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The Many Faces Of Vending Machines
By Assam on June 12, 2008
The world as we know it wouldn’t be the same without vending machines. There may be days when you walk right by them without giving them a second thought. Yet when you want something you know it is the right place to get it in an instant. Vending machines have come a long way from just offering sodas and snack foods. There are machines that offer hot drinks and cold snacks such as ice cream.
Basically, a vending machine is a place to sell items that a person may need in that vicinity. They don’t require a person to be there to complete the sales transaction as it is all automated. I have seen some very creative items in vending machines. For example I recently went to the bowling alley with my kids for a birthday party. I had on sandals and realized that I couldn’t bowl without a pair of socks. Guess what I found in the vending machine?
The key is to fill the vending machine with whatever may sell well at that location. For example many hotels have vending machines that offer razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, mouthwash, and more. These are all common items that people may forget to pack for their trip but really need. They love being able to insert some money and get that item without any problems.
Even newspapers are found to be offered in vending machines. The days of someone standing on the street corners with them is in the past. You can just insert your coins and get the newspaper you want though. It isn’t uncommon for several different newspapers to be offered in a common location either.
Chances are you have purchased a newspaper from a vending machine as well. It amazes me that they don’t dispense one by one. Instead the latch unlocks and you can have access to all of them inside. Of course very few people would have a reason to take additional newspapers so it generally isn’t an issue.
One of the best ideas I have seen for vending machine services are those that offer fresh flowers. I came upon one recently when I was at an airport. This is a terrific idea and I saw several people accessing them while I was waiting for my luggage. It is much easier than trying to travel with them. It is also a perfect gift to give when you pick someone up from their flight.
Japan has the most vending machines of any country. It shouldn’t be surprising given the number of people who live there. Yet they have the most of them compared to people. In fact there is one vending machine for about every twenty people in Japan. So regardless of where you go there you will be sure to find one.
If you haven’t tried one of the refreshing cold drinks from a coffee shop why not be adventurous? You may find you really like the taste of them and it is a nice change from the normal item you order. There are certainly enough varieties of them to satisfy just about anyone. They are generally very affordable as well.
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