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The Neosho, Mo. school district has awarded its 5-year vending contract to Pepsi over Coke for its beverage provider since Pepsi offered a higher commission to the district, according to The Neosho Daily News. The district will receive 25 percent commission on carbonated and 15 percent on non-carbonated products.

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Editor’s Insight: The reporter who wrote this article neglected to ask the school board what the beverage prices will be under this contract. With 25 percent commission on carbonated products and 15 percent on non-carbs, it’s a good bet that the prices will be higher in these machines than in other retail outlets.

There is not much the vending industry can do about the high commissions that school districts receive. Schools are strapped for funds, and they can’t be blamed for basing decisions on financial concerns.

For this situation to change, the vending industry would need to be united to take collective action. 12-17-08 by Elliot Maras