Types of Vending Machines

In an ever changing economy and job market, new products are easy to be found. The vending machines variety is proportional to the consumer’s demand. Almost everything can be provided. In Japan for example due to the high population density and limited spaces for shops people uses to buy on foot or by bicycle and thus there is no limit to what it is sold by vending machines.. There is about one machine per each 24 inhabitants. We can find hairdresser’s kit vending machine, tools and accessories for repairing bicycle, wash dog’s kit with a little bath incorporated umbrellas vending machine, flowers vending machine, candles vending machine, life baits vending machine, eggs vending machine, fresh food and vegetables vending machine, underwear vending machine etc.

In Europe and in the United States the existing regulatory framework regarding the manufacture and distribution of vending machine as well as the standards of quality and hygiene of the products provided are very rigorous. The vending machines must be manufactured with non toxic materials able to be easily cleaned and disinfected. There will also have to clearly show the product, price and way of payment, as well as licensed data, number of registration, address and phone number that allows user to complain. Regarding the vending machines that provide food, all those products have to be handled following all the protocols of security and hygiene, have to be served in secure container avoiding the contamination showing the expiry date, ingredients and the sanitary number of registration and have to be stored at the temperature fixed by the health policy of each country.

According to the demand and the implementation of vending machines in the European markets, types of vending machines can be classified as follow:

• Cold and solid food vending machine: such as snacks, chips, cookies, chocolate, nuts and dried fruit…

• Hot and solid food vending machines: croissants, sandwiches, hot dogs, brioches, pizzas, soup, ready to serve dishes…

• Cold drinks vending machines: canned or bottled soft drinks, water, bottled or squeezed out juices, beers…

• Hot drinks vending machines: coffee (espresso, soluble or recently grinded coffee), teas, chocolate, soup…

• Combined vending machines: that can provide different products in only one machine; cold and hot drinks vending machines, drink and sandwiches vending machines etc…

• Children’s good vending machines: gumballs, capsule with toys, dolls, candies, chewing-gums, tattoos, felts…

• Cosmetic, Hygiene and medical articles: toothbrush kit, soaps, tonics, creams, sanitary towels, thermometer, chiropody products...