Vending machines in Australia have paved the way for convenient living for people of all walks of life. Accessibility to necessities has become easier due to these innovative automats.
With the convenience vending machines have to offer, more and more entrepreneurs want to take part in this growing industry
But how did this business start? How did it evolve and become the mainstream retail strategy for a lot of business personnel? Read on to learn its humble beginnings and historical background.
How It Started
Who would ever know that a mathematician in primeval Roman Egypt can change lives in the present century? Hero of Alexandria, an engineer and a mathematician, created the very first vending machine which originally dispenses holy water.
This gives us the idea that vending machines are quite religious in ancient times, a fact that totally differs from how these types of machines are used today.
The first modernised vending machines were introduced in the 1880s. It was invented in London, England by an expert, Percival Everitt. These machines were placed in railways stations and postal servicing centres.
Before becoming a merchandise that dispenses food, snacks, and other commodities, it was used in post offices as dispensing machinery for postcards, envelopes, and notepaper.
The first company to adapt the operation of the vending machine business was founded in the year 1887 — England’s Sweetmeat Automatic Delivery Company. It was established to focus on the installation and maintenance of these automated machines.
In the 1890s, Stollwerck, a German company that manufactures chocolates, used thousands of vending machines to sell their products. This opened the doors for other products to be sold in vending machines. This includes cigarettes, chewing gums, and soap products.
International Influence
Thomas Adams Gum Company, an American corporation, was the first company in the US to introduce vending machines in the international stage. It was made available to Americans in the year 1888, as stationed in New York subway hubs.
In addition, as technology advanced to another level, notable features were added in vending machines in the year 1897. Pulver Manufacturing Company brought vending machines on a higher perspective for merchandising and retailing.
The widespread of vending machines in the global arena has been very remarkable. It has penetrated countries on different continents.
Along with the advancement of technology, vending machines have also increased their influence on the business world. Certain innovations were developed to improve how merchandising will look like in the future.
Types of Vending Machines
Today, most of the products sold in vending machines are beverages like beers, juices, refreshments, drinking water, and sodas.
Before, these machines dispense beverages into a cup, but they didn’t last long as canned drinks were installed in vending machines for accessible purchase.
Aside from these beverages, snacks and meals are some of the other items placed inside a vending machine. These are the most common products sold in vending machine operations.
Below are types of vending machines introduced in the early centuries until this present generation:
Wine and Cigarettes
Paris, France, as one of the biggest wine producers in the world, introduced the early stage of wine vending machines. It was popularised in the year 1890. Even until today, wine dispensing machines are still widely used.
Meanwhile, in 1926, cigarette vending machines are initially brought to the US. It was made-known by William Rowe, an American inventor. This invention led other countries to sell cigarettes on their vending machines.
Electronics
Mobile phones and other electronic devices were already available in vending machines since the 2000s. While the idea may sound a little bit off, because of possible machine robbery, these are actually existing today. It has even made the purchase of these devices easier and faster.
Other forms of electronic devices such as computer parts, iPads, and cameras are equipped in vending machines.
This type of vending machine business levelled up the revenue of mobile companies and electronic establishments.
Medicinal Vending
OTC or over-the-counter drugs are also available in vending machines worldwide. Interestingly, some vending machines dispense prescription drugs. It follows medicine protocols and functions through scanning the customer’s input for the needed medicine.
Fruits and Healthy Options
Nowadays, healthy options for vending purchases are being introduced. Vending machines in Australia feature fruit-serving automated machines to provide customers with their go-to snack without compromising their diet and health needs.
There are vending machines for sale in Sydney that are purposely designed to only sell healthy products to customers and busy professionals.
Contraception
While this may sound strange to you, birth control products are actually available in specialised vending machines. These machines dispense products such as pregnancy test kits, condoms, pills, and contraceptives. These vending machines are available near public restrooms, train stations, pharmacies, hospitals, and even in schools. Its main goal is to promote safe sex and follow basic contraception law.
Cosmetics
From snacks and beverages, vending machines now cater to cosmetic products. This move increases the brands’ popularity in the industry. You can buy your favourite cosmetics and hair products in just a snap!
Strange Custom-made Vending
This is where the idea of unique but helpful and useful products are installed in vending machines. While this may sound bizarre, there are actually machines that sell different kinds of products. Some automats sell hair extensions and even live crabs.
These custom-made machines are ideally presented because of smart innovations and strategic marketing variations. These made selling more accessible and easier for manufacturers.
The Future of Vending Machines
As vending machines continue to influence your lives, your way of living has become more convenient and comfortable. It didn’t just elevate the marketing stance but also allow you to buy commodities in a smooth manner.
Years from now, a more innovative approach of vending will be invented to fully cater to all needs of consumers. Who would have ever realised that vending machines will improve our lives and necessities?
Choose Your Service Provider
Vending machines in Australia have made its way up in the marketing world. Its capacity to influence our day to day activities have been very remarkable and exceptional.
In choosing for the best service provider to invest with, consider all the results and outcome of this marketing type as you venture into vending machine business. You can buy vending machine in Sydney, Australia that features a smart approach for their products.
TCN Vending is the country’s leading supplier of vending machines. The company has been in the industry for many years and has established a good reputation in the business world. It has a wide range of services coupled with high-quality operations.
If you are interested to invest in our vending machines, call 1800 959 910. Email us at enquiries@tcnvending.com.au. To get more in-depth information about our company and services, you can visit our office at 9/16 Bernera Rd, Prestons NSW 2170.
