Dear Sirs,

We are looking for an automated system to replace our client?s current
token based vending system.

Currently they regularly organize events with attendances from 500 to 6000 patrons.
They use 2 or 3 cashiers that sell tokens of various denominations
($1, $2, $5) for consumption at the bars and cafeterias. They would
like to replace this system with a disposable magnetic card that can
be refilled with any amount desired by the customer.
This system is then swiped at the bar and the exact amount is deducted
from the card leaving the balance for further use.

They would prefer a disposable magnetic card that can be printed with
the event name and date.

Thank you

Edward Hanst B.Sc.
Broadsurf inc.

Hello Edward -

Thanks for your question.  If you choose to rate this answer, please
ask for any clarification you may require beforehand.  Thanks for your
understanding.

I have confirmed with two companies below for having the solution
you're looking for: disposable, imprintable, rechargeable magnetic
cards.  Both companies have complete solutions.  Debitek seems to have
a couple options, one being an automated "card dispenser"; the rep
there informed me that, while the cards can be theoretically thrown
away, they're not really considered "disposable," because they can be
re-used -- but you could throw them away if you wanted to (especially
if you'll be having the event name printed on them).  You'll want to
contact both companies and reference "Broadsurf" in your conversation
to find out more detailed information applicable to your needs.

Metavante
http://www.metavante.com/solutions/eftcard/cardmgmt.jsp
800-236-3282 x 57036 
Contact: Julie Wypiszynski

Debitek (subsidiary of Ingenico)
http://www.ingenico-us.com/debitek/aboutus.html
1-800-332-4835 x 6257
Contact: Kelly Smith


Search strategy:
Google terms: disposable cash card
              disposable cashcard
              disposable debit card
              disposable stored value cards
{made calls}


Additional Links:
Mako-Tech
http://www.mako-tech.com/pands/reader_sol.cfm

ITC Systems
http://www.itcsystems.com/itc/c7.htm

Some libraries (e.g. The British Library) use copying machines
operated by the use of pre-paid mag-stripe cards.

Just a thought.