The History Of Vending Machines
by: RobertFarnham
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Vending machines are so practical and convenient that we often can't imagine a world without them. They have certainly come a long way since they were first introduced in the 1880's. They were implemented in London and the first products in there were post cards. This was very successful and so books were the next item to be placed into the machines.
The United States caught wind of vending machines in 1888. The first ones featured a variety of packs of gum. They were located in Subway stations in both New York and Chicago. It wasn't long before various types of vending machines were cropping up all over the place. It was in the 1900's that the still popular circular gumball vending machine was introduced and immediately a huge success.
From 1902 until 1962 a Philadelphia location called Horn & Hardart had a restaurant with a unique feature - all of the food and drink items came out of vending machines. This was a very original idea and attracted people who were traveling through the area. They all wanted to get a glimpse of what it entailed.
In the 1940's the mass production of vending machines began to take place in the United States. These were designed to hold and distribute soda. They were extremely popular and they held glass bottles of soda rather than the cans and plastic bottles that we know today. The two biggest vendors for them were Coke and Pepsi.
These vending machines featured many differences from what we know today. For example they had glass bottles of soda in them. There weren't any cans or plastic bottles to choose from. The glass bottles were dispenses sideways from the machine after you put money in and released the lever. Then you could take the lid off and drink it from the bottle.
The designs on vending machines have really changed since then. They vary in size and design. Most of the time the design is a marketing ploy to encourage you to buy something from it. They are also designed better inside too which means they can operate more efficiently. This cuts down on money lost due to not working and on angry customers who got ripped off.
You can find just about anything you can want quickly from a vending machine as well. It may be something to eat or drink, supplies you need, reading materials, and more. There is no limit to the ideas that continue to come around and be offered in a vending machine. What consumers express that they want is often in the works if it can be figured out by the engineers.
You may be so used to the various vending machines around that you don't really see what is inside of them. Pay more attention though as you walk around and you may be surprised. Look at what is offered with it both inside and outside. You will be impressed with them many different options that you come across. Don't underestimate those older models though - some are worth a great deal of money to collectors.
About the Author
Robert Farnham built a profitable vending business after starting totally the wrong way. He now writes about building a vending machine business and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit his website at My Vending Uncle for more.
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