Latest news with #selfserve
Associated Press
07-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
MaxBill Launches AI-Powered Web Self-Service to Transform Utility Customer Experience
MaxBill unveils its AI-driven Self-Serve Portal for utility providers to automate service, personalize engagement, and reduce operational costs. 'Our AI web self-service portal is beyond a support tool, it's a self-learning system that reduces operational load, increases retention, and builds digital trust between utilities and consumers,'— Kirill Rechter, MaxBill CEO SURREY, WEYBRIDGE, UNITED KINGDOM, July 7, 2025 / / -- MaxBill, a global leader in AI-driven billing and customer management software for utilities and service providers, has announced the launch of its AI Self-Serve Portal — a next-generation digital engagement solution designed to transform customer experience across the utility sector. With this release, MaxBill continues to lead the digital transformation of energy, water, telecom, and municipal services by harnessing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation. Built for the complex demands of multi-play service providers, the MaxBill AI Self-Serve Portal empowers end customers to manage their accounts, view consumption data, and interact with providers in real-time. By applying cutting-edge natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analytics, the portal intelligently personalizes customer journeys, simplifies access to services, and minimizes the need for manual support. Key Features and Benefits: - Conversational AI and NLP: Enables human-like interactions for issue resolution, tariff changes, and inquiries, significantly improving customer satisfaction. - Real-Time Data Access: Customers can monitor usage and billing data across services such as electricity, water, broadband, and heating. - Personalized Dashboards: AI algorithms tailor each user interface based on customer profile, contract types, and usage behavior. - Cross-Platform Integration: The solution integrates seamlessly with MaxBill's AI Billing, Product Catalog, and Revenue Management suite. - Scalable Architecture: Designed to serve millions of residential and B2B customers while maintaining security, data privacy, and compliance. 'Our AI web self-service portal is more than just a support tool — it's a self-learning system that reduces operational load, increases customer retention, and builds digital trust between utilities and their consumers,' said Kirill Rechter, CEO at MaxBill. 'In today's service economy, utility providers need to offer the same level of personalization and responsiveness that customers expect from top-tier e-commerce and digital banking platforms. MaxBill delivers exactly that.' MaxBill's Web AI Self-Service Portal is especially beneficial for energy retailers, water utilities, smart city operators, and multi-utility conglomerates that seek to modernize customer engagement while keeping total cost of ownership low. The portal enhances customer service automation, accelerates time-to-resolution, and supports multi-language, multi-currency, and multi-contract environments. By embedding AI-driven decision-making and adaptive interfaces, MaxBill's solution addresses core industry challenges: rising customer expectations, resource limitations, and the shift toward usage-based, dynamic pricing models. The portal supports digital transformation strategies, aligns with smart metering rollouts, and fits seamlessly into customer information systems (CIS) and CRM modernization programs. About MaxBill MaxBill is a trusted provider of AI- native energy billing and utility billing, customer experience, and revenue management solutions for energy and utility companies, municipalities, and telco providers worldwide. With its modular platform and domain-specific expertise, MaxBill helps clients launch new services, optimize operations, and deliver exceptional customer value across complex service ecosystems. To learn more about MaxBill's AI Self-Serve Portal and how it enables next-generation customer experience in utilities, visit the AI Self-Care Portal for Modern Utilities page. Visit our website: Kateryna Nechet MaxBill +420 222 200 300 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Yogurtini® Self-Serve Announces Grand Opening of Three Locations in Las Vegas
- Under New Ownership Beloved Self-Serve Frozen Yogurt Brand Kicks Off National Franchise Expansion- CHINO HILLS, Calif., June 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yogurtini®, one of the nation's original self-serve frozen yogurt franchises, is excited to announce the grand opening of three new locations in Las Vegas, NV, marking the brand's debut in the area. Acquired in 2023 by brothers Neal and Nimesh Dahya, Yogurtini (part of the U-Swirl family of brands) is rapidly expanding its presence nationwide, with these new Nevada locations leading its growth strategy. Additional locations in Arizona, Texas, Georgia, and North Carolina are also expected to open in 2025. A leader in the frozen yogurt industry and a beloved favorite for over 15 years, Yogurtini offers 16 non-fat or low-fat frozen yogurt and sorbet flavors, along with a self-serve toppings bar featuring over 80 options. This allows customers to craft their personalized desserts with endless combinations on each visit. "For over nine years I have owned and operated four Yogurtini Self-Serve shops in Phoenix, AZ and three U-Swirl locations in Las Vegas, NV. I am excited about the opportunity to capitalize on the strength of the Yogurtini brand with the rebrand and grand opening of my current U-Swirl locations in the Las Vegas area. With the dedication, significant investment, and proven track record of the Dahyas in building successful franchises, it was an obvious choice to unite my locations under the Yogurtini brand and lean into the superior product, service, and franchise support Yogurtini is known for," said Mike Mackey, Yogurtini Franchise Owner. As part of their growth strategy, the Dahyas have decided to revitalize the Yogurtini brand by leveraging the expertise of the original founding sisters, Chelsey Nelson Seabrook and Natasha Nelson. The duo opened the first Yogurtini shop, the first self-serve concept in Arizona, in 2008, and went on to expand the brand to 30 locations nationwide before it was acquired in 2013 by Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. "The key to Yogurtini's lasting success has always been the unique, inviting, and upscale atmosphere we created in our stores. As part of our national growth initiative, we're excited to bring the brand back to its roots by tapping into the talents of the original co-founders. Chelsey has been appointed Chief Marketing Officer, and we're also consulting with her sister Natasha's marketing agency, to reinvigorate the brand and restore its original ethos," said Neal Dahya, co-owner of Yogurtini. "When we started Yogurtini over 15 years ago, customers were hooked because of the high-quality frozen yogurt we made, and of course because of the extensive toppings bar that was unlike any other. We also found customers loved spending time in our stores that were welcoming and fun while still offering an elevated experience. I'm excited to bring that premium standard back to our existing and future locations," said Chelsey Nelson Seabrook, CMO of Yogurtini. "We are now in the process of modernizing our store designs, menus, and operational support so that our franchisees can have even greater success." The new Yogurtini stores are now open at 305 N. Nellis Ave., 9795 W. Charleston Blvd., and 6592 N. Decatur Blvd. in Las Vegas, NV. For more information about locations and franchising opportunities, visit About Yogurtini Yogurtini Self-Serve is one of the original self-serve frozen yogurt brands and offers up to 16 rotating healthy and fat-free frozen yogurt flavors and over 80 toppings. Yogurtini only serves real yogurt that contains live and active cultures approved by the National Yogurt Association. The popularity of the Yogurtini brand has been recognized consistently by customers and the national press including The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Inc. Magazine, CBS News, and Business Week, including many others. Yogurtini boasts having some of the most knowledgeable yogurt and franchise innovators in the industry. Yogurtini's top quality, taste, original flavors, and extensive toppings have been praised by the masses. Created by sisters, Natasha Nelson and Chelsey Nelson Seabrook, Yogurtini is under new ownership by brothers, Neal and Nimesh Dahya, co-founders of Mesh Brands. The Dahyas bring extensive operational expertise as franchisors of Foster's Freeze and GW Gyro & Wings, along with their experience as former franchisees managing over 180 locations including Applebee's, IHOP, Pizza Hut, and Burger King. For more information on Yogurtini visit To learn more about being awarded a Yogurtini franchise visit Yogurtini is now offering frozen yogurt franchise area development agreements nationally. Yogurtini franchises are currently in or under development in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Florida, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Chelsey Nelson Seabrookchelsey@
News.com.au
15-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Discrimination': Disturbing trend creeping into major supermarkets
If you've recently tried to use a crisp tenner to pay for your weekly shop, only to be met with a card-only screen and a quiet sense of rejection, you're not alone. Shoppers across the country are noticing a subtle but significant change at their local Coles and Woolworths stores – cash payment options at self-serve check-outs are quietly disappearing. Slowly but surely, notes and coins are being nudged out of the equation, replaced with slick tap-and-go terminals. Both supermarket giants do still accept cash but trying to find a self-serve machine that lets you insert a note may feel like a scavenger hunt. Many stores now offer just one or two cash-enabled kiosks – often tucked at the far end of the self-serve row. visited three major supermarkets across Sydney's inner west – two Woolworths stores and one Coles – and found that paying with cash is becoming more difficult than ever for those who prefer to skip the card tap. At the first Woolworths location in Balmain, only two out of 14 self-serve check-outs accepted cash, with the rest card-only. The supermarket giant has introduced new signage to make it easier for customers to identify those that accept cash. For this location, those that accepted cash were wrapped in green while those that were card only donned a slick black wrap. A second Woolworths store in Leichhardt painted a slightly different picture, with six out 18 self-serve machines still accepting cash – a small comfort for those not ready to go fully digital. These check-outs were wrapped in a neon green as oppose to the card-only black wrapped check-outs – making them easily visible to cash-using customers. But Coles wasn't so accommodating. At Birkenhead Point Coles, none of the self-serve check-outs accepted cash at all. Customers who wanted to pay with notes or coins had to queue at the limited assisted check-outs, which had no staff working them. When asked by where cash can be used a Coles staff member replied, 'at the assisted check-outs, but no one is working them right now.' Critics of the shift argue that moving away from cash risks marginalising older Australians, low income earners, and those who simply prefer not to rely on entirely digital payments. Melbourne based financial journalist and campaign manager of CashWelcome, Jason Bryce says Coles and Woolworths are 'actively discriminating against cash users.' 'I want to use that word. because I know that the supermarkets actively discriminate against the millions of Australians who use cash,' he told 'I get emails regularly from people who have complained to Coles and Woolies and to the ACCC, RBA, Human Rights Commission because cash users are forced to wait for 10 minutes for a cash accepting terminal to become free. Meanwhile the card users sail straight through.' Mr Bryce says the longest he has waited to pay with cash at his local Coles supermarket was upwards of 40 minutes. 'These people want to get rid of cash. And we all know that everybody needs cash at some stage, whether you rely on it day to day or just occasionally,' he added. 'They've got to do more than accept cash. Cash has got to be equal to the other payment options. All terminals should accept cash and card.' Additionally, Australians are spending an estimated $140 annually in card surcharges and fees which Mr Bryce believes is actually 'much more than that.' The Federal government has already announced plans to ban debit card surcharges from January 1 2026, in a move aimed at putting money back into consumers' pockets. While the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is still reviewing the proposal, initial modelling suggests that removing the often-despised fees could save consumers a whopping $500 million annually. Surcharges, which are commonly tacked onto small purchases at cafes, retail stores and online check-outs, have long drawn the ire of shoppers. According to RBA data, almost half (45 per cent) of consumers in 2022 said they would opt for a non-surcharged payment method when presented with the option. 20 per cent of Aussies went even further, stating they would avoid shopping at businesses that imposed these extra charges all together. However, Mr Bryce isn't convinced this move is in the best interest of Australians. 'I support surcharges on card transactions,' he said. 'We know Aussies don't like a fee but this fee is upfront. If there's a ban on surcharges, those costs will become absorbed in the payment and we won't know what the cost is anymore, that's a big problem.' A recent CHOICE survey of almost 13,000 Aussies confirmed that 97% believe it's important that businesses selling essential goods and services are mandated to accept cash. 'Obviously we can't avoid supermarkets, so they've got to do more than just say, 'yeah, we accept cash.' That's disingenuous,' says Mr Bryce. Coles insist they're not eliminating cash. A spokesperson for Coles said: 'We know that cash remains an important payment method for some customers, and we have no plans to remove cash self-service options. 'If any of our customers can't find their preferred checkout option, we always have team members in the service area to who are there to help.'
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Greggs makes major change to stores in shoplifting hotspots
Greggs is removing its self-serve fridges and instead placing sandwiches behind the counter in an attempt to combat shoplifting. The bakery chain, which has more than 2,600 shops across the UK, has launched the new trial in at least five stores, including one in Whitechapel, east London. The new policy will mean customers will now be unable to pick up refrigerated sandwiches and drinks themselves and will instead need to ask a shop assistant to hand over what they would like from behind the counter. It is understood this small trial is only being introduced in stores which are exposed to higher levels of shoplifting, and there are currently no plans to introduce this new format to all stores across the country. A spokesperson for Greggs said: 'This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a handful of shops which are exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour. 'Customers can expect to see our full range of great value and tasty Greggs favourites available from behind the counter. 'The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority.' In its latest trading report, Greggs said it made a pre-tax profit of £203.9 million in 2024, 8.3 per cent higher than in 2023, as it launched new shops, extended its opening hours and raised prices. The bakery chain said in March many customers were continuing to worry about the cost of living, including energy prices, mortgage and rent costs. The chain raised the prices of some of its food items last year – most recently, the national price of its traditional sausage roll increased by 5p to £1.30, while other items such as coffee and doughnuts also rose by between 5p and 10p. It comes as the number of shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales in a year surpassed half a million for the first time on record, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Police recorded 516,971 shoplifting offences in 2024, a 20 per cent increase on the 429,873 offences in 2023 and the highest number recorded since modern record-keeping practices began in 2003. The ONS said shoplifting offences have been running at record levels for the past two years, noting a "sharp rise" following the Covid-19 pandemic. Retailers across the country are implementing new strategies in a crackdown on shoplifting. Most recently, supermarket giant Sainsbury's introduced 'VAR-style' cameras at self-checkouts, with customers being shown a replay if they do not scan items correctly.
