>> This suggests that the machines should use clearer branding, but it needs to be a brand that combines maker + operator.
Interesting factoid. If you want to manufacture a machine and put large beverage company branding on it they have standards. Things like: it must bring a room temperature beverage down to xx degrees in yy minutes or less.
The issue there is the same issue that plagues sellers on Amazon or Ebay- brand loyalty is difficult to maintain when one operator often doesn't have the snack you want, or you can't find the operator in your area. Branding could help, but it's unlikely that most consumers will remember what operator their vending machine snack came from, just like I will never remember what 3rd party seller my Amazon product came from.
>it's unlikely that most consumers will remember what operator their vending machine snack came from
Isn't that still a branding issue?
Have a bright orange gorilla swinging by it's tail as the mascot. On both sides of the machine and on the front (though transparent enough to see the snacks without issue). "Wait, gorillas don't have tails?" you question. Exactly, that's the brand name: Gorillas Don't have Tails.
I think branding is important but also just the "feel" of the machine. Personally I trust the machines with newer looking componenets, fresher looking snacks that with features like a CC reader than I would an older crusty machine. Either way, agree trust is huge.
Interesting factoid. If you want to manufacture a machine and put large beverage company branding on it they have standards. Things like: it must bring a room temperature beverage down to xx degrees in yy minutes or less.