We all know about beauty vending machines – we don’t have many yet in the UK – but they’re quite common in airports and other countries. The novelty of popping in your coins and your favourite beauty product popping out of the bottom of the machine doesn’t get old!
So, if we’re looking at forward trends, think about how hot sampling is right now. Brands realise that samples do convert to consumers, so expect to see free sampler vending machines in the not too distant future, where brands rent the machines and allow customers to help themselves. Think then, if the machines were located near to that same brand’s counter or store how well that could work for fragrance, for example.
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To take the sampling vending machine on a step further, if brands include a shopping incentive, such as a money-off voucher with each sample, you’d probably be hot-footing it to the counter as fast as you can!
So, the real trend news for beauty isn’t so much the shades of the season or the new creams, but about innovative ways to entice the consumer.
Transparency Disclosure
All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
6 comments
The sampling machine is a fab idea, but I don’t imagine it would be cost effective for it to be free of charge. Far too many people out there who would take advantage and empty the thing on a daily basis.
Hello Jane! I’m actually lucky to have a Sephora sample vending machine in my neighbourhood in Paris – apparently it’s the only one in the country, still being tested. It doesn’t quite look like the one in your picture though, it’s an opaque touchscreen wall where you scan your ticket, it tells you how many samples you’re allowed per purchase (depending on the amount) and lets you choose your selection. I think it’s a brilliant idea and great fun!
Obviously the selection varies, thus providing varying degrees of excitement, but I felt like I hit the jackpot with these: Givenchy Noir Couture and MakeUp Forever Smoky Extravagant mini mascaras, Benefit FakeUp mini concealer (in Light, which is rare for a sample!), GlamGlow Thirsty Mud mask.
Sounds amazing, would love to try a machine like this!
And if there was a social media element to boot then the whole thing just becomes organic marketing by consumer. A simple QR code on the packaging that gives you exclusive access to a YouTube video, or entry into a Twitter/Instagram competition etc. Could be lots of fun.
My immediate (and somewhat cynical…) reaction is the sampling machines will be abused by those who get there first; I can see a few people clearing out the supply! Hopefully there’ll be a way to stop that happening – maybe you’ll have to register first and get given a code, or something along those lines xx
I hope they bring out Sephora vending machines here, it would be amazing!
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