Vending machines for everyday items have been around as a standalone model for only a short period, roughly six to seven years. Although the time frame is brief, the pace of innovation and replacement is swift! This article aims to provide some educational insights into the machines, covering the following main aspects:

1. The Evolution of Unmanned Vending Machines for Commodities and Common Models

How to Avoid the Issue of Machine Blocking Goods

What should you pay attention to when selecting machinery?

The Evolution of Unmanned Vending Machines for Goods and Common Models

Overall, as of now, the unstaffed convenience machines have evolved to the fourth generation model (personal opinion, not official). The main differences lie in the improvements of payment functions and guidance features.

The vending machine was modified from a beverage or food machine, supporting only cash transactions. In a strict sense, it's not suitable for selling items, and issues with inventory, restocking, and change are frequent, leading to a poor customer experience. It has long been phased out by the market. (Photos are no longer available.)

The cash machine market is still largely dominated by traditional models, which primarily support cash, Alipay, and WeChat transactions. Product selection is achieved through metal buttons, maintaining the classic keypad design.

This machine's advantage lies in its affordability, with the new models retailing for just over 10,000 yuan. The drawback is the use of metal buttons for product purchases, which is akin to older cell phones—those with physical keys, as opposed to today's touchscreens. Metal buttons are prone to wear and are on the way out; currently, the market is dominated by second-hand devices.

The third-generation machine features a touchscreen operation interface, which has been available in the market and in use for a considerable time and is currently the most abundant type of machine in the market. Its main advantages include a more user-friendly interface and a more convenient product pricing design for the machine owner. However, the display screen is only used for the operation interface and lacks any guidance functions. Consumers who purchase multiple products need to scan and pay separately in multiple transactions, making the process cumbersome.

The fourth-generation machine is a large-screen model with a guide function, which was launched this year. It primarily addresses the drawback of previous generations lacking any guidance features. The large screen can upload product images and textual descriptions of features, as well as promotional videos. It also introduces a product category interface and a shopping cart, making it convenient for consumers to select multiple products and place orders with one click. The current limitation is that the large-screen model has removed the currency acceptor, meaning transactions can only be made through Alipay or WeChat online.

The machine as a carrier is not the key to whether the store makes a profit or not. Under the premise that the store is in a good location with people flowing in, more advanced machines can enhance the conversion rate of customers visiting the store. In other words, good machines can only be the cherry on top, not the straw that breaks the camel's back!

Currently, there are still some branch machines on the market, such as small hotels and all-cabinet models, which will not be discussed in detail.

Section II: Container Shipment Issues

Machine jams are only present in the main unit with spring conveyors. The working principle of spring conveyors involves a motor at the bottom of the conveyor track, which rotates the spring to push products on the conveyor outward and into the picking port. Common reasons for jams include:

1. Motor issue: Since the power for the conveyor is entirely provided by the motor, if the motor were to malfunction during the conveyor's rotation, it could lead to a jam. However, this possibility is low.

2. Modified vending machines for beverage and food machinery, these machines are not ideal due to their non-selling nature, with inadequate spacing and width between the product aisles. Products can easily jam in the spring-loaded aisles if they are too tight or too loose.

3. Improper product arrangement is the primary cause of the current bottleneck in goods transportation.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Choosing Machinery?

1. When purchasing second-hand machinery, be mindful of the backend system transfer issues. Ensure you understand the transferability of the machine, as there are numerous trade companies in the industry, leading to high liquidity. It's highly possible that the company selling the machine no longer exists, making the transfer process cumbersome. Always verify the ease of transfer and the associated costs before deciding to purchase any second-hand machinery.

2. To bring the machine into the store, a forklift or manual labor is required; if possible, a forklift should be used. It takes three strong men to manually unload it from the truck and carry it into the store. The main unit is too heavy, while the auxiliary unit can be handled by two people.

3. Whether you need a currency acceptor largely depends on the demographics of your store's customers. According to current statistics, over 90% of transactions are made via Alipay or WeChat, with cash usage being minimal. If your store is frequented by a significant number of elderly consumers, it's advisable to opt for a machine with a currency acceptor. If the number is low, the currency acceptor may not be necessary.

—— Insights from a seasoned vending machine factory insider