Around the world, speed is a key factor in purchasing goods. Consumers are unwilling to wait long. That’s why nowadays we can observe the rapidly growing market of self-service coffee shops, as they offer high-quality and quick-to-prepare and pay-for coffee. The intense development of this business worldwide is also due to the fact that self-service coffee shops are significantly “younger” compared to, for instance, food and beverage vending machines. Everything relatively new is interesting.
From the Pages of History
According to sources, the first coffee vending machine was invented in the USA in the late 1940s. Similar machines for selling ready-made coffee were popular in Japan around the same time (and they remain popular now). In the 1970s, the USA introduced the first electronic self-service kiosk with a touchscreen. Since then, touch screen kiosks have become a staple in places like supermarkets, fast-food restaurants, airports, and stations. Modern machines differ from their older siblings in that they include more options for preparing a wide assortment of coffee drinks with various milk options and additional flavorings, as well as offering contactless payment.
The Secret to Popularity
Self-service coffee shops are popular among consumers for their convenience and the variety of “barista-style” drinks they offer. According to survey data, more than 97% of respondents said they had at least once declined a service or product due to waiting time. In self-service cafes, everything happens so quickly that the desired drink can be obtained within 2-3 minutes.
Companies readily use self-service coffee shops to reduce labor costs. Such coffee shops can also operate 24/7, making them economically more efficient for businesses seeking additional revenue sources. Therefore, there is no doubt that automation in the cafe sector will continue to grow.
Contactless payment options have also become widespread after the pandemic, mainly for safety reasons. Now, this payment method remains a priority for consumers due to its speed and convenience.
Self-Service Coffee Shops in Ukraine
In recent months, the number of self-service cafes has been growing rapidly – they appear in shopping centers, entrances of apartment buildings, beauty salons, etc. Consumers readily use the new amenities, as in Ukraine, a high level of service and convenience is highly valued. There is no doubt that the popularity of this type of business will only grow in the future, and various brands will introduce all kinds of “features” to attract even more customers. For example, the Dragon Coffee digital coffee shop chain has installed the most modern terminals accepting all types of cards (even of the old model) and has added a significant number of syrups to its assortment.
In Conclusion
What is popular is associated with quality and convenience. Self-service coffee shops rightfully occupy an important place in the service business. Undoubtedly, this type of business will gain even more popularity in the near future.
