Category: Vending Machine Product

Vending Machine are usually synonymous with four finger KitKats and watered down hot drinks. For anyone rushing off to a date and lacking a few added extras, this Hong Kong Cosmetic Vending Machine is here for you.

There are so many times when I have been caught on the hop without some of my favorite beauty essentials, particularly when travelling late in the evening when shops are shut, and have been desperate for a couple of core items. This machine could put an end to all that stress and worry and ensure that you can always look your best, wherever you are.

History of Two Girls

By the end of the 19th century, Hong Kong was already an international city trading most of China’s cosmetics imports. But the foreign cosmetics were so expensive that only the expatriates and a handful of affluent families could afford them. Seeing an opportunity in the mass market, a young entrepreneur named Fung Fook Tien launched Two Girls through his company Kwong Sang Hong (KSH) in 1898.

There were different stories on how the Two Girls brand came into being. According to one version, Fung saw two beautiful women in street and found the inspiration. Another version said, an angel appeared in his dream and told him two girls would bring him fortune.

The prediction came true! Women loved Two Girls: the prices were 10 times lower than the imported cosmetics but the quality was comparable.

“Mr Fung aimed for the highest standard. All materials were imported from Britain and France,” explained Sue Chan, assistant Sales and Marketing manager of KSH.

Two Girls cosmetics were so popular that the products were often sold out in one day. In 1912, Two Girls already had 20 outlets in China and three in Southeast Asia.

The stunning success of Two Girls tempted many into the cosmetics business. There were also cases of counterfeits and deliberate imitations. Two Girls had to go to court to resolve the dispute. “Two Girls is a forerunner in Hong Kong’s intellectual property rights protection history,” said Chan.

In feudal society, women were not allowed to go out and suitable models were impossible to find. The “women” featured on the early Two Girls labels or advertisements were actually men disguised in women. The practice didn’t end until the 1920s.

Real women or not, Two Girls had been the ideal for elegant beauty in old Hong Kong. Posters and calendars of Two Girls were such a popular household decoration that they left an indelible mark on the city’s collective memory. Today, old Two Girls advertisements are staple of historical exhibitions and the inspiration for many artists.

Staying innovative

Two Girls may be steeped in historic charm, but the innovation and constant improvement makes the brand a classic. “Combining traditions and breakthroughs, growing and transforming together with Hong Kong… This is what makes Two Girls a cultural icon of Hong Kong,” Chan said.

Even the brand image, the very core of Two Girls’ nostalgic appeal, has been changing with time. The cheongsam worn by the Two Girls has gradually morphed from the solid-colored, traditional style to the bright-colored, body-hugging design. A sense of fashion is subtly instilled: fur coats in the winter, for instance.

Truly innovative are KSH’s forays into alternative distribution channel. Aside from ready adoption of e-commerce, KSH is the first in Hong Kong to sell beauty products via vending machine. Also, it has partnered with tour agencies to supply Two Girls travel kits.

Other Vending Machine Applications

Ramen vending machines represent a fascinating intersection of culinary culture and automation technology, offering quick, convenient access to a beloved dish. These machines are designed to provide hot, ready-to-eat ramen meals with minimal wait times, making them popular in locations where convenience and speed are essential, such as train stations, airports, and busy urban areas.

Key Features

1. Selection of Ramen Varieties: Most ramen vending machines offer a variety of ramen types, including different broths (such as miso, soy sauce, salt, and pork bone), noodles, and toppings. This allows customers to choose their preferred flavor and style according to their tastes or dietary preferences.
2. Preparation Process: Once a selection is made and payment is completed, the machine begins preparing the meal. Typically, this involves heating up pre-packaged broth and noodles separately to ensure optimal texture and flavor. Some advanced machines can even cook fresh noodles on the spot.
3. Quick Service: From selection to serving, the entire process usually takes only a few minutes, making it an ideal option for those looking for a quick meal without sacrificing quality.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Modern ramen vending machines feature intuitive interfaces, often touch screens, that guide users through the ordering process. Payment options may include cash, credit cards, and contactless payments, adding to the convenience.
5. Temperature Control: To maintain the quality of the food, these machines are equipped with precise temperature control systems that keep ingredients at optimal conditions until they are prepared. This ensures that the ramen served is both safe and delicious.
6. Innovative Technology: Some machines use advanced technologies such as robotic arms to assemble the dishes, ensuring consistency and hygiene. They might also incorporate AI to learn from customer preferences and suggest personalized recommendations.

Examples and Locations

• Japan: As the birthplace of ramen, Japan has seen various iterations of ramen vending machines, especially in high-traffic areas like train stations. Companies like Nissin, known for pioneering instant ramen, have explored vending machine concepts that offer restaurant-quality ramen.
• International Adoption: The concept has spread beyond Japan to other parts of the world, including the United States and Europe, where there’s growing interest in Asian cuisine and quick-service options.

Benefits

• Convenience: Offers a fast and easy way to enjoy ramen without needing to visit a restaurant, making it perfect for busy lifestyles or travelers looking for a quick meal.
• Consistency: Automated preparation ensures a consistent product every time, which can be challenging to achieve in traditional restaurants.
• Accessibility: Brings ramen to places where setting up a full-fledged restaurant might not be feasible, expanding the reach of this popular dish.

The ramen vending machine exemplifies how technology and tradition can come together to meet modern needs, providing a delightful culinary experience in an unexpected format.

Other Vending Machine Applications

A mask vending machine is a specialized vending machine designed to dispense face masks, offering users the convenience of purchasing masks on-the-go. These machines have become increasingly prevalent in response to heightened public health concerns and the need for readily available personal protective equipment (PPE). Here are some key aspects and benefits of mask vending machines:

Benefits:

1. Convenience: Provides quick and easy access to masks for people needing them while out in public places.
2. Health and Safety: Helps promote public health by ensuring that masks are readily available in high-traffic areas where maintaining hygiene is crucial.
3. Accessibility: Can be placed in various locations such as airports, train stations, shopping malls, schools, and hospitals, making it easy for people to acquire masks wherever they are.
4. Variety: Often offers different types of masks (e.g., surgical masks, N95 respirators, cloth masks) to meet diverse needs and preferences.
5. Cost-Effective Solution: Allows individuals to purchase masks as needed without having to buy in bulk or search for stores selling them.
6. Reduced Contact: Many modern mask vending machines accept contactless payments (like credit cards or mobile payments), reducing physical contact and enhancing safety.

Features:

• Payment Options: Typically supports multiple payment methods including cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments.
• Display and Selection: Machines usually have a display screen showing available mask options, allowing users to select their preferred type.
• Sanitization Options: Some advanced models may also include hand sanitizer dispensers or UV light sanitization features for added protection.

Mask vending machines serve as an important tool in promoting public health measures and ensuring that essential protective gear is accessible to everyone.

Other Vending Machine Applications

Seal vending machines, or “inkan” vending machines, in Japan provide a fascinating example of how technology meets tradition. In Japan, personal seals known as “hanko” (判子) or “inkan” (印鑑) are used in place of or alongside signatures for official documents, contracts, banking, and other important transactions. These vending machines allow individuals to quickly create custom seals on demand.

Key Features

1. Customization: Users can input their names either in Japanese kanji, hiragana, katakana, or even alphabets like English. Some advanced machines also offer design options, allowing users to select from various styles and fonts for their seals.
2. Speed and Convenience: Once the necessary information is entered, these machines can produce a seal within minutes. This quick turnaround is particularly useful for those who need a seal unexpectedly or cannot wait for a traditional shop to make one.
3. Types of Seals: The machines typically offer different types of seals, including wooden, plastic, or rubber stamps. The choice of material can depend on the intended use, with higher quality materials often recommended for more official purposes.
4. Payment Options: Modern seal vending machines support various payment methods, including coins, banknotes, credit cards, and sometimes mobile payments, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
5. Placement Locations: These machines are strategically placed in locations such as stationery stores, shopping malls, post offices, and government buildings where there is high foot traffic and potential need for immediate seals.
6. User Interface: Featuring intuitive interfaces, often with touch screens, these machines guide users through the process step by step, from entering their name to selecting the type of seal and completing the purchase.

Cultural Significance and Usage

• Cultural Practice: The use of personal seals is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and is seen as a formal and binding way to authorize documents. The availability of these vending machines reflects both the importance of this practice and the convenience expected in modern society.
• Practicality: For foreigners living in or visiting Japan, needing a seal for opening bank accounts, signing rental agreements, or other official procedures, these machines can be incredibly practical.

Innovations and Trends

In recent years, some companies have expanded the capabilities of these machines by incorporating more sophisticated technologies. For instance, advancements in engraving techniques and customization options enable finer details and greater personalization than ever before.

The existence of seal vending machines highlights Japan’s unique blend of respecting long-standing traditions while embracing technological innovation to meet contemporary needs. It provides an efficient solution for obtaining a crucial item in Japanese daily life and bureaucratic processes.

Source

• Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute

Other Vending Machine Applications