When we think of vending machines, there are some familiar images that come to mind: chips, sodas, bottled water, a pack of gum, etc. But a vending machine can be made to dispense just about anything, and there are a lot of strange ones around the world. From live animals to gold bars to hot food to morning-after pills, here are some unique vending machines from around the world.
Live crab
Don’t tell PETA, but there’s a vending machine in a subway station in China (Nanjing, Jiangsu province) that sells live crab. The crabs are packaged in a plastic container that keeps them from moving, and they are not submerged in water. The crabs are restocked each day and sell for about $3.50 USD. They come with crab vinegar and two bags of ginger tea. You probably want to avoid this one if you come upon it toward the end of the day, though.
Hot pizza
Moving on to Italy, where you can get a fresh, hot pizza—made completely from scratch—in just a few minutes from a vending machine. The machine is stocked with all the ingredients to make a fresh pizza. (This is Italy, after all, where pizza is taken very seriously.) You insert your money, press a couple buttons on the Let’s Pizza vending machine and about three minutes later, you’ve got a hot and crispy, personal-sized pizza.
Solid gold
Sometimes when you’re in a rush, you just don’t have time to make it to the store or bank or wherever it is one buys solid gold ingots these days. If you’re in the Dubai Mall in the United Arab Emirates, you’re in luck: There’s a vending machine for solid gold there called Gold to Go. It dispenses 24-karat gold in 320 different forms, including bars, coins and jewelry. It’s updated with the latest gold prices daily, so you’re sure to get a good deal. And yes, it is heavily guarded at all times.
Champagne
When something calls for a celebration, it’s instinctive to reach for the bubbly and pop the cork. In the Selfridges department store in London, a vending machine is right there to help you celebrate. Stocked full of chilled splits of Moët & Chandon champagne, this machine ensures that you will never go toastless (as long as you never leave the store).
Plan B One-Step
Slinking up to the counter at a pharmacy and asking for a morning-after pill can seem like a less than appealing prospect. But one university in Southampton is doing what it can to remove that potentially awkward interaction. Yes, students can buy a Plan B One-Step pill from a vending machine at this university for a mere $25 USD. The multi-purpose vending machine also sells condoms and pregnancy tests.
Whether you’re in need of a unique vending machine—or even if you just want something a little more traditional—get in touch with the team at ABC Vending Co. to start the passive income business of your dreams today.