What category of low-value items were initially dispensed by commercial precursors in London in the 1850s?
Answer
Postcards or stamps requiring only a small, standardized unit of payment
The rebirth of commercial vending technology in London during the 1850s focused initially on convenience retail items that required minimal payment and simpler mechanical verification. These early machines dispensed low-value, high-frequency items such as postcards or postage stamps. This strategic choice was logical because the mechanical components necessary to accurately verify payment and dispense goods were still rudimentary compared to later standards, making small paper goods an ideal starting product.
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