Dan's View On The World

In field tests, the RefreshTech 5000 was shown to increase in-room beverage sales by as much as 135% versus conventional mini-bar systems. During a surreptitiously recorded trial, a BenderTech prototype in a Palm Springs hotel room was able to sell over $75 worth of snacks and beverages to Denver-based corporate account executive Rob Plantowski. "Have a beer! What are you scared of, you big pansy? Do you think your boss is actually going to read your hotel bill line-by-line? Puh-lease," the prototype chided until Plantowski broke down and cracked a Bud Light and a pack of M&M's. "I was going to just make the 2 minute trip down to the hotel bar where the beer costs half as much," explained Plantowski during a follow-up interview, "but the RefreshTech 5000 pointed out that (Plantowski's supervisor) Steve never really pays any attention to my expense reports, so I just drank a six-pack and ate microwave popcorn while I watched HBO in my boxers."

Hotel operators will be able to use the RefreshTech 5000's advanced marketing capabilities to drive food and refreshment revenue growth like never before. "The RefreshTech 5000 is a quantum leap ahead," explained BenderTech Vice President of Engineering Manish Patal. "It combines cutting edge point-of-sale fulfillment technology with advanced psychological warfare techniques developed by the CIA. The unit tailors its approach to the individual by cross-referencing each guest's hotel registration and credit card information against a vast database of medical records and transaction data."

"You've had a long day, go ahead, treat yourself to a glass of wine. Nobody will find out," crooned another prototype to Baltimore-area high school teacher and recovering alcoholic Brenda Moore. "We don't judge here. What happens in Fort Lauderdale stays in Fort Lauderdale." Reached several weeks later at an undisclosed substance abuse treatment facility, Moore expressed great satisfaction with the RefreshTech 5000's ability to anticipate her beverage needs. "Somehow, that mini-bar knew all about my weakness for Sauvignon Blanc, because just as I was finishing the third bottle, room service showed up with six more bottles. God, I can't believe I slept with the room service guy…"

BenderTech is currently in discussions with 5 major international hotel chains to provide complete mini-bar solutions in flagship locations in both domestic and overseas resort markets. "We expect to have over 5,000 units in service by the second quarter of 2005," stated Nokworth, "and while I must respect the confidentiality of our prospective clients at this time, let's just say that pretty soon the little Mouseketeers may be begging and pleading from the time they wake up until the time they fall asleep."