A leading vending machine operator since 1988, Aquatik saw a niche in the vending market for swimming merchandise, after being approached by a swimming pool manager in 1999. The manager proposed that they look at offering swimsuits and merchandise within their vending machines, as a remedy for the new hygiene rules for the swimming pools, that they were experiencing. Swimming shorts were forbidden and the swimming caps were made obligatory for swimming clubs and for school children. (It is law in France that 40% of swimming pools have a mandatory cap law for everybody).

With this in mind, Aquatik configured their first machine with drums to accommodate several articles for swimming, swimsuits for boys and men, goggles, and caps. They initially used this system, as it was the easiest to hold and deliver the merchandise.

However, they found that the drum machines were too limited in choice and visual appeal, as they lacked the capability to hold volume and the varying price scales. Aquatik then decided to design packaging for the simple, but popular spiral vending machines.

After 3 years of testing on various models, they found the perfect solution with both packaging and machinery. The result of continuous testing on site led to a complete range of merchandise, and dispensers for the different pool and water sports requirements.

The next step for Aquatik, was the adding of a bank note validator to the vending machine, which allowed the consumer more opportunity to purchase.

The sales response to the forgetfulness of the consumer, or by the consumer having to comply with swimming pool legislation was excellent, and led again to improved packaging and the additional merchandise on offer today. By 2004 further legislation recommendations on hygiene regarding babies in pools led to the nappy range being offered.

Today more than 500 swimming pools in France are equipped with vending machines devoted to vending swimming articles and tuning over a healthy profit.

Aquatik can supply ready furnished machines or will help customers configure existing machinery.

For full details please telephone Frederic Charles of Aquatik Distribution Automatique on + 33 05 63 75 28 32.

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