Helen Deborah Vecht wrote:
"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...


My experience is that Cadburys deny any involvement with the machines,
it is just their products that are in them. Also, the phone number is
a paid one and charges you for waiting but isn't answered.

(The first in answer to a sarcastic letter from me about the legality
of placing such tempting gambling machines in places where young
children are allowed.)

Both these things may have changed, but the history of the machines is
so bad that I wouldn't dream of touching one.