EcoATM
Real-time IMEI lookup and device grading APIs for automated trade-in kiosks processing millions of transactions daily.
IMEI Lookup
Real-time device identification and carrier verification
Device Grading
Automated condition assessment and pricing engine
Kiosk Dashboard
Real-time monitoring of transaction flows across all kiosks
API Analytics
Cache hit rates, latency metrics, and error tracking
IMEI Lookup
Real-time device identification and carrier verification
Device Grading
Automated condition assessment and pricing engine
Kiosk Dashboard
Real-time monitoring of transaction flows across all kiosks
API Analytics
Cache hit rates, latency metrics, and error tracking
Client
EcoATM / Gazelle
Industry
Consumer Electronics
Location
San Diego, CA
Technologies
Node.js, React, GraphQL, AppSync, Lambda, Redis
01 — The Challenge
Modernizing device trade-in infrastructure
EcoATM operates thousands of automated kiosks across the US that buy back used electronics. Their existing IMEI lookup system was struggling with latency and accuracy as transaction volumes scaled past millions per month.
They needed a real-time API layer that could instantly verify device identity, check activation lock status, grade device condition, and return accurate market pricing — all within the 2-second window customers expect at a kiosk.
02 — The Solution
Event-driven API architecture with intelligent caching
We designed and built a serverless API layer using AWS AppSync and Lambda, backed by a multi-tier Redis caching strategy that reduced average lookup time from 4.2 seconds to under 200ms.
The GraphQL API consolidates multiple upstream data providers into a single query, handling IMEI validation, carrier checks, activation lock status, and real-time market pricing. A React-based admin dashboard gives ops teams visibility into transaction flows, cache hit rates, and error patterns.
03 — The Results
95% faster lookups, millions served
95%
Faster lookup time
2M+
Monthly transactions
99.9%
API uptime
The new API layer handles over 2 million transactions monthly with 99.9% uptime. Cache hit rates average 87%, keeping costs low while maintaining sub-200ms response times. The system has scaled seamlessly as EcoATM expanded their kiosk network.