Vending Machines for iPod Are Working?

Sometimes, I just get a big reminder that a new cultural phenomenon wasn’t developed for me. Such is the case with the iPod and other electronics vending machines that have begun to pop up in airports and high-end malls across the country. The first time I saw one, my only thought was, “why on earth […]
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Sometimes, I just get a big reminder that a new cultural phenomenon wasn't developed for me. Such is the case with the iPod and other electronics vending machines that have begun to pop up in airports and high-end malls across the country. The first time I saw one, my only thought was, "why on earth would anyone buy an iPod at the airport? There's no way to get music on it unless you've already got songs on your computer." It was only later that it occurred to me that the machines might be primarily targeted to gift-giving in the long haul.

Be all of that as it may, the ridiculous machines are doing great, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. One machine had $55,000 in sales in its first month!

"We've done about $55,000 in a month in gross sales just for the one on Concourse A," said Leopold, executive vice-president and owner Business Traveler Services. "This is becoming the future for some high-end products in places like airports where space is at a premium."

There you have it. Employees are obsolete. Has anyone ever bought anything more expensive than a pair of replacement headphones from one of these machines?

Busy travelers snap up iPods from Hartsfield vending machines [Atlanta Journal-Constitution]

Via TUAW