Find helpful articles, guides, and reports to help you grow your self-service retail business.
Explore Resources
Podcasts
In this episode of Retail on the Go, we’re diving into the data that’s shaping the future of self-service retail. Join host Russ and producer Anders as they unpack the key insights from Cantaloupe’s newly released 2025 Micropayment Trends Report with special guests Elyssa Steiner (Chief Marketing Officer) and Sonya Lehner (Director of Marketing, Brand & Communications).
Topics we cover:
—Why cashless is the new baseline in retail
—Surpassing $1B in micro market sales in 2024
—The rise of Smart Stores and $4.25 average ticket sizes
—How inflation is shifting consumer habits
—Best practices for operators to boost revenue
In this episode of Retail on the GO, we break down Cantaloupe’s lineup of self-service kiosks—Go Micro, Go MiniX, Go Plus100, and Go Max—and help you figure out which one fits your space, traffic, and business goals.
Whether you’re outfitting a break room, gym, apartment complex, or corporate office, matching the right kiosk to the right location can make all the difference in performance and ROI. We cover:
— A side-by-side comparison of Cantaloupe’s kiosk options
— Location-specific recommendations for each model
— Real-world examples of successful deployments
— Tips for maximizing convenience and ticket size in self-service retail
In this episode of Retail on the GO, we’re joined by Shaun Dayton from Canteen of Northern California to explore how his team brought their Smart Stores to life—and what it means for the future of unattended retail. We dig into the why, how, and what’s next of the Smart Store model, including:
— What made Canteen NorCal take the leap into Smart Stores
— The challenges they faced and how they overcame them
— The impact on operations, efficiency, and customer experience
— Tips for other operators looking to future-proof their business
If you’re a vending or micro market operator exploring your next move, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead of the curve. 🎧 Tune in now and hear how smart retail is becoming the new standard.
Fresh Donuts in a Vending Machine? The Donut Trap Story | Retail on the GO Podcast
In this episode of Retail on the GO, we chat with Bradley from The Donut Trap, a St. Paul-based business turning heads with their fresh, handmade donuts—delivered through a vending machine.
We dive into:
— How The Donut Trap got started
— The challenges of keeping fresh inventory in an unattended format
— Lessons learned in scaling a unique food concept
— Tips for anyone looking to blend local goods with self-service tech
This episode is packed with insights for vending operators, food entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about what it takes to keep fresh food fresh in automated retail.
Welcome back to Retail on the GO! In this episode, we’re joined by Ethan, the founder of Pod Plug, a company that’s transforming vending operations with cutting-edge technology.
We dive into:
Ethan’s journey in launching Pod Plug
The biggest challenges in bringing new vending tech to market
How automation and innovation are shaping the future of unattended retail
Tips for operators looking to improve efficiency and profitability
If you’re in the vending or micro market industry—or just love hearing about new tech shaking up retail—this episode is for you!
In this episode of Retail on the Go, Aldo Tejada from Feel Good Markets in Panama shares his insights on the dynamic evolution of micro markets and his vision for the industry’s future. As a first-time entrepreneur in the market industry, Aldo reflects on the challenges and triumphs he’s encountered. We delve into the distinctive approach of Feel Good Markets, which provides unattended retail solutions to corporate clients without the use of cameras, with a strong emphasis on offering healthier product choices. Aldo underscores the significance of a comprehensive grasp of your business model, the delivery of value to clients, and the provision of exceptional service.
In this episode, we explore warehouse management with industry expert Maxwell Elliot. Learn how micro market operators can simplify their business with software solutions, overcome challenges in inventory management, and streamline picking processes. Discover the benefits of technology like Seed Pro and Pick Easy in enhancing efficiency and reducing errors. Gain insights into best practices, inventory management strategies, and common pain points to watch out for. Join us on this journey to optimize your warehouse operations and drive revenue growth.
In this episode of the Retail on the Go podcast, Dave Little and Murphy from Cantaloupe discuss the growing popularity of micro markets in residential apartment buildings. They delve into the benefits that these markets offer to both residents and property owners, including convenience, variety, and increased revenue streams. Dave and Murphy also provide insights into the ideal locations for these markets within apartment complexes and the impact they are having on the self-service retail industry as a whole.
In this episode of Retail on the Go, hosts Russ, Kylan, and Dave explore the untapped potential of micro markets in commercial gyms. They discuss the current state of gym markets, the benefits of installing micro markets for both gym owners and operators, and address common concerns such as theft and shrinkage. They also explore opportunities for gyms to expand their offerings by selling merchandise and toiletries through the micro markets. The discussion highlights the evolving nature of self-service retail and the exciting possibilities it presents for gym locations and residential properties.
In this episode of Retail on the Go, Tony Danna, an industry expert with over 8 years of experience in the vending industry, joins us to discuss securing your micro markets and preventing theft. We explore various security measures such as cameras, abandoned shopping cart systems, smart locks, and signage. Tony emphasizes the importance of a good working relationship with the location to curb theft and provides tips on how to set up theft-deterring contracts. He also highlights the advancements Calculo is making in theft prevention, including smart locks, smart coolers, and AI-powered coolers. Tony predicts that in the next 5 to 10 years, we’ll see more affordable and technologically advanced micro markets, similar to Amazon Go stores.
In this episode of Retail on the Go, we explore self-service commerce and micro markets with industry experts Quinn Miller, O’Neil Sawh, and Dave Little. Quinn, the owner of Blue Agave Vending, shares his journey from software sales to the vending industry and how he identified a unique opportunity in residential micro markets. O’Neil, the CEO of Dispense Tech 360 and inventor of the KVM (self-serve dispensing beverage machine), discusses the rise of self-service devices post-COVID and the growing need for labor-saving solutions. Together, they explore the seamless integration of KVM machines within micro markets, the advantages they offer, and how they can enhance customer experience and increase revenue.
In this episode of Retail on the Go, Russ and Kylan from Cantaloupe, Inc., discuss the rise of micro markets, from their humble beginnings to their current popularity. They explore the benefits of micro markets over traditional vending machines, such as increased product variety, a better customer experience, and the chance for operators to become retailers. They also discuss the latest technological advancements, including cashless payment options, loyalty programs, and inventory management systems, that are shaping the future of micro markets.
Join Cantaloupe’s Russ, Max, and Kylin as they launch their new podcast, “Retail on the Go.” This series will delve into the ever-changing landscape of self-service commerce, with a special focus on micro markets. Each episode promises to bring you closer to industry experts and operators, sharing their valuable experiences and insights on micro markets, from the latest trends and innovations to the challenges and opportunities they encounter. Whether you’re a seasoned micro market operator or just starting out, this podcast is a goldmine for those seeking to lead in the fast-paced world of self-service retail. So, tune in, and let’s get started!
