April 30th, 2013 by Shaun Day

  Vending machine Unicorn HSDonline.co.uk offer a wide range of washroom vending machines and we were one of the first in the UK to offer the product online.  

Vending Machines: a bit of History...

We know that the first coin-operated vending machine dates back to 1880 and that it was installed in London. However, we understand that the first 'condom' machines date back to 1928. They are now a prominent feature in public washrooms up and down the country. Not only are they functional but they also add interest and added value to your washroom area so have you ever considered them for your premises? There is no reason not to install a vending machine in your customer toilets, not only will your customers benefit from having such products close at hand but you will also profit from the income coming from the sales and the margins to be had are attractive to you as the proprietor. Although whilst they're not coffee vending machines, the traditional washroom vending machines may not be the most glamorous objects around, but they do provide a very important and often underrated public service. The items they dispense, such as condoms, tampons, and sanitary towels are all necessary in modern living. It can easily be fitted next to a trendy hand dryer.   Even in today’s open society, asking for items such as condoms, feminine hygiene can be awkward for some people, so having them available and easily accessible in vending machines makes it far easier. With this in mind your customer's convenience should be a priority not only in the washroom but throughout the establishment, a comfortable pleasurable experience in your premises is likely to result in the customer returning through your doors in the future. A good customer satisfaction is priceless in today's industry.  

Vending Machines: what and where?

It has been said that washroom vending machines can be taken for granted, the right vending machine will fit neatly into your washroom space and will usually only be noticed when the customer needs to use them. In women’s toilets for example a vending machine can provide access to sanitary products, these products are utilities rather than luxuries but you could continue the upward trend seen in the opening of new bars, restaurants, leisure centres, hotels that are providing vending machines to dispense items such as hairspray, deodorant, tights, make up etc. Washroom vending machines are predominantly wall mounted units that enable the owner to dispense a wide variety of products for his customers (condoms, sanitary protection, nappies, beauty, health & skin care products to name but a few).   HSDonline offers a range of washroom vending machines compromising of single and dual column mechanical or electronic vending machines. Single column vending machines are typically condom machines, located in men's toilets. Dual column machines often found in women's toilets, can be set up to sell condoms as well as a sanitary protection products although you will see that many dual column machines are normally set up to vend different brands/types of sanitary protection (most popular brands are Tampax tampons, Lil-lets tampons and Always sanitary towels). Washroom vending machines are available in a number of different materials (plastic, steel or stainless steel) to meet both aesthetic and security requirements. The state and cleanliness of a washroom leaves a lasting impression in people's minds regarding the quality of an establishment. Washroom environments will be enhanced by vending machines offering sanitary protection/condoms, together with other hygiene products, such as sanitary bins, automatic perfumed aerosol dispensers, soap dispensers, hand dryers, and baby changing tables etc. Hygiene Supplies Direct has the most comprehensive competitively priced range of washroom accessories online in the UK. If you require any further information or have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated sales team (free phone 0800 091 31 71).