Trade mail machine
The nostalgic trade mail machine!
A trade mail machine, also known as a trade token machine or a trade stamp machine, was a device that dispensed small tokens or stamps in exchange for a trade or a small payment. These machines were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the United States.
Here's how they worked:
- Customers would insert a trade or a small payment (usually a coin or a bill) into the machine.
- The machine would dispense a set number of tokens or stamps, which were usually redeemable for goods or services at a local store or business.
- The tokens or stamps were often decorated with colorful designs, logos, or advertisements, making them a fun and collectible item.
Trade mail machines were used to promote businesses, products, or services, and they were often found in general stores, post offices, or other public areas. They were a popular way for merchants to attract customers and increase sales, as people would collect the tokens or stamps and redeem them for rewards or discounts.
Some examples of trade mail machines include:
- The Coca-Cola Trade Token Machine: Dispensed tokens that could be redeemed for Coca-Cola products.
- The General Mills Trade Stamp Machine: Dispensed stamps that could be redeemed for General Mills products, such as Wheaties cereal.
- The Post Office Trade Stamp Machine: Dispensed stamps that could be used to mail letters or packages.
Today, trade mail machines are mostly a relic of the past, but they remain a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era. Many collectors still seek out vintage trade tokens and stamps, and some businesses have even revived the concept as a marketing tool.