Seeing the vending machines we have all around us today, we can sometimes forget what they were like in the past. As with most things in our society, the have evolved over time. New ideas emerge from the old and the advances in technology certainly help as well. The first ones came about in London in the 1880’s. They first held only post cards and then books as well.
It was in 1888 that vending machines were introduced in the United States. They distributed gum in various subway stations of New York and Chicago. There were many different styles of vending machines that emerged in the early 1900’s. One of them that consumers immediately took to was the round gumball machine that we still see out there today.
From 1902 until 1962 a Philadelphia location called Horn & Hardart had a restaurant with a unique feature - all of the food and drink items came out of vending machines. This was a very original idea and attracted people who were traveling through the area. They all wanted to get a glimpse of what it entailed.
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 on vending machines have really changed since then. They vary in size and design. Most of the time the design is a marketing ploy to encourage you to buy something from it. They are also designed better inside too which means they can operate more efficiently. This cuts down on money lost due to not working and on angry customers who got ripped off.
There are vending machines that offer food, supplies for any specialty location such as the swimming pool or when you are going fishing, pictures, books, newspapers, and much more. You can find just about anything you wish to buy in them these days and that is good news. It means you can easily access what you want without having to wait in a line or experiencing the store being closed.
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.
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