And that amount is sure to grow as more products and more expensive items are added to the merchandise sort, including specialty items such as lobster bisque, triple patty hamburgers, deli sandwiches and risotto, which were rolled out this month at the association's Expo in New Orleans. One new machine garnered plenty of attention on the convention floor. USA Technologies Inc. unveiled a vending machine that accepts credit and debit cards and lets the customer buy other items through the Internet shown on a video screen, a new version of electronic commerce. Michael Lawlor, senior vice president of USA Technologies, said customers no longer will be limited to the cash they have on hand. The machine lets consumers buy several items from the machine and then add on items advertised on the Web site.
Customers receive receipts for all of their purchases.
The dispensing of snacks through vending machines started with Tutti Frutti gum back in 1888. The machine was on an elevated train platform in New York City. Today, sodas account for the bulk of vending machine sales, followed by snacks and packaged baked goods. Someone has to pay for all the conveniences. The same item could be purchased in bulk at a discount store for about 35 cents, if you took the time and trouble to shop and then to haul it to the office.