"tim (in Sweden)" wrote in message
...

"Helen Deborah Vecht" wrote in message
...
"Chris Read" typed



Has anyone else noticed, *all* of the chocolate vending machines on Tube
platforms, certainly in zone 1, have been taken out of use. Anyone know
why?
My best guess is that the company which services/restocks them has
ceased
trading.

The problem with the present business model for vending machines, is
that
the machines have become *too* reliable. Going back 20 years
(remembering
childhood trips with grandparents who liked to spoil me), the machines
were
programmed to 'eat the money but not dispense the product' for one in
three
attempts. It was like a cruel lottery, but the profit margins must have
been
good.

Chris

(ps on a choccy theme, Whistlestop, at various London terminals, are now
the
only stockists I can find for the elusive plain chocolate Bounty bar.)

I think many are operated by Cadbury who I believe have not ceased
trading.

Theye are also good about sending refunds if you report having lost
money. 0800 223879 is the number to ring.

Maybe the machines are being replaced, maybe...

Perhaps they think that they are a terriorist risk!

tim


Funnily enough, I was looking forward to a choccy bar at Bristol late last
night ( delayed because the `Murco' split between Wickwar & Charfield ) and
strangely ALL the vending machines have been removed.