To carry out convenient sales for the customer in a 24-hour mode, to develop a new way of selling the product itself, to ensure trade automatically in conditions of increased labor costs – these factors are mentioned by entrepreneurs who have implemented it in Jelgava as motivation for starting trade with vending machines and parcel boxes. Although the motivation for starting this type of sale is similar, each entrepreneur had his own story and path to the realization of the idea.
This week, a self-service flower parcel called “Ziednīca24/7” was opened near the shopping center “Vivo” on Katoļu Street 18. The author of the idea is Anita Rubene – a master florist with 30 years of experience, and a flower shop has been operating under her family’s auspices for the same amount of time. “Already during the pandemic, when various restrictions came into force, I started thinking about how to develop business in contactless form. Later, during a trip to Germany, I saw a solution for a flower parcel, and I realized that this idea is exactly what I wanted. I started looking for opportunities, contacts and came to distributors of suitable equipment in Poland. The path to realization was not quick and easy – working with innovative solutions requires digging in and solving various problems without instructions. In addition, what we needed was not a standard vending machine, but a more sophisticated self-service machine with the ability to maintain a flower-friendly temperature of 10 degrees regardless of the weather. During the implementation process, we found out that the first such flower package in Latvia was installed this summer at the airport “Riga” – it was also an opportunity to get the first advice from those who have already implemented this project. In the midst of the national holiday, we have also successfully achieved our goal,” says A. Rubene.
She admits that at the opening, a total of six bouquets made in different compositions and price categories were placed in six parcel boxes, and on the first day after the start of sales, the first three purchases were also registered. “This is a way to offer today’s current contactless shopping to the townspeople, but at the same time – to extend the store’s working hours without the involvement of the workforce. The purchase of the third bouquet only confirms the customer’s need – the bouquet was purchased at 9 p.m., and this is the time when our store has already finished working,” the author of the idea assesses, adding: the first days allow us to conclude that the service has development potential, and currently preparations are already being made for the parcel. next compositions.
From July, the cemetery candle machine installed by the company “Citas sveces” and its owner Artūrs Veyland, or colloquially known as the candle holder, is also available in the city near the Meža cemetery. The businessman explains that he implemented this opportunity mainly for two reasons: “When taking parents to the cemetery, you often have to go to one or even several stores for candles, and it’s quite tiring. Why not make this process easier with a machine where we are used to buying coffee or snacks? In Asia, for example, this is already a common practice – everything from hot lunches to hygiene products is available in vending machines. In addition, I am engaged in the production of candles, and the original idea was to provide the citizens not only with a convenient opportunity to buy candles, but also to sell the products produced by myself in this way,” says A. Weiland.
He explains that the necessary equipment has now been purchased to start the production of grave candles after the holiday season. “During the holidays, we work on orders for stylized candles, and we provide candles from another manufacturer in the machine, but after the holiday season, we will also start producing grave candles ourselves. The first months of operation of the machine were also a kind of test mode in order to sense the demand and the necessary volume. At the moment, the activity is quite high – I refill the machine twice a week on average, and already in the first half of next year we plan to install another candle holder at the Birzu cemetery,” admits A. Weiland.
“After the installation, I received many calls with a request to help start such a business in other parts of Latvia. This is by no means a burden to me, but I have to understand that it makes sense only if the product produced by myself is sold. This is one of the reasons why I am still evaluating the possibility of supplementing the product range of the machine with other grave accessories. The customer will not be interested in purchasing goods with a large markup, but for an entrepreneur, selling a foreign product with a small markup, the investment in the purchase of an apparatus, land lease, servicing of a card terminal will not pay off at all,” explains A. Weiland. The businessman admits that he currently provides customer-friendly prices thanks to his own involvement in the maintenance processes – his engineering education has allowed him to modify the functions of the machine by himself, and also provides the opportunity to perform technical maintenance on a daily basis.
From June, the vending machine “Esmu skapis” is also available near the “RAF Center” on Rīgas street 48, which offers anglers the opportunity to purchase live and artificial bait, corn, boilies, flavoring agents and supplementary feed. The author of the idea, the owner of SIA “Stork.lv” company Elviss Jonuška, states that currently there are three such vending machines in various places in Latvia, and the first of them was installed in Jelgava. “I’m a fisherman myself, so I’m well aware of situations when you need bait, but specialized shops are closed. For this reason, I started looking for a solution, generated ideas, and when I came to automated sales, I went to gain experience from my colleagues in Lithuania, who have already implemented this idea,” says E. Jonuška. He points out that initially the activity of residents was low, but within half a year the sales figures have grown. “The biggest benefit for our customers is availability 24 hours a day. Many people do not like to visit shops during peak hours after working hours, others do not have the opportunity to visit them during the day, besides, fishermen are most often early morning people. That is why in the purchase data we see purchases both in the late evenings, at night and in the early mornings,” the author of the idea. He emphasizes that the culture of self-care has undergone rapid development in recent years. Demand is also followed by supply, so by the new year the company plans to expand the network of vending machines, providing a total of eight purchase locations – in Jelgava, in addition to the “RAF center” location, the “Esmu skapis” will also be found at the “Elvi” store on Rūpniečias Street.
Vending Machines and Parcel Boxes: The Rise of 24/7 Convenience in Jelgava
Ah, Jelgava! A beacon of entrepreneurship and innovation—I see you’ve found a way to sell us anything from flowers to grave candles through vending machines. I can see it now: desperate late-night flower buyers, trudging home in the wee hours from the pub, suddenly faced with a bright vending machine filled with bouquets! It’s a bit like finding an all-night kebab shop – exactly what you didn’t know you needed! And who can resist the charm of shopping in your pajamas at 3 AM?
The Floral Revolution
Let’s dive into the garden of innovation that is Jelgava. First up, we have Anita Rubene and her self-service flower parcel, “Ziednīca24/7”. Picture this: the pandemic rolls in, and while many are panicking over toilet paper shortages, Anita is pondering how to sell flowers without the human touch. I guess you could say she was blooming brilliant! After spotting an innovative machine in Germany (and surely engaging in a bit of flower envy), she crafted her own masterpiece that can keep flowers at a delightful 10 degrees—because who wants wilting roses? Certainly not on my watch! Her vision presents a fresh alternative to the tired old “let’s-hope-we-aren’t-out-of-stocks” routine of traditional flower shops.
Buy Bouquets at Midnight!
At the opening of this floral treasure trove, six bouquets were cozying up in six parcel boxes. Just hours later, three were swiped up! It’s a heartfelt sign that the locals are ready to embrace a more… *floral* relationship with convenience. Imagine this: it’s 9 PM, you remember it’s your partner’s birthday, and the only thing open is a vending machine ensuring your romantic evening doesn’t collapse in a heap of despair – romance has never been so mechanical.
Cemetery Candles: A Bright Idea
And just when you think Jelgava can’t surprise you, we encounter Artūrs Veyland and his cemetery candle machine! Yes, you heard me right. Artūrs, also known as the “candle holder”—how charming—is tackling the logistical nightmare of buying candles for your dear departed. Because let’s face it; who wants to trek to four different stores after a long day? Not I! Instead, you can now summon a candle at a nearby machine while asking yourself why the afterlife seems to involve so much shopping.
Flame of Convenience
Artūrs explains that he looked around and thought: “Why buy just a standard coffee when you can also buy a candle for your loved one?” Now that’s some innovative thinking! And with his engineering prowess, he’s ensuring that prices remain competitive—because who wants to pay a fortune to express sorrow? Spoiler alert: it involves continuing to produce candles after the busy holiday season. A side hustle? Perhaps! If it keeps grieving families and candle enthusiasts happy, I say go for it.
Fishing for Sales
Oh, and don’t think we’re done yet! Next, we have Elviss Jonuška with his empowering vending machine called “Esmu skapis.” Now fishers have access to live bait and all the frills (and spills) they might need at the crack of dawn, or let’s be real, at 1 AM when the craving for a fishing trip strikes. Why wait for shops to open when you’re itching to catch the next big one?
The Fisherman’s Friend
Elviss faced initial skepticism—you know, the “who needs a vending machine for fish bait?” kind. But as it turns out, early birds and night owls alike were thrilled. Three vending machines later, with ambitious plans to expand, the fishing community is hooked on this late-night convenience. Perhaps we could call it “Catch and Release” – both the fish and your need for proper hours!
Conclusion: The Future of Automated Shopping
In a world where we hustle for every minute, these entrepreneurs have flipped the script on conventional shopping. It seems all you need is a sprinkle of creativity, a dash of grit, and voilà – you’ve revolutionized how the good citizens of Jelgava shop. If nothing else, these ventures have taught us one invaluable lesson: when in doubt, there’s a machine for that!
So, here’s to Jelgava, where innovation blooms, the candles never run out, and the fish simply can’t wait! Who knows, perhaps next we’ll be able to buy a car from a vending machine… but let’s not get ahead of ourselves!
To enhance customer convenience with around-the-clock sales and to innovate the products’ selling methods, entrepreneurs in Jelgava are increasingly turning to vending machines and parcel boxes. While the driving forces behind these business adaptations share common threads, each entrepreneur’s journey and individual experiences have shaped their distinct pathways to realizing their vending ventures.
This week, a groundbreaking self-service flower parcel known as “Ziednīca24/7” was inaugurated adjacent to the “Vivo” shopping center located at Katoļu Street 18. The visionary behind this idea is Anita Rubene, a master florist boasting three decades of expertise in her craft. Her family has operated a flower shop for just as long. “During the pandemic, when numerous restrictions took effect, I began contemplating ways to pivot the business towards a contactless model. Subsequently, on a trip to Germany, I encountered a flower parcel solution that resonated with my vision,” Anita recalls. “This prompted me to explore connections and opportunities, leading to discussions with distributors of suitable equipment in Poland. The journey to realization was far from swift and straightforward, as implementing innovative solutions often necessitates troubleshooting without a roadmap. We required not merely a standard vending machine, but a sophisticated self-service unit capable of maintaining a flower-friendly temperature of 10 degrees Celsius, irrespective of outdoor conditions. During the implementation phase, we discovered that the first flower parcel in Latvia was installed at Riga Airport this summer, which provided us with invaluable insights from those who had previously launched similar projects. Amidst our national celebrations, we successfully achieved our goal,” shares A. Rubene.
At the launch, she showcased six bouquets, each crafted in various compositions and price ranges, stored within six parcel boxes. Remarkably, within the first day of operations, three bouquets were purchased, with one sale occurring at 9 p.m., a time when traditional shops typically close. “This service allows us to meet the contemporary demand for contactless shopping while extending store hours without the need for additional staffing,” A. Rubene notes. She reflects positively on the initial days of service, indicating significant development potential, and emphasizes that preparations are already underway for the next array of floral compositions.
From July, residents near Meža Cemetery have benefited from a cemetery candle vending machine, launched by “Citas sveces” and its founder, Artūrs Veyland, who is often referred to as the ‘candle holder’. He explains that this initiative stemmed from two primary motivations: “During visits to the cemetery, I frequently found myself making multiple stops in different stores for candles, which was undeniably exhausting. I thought, why not simplify this experience through a vending machine like those we commonly encounter for coffee or snacks? In many parts of Asia, such vending practices are already mainstream, offering everything from hot meals to personal care items,” he elaborates. Furthermore, as a candle producer, Artūrs aimed to not only enhance convenience for customers but also provide a platform to market his candle creations effectively.
Veyland states that he has secured the necessary machinery to commence the production of grave candles post-holiday season. “During festive periods, I focus on stylized candle orders, sourcing some from other manufacturers for the vending machine. Yet, once the holidays conclude, we’ll shift to producing grave candles in-house. The initial months were also a period of experimentation, allowing us to gauge demand and appropriate quantities. Currently, activity levels are robust—I typically restock the machine twice weekly. In the early half of next year, we also plan to install another candle holder at Birzu Cemetery,” he reveals.
Since launching the machine, Artūrs has received numerous inquiries from individuals seeking guidance on establishing similar operations elsewhere in Latvia. “This isn’t a burden for me; however, I need to ensure that it’s viable only if I am selling my own products. Therefore, I am considering expanding the machine’s inventory to include other grave-related items. Customers are unlikely to pay exorbitant prices, and for entrepreneurs, relying on external products with minimal markups may lead to financial losses given the costs of equipment, leasing land, and maintaining a card payment terminal,” he explains. He adds that his competitive pricing is possible due to his hands-on involvement in upkeep, attributing his engineering background to his ability to modify the machine’s functions and conduct daily maintenance efficiently.
From June, the “Esmu skapis” vending machine became operational near the “RAF Center” at 48 Rīgas Street, catering specifically to anglers looking to purchase both live and artificial bait, corn, boilies, flavoring agents, and supplementary feed. Elviss Jonuška, owner of the SIA “Stork.lv” company and the brainchild behind this venture, expresses that there are currently three such machines at different locations across Latvia, the very first being installed in Jelgava. “As a fisherman myself, I understand the frustration of needing bait when specialized stores are closed. This insight drove me to seek automated sales solutions; I gained invaluable experience from colleagues in Lithuania who had successfully navigated this concept,” he recounts. Initially, local engagement was limited; however, sales figures have surged over the past six months.
“The primary advantage for our clientele is the capability to shop 24/7. Many individuals prefer avoiding crowded shops after work, while others cannot make daytime purchases. Additionally, many anglers are early risers, which is why we observe sales occurring late at night and in the early hours of the morning,” he elaborates. Elviss emphasizes the impressive growth of self-care culture in recent years, stating that as demand has increased, so too has our commitment to fulfilling it. By the start of the new year, the company anticipates expanding its vending machine network, with plans to establish a total of eight purchase locations across Jelgava, including the addition of “Esmu skapis” at the “Elvi” store on Rūpniečias Street.
What strategies do entrepreneurs like Elviss Jonuška use to keep costs down while ensuring quality in their products?
In the production process, which helps him keep costs down while ensuring quality for his customers.
Last but not least, Elviss Jonuška has entered the scene with his unique vending machine, “Esmu skapis,” tailored specifically for anglers. This innovation offers a selection of live bait and fishing essentials at any hour, catering to those impromptu fishing trips. “Initially, I faced doubts about whether anyone would really utilize a machine for fishing supplies. However, I’ve quickly learned that there’s a significant demand for convenience among fishing enthusiasts at odd hours, and the response has been incredibly positive. After three machines have been installed, it’s clear that people are ready to embrace this new fishing companion,” Elviss shares.
There’s a magical quality in the way these entrepreneurs have harnessed technology to meet everyday needs in Jelgava. Each vending machine not only serves a purpose but also tells a story of adaptability, innovation, and a community that embraces change. As the world shifts towards embracing automation, these individuals are at the forefront, leading the charge with their entrepreneurial spirits and unique ideas.
as we watch this innovative wave rolling across Jelgava, it’s evident that the future of shopping is not just about transactions but also about experiences—making life a little easier and just a bit brighter, whether it’s a bouquet for a loved one, a candle for a memory, or bait for a fishing adventure. To the savvy shoppers and entrepreneurs of Jelgava, here’s to more creative solutions filling our streets—who knows what they’ll come up with next!
