As people continue to seek for convenience, more and more technologies are invented. One of these technologies is the vending machine. Vending machines come in different types as they are made for different purposes.
1. Cold and Frozen Vending Machines
This cold and frozen vending machine is capable of vending ice cream, pies and other frozen foods. Typically, its features include triple pane heated glass that eliminates condensation or frost. There is also an adjustable self-defrosting cycles for a fast cool down and recovery. This machine is a great advantage especially to those who crave for desserts. Like most vending machines, they can accept both coins and bills.
2. Bulk Vending Machines and Stands
These machines come in variety of sizes and styles and they are entirely mechanical. Operation is done by placing coins and turning a knob or pulling a lever. They can vend candies, chocolates and gum balls. Bulk vending machines are usually found in department stores and malls where they can attract children and passersby.
3. Coffee or Tea Vending Machines
This vending machine has a state-of-the-art brewing system and precise ingredient control to satisfy every customer’s preference. In addition, it has instant or fresh brew configurations to dispense a broad menu of specialty coffees and teas. With this vending machine, customers can drink their favorite coffee in just one touch.
4. Office Supplies Vending Machine
If one forgets to bring a pen or pencil in a very important appointment, there’s no need to panic. These office supplies vending machines can be found in public libraries, campuses, airports, and other locations where office workers and students are likely to go. They display stamps, pens, pencils, paper, USB flash drives and other important office and school supplies. These machines are easy to load and dispense but the items are usually a little more expensive than those in bookstores and convenience stores.
5. Drink and Snack Stands
Snacks and beverage vending machines are among the most common vending machines. They are usually found in schools, offices, hospitals, airports and gasoline stations. This combo machine features adjustable trays allowing configuration for the top selling products. People can buy varieties of snacks and drinks, from Potato Chips, to cookies and candy. The soda drink side of the machine vends both cans and bottles. Most of these machines can accept both coins and bills.
6. Entertainment Vending Machines
Customers don’t need to buy DVDs to watch their favorite movies because the entertainment vending machines are found in most fast food chains, restaurants, near entrance of department stores and convenience stores. These machines typically hold more than 500 DVDs. They become popular because they offer quick and cheaper entertainment. This self-service machine is combined with interactive touch screen, a robotic disk array system and a web-linked electronic communications. The customer pays with a credit or debit card and returns the DVD on the next day. Additional charges are applied if DVDs are not returned on their due dates.
7. Pay Phones
Payphones are public telephones that people can access in public places such as airports, train stations, malls, casinos and street corners. Payments for calls are done by inserting coins, phone cards, debit cards or credit cards. Although the use of payphones has declined due to the increased usage of mobile phones, payphones are still useful for some people who need to place local calls in times of emergency or those who simply don’t like mobile phones.
8. Change Machines
These machines are usually found in laundry shops, restaurants and department stores. Although most of these machines provide bill-to-coin change, some of them accept credit cards or do bill-to-bill change. Operating the machine is quiet simple. You just need to insert your bill and make the necessary selections as possible; then your change is already right there in front of you. Some machines just dispense quarters and are easier to operate.
9. Crane Machines
Also called claw cranes, grab machines or teddy picker, these machines can be found in supermarkets, video arcades, malls and bowling alleys. These machines consist of credit or timer display, joystick, power supply, PCB, bridge assembly and claw. They also consist of prizes like toys, shirts, electronics and hats that can be seen through the glass. The machine can be played by putting coins or tokens into it. This will allow the player to manipulate a joystick that controls the claw for a period of time. The player can move the claw back and forth, up and down and sideways. By doing so, the claw can grip the intended item. If the player is successful then the item is dropped into the opening and dispensed through a hole. Crane machines are usually used mainly for fun.
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.
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