Electronic devices are updated frequently, leaving consumers to wonder what to do with the old model. Tablets, mp3 players, and cell phones are among the items that can be exchanged for cash at the Richland Mall.
The introduction of ecoATMs at the mall provides consumers with an easy, secure way to exchange used electronics for cash. The company profile says, “ecoATM is the first and only company to create an automated self-serve kiosk system that uses patented, advanced machine vision, electronic diagnostics, and artificial intelligence to evaluate and buy back used electronics.”
Jodi Scott, General Manager at Richland Mall stated, “Richland Mall is constantly looking for new retail and vending concepts that provide convenience and fill a need within the Mansfield market.”
The “e-Cycling” process takes just a few minutes to complete and provides the seller with the ability to sell cell phones of all makes and models, mp3 players, tablets and iPads.
The kiosk is outfitted with a touch screen program designed to guide the seller through a user-friendly process. The seller places his or her phone in the test station and the ecoATM scans it and searches a worldwide database for the highest buyback market value. The seller has the option to accept or refuse the cash offer. If he or she agrees to the price, the kiosk disperses the amount.
The seller can cancel anytime during the process, up to confirming the sale and price. The item is not harmed and personal data on the device is not accessed or compromised in any way in the process.
“The first ecoATM was installed in the food court at Richland Mall in November of 2012 and has been a successful and convenient opportunity for customers. A second unit was installed recently in the south wing near Sears. Customers seem to enjoy the ease of use and ecoATM has been very responsive to any issues or challenges that have arisen,” said Scott.
Unfortunately, smart phones make tempting targets for thieves and at first glance these new automated kiosks seem to give thieves an easy way to sell a stolen phone. In reality, according to Detective Jon Sigler of the Ontario police department (OPD), these kiosks may actually be helping local police to catch criminals.
“These machines are set up in a way that actually sets up the charges perfectly when there is an incident.” said Sigler. He added, “They have enough safeguards and the company is very law enforcement friendly. If you are a thief this is the last place you want to go to sell that phone.”
Sigler desribed a recent incident that involved the kiosk in the food court and Ontario Police Officer Casey Bly.
In August, a Cinema 14 employee contacted the OPD with a complaint that his vehicle had been broken into and his cell phone was missing. The officer contacted the vehicles’ owner and met him at the ecoATM kiosk in the mall.
The officer proceeded to contact the company by using the number displayed on the machine and was quickly connected with a help representative. The representative proceeded to remotely unlock the machine after Bly and the victim followed steps to identify the phone in question so that the phone could be retrieved from the kiosk.
“This company is great, they worked right along with us. Their whole system is very law enforcement friendly and they cooperated 100 percent,” said Bly. Bly then added, “If somebody is a victim of a crime they need to call us. As in this case, we got the cell phone back the same day.”
Every transaction at an ecoATM is remotely monitored by staff through a variety of cameras and imaging devices including verification of government issued IDs and thumbprint scanner. The system includes a dual hi-resolution camera, and collects and holds all inventory and information such as serial number on the device, ID and thumbprint for 30 days.
“Is there a black market for cell phones? No question,” said Sigler. “This machine has enough safeguards and the system and company themselves are law enforcement friendly, ready and willing to cooperate if there is an incident. When we have a success story like this, the ability to solve a case in one hour, that’s gold,” he added.
Scott shared that although the kiosks were installed on a temporary basis for the holidays, Richland Mall is always striving to fill the needs of shoppers and looking for ways to add ease and convenience to their experience.
“We will see how things go through the holidays. The kiosks possibly will then become a permanent fixture in the mall. It’s all about serving the needs of the consumer,” said Scott.
According to Scott, Richland Mall has made available other advancements that focus on the needs of the consumer.
In addition to the cell phone kiosks, the mall also added a Proactive vending unit in the Food Court, and the upcoming installation of a Green Education Recycling Program in the parking lot are examples of the mall’s mission to provide the best customer service while being environmentally supportive.
“They have enough safeguards and the company is very law enforcement friendly,” said Detective Jon Sigler.
