What is a vending machine?

A vending machine is a coin operated automatic dispensing machine for food, beverages, candy and many more consumer goods. First reference to vending machines dates back to 215 B.C. Since then, vending machines have gained wide popularity and have become a common name in the American markets. Vending machines directly involves convenience and appeal. It offers goods and services without the physical presence of the retailer.

How it works
A vending machine uses digital as well as mechanical energy to release products. In order to get the desired product, a customer first needs to insert money in the vending machine. The machine, then, uses a digital scanner to identify the bill's denomination before storing it in a cash box. For coins, the machine identifies the value of the coin using certain values specific to each coin.

Once the machine accepts the currency, the customer makes a choice of which product he would like to purchase. The computer turns on the motor connected to the spirals that hold the product. The spirals spin and drop the product. After the product falls, the customer simply retrieves the item from the bin.

Innovations
Technology has made the working of vending machines simpler than ever. Improved coin and bill validators, temperature control units, vending software, plexi glass front windows, DEX and telemetry and many more advancements have taken place in the vending machines.

These and other vending machine innovations are making vending machines more intelligent and high-tech. These innovations can make business run smoother for vending machine business operators. Americans are the biggest vending consumers in the world. The U.S. has a growing array of vending machines and the variety and technological innovations by vending machine manufacturers continues to grow.

At present, we have vending machines of all sizes and shapes that vend numerous products. No matter what the location size is, vending machines like those of Planet Antares fit all. Availability of all popular products and brands in a vending machine make it a preferred choice for the consumers. The vending industry is today $40 billion industry and offers the most profitable business opportunity to prospective business owners.