As we move to more and more of an "electronic money society" (think Visa advertising) don't you think that vending machines would make a quantum leap forward?
The latest year for statistics from the vending industry (USA) shows every category having increased in the USA. The majority of vending is for food and/or beverages with cold beverages, in total, with over 50% of the entire market.
Now, what happens when price points for vending goes to four or even five figures? Would you buy a moped for $5,000 from a vending machine? If I had owned one before and felt like I had no need for instructions on how to ride one, I think I would buy one. How about purchasing new clothes when you've spilled coffee on your shirt.
As it currently exists, perception is that "fresh" is missing from vending. However, in Japan you can buy rice and even fresh eggs. Actually, you can "vend" your sleep-in tube (the vending hotel room) and a refrigerated locker for whatever you want to put in it.
The history of vending is interesting. It originates in Greece in 215 B.C. (yes, that's before Christ!!). Holy water was sold through a vending machine and insured a specific amount to be dispensed. It was not until the 1880's that the modern machines were introduced. The first product was a simple post card. The first key was a machine that could discern between counterfeit coins and the real ones. Gum was the next step and we will have the iconic round-topped machines today.
I think that your hand held device will soon allow you to "vend". But the real "kicker" in this discussion is that for $100 you can purchase used panties of young girls in Japan, today ...
W2
Go to the General discussion area.
 |
Middle East | Issues | Archives | Lexicon | Forums | Mailing List | Log In | Search | ?? | ||
|
© 1997-2010 FirstMatter LLC
