Vending machines have existed as a mechanical channel for distributing a variety of products for many decades.Traditionally the typical products found in vending machines were soft drinks, candy, cigarettes, and snack foods.But in recent years the variety of products sold through vending machine channels has broadened dramatically.Consumers can now buy digital cameras, DVDs, iPods, baby diapers, and in Germany, even solid gold bars for which the price charged changes every two minutes with the ups and downs of the price of gold.

From a channel design standpoint, what do you see as the key variables to consider in determining whether vending machines could be a feasible channel choice for any given product of your choice? In the Philippine setting, which product category might be acceptable for vending machines as a channel?Justify your answer.