Vending machines. They bring us so much joy, especially in places where we have to wait for a long time, like bus stops or airports. Getting a bag of chips and a cool drink in the middle of the night? A bar of candy or a cup of coffee while working overtime in a deserted office? Heaven on earth.
Vending machines have come a long way, but only some ponder what technological marvels they are. So, let’s pay homage to the inventors of vending machines and discover their history. We’ll also discuss how they evolved from simple machines to the technological wonder they have become.
The History of Vending Machines
Greek engineer and mathematician Heron of Alexandria is credited with inventing the first vending machine. However, this machine did not dispense a piece of bread or a vial of olive oil. It’s thought that the device, installed within an Egyptian temple, distributed wine or sacred water.
Vending machines would make a reappearance hundreds of years later in 17th-century England. The machines were within bars and used to dispense tobacco rather than beer or wine.
Undoubtedly, the first people who invented these machines were clever and enterprising. However, the first person to secure a patent for his invention of a type of vending machine was Simon Denham. But what did his machine dispense? The world’s first known fully automatic vending machine dispensed stamps.
Denham secured his patent in 1867, and another 15 years passed before the machines saw another development. This time, the newer vending machines can now dispense larger postal-related items. These include postcards, paper, and envelopes.
Over the following years, the technology crossed the Atlantic and found a new home in the United States. The first company to take advantage of this groundbreaking invention was the Thomas Adams Gum Company. Their vending machines in New York City subway stations dispensed chewing gum.
It was only a short time before vending machines dispensed various food, drinks, and objects. Early 20th-century vending machines dispensed newspapers, beverages, candies, small figures, tobacco products, and more.
Enter the 21st century, and vending machine technology has evolved. The days of using coins to buy a sandwich or a candy bar are long gone. Many modern vending machines can now accept cashless payments and even have digital displays and cameras installed.
In other countries, however, vending machines provide more than the essentials. In Taiwan, for example, vending machines can dispense an entire coconut or freshly squeezed orange juice for you to enjoy. Some libraries also have vending machines that dispense books.
In Japan, vending machines are a thing of wonder. Their vending machines can store and dispense hot ramen, burgers, coffee, cakes, and fries. Some vending machines even dispense caviar and jewellery!
Vending Machines in Australia
Modern vending machines in Australia typically dispense bags of crisps, candy bars, and cold beverages. But you can also find sandwiches and bottled drinks in some machines here.
Hospitals, workplaces, and hotels frequently have Australian vending machines. They’re so ubiquitous that it’s easy to ignore them until we need a cold drink to quench our thirst during a hot summer day in Cairns or Port Douglas.
But did you know that these machines are also a source of income for many establishments while providing snacks and other refreshments? Here’s a primer on how vending machines work.
Let’s say you own or manage an office or apartment building. You’ve noticed that your tenants and employees frequently visit convenience stores for snacks. You plan to set up a small kiosk to cater to their needs. The problem is you need help finding a person who will be willing to operate the kiosk.
The solution? A vending machine!
There are a lot of advantages to getting a vending machine for your establishment. First, food and drinks are always available to your employees or tenants. They can stay in the office or apartment complex to satisfy their craving for crisps and soft drinks. It’s that convenient.
Vending machines also attract shoppers or guests to your establishment. For example, people will likely stay in Cairns or Port Douglas hotels that offer everything they need, including snacks, beverages, and other essentials. No more running to convenience stores in the middle of the night.
How Do You Set up a Vending Machine?
Do you need to buy a vending machine for your office, hotel, or store in North Queensland?
Not at all! You don’t need to fork out money to get a vending machine. You only need to contact us at DKS Vending, and we’ll help you set up your first-ever vending machine or the subsequent ones.
How Does it Work?
First, let us know what type of facility or establishment you own or manage. Tell us about your site’s foot traffic and what kinds of people frequent the area. Do you have tenants and employees, or are the people just passing by? It will help us determine what kind of vending machine is perfect for your location.
We will then arrange a site visit, assess, and determine the best place to set up the machine. Once approved, we will install the vending machine and stock it with snacks, drinks, and more. That’s it. In addition, we pay a quarterly commission on regularly used machines.
Get Your Own Vending Machine in Port Douglas and Cairns Today
DKS Vending is North Queensland’s top provider of vending machines. Whether you’re in Port Douglas or Cairns, we can deliver that machine to your location. You don’t need to worry about transportation or set-up. From installing to stocking up to servicing, we do it all for you.
We have a variety of food, drinks, and other necessities for your staff, renters, and customers in our vending machines. If you’ve been searching for a ‘vending machine near me‘ and landed on our website, you’re in luck.
You can get in touch with us via our website’s enquiry form or send us a message at info@dksvending.com.au. Need a snack or alcoholic drink vending machine now? Call us at 0424 139 885 so we can get started.
