Vending machines. We depend on them to quench our thrist especially after all the drink stalls are closed. It was indeed globalisation that had brought this revolutionary technology to our country. The first modern coin-operating devices were vending machines that dispensed post cards introduced into London, England in the early 1880s. As a result of globalisation, it has crossed borders and is widely available throughout every country in the world. Common items sold through it include drinks and snacks, which followed suit after cigarettes in America. This movement took place 1920s and 30s and went on to other continents such as Asia where businesses through it boomed. A majority of Japanese vending machines carry needed items such as drinks. Being an ever-needed source of energy, it has become the main and must-have item in at least one vending machine in an area.

Besides the common items sold through it, there is also a similarity in its locations in every country. Such machines are known to be located near exits, entrances and break areas (In the case of TJC, the study area and canteen). Trial and error has proven that these locations bring huge benefits to the investor. As a result, many across the world are doing the same and here, we can see that globalisation has standardised both the items and the location of the vending machine. Although owners are free to experiment with the type of products and locations, he will run a risk of not gaining as much profit as he would, if he were to have followed the standardised way of running the vending machine.

The popularity of these automated "shops" is perhaps due to it being readily available, commonly found, user-friendly and idiot proof. Thus, it is not surprising that globalisation has brought the product to Singapore and the world; this ever-occuring process is the inevitable result of a common need for a better life.