MALVERN, Pa. (April 7, 2006) -- USA Technologies has found a way to put its technology at the convenience of millions of Americans heading to golf driving ranges.
USA Technologies has developed cashless transaction technology for the world's first "intelligent" golf ball dispensing machine, allowing golfers to purchase golf balls with their credit or debit cards.
USAT is working with Range Servant America (http://www.rangeservant.com/news.html) and another six companies supplying the golf industry to install its e-Port swipe card wireless technology in dispensing machines at 500 of the biggest golf driving ranges in America. The
first machines are being installed at ranges in Florida, Washington State, California, Michigan, New York, Minnesota, Ohio, Nebraska, Illinois and New Hampshire.
"A golf driving range in Florida, has seen revenues from its golf ball dispensing machines increase by an average 35% in one season after the addition of the e-Port," said Steve Ewalt, General Manager, e-Port Golf Channel, USA Technologies. "The operator of another driving range in Florida anticipates credit/debit card use will drive his revenues above $1 million over 12 months."
"For the range operator cashless means they can leave the machines unattended allowing them to leave their ranges open longer, it reduces employee hours, cuts labor costs, and each transaction is monitored making for greater accountability and fewer mistakes," said Mr. Ewalt. "The end result is greater efficiency, improved revenues, less cost, and a better return on investment."
Golfers prefer the cashless option because of the convenience, ease-of-use, and speed resulting in more satisfied customers. Before cashless golf ball dispensing machines, golfers needed to purchase tokens from the pro shop to activate the machines, or use bills.
"When people had to walk to the pro shop to buy tokens, it was inconvenient, tiresome, and time wasting and they tended not to buy as many golf balls," said Mr. Ewalt. "The e-Port cashless component makes it quicker, easier, and more accessible for golfers, and they tend to purchase more golf balls or buy more on impulse."
The convenience of cashless is quickly spreading through the golfing industry and already USAT and its distributors are seeing acceleration in business.
"We believe our e-Port technology is an excellent fit to all driving ranges between $300,000 and $3 million a year. Driving range operators say cashless is the best thing to happen to their industry in decades," said Mr. Ewalt.
The e-Port can be either installed directly into new golf ball dispensing machines, or can be retrofitted in existing machines.
USA Technologies' e-Port cashless technology already activates vending machines, unattended kiosks, college laundry services and business center services. The Company is working with a number of customers to expand the technology into other emerging, mass market opportunities.
About USA Technologies:
USA Technologies is a leader in the networking of wireless non-cash transactions, associated financial/network services and energy management. USA Technologies provides networked credit card and other non-cash systems in the vending, commercial laundry, hospitality and digital imaging industries. USA Technologies is an IBM Business Partner. The Company has marketing agreements with Cingular Wireless, Honeywell, Blackboard, and ZiLOG Corporation. For further information on USA Technologies, please visit www.usatech.com
Contacts
USA Technologies
George R. Jensen, Jr., Chairman & CEO, 800-633-0340
or
Stephen P. Herbert, President & COO, 800-633-0340
sherbert@usatech.com
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Investor Relations Contact:
CEOcast, Inc.
Ken Sgro, 212-732-4300
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ROI Group Associates, Inc
Mike Dodge, 212-495-0744
