Vending Machines
Vending machines offer a simple, quick way to gain a snack, hot drink vending and much more. A customer approaches a machine and inserts their money, which is read by the machine. The customer then chooses what they want to purchase and presses the corresponding buttons or keypad. The snack is dispensed along with any change the customer is owed.
Current Vending Machine Products
Numerous products are available for purchase through vending machines, and the item list is growing almost daily. Currently, the most popular vending machine products include snack items, candy, beverages, toys, hygiene items, lottery tickets, cigarettes, bubble gum, and coffee. There are numerous goods currently sold through vending machines with each machine owner’s imagination and machine capabilities being the limit.
Advantages of Vending Machines
Vending machines offer tremendous benefits for both the customer and owner. Customers benefit by having quick and easy access to products they need. They save valuable time by avoiding lines and cafeterias. Often times, vending machines are located where there is not space for a food and drink establishment. Customers benefit by having easy access to products they need without having to search out another location. Businesses and vending machine owners benefit from extra revenue brought in by owning a vending machine or having one on site at a business location.
Future of Vending
Vending machines of the future will include sleek designs, ease of use, and many more food and product options. Currently, a vending machine company is testing biometric vending machines that require a customer to tie a credit card to their thumbprint. Customers will use the machines by placing their thumbprint on the scanner, and the user’s credit card will automatically be charged. Another vending machine company is developing a machine that has a 46″ screen comparable to an iPhone touch screen. Customers will be able to check nutritional information before purchasing. No longer will vending machine owners not know what supply is left in the machines until they physically go check them. These vending machines will offer up-to-date supply information helping owners keep up with supply and demand. Vending machines of the future may offer items such as electronics, clothing, alcohol, luxury boutique items, books and magazines, and even bail bonds. They may even include retina scans as a method of purchase. As the vending machine industry continues to grow, so will the options and technology.
