Poppi Sent Influencers Giant Vending Machines and We Have Some Questions
Poppi, the bubbly prebiotic soda brand, just pulled one of the wildest influencer marketing stunts we’ve seen in a while. Instead of sending out the usual PR boxes filled with cute cans and aesthetic merch, they went big. Like, “hope you’ve got a forklift” big.
Yes, Poppi literally sent full-sized, fully stocked vending machines to influencers’ homes. Not mini fridges, not cute branded coolers - actual vending machines. Because nothing screams "gut health" like a 700-pound metal contraption blocking your hallway.
Naturally, the internet had questions.
The Internet Reacts: “You Sent That to WHO?”
As soon as these vending machines started popping up on social media, the backlash was immediate (and, honestly, kind of hilarious). People were quick to point out that influencers, who already have kitchens stocked with free PR goodies, probably weren’t in desperate need of a personal soda dispenser.
One TikTok user, @heyyitssalex, summed it up perfectly:
"There are MANY LA Fire stations you could have sent ONE vending machine to."
And then, things got even fizzier when competitor brand Olipop claimed that each vending machine cost $25,000. Poppi quickly denied that figure, but by then, the damage was done. Instead of looking like a cool brand moment, this started looking like a $25K liability bomb just waiting to tip over.
Poppi’s co-founder later clarified that the machines weren’t just influencer gifts, but part of a bigger campaign and would be repurposed for community giveaways. Cool. But, uh… what if one of these vending machines fell on someone first?
Vending Machines: Surprisingly Dangerous Metal Death Traps
Vending machines might seem harmless - until you realize they have a history of injuring and even killing people. According to safety reports, vending machines have caused serious injuries and multiple deaths due to tipping over when people try to rock or move them.
And these aren’t just freak accidents, they happen more often than you’d think. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued warnings about vending machines for years, highlighting the dangers of unsecured or improperly placed machines. They’re heavy, unstable when not installed correctly, and can become serious hazards when moved without proper precautions.
Now, let’s think about Poppi’s vending machines getting delivered to influencers who probably have zero experience handling commercial appliances. No warning labels, no professional installation - just a giant, unsecured soda machine sitting in someone's living room. What could possibly go wrong?
Premises Liability: When Free Merch Becomes a Lawsuit
Poppi’s vending machine stunt is funny to watch play out on TikTok, but the legal implications? Not so funny.
Here’s the deal: If someone places a hazardous object on your property, and it injures someone, you could be responsible. That falls under premises liability, a legal concept that holds property owners responsible for unsafe conditions that lead to injuries.
So let’s say:
- An influencer’s vending machine tips over and injures a friend or delivery worker - who’s responsible?
- Someone trips over it in a small space and gets hurt - who’s liable?
- The machine malfunctions, causing electrical issues or a fire - who’s on the hook for damages?
Now flip it: What if you are the one hurt in a public space because of unsafe conditions? A falling object, unsecured structure, or neglected safety hazard at a store, restaurant, or business could leave you with serious injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. And when that happens, someone needs to take responsibility, and it shouldn’t be you.
When Negligence Causes Injuries, Keller & Keller is Here
Poppi’s vending machine situation might be a marketing blunder, but premises liability is no joke. If you’ve been injured because of unsafe conditions, falling objects, or someone else’s negligence, you have legal options.
At Keller & Keller, we make sure that their bad decision doesn’t cost you. Whether it’s an unsafe installation, a hazardous property, or a reckless business, we fight for the people who’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence.
If you’ve been injured, call us for a free consultation - we’ll help you figure out your next steps.
And don’t worry. We won’t send you a vending machine.
