FAQs

The Elevate Micro Provisions business model is focused on partnering with local businesses and facilities to provide an on-site service to locations where convenient access to food and drinks is limited. We purchase the machine(s), stock it with products (that the location wants), and we make money when customers purchase from our machines. 

While soda, chips and candy are popular vending machine classics, these days people want more options. Energy drinks, cold coffees, protein drinks, and sports drinks are preferred by many over a soda. For snack and food options, there is growing tastes in healthier, fresh options, like cheese and crackers or yogurt rather than a bag of chips. Our Smart machines can offer a wider variety of options than any traditional vending machines and the Elevate Micro Provisions service provides evolving menus and fresh weekly restocking of products like yogurt, salads, and more grab and go options. 

This is our most frequently asked question. While no one can ever prevent theft 100%, these smart machines do provide a few ways to protect from theft. First the door is always locked - it also locks instantly when the door shuts. The only way to unlock the door is to provide a payment card (tap/insert/swipe) and the machine will pre-authorize a $5 charge to ensure the card is active before the door unlocks. The moment the door opens, cameras inside the machine record in vivid detail the person and what they are taking out of the machine. If any hijinks do occur we have camera footage and a payment card to provide authorities as needed, we can also block a customer card to prevent any repeated theft attempts by someone using the same card. Sadly, there are always people who will figure out ways to cheat, but we work with locations to make sure the machines are in a protected space, an office breakroom is much safer than along a biking trail in the woods.

We program the machines with the items and the system has 360 degree images of each item, the AI in the system scans the video feed for the known items and automatically processes the charge for everything after the door is closed.

After the door unlocks and the camera is recording, the customer can pick up and put back as many items and as many times as they like. What is out of the machine when the door shuts will be the only items charged.

The system will close the transaction as a no-sale event and a final charge of $0 will be sent to the customers bank.

A pre-authorization is a type of sale transaction that reserves an assumed amount and indicates to the bank that the final amount is not yet known. Once the final amount is known, the system tells the bank the transaction is completed for $X.XX amount. Its up to the bank then to remove the $5 initial pre-authorization... many banks do this in one business day, others wait a couple days - its out of our control as it is at each banks discretion, however the banks are required to remove the $5 hold after 7 days.

Ewe. Gross. We'd probably block that persons card from being used again.

The card reader on the door has a touch screen that shows everything in the machine and current price. We can even remotely update prices as needed, for example if a salad is about to reach its best-by date, we can discount the price to help make sure it gets sold or offer other deals.

Yes. We operate independently from the "big guys" we can stock either or both if its what a location wants. We source products from internet distributers, wholesalers (like Sam's Club and BJs), and on occasion from local shops. 

Generally our prices will be close to typical convenience store/gas station prices. Like all vending machine pricing, the products are probably more expensive than if you went to the grocery store yourself, but the prices reflect the convenience provided and are likely much less expensive than ordering drinks and snacks from a delivery service (like Uber Eats/Door Dash) and having them delivered to you. 

Yes! After the door closes and locks, the touch screen on the door will display a QR code. Customers can scan the QR code and it will take them to a page where they can enter an email for to get an emailed receipt - we don't store or see the email after the receipt is sent, so be assured its not being used for marketing or anything.

If a customer is unsatisfied for some reason or there is a processing issue, they can contact us at support@elevatemicro.com and we will do our best to rectify the situation, and if needed we can issue a refund.

This varies greatly. In a workspace, we usually look for locations with 40+ people on site 5 days a week. This changes though if the location is open 24 hours / 7 days a week, or has a lot of general foot traffic daily. Its best to reach out to us so we can discuss.

Yes, it is definitely worth a discussion. We have location partners that are open during the summer and closed over the winter, then we also have locations that are busy during winter and very slow in the summer - we can try to schedule locations like this and relocate machines as needed if it makes sense.

These machines are not capable of verifying a customers age, so that would not be compliant.

The machines should not be exposed to the elements, sun and rain are going to rapidly deteriorate the machine and could interfere with the camera system and card reader. The machines are best operated indoors or in a covered and protected outdoor space (and brought inside in the freezing weather).

Absolutely! Contact us and we'll provide you a referral to our contact at the smart cooler manufacturer.