Since the mid-20th century, special booths began to appear in big cities, replacing kiosks or a small grocery store. These are vending machines selling various foods, as well as water and carbonated drinks. Why did such aggregates suddenly appear, why are they becoming more and more in our time? Let's look at interesting facts, and also study the nuances of this technique. Moreover, automatic machines can now be found in any city in the world, both on the street, and in transitions, shopping centers and train stations.
On the existence of vending machines for things, products
Initially, it was assumed that the machine will sell carbonated drinks, chips and chocolate bars. But who owns the iron "sellers"? As a rule, one person engaged in trade and not wanting to hire labor, rent a room or buy a whole store, decides to purchase vending machines. Only to install them, the permission of the city administration (if the machine is on the street) or a shopping center, train station is required. But the owner of the institution does not pay rent for himself, so he is the winner.
For example, a water vending machine is a hot topic and a profitable business, since absolutely everyone needs it, but the greatest demand for this product is in the summer heat. Let's look at what machines can "specialize" in:
- drinks (water, juices, coffee, tea, soda);
- food (bars, chips, nuts, sandwiches, pastries, salads);
- printed matter (newspapers, magazines, books);
- things (clothes, shoes, accessories);
- tickets
- ATMs
- exchange points;
- shop
There are completely different areas of sales. Often, machines are installed at stations and even on trains, in shopping centers and at various venues where you need to purchase tickets.
Why machines appeared
As you know, there are more and more automatic machines every day. For example, in Moscow there are practically no grocery and newsagents, instead of them automatic machines are installed. The mayor of the capital explains this by saving space, lack of lines and fake products. But why are there machines at all?
Earlier we talked about saving on workers and renting. Of course, partly the purpose of the appearance of automata is precisely this. It is also worth considering public transportation. In the last century, machines for exchanging coins, as well as for acquiring tokens, appeared in the subway. Currently, there is also a technique that issues travel tickets. On the territory of Russian Railways there are special vending machines for selling tickets for trains and trains of any direction. It is very convenient for travelers. Some medical institutions even have shoe vending machines.
Advantages and disadvantages
Automatic machines have their pros and cons for both buyers and owners. Let's start with the buyers.
The advantages include the fact that you do not need to approach the seller and ask for the right product. All available products are displayed on the window, while those that are absent are indicated by free space or the words “not on sale”.
Cons of vending machines for food:
- it is impossible to see at least the expiration date;
- very limited choice;
- malfunctions and breakdowns are possible;
- it may be that the money has been accepted, and the goods cannot be collected.
Disadvantages of things and printed materials:
- you can’t see a thing before buying;
- impossible to try on;
- no sample books and magazines, missing abstract, content.
Also, in many places, prices are too high relative to conventional outlets.
Advantages for entrepreneurs, we reviewed earlier. Disadvantages can be considered only maintenance, possible breakdowns, rental space. In addition, if the unit is on the street, it may be corrupted by vandals or be damaged due to adverse weather.
How to pay
For products and things you can pay in cash: banknotes and coins. But it should be borne in mind that the former should be whole, clean and even. There is always an instruction manual on the machine. It says, for example, how to choose a product and where to put in the money. It is worth noting that if there are many who want to use the services of technology, then a queue may form. Why? Because not every person knows how to use the device, and he needs time to figure it out.
In Moscow, for example, ticket vending machines often offer only one option: bank cards with sufficient balance.
How to pick up the right thing from the machine
The necessary thing can be picked up only after payment, but not before. When the machine receives the required amount, a window opens through which you need to pick up the goods.
Train ticket vending machines usually print out a document after entering all the necessary data, which is also accepted by the guides when boarding the train. In stadiums, in parks, in car parks, there are also automatic machines for paying for passage / fare.
Most likely, in the future, vending machines selling certain items and services will supplant trade workers, and places will be freed up where kiosks and stalls are now located.