People always view vending machines as convenient machines that dispense snacks, sodas, and other unhealthy delights to them. While that is certainly not wrong, vending machines are popping out more than just food these days. If you've ever taken a trip to Japan, you already know they are notorious for placing the strangest, and sometimes the most clever, items in their machines. They will put just about anything in there!
It might seem strange to find a bicycle helmet or t-shirts in a vending machine, but why? If it's a product that you need right then and there, why do you find it odd that someone would make it so simple for you to purchase said item? The Japanese are onto something big, and no it's not a giant reptile. There is money to be had in custom vending machines as long as you know what the people want and place them in prime locations.
Having live bait in a vending machine located near a mall isn't a good marketing strategy, but placing it outside your bait shop does. For those people who are up before the sun who just need some bait and fast, a vending machine can be a great way to increase revenue and keep customers happy. Likewise, office vending machines with necessary supplies can help your business keep track of supplies and provide employees with easy access to the items they use the most. It also might curb office supply theft - a common occurrence in just about every single office.
If you can think of a product, you can most likely put it in a vending machine. Keep in mind it still has to be feasible. Although there is a vending machine dispensing actually adult-size bicycles out there, that doesn't mean it was money well spent. Think about your business and what items people use the most. Can you benefit from placing the items in a vending machine instead? Let's say for instance you own a gym. A wonderful solution would be to create custom vending machines that not only dispense power bars and water, but reusable water bottles, small towels, earbuds to listen to music, and goggles and nose plugs if your gym has a pool.
Custom vending machines provide a unique opportunity for customers. Sometimes the stranger or less predictable the items, the more intrigued people become and the more likely they will end up spending money. Who could possibly resist purchasing a random item from a machine? I know I couldn't!