#261 for sale

I have been thinking about the changing nature of vending machines.  For decades, the machines dispensed just beverages and snacks.  There was great variance in the array of beverages distributed (for example, in Spain I saw one that sold "cerveza" [beer] in a parking garage of all places!), but pretty much it was limited to pop and chips.

The technology then evolved to allow greater control and security so other items could be sold in this manner.  Credit card technology also made bigger purchases possible.  Now the tollway oasis and airports sell Apple products and electronics through machines.  Clinique, Proactiv and other cosmetic companies cater to those on-the-go with vending kiosks.  RedBox has made an industry out of dispensing DVD movies on demand.  Now our grocery store has a book vending machine from the library and I have also seen a machine that provides 24/7 access to live fishing bait.

Fast Company magazine recently ran a feature of three new vending evolutions:  pizza slices, cupcakes and wine bottles!  Let's Pizza in Atlanta uses infrared rays to custom cook slices; Cupcake ATM offers a dozen flavors in several cities, and, if you scan your ID and pass a Breathalyzer test, you can buy a bottle of vino in Pennsylvania grocery stores!

What's next?  Gallons of milk outside office buildings instead of "stopping on the way home"?  Socks at a bowling alley in warm climates where sandals are the norm?  Sunscreen outside festivals and sporting events?  Umbrellas at subway stations?  Treats for Fido at dog parks?  Printer cartridges and art supplies in residence halls?

Is there a way for your organization to take advantage of the technology to provide your product to customers in a convenient off-site way?  Don't limit your thinking to what vending used to be.  If you can sell it, today you can vend it.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Fast Company, February 2013