News

Vending machines in Japan offer sounds and sodas

November 13, 2003

TOKYO -- Customers of Coca-Cola vending machines in Japan can download a free ring tone of a Coca-Cola jingle when they buy a can of soda from the company's vending machine.

According to a NACSonline report, the free ring tone offer was sent to consumers via wireless text messages. Sales increased 50 percent among those who got the offer, according to the report.

The promotional offer is the latest collaboration between Coca-Cola Japan, NTT DoCoMo and Itochu Corp. The companies offer Japanese consumers "Cmode," a paid member service that links i-mode mobile phones to Cmode/Coke vending machines.

Members with i-mode cell phones can purchase drinks, screensavers, ring tones and other content via their phone and without using cash. They can also print out coupons and other information from Cmode/Coke terminal vending machines outfitted with computers, displays, speakers and printers.