The Weird And The Wonderful In The Vending Machine Industry
What comes to mind when you think of the vending machine industry? Let’s say a stranger stops you in the street and asks what sort of things they could buy in the neighbourhood vending machines. What do you tell them? You probably list off a few of the classics: chocolate bars, lollies, coca-cola and other soft drinks, bottled water, packets of chips, perhaps the odd muesli bar or two.
The stranger stares at you for a moment with confusion and disbelief written across their face. “Is that all?” they ask you. “What about a pizza vending machine, or one for books?”
Now it’s your turn to feel confused. Books and pizza? You consider this while watching the stranger walk away. But those products aren’t sold in the vending machine industry…are they??
A Different Take On The Vending Machine Industry
The human race has a strong streak of creativity and ingenuity that has led to the modern world as we know it. With rapid advances in technology and the changing nature of our society, most industries are experiencing constant change. The vending machine industry is no different, and it continues to evolve in new and fascinating ways.
One such innovation is the creation of vending machines that sell a whole different type and range of products than what we’re used to seeing. For example, did you ever imagine that one day it would be possible to buy beer from a vending machine? What about umbrellas, or art? Let’s take a journey to learn more about a few of the weird and wonderful things that now grace the vending machine industry.
The Art-o-mat
The brainchild of American artist Clark Whittington, the original Art-o-mat was built in 1997. By upcycling one of the recently-banned cigarette machines, Whittington installed it with 12 of his black and white paintings mounted on blocks, to be sold for US$1.00 each. This neat project plays a part in the movement to encourage the consumption of art by increasing exposure and access to the work of different artists. A genius match, because who does accessibility better than the vending machine industry?
Mystery Books In Singapore
Do you face the constant struggle of choosing which book to read? When shelves upon shelves of books confront you, and all friendly recommendations have fled your mind, what do you do? The struggle is ‘real.’
Not to worry, a Singapore bookshop has solved this problem for you. Books Actually has a vending machine for mystery books! For $19 you can get yourself a lucky dip book and the problem of your next reading adventure solved – two birds, one stone.
Hot Pizza 24/7
When you’re craving pizza at 3am but there’s no pizzeria open, or you simply can’t be bothered waiting in line, a pizza vending machine is just what you need! As crazy as it sounds, these vending machines actually make the pizza from scratch, adding the tomato sauce and your choice of 3 toppings then popping out the hot baked pizza in just 3 minutes time!
Whilst they haven’t come to this side of the world yet, apparently these vending machines have been floating around Europe for some time. Another fun and favourite addition to the ever-expanding possibilities of the vending machine industry.
Beer O’Clock In Japan
You’re on your way home from a tough day at work and there’s nothing you’d like more than a cold beer to take the edge off. Unfortunately, you just don’t have the time to stop off at the supermarket or liquor store. If only you could stop at the beer vending machine conveniently located down the street…
In Japan, this dream has become reality with the numerous and popular beer vending machines that frequent city areas. Despite facing criticism regarding issues with underage drinkers abusing this accessibility, the addition of age identification readers seems to have largely solved this problem. However, as fun as this sounds, it’s unlikely that Australia will see beer in the national vending machine industry anytime soon, given the strict legislation concerning underaged drinking and alcohol abuse.
What’s Next For Australia’s Vending Machine Industry?
If you want to get behind the latest in Australia’s vending machine industry, Gecko Vending have their finger on the pulse! Using the latest vending machine technology, such as contactless payment systems and remote stocktaking, Gecko Vending prioritises customer needs and satisfaction. They’re also leading the way in providing nutritious, delicious snack options for their vending machines – because they believe that being healthy can be easy and convenient.
Whether you want to hire one of their machines for an event, or have one (or more) placed in your office for staff to enjoy, get in touch with the friendly team at Gecko Vending today.
