While the invention of a vending machine that accepted paper bills was certainly convenient, it also meant that product prices were higher than they were initially.
Vending machines are particularly popular in countries like Japan, where almost every type of product is available in a vending machine, even toilet paper. Experts say there is a vending machine for every 23 people in Japan.
It’s important to remember that adding a vending machine to your break room or lobby doesn’t have to mean filling it with junk food. If you’d like a little more substance to your snack offerings, we’re always available to help you select the perfect products.
Did you know that there are almost four million vending machines in Japan alone? Only about half, or 2.2 million, of those are soft drink vending machines.
On average, an American will drink 600 12-ounce sodas a year. Call us and let us make sure you get every sale you can get with a fully stocked vending machine.
Did you know that the development of the modern vending machine is closely linked to that of the pinball machine? To attract consumers to their gum machines, the Pulver Manufacturing Company added small figures along with the gum being dispensed, which led to the discovery of trade simulators (an important mechanical technology used in pinball machines).
One of the biggest benefits of a vending machine is that you can eventually stock the machine based on the items that are the best sellers. In addition, if customers request certain snacks or drinks, you can try those items.
Vending machines provide many conveniences to the consumer. First of all, they are accessible twenty-four hours a day. Unlike transactions with a vendor, there is very little chance of getting something other than what they want, and consumers rarely have to wait in line.
In the early 1920s, the first vending machine that sold soda was introduced. It actually served the soda in a cup instead of the bottles or cans we are used to now.
Kids are known for both their energy and their voracious appetites, which is why kids and snacks go together perfectly. That’s why vending machines are a great addition to wherever they gather, including parks, athletic centers, skate parks, and more.
One important part of vending machine maintenance that some people neglect is cleaning the condenser coil, which you should do once a year with a small vacuum or with compressed air.
Full-line vending is usually managed by a vending company who installs their vending machines in multiple locations. This is ideal for sales and a benefit to the customer who receives a multitude of choices with regard to food, snacks, and soda items.
There’s a vending machine worth nearly $100,000 in Japan. It grows and sells fresh heads of lettuce: up to 20,000 of them per year!
Sales from vending machines in Japan total over 40 million dollars every year. Sales of soft drinks account for 16 million dollars of that total.
Vending machine history: It is reported that in 18th century England vending machines that were used for the sale of boxes of tobacco in taverns made their debut.
Did you know that when it comes to vending machines, all filter cartridges have a set life span? Thus, it’s important to know when a water filter should be changed on a coffee vending machine, for instance, so you can prevent that machine from clogging in the future.
Have you seen any unique vending machines? While ours are for food and beverages, vending machines are for more than just that nowadays. Some vending machines will even vend items like DVD’s and cell phones!
Today, you're likely to see vending machines in places like office buildings, hospitals, and schools. In the time period before and during World War II, however, they were mostly located in plants and factories. Since the employees were working long hours to build up the country's defenses, vending machines were a way to give them access to refreshments.
Having a vending machine installed in your office environment can be a great benefit if you have employees who regularly work late. Even if you have a cafeteria, chances are it closes after a certain time, so, with a vending machine, your employees will still have access to snacks and will be able to maintain their energy.
As technology moves forward, vending machines become easier and more convenient for consumers to use. Today's machines might incorporate touchscreen technology, sure-delivery systems that ensure the item gets to the purchaser, and the ability to pay with dollars, coins, or a credit card.
Recently, vending machines have branched out from soft drinks and snacks. Hot food, toys, and even products such as makeup and fishing bait can now be found in vending machines.
"Vended soft drink sales may represent only as much as 15% of a bottler's total yearly sales," writes Encyclopedia.com, "but that same volume could easily account for half of their annual profits."
How many vending machines are there in the United States? Though an exact count is hard to come by, eight million is the current estimate.
Wondering how much vending machines cost? The price point varies, but is often around $3,000 for a snack machine and $3,500 for a soda machine.
