14Views 0Comments
Free Vending Machines Are Booming Across Japan
The latest hot topic in Japan, free vending machines are popping up around the country. You can snag samples of protein powder, skincare products, and all sorts of other goods — gratis.
The “free” vending machines are essentially marketing 2.0; in most cases, you will need to fill out a survey (usually in Japanese, but English is sometimes available) and connect with a brand via LINE or some such app.
Right now, a protein-sample dispensing vending machine at the Vinawalk mall in Ebina, Kanagawa — around 45 minutes from Shinjuku — is the talk of the town; last year, free Korean beauty products caused a buzz at Tokyo Solamachi, near Skytree.
Get travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing
For short trips, the Essential plan covers emergencies like evacuation, medical care, and delays. For expats or long-term travel, the Complete plan adds check-ups, mental health, maternity, and trip protection.
Meanwhile in Kyūshū, free razor samples were apparently a hit this summer, with plans to install more of those vending machines in other parts of the country. In total, it’s estimated that there are around 300 free vending machines scattered around Japan.
Taking things to the next level, there is also a free-sample shop called Megudai in Daikanyama, where you can try more than 80 food products. This does involve a bit of human interaction, though: you need to take the card next to the food sample you want to taste, and hand it over to a member of staff — who will then prepare it for you. If you like what you eat, you can buy products to take home with you.
There is also a bar in Asakusa, called Shishoku BAR Asakusa, where you can get a sake-tasting flight for ¥500, and then pair your drinks with free food samples.
The business model behind both the store and the vending machines works something like this:
- Get foot traffic to the mall or shop, at no cost to the facility
- Get valuable consumer insights without needing staff to conduct face-to-face surveys
- Boost brand awareness
The company behind many of these vending machines, AIICO, describes it as a “win-win-win” situation. They collect fees from the manufacturers of the products.
Source: Yahoo! Japan
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
