America's First Sex-Toy Vending Machine Is Here!

When you get Cheetos from the vending machine in the break room at work, do you ever wish that you were getting a vibrator instead? Well, your wish is coming true! Not entirely. But kind of. PinkBox, a Philadelphia-based vending machine company owned by Vaughn Sandman and Dean Kitagawal, debuted a sex-toy vending machine on Thursday at the Philadelphia Burlesque Festival. The official PinkBox website reads:

PinkBox believes that sex should be exciting, fun, and safe. As consenting adults, there is no wrong or bad way to enjoy yourself or each other. We want to help our shared customers to enjoy their evening at your establishment and beyond. We love knowing that our products bring joy to our customers.Sex is nothing to be embarrassed about. We all do it (when we can) and we all think about it (the rest of the time). PinkBox is proud to be in the business of helping our customers explore and enjoy their individual sexuality. We believe providing good sex enhancements–and an open, positive approach to sexuality–makes the world and your business a better place.The company's "resident sexpert," Dr. Timaree, a doctorate, professor, and podcaster, selected the vending machine's offerings, which include "everything from condoms and cock rings to Lelo vibrators. There are glass dildos, and starter restraint kits.". The prices of the items range from $4 - $99, and the machine accepts cash and credit. PinkBox boasts greater affordability than sex shops and online stores since the company has less overhead. It also guarantees immediate availability, unlike its internet competitors.

The owners hope that the accessibility will lessen the stigma, discomfort, and embarrassment often associated with purchasing sex toys. Co-owner Kitagawa said, "We want to take the taboo feeling out of purchasing things that could be marriage- or couple-enhancers. We want it to become more and more mainstream, and now is the time." Dr. Timaree similarly expressed the company's desire to normalize pleasure and exploration. She said, “Our goal is to make it even more convenient for people to access pleasure and build intimacy... It’s an easy, fun and discrete way to try something new or add to a collection.”PinkBox especially wants to bring their sex-positive business to bars and clubs, where casual or romantic sexual partners can purchase last-minute condoms and sex toys before leaving to do the deed. A portion of the profits goes to a marriage-equality organization, a partnership that Kitagawa believes represents PinkBox's desire to provide for all sexualities.While sex-toy vending machines currently exist in Spain, Japan, and Scandinavia, PinkBox is the first of its kind in the US.Kitagawa and Sandman are not yet certain where exactly PinkBox will end up post-Philadelphia Burlesque Festival, but it will probably be at a club or a bar. So get your change (or credit cards) ready!Images: PhillyMag.com (2)