A Look Back At Vending Machines
Search:

Home | Business


A Look Back At Vending Machines

By: Robert Farnham

You may love getting what you want out of vending machines, but have you ever stopped to consider how these very popular icons in our society came to be? If so, then keep on reading for some very interesting information about vending machines. They have been out there since the late 1880's. People in London placed them around travel locations with post cards. They sold so many that they did the same thing with books.

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.

A fascinating vending machine story involves a lovely restaurant in Philadelphia. It was called the Horn & Hardart and people came from all over to eat there. They fun thing was everything it offered was dispensed from a vending machine. Most people refer to this today as the cafeteria! That restaurant was a very successful business though from 1902 until 1962.

The really big popularity of vending machines in the United States though didn't take place until both Coke and Pepsi got involved. The two rivals are to this day still looking for ways to do better than the other one. They both mass produced vending machines so they could distribute more soda to their consumers. It was in the 1940's when they were offered and making huge sales.

If you haven't seen one of the old fashioned vending machines with those glass bottles they are really neat. The bottles were in the machine sideways and would be dispensed by entering coins and moving a mechanical arm. There was a bottle opener on the door so as soon as you got your drink you could open it and enjoy it.

The designs of vending machines have changed a great deal since they were first introduced. The great thing about our society is that you can easily make changes based on what has already been done. Advancement is something that you can see taking place in this industry. Just take a look at the designs now compared to years ago and you know what I mean.

Vending machines today offer much more than just post cards and books though. They offer food, supplies, games, and even entertainment. It can be really fund to spend some time exploring what your options are. Vending machines are all around us so it won't be hard to locate some of them.

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.

Article Source: http://www.rightarticle.com

Robert Farnham built a profitable vending business after starting totally the wrong way. He now writes about building a vending business and the pitfalls to avoid. Visit his website at My Vending Uncle for more.





Please Rate this Article

 

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Business Articles Via RSS!

Powered by Article Dashboard