The history of vending machines

A typical vending machine has a number of parts, such as the coin mechanism, the display unit and the storage unit, but the most important part is the coin mechanism. This mechanism identifies genuine coins, sorts them, determines their value and provides the necessary change. When the amount to be inserted equals the price of the selected product, a sales signal is given and the product is dispensed into the dispensing slot. Pointer devices help customers make their choice and memory devices dispense the products.

Since the 1970s, microcomputers have transformed vending by incorporating credit card payment systems and large scale unattended vending. They include vending malls, station ticket vending and checking systems, bank ATMs and so on, which improve the convenience and expand the concept of vending malls.

Vending machines have become one of the most influential trends in the retail industry, which can be described as "24-hour micro-supermarkets". Having appeared in Japan and Western countries in the 1970s, vending machines are now an important part of today's economy. According to a survey conducted in Japan, about 70% of canned beverages are purchased from vending machines. The Coca-Cola Company, for example, has installed 500,000 vending machines around the world. In terms of the number of vending machines, Japan has 5.5 million vending machines across the country and the total sales of ¥6.896 trillion per year, which makes Japan the world leader.

These machines are extremely user-friendly, allowing customers to select products from an on-screen display, enter item numbers and quantities, and receive their purchases in the delivery opening. Some vending machines also dispense hot meals such as noodles and rice balls, making them functional and easy to use. While there are fewer vending machines in Japan than in the United States, Japan has the highest density of vending machines, with one for every 23 people, compared to one for every 35 people in the United States.

 The history of vending machines also includes the first inventions in Europe. In the 17th century, British pubs began using vending machines to dispense cigarettes. Japan later developed practical uses for vending machines, and the first type, the "stamp and postcard vending machine," was introduced in 1904. However, it was not until after the Second World War that vending machines began to spread around the world. The first vending machines to be introduced in the 1950s were the "juice dispensers," which were very popular. Vending machines, especially for beverages, were introduced to the Japanese market by American beverage companies in 1962.

Today, vending machines are available for almost anything you can think of. This is an innovation-driven industry, and aote Vending Machine Company is one of the companies benefiting from this change. We specialise in manufacturing a range of high-quality vending machines, including DIY phone cover printing machines: candy vending machines, automatic ice cream vending machines, automatic balloon vending machines, and automatic popcorn vending machines.

We also offer services to create vending machines based on your brand or business so that customers remember your company.

Vending machines have certain undeniable advantages over traditional forms of retailing that cannot be achieved in any other way, such as minimum space and manpower requirements and maximum levels of productivity and revenue. As technology evolves and consumer expectations change, vending machines will become even more important as a means of connecting businesses and consumers. Vending machines are now used in retail, food service and many other sectors and industries, making them an indispensable part of today's economy.

If you’re seeking a new business opportunity, consider exploring the endless possibilities of the vending machine industry. With aote, you’re not just investing in cutting-edge technology; you’re stepping into a world of innovation, convenience, and growth.