vending machine stationed in the stretch between American Eagle Outfitters and Abercrombie & Fitch at the Dayton Mall.
From their Mobil-Tee-Vending machine, McDonald and Thibodeau's Innovative Vending Solutions sells Tiny Toon, Jonas Brothers, Spider-Man and other popular T-shirt designs.
Thibodeau said the self-service machines offer two big advantages: low overhead and no employees. "It is retail of the future," said the 24-year-old recent Wright State University graduate.
The West Carrollton company also has a T-shirt machine at Danbarry Cinemas Middletown and immediate plans to expand to other locations, said 40-year-old McDonald, who owns Nick's Novel-Tee's in West Carrollton with his wife, Pam.
T-shirts, which sell for $6 to $20, are just the beginning for Innovative Vending Solutions. The company has developed machines that can sell jeans, flip-flops and baby products such as bibs, wipes, onesies and bottles. McDonald said the machines are ideal for college campuses, malls, beaches and airports. His company is offering franchises for $6,000 to $18,000.
Jackie Clark, National Automatic Merchandising Association spokeswoman, said nontraditional vending machines have exploded in popularity in the past three years. Some vending machines now accept credit cards.
"You don't have to scramble around in your purse for quarters anymore," she said.
Nontraditional machines — those that dispense items other than refreshments — make up only about 2 percent of the $30 billion-a-year industry, Clark estimated. But new machines, peddling a variety of products, are released every year.
The appeal is consumer convenience, Clark said.
"A vending machine is always open," she said. "It has what you want when you need it."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2384 or arobinson@DaytonDailyNews.com. Find Amelia Robinson on Twitter, at twitter.com/ddnsmartmouth.
Comments
By ohiomom
April 2, 2009 8:21 PM | Link to this
Outstanding Job Guy’s ! The story does not do them justice, the machine has a sensor to allow for a guaranteed vend of the product or gives your money back. The machine actually accepts credit and debit card wireless,comes with a receipt to exchange or return at the local store or through mail like Ebay. I actually bought from this exact machine three shirts.The same kind I can buy from other retailers, just cheaper for my three kids.I had to exchange only one which was very simple and easy…!!
By Holly
April 2, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this
I think this is a fantastic idea. This would be wonderful at concerts too! I hate waiting in those lines for shirts. This would also be good at amusement parks. For those that are worried about returning shirts, I am sure there is a also a phone number or e-mail address to contact just for that reason. I think what these guys are doing are great. Especially in this economy, we have to do whatever we can to get ahead. Good job Jeff & Patrick!!
By T-Shirt Time
April 1, 2009 12:06 PM | Link to this
Wow, there are some negative comments! How about it for the rust belt city of Dayton! Finally gets a new idea and the “Daytonians” shut it down. This is why the midwest is behind the times. Anyways, I was at the Magic Show out in Las Vegas and actually spoke with these guys. They had two machines at their booth, and I assure you, they look nothing like this, this must be the og. Their tech guys have some new things going and I have to say I was impressed, all I can say is…huge touchscreen.
By KMS157
April 1, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this
I don’t recall ever reading in the article that these men claim to have invented the idea. It’s something that I’m sure many people have though about and they have decided to start up their own business. So stop with the negative comments and how about some positive attitude that these guys are trying to make Dayton “not so behind the times”
By U so stupid
April 1, 2009 11:16 AM | Link to this
It seems like Carol can get an education from a vending machine - apparently she did not have the correct change….
By Alittlelate
April 1, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this
They are a little late on this issue. Hotels now have vending machines with toothbrushes, tooth paste, razors, and many other hygeine items. I wouldnt buy a tshirt from there though. If i put 20 bucks in a machine for a tshirt, and it got stuck (vending machines are known for this) i would be pissed. lol
By Marla
April 1, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
Not a bad idea but if it doesn’t fit, how do you return it?
By Sean
April 1, 2009 9:34 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t but I guess they haven’t been to almost any tourist stop in US, you can buy anything out of vending machines nowadays including t-shirts. Poor sleepy Dayton, always behind the times!
By Carol Showers
April 1, 2009 8:59 AM | Link to this
Well I dont know if id do this for me. Half the time I dont know what size i am because diffrent compnies and diffrent cuts so sizes are diffrent. Like a large with one can be small but the xl is too big. Same with my kids clothes but dont get me started there because if you get a DC shirt that shirt big but smaller sizes still too big. My suggestion is to go into the store and buy the shirt but often think what s diffrence beteween buying in a machine and online?
By Trisha
April 1, 2009 8:27 AM | Link to this
I would not buy t-shirts this way. You can’t tell the quality of the fabric like POV said and you can’t tell if they run true to size. I would like to be able to see and touch the shirt before I buy.
By daniel
April 1, 2009 7:54 AM | Link to this
the way sizes vary in pants ,shirts and more items they may not fit proper and so i wouldnt buy like this.but its a great idea for some!!
By POV
April 1, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
The only bad thing about this is you can’t feel the shirt to determine the quality of the fabric. For the $6 ones, that wouldn’t be much of an issue but if I’m going to pay $20 for a t-shirt it had better be heavyweight fabric. Also, I like to hold it up to me because sizes vary…sometimes I take a large, sometimes an extra large.
By DURL
April 1, 2009 5:39 AM | Link to this
In the future, Burger King will be a vending machine!
By deb
April 1, 2009 5:12 AM | Link to this
Yes I would. The convenience and not having to deal with sales people on you as soon as you enter the store makes it all worthwhile. May be a little late in our area but I live by the motto better late than never.
By Derwood
April 1, 2009 3:25 AM | Link to this
The Japanese have been doing this for years. They have vending machines for almost anything over there.
By Wordell
April 1, 2009 2:53 AM | Link to this
Yes…five years ago on Interstate 20 at a South Carolina state rest stop outside of Augusta, Georgia. “Retail revolution” by these two guys?!…a little late…must be the lack of capitalistic drive caused by constant browbeating of the left to be successfull. Daytonians…a dollar short, a day late, and a “retail revolution” already in place…5 years ago…by rednecks in S.C. Go figure, Goober.