FAQ
Find the answers to your questions about U-Select-It vending machines and vending solutions. We have some frequently asked questions and answers to help you make the most informed decision for your company when it comes to vending needs.
About
Tell me about the corporate structure of U-Select-It.
U-Select-It is part of an organization called the Wittern Group. There are 11-member companies are under the umbrella of The Wittern Group including Vendnet, National Vending, Fawn Engineering Corp., Fawn Manufacturing, and Inland Financing.
Where is USI’s equipment manufactured?
USI is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of automated dispensing solutions. Using lessons learned from over 90 years in vending, we build our machines in our 500,000 square foot facility located in Des Moines, Iowa. Our sophisticated fabrication techniques and advanced machining ensure our equipment is made with quality and durability. In addition, we have a robust engineering and R&D team that works in the same facility where our equipment is manufactured. This gives us total control over the entire process and ensures you get your machine on time.
Where are your customers located geographically?
USI provides equipment to customers globally. Through our extensive distribution network, we distribute and service equipment globally. Check out our Distributor network to locate a Distributor in your area.
Equipment Specifications
Does your equipment have any certifications and/or approvals?
Most of our equipment is cULus, CE, FCC, CSA and NAMA approved. Please refer to product specifications for listings.
What type of power is required?
Domestically an 110VAC outlet is required, while internationally a 220VAC outlet is required. We strongly recommend that a dedicated outlet be used.
What happens if products hang up and do not fall into the product bin?
Our vendors utilize iVend technology. With iVend, there are light beams crisscrossing the delivery bin. If a falling product does not break the light beams, the coil will continue to inch forward until the product falls into the delivery bin. Once the light beam is broken, indicating a product was successfully delivered to the bin, the coils will stop turning immediately prior to dispensing a second product.
Can equipment purchases be financed?
Yes, USI offers competitive, flexible financing programs though our in-house financing company, Federal Finance. Learn more about our financing options here.
Are there any countries that you cannot ship equipment to?
There are several countries including North Korea and Brazil that USI currently does not ship directly to. In the case of countries such as Brazil, it is possible for USI to work with a third party distributor or importer for an additional cost in order to accommodate customers with locations within restrictive countries.
Support, Service, and Warranty
Whom should I contact if I have any issues with the equipment or technical questions?
Our service and support truly separates us from others in the industry. Through our service partner, Vendnet USI, USI provides 24/7 technical support and has a robust global network of service entities to perform on-site repair and preventative maintenance services. Our equipment has a two-year Limited Parts Warranty.
What does USI’s Limited Parts Warranty cover?
The Limited Parts Warranty covers all the parts installed on the machine. The refrigeration system does have a prorated warranty. These are factory warranties, which is why there is a limited warranty on the parts.
What does USI’s Limited Parts Warranty NOT cover?
The Limited Parts Warranty does not cover freight or the on-site service tech, if one is required. Should you need a new part, you will be charged for the part initially and upon the return of the defective part, a credit will be issued, minus the freight charge.
Why does your Limited Parts Warranty not match the financing terms?
The Limited Parts Warranty is a factory warranty, and may not match the length of your finance terms, which is a separate division of our company.
Technology & Features
What are smart coolers?
Smart coolers are AI‑powered unattended retail solutions that let customers grab products and complete purchases automatically without scanning. U‑Select‑It’s Spectra™ models use True AI™ computer vision to recognize items and process secure cashless transactions.
How do smart cooler vending machines work?
Customers authenticate with a card or mobile wallet, open the cooler, select products, and close the door. AI recognition identifies items instantly and completes payment with no barcodes or manual checkout.
Do smart coolers support mobile and contactless payments?
Yes. Spectra™ AI Smart Coolers accept credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and tap‑to‑pay transactions. Payments are processed securely through PCI‑compliant systems.
What is True AI™ product detection?
True AI™ product detection delivers real‑time recognition with 99%+ accuracy, eliminating barcodes, RFID tags, and manual checkout while creating a fast, frictionless experience.
What are the benefits of smart cooler vending machines?
Operators gain:
Expanded product variety
Improved customer convenience
Reduced labor requirements
Real‑time inventory visibility
Simplified grab‑and‑go retail experiences
How are smart coolers different from traditional vending machines?
Traditional vending machines dispense one item at a time via keypad selection. Smart coolers let customers open the door, browse naturally, and purchase multiple products in a single session. AI automatically tracks purchases, supports fresh food assortments, and delivers a more retail‑like experience.
What products can be sold in a smart cooler?
Spectra™ AI Smart Coolers can merchandise cold beverages, packaged snacks, candy, fresh meals, dairy products, sandwiches, salads, and other refrigerated items.
Do smart coolers require internet connectivity?
Yes. Smart coolers rely on connectivity for payments, inventory sync, and remote monitoring. Spectra™ models include built‑in cellular service plus Wi‑Fi and Ethernet support.
Are smart cooler vending machines secure?
Yes. Features include NAMA‑compliant smart locks, encrypted payment processing, cloud monitoring, and advanced theft prevention. Select models add real‑time alerts and GPS tracking.
Where can smart coolers be installed?
Smart coolers are ideal for offices, hospitals, universities, apartments, hotels, airports, fitness centers, and manufacturing facilities.
Buying & Ownership
What are the top‑rated smart coolers available today?
Top‑rated models combine AI recognition, cashless payments, remote monitoring, and strong warranties. U‑Select‑It’s Spectra™ lineup, Launch, Core, Pro, and Elevate, meets these needs across different budgets and deployment sizes.
What should businesses look for in a smart cooler vending machine?
Yes. Spectra™ AI Smart Coolers accept credit/debit cards, mobile wallets, and tap‑to‑pay transactions. Payments are processed securely through PCI‑compliant systems.
Where can businesses purchase a smart cooler vending machine?
Spectra™ AI Smart Coolers are available directly from U‑Select‑It and its distribution network.
What should I evaluate when reading smart cooler reviews?
Look for feedback on product recognition accuracy, ease of installation, customer adoption, reliability, support responsiveness, inventory management, and ROI.
What is the potential ROI of a smart cooler business?
Smart coolers can boost profitability by reducing labor, supporting higher‑margin products, increasing impulse purchases, and enabling remote management. ROI depends on traffic, product mix, and operating costs.
Which companies provide smart cooler vending solutions?
Several manufacturers exist, but U‑Select‑It’s Spectra™ stands out with True AI™, multiple product tiers, remote management tools, and scalable deployment options.
Do Spectra™ smart coolers offer remote inventory management?
Yes. Spectra™ integrates with cloud‑based VMS technology to provide real‑time visibility into inventory, sales, machine status, and operational data.
Spectra™ Smart Cooler Product
What is the difference between Spectra Launch, Core, Pro, and Elevate?
Launch – Entry‑level smart cooler for snacks and beverages
Core – Adds refrigerated food support and digital merchandising.
Pro – Premium shopper engagement and merchandising tools
Elevate – Enterprise‑grade with GPS tracking, theft protection, and durability
Which Spectra™ model is best for my location?
Small offices: Launch
Growing programs: Core
High‑traffic sites: Pro
Enterprise deployments: Elevate
What makes Spectra™ smart coolers different from other smart coolers?
Spectra™ combines True AI™ computer vision, real‑time shopping carts, flexible merchandising, secure cashless payments, and cloud‑based monitoring backed by U‑Select‑It’s warranty and support programs.
Can smart cooler videos be used for customer education and marketing?
Yes. Videos showcase the grab‑and‑go experience, explain AI checkout, train users, and support marketing initiatives.
Why are smart beverage coolers becoming more popular?
They align with demand for self‑service retail, contactless payments, convenience, and faster purchasing, while expanding product variety.
Why choose a Spectra™ smart cooler?
Spectra™ delivers scalable unattended retail solutions powered by True AI™, cashless convenience, remote management, flexible merchandising, and long‑term support. From entry‑level Launch to enterprise‑grade Elevate, U‑Select‑It provides operators with the confidence to grow their smart cooler business and improve ROI.