Vending Machines

Vending Machines
Machine Location Machine Types History	The vending machine sells a product to your customer, collects the cash and dispenses the item all without you having to be present. The vending machine acts as warehouse, salesman and bank. It stores an item, advertises it, sells that item, collects money for it, dispenses the item, and puts the money in a safe place. The vending machine is on duty 365 days a year and 24 hours a day. The vending machine is never late for work and won't ask for holidays off. A vending machine is very simple in concept. A product is placed into a chute, a sleeve, a hopper or some other storage/containment where it is ready to be dispensed either individually or as bulk. The design of the vending machine acts also as advertising for the product either by showing the actual product in a window or by using some graphic signage. The type of product and the vending machine design may dictate how that item will be displayed. Most often the customer makes the purchase as an impulse which is to say that the customer only decides to purchase that product when he/she actually sees the vending machine. This is one reason that location of the vending machine is critical. The customer must see the vending machine and recognize that a product is available at a time when that product will be desired. It may not be a good idea to try to sell pens, notebooks, tooth brushes or laundry soap at a car wash. On the other hand strategic placement of the correct items can make all of the difference like placing air fresheners in view of the vacuum islands. Almost any item can be dispensed by a vending machine that is why it is important to understand the wants and needs of your customer and try to match the specific want and need when the customer is prepared to act on it.

	Some examples of good vending machine location in the car wash environment. In the detailing area Adjacent to the vacuum island On a wall at the end of the bay Next to the bill changer It is very important to note that keeping the machines stocked and in good working order is the best way to prevent vandalism. Survey has shown that most vandalism occurs when the customer becomes frustrated or disgruntled by not receiving the product or service as expected.