Category: Management Tips

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Could Free Samples From a Vending Machine Lead to a Full-Size Product Purchase?

freeosk

If you’ve ever been to a grocery store on the weekend, you’re probably familiar with the concept of free samples. Grocery store employees stand by a table, offering small sample servings of a particular product. The goal is to get you to try something you may not have in the past and to also entice you to purchase a product that was previously not on your radar. Can the same free sample concept yield the same benefits for vending machines across the country and increase sales? One Chicago-based startup recently attempted to find out and discovered something pretty incredible as a result.

The startup in question is called Freeosk and is run by a man named Matt Eichorn. Freeosk vending machines provide both food items and personal care products and currently have vending machines in roughly 650 Sam’s Club locations across the country. The vending machines dispense free samples of certain featured products to customers that they can then buy from Sam’s Club should they so choose. The experiment is already a success and has seen the sales of those featured products increase significantly soon after the free vending machine samples are given.

As a concept, Freeosk and its free samples are creating a bit of a “win win” situation for everyone involved. In order for a brand’s product to make it into a Freeosk as one of its “featured items,” that company must pay Freeosk for the privilege. The retailer partner (in this case Sam’s Club) also benefits, because if customers like the free samples they can then go elsewhere in the store and buy more of those products in bulk.

Even the brands themselves benefit, as free vending machine samples are a great way to increase brand engagement in a very controlled environment.

According to Sam’s Club, the customers themselves are also benefiting. Not only do they get the chance to try out products that they may not have otherwise, but Sam’s Club indicates that its members love to sample new products in general. They consider it an easy and fun way to discover new items.

If you’re a vending machine owner and are looking for a way to increase full-size product sales across the board, Freeosk and Sam’s Club have recently revealed that free vending machine samples are the way to go. With the advancements that have been made in vending machine technology in the last several years, free samples may just end up being one of the most cost-effective ways to boost revenue to come along in quite some time. Get started on this idea by checking out our selection of affordable vending machines here at Vending.com.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Teaching Hard Work to the Next Generation

What was your first job? What was it like? How did it impact your view of work? An important part of growing up is learning how to work hard. We all wish earning money was easy but that’s just not reality. Vending is a great way to teach hard work and responsibility to your family. It doesn’t take extensive education to service a vending machine, teens are very capable of helping a family vending business. Teaching hard work to kids when they’re young can set them up for a successful future.

Vending is simple to get into and can be very profitable for you and your family. However, there are no shortcuts and putting in work is necessary. There are many family-run vending businesses across the country, where families work together to service their machines and reap the rewards. Vending.com equipment offer great profitability but they take time and energy to remain full with product. Not only does it take time to refill machines with product it takes research and intentionality to know what to sell in your machines. Machines poorly maintained show negatively on your business and if it’s a family business, possibly on your family too. Vending is a great opportunity to teach young people the value and importance of responsibility.

While vending is work, the profits make it all worth it. As a vendor there’s nothing like taking a thick wad of cash out of the bill box and seeing the fruits of your labor. Working is hard, but it’s important and has its rewards. Seeing and experiencing the rewards of hard work is great motivation to continue working hard. The money you earn will mean much more to you and used more responsibly than money that was just given to you. 

Vending.com is here to help you before you begin vending as a family and throughout the life of your machines as well. We want you to have the best experience vending. We are available to honestly answer any questions you have about the industry or our equipment. Give us a call today at 1-855-365-0906.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Vending Machines and Social Media for Making Purchases  

Companies of all types have long been looking for ways to use the marketing power of social media to their advantage. After all, sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more all come with active user bases in the hundreds of millions of people – who wouldn’t want to tap into that? In the 21st century, companies are using social media marketing techniques to do a whole lot more than just send out the occasional clever tweet. Many companies are leveraging the power of social media with the benefits of the common vending machine to create a situation so enticing that people everywhere can’t help but notice.

Free Promotions

One of the best recent examples of using social media vending machine equipment takes the form of a promotion executed by the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Red Sox rented a vending machine that was connected to the social media network Twitter. If a user was in the vicinity of the machine and tweeted using a specific hashtag, the machine would dispense certain products.

The real crux of the idea, however, was that a signed jersey from one of the Red Sox’s star players was inside the machine. One lucky Twitter user could use the right hashtag to win the jersey, creating a situation that fans came from all over to participate in.

Old Navy

old navy vending machine

Another example of a company putting vending machines to good use is Old Navy. Every year, Old Navy has a sale where they discount a huge number of different pairs of flip-flops to just $1. One year, Old Navy took the promotion to the next level with the involvement of 36 different social media powered vending machines in New York City and Los Angeles. If a customer came across the machine, all they had to do was log into Twitter from a tablet that was attached to the machine itself and answer a few questions in a survey.

Once the survey was completed, they could then specify their shoe size and take home a pair of flip-flops to call their own. One user also won a $5,000 vacation package, generating buzz for the campaign that was impossible to ignore.

These are just a few of the many ways that companies are using social media enabled vending machine units to their advantage. As you can see, vending machines are no longer just for selling snacks in between shifts at work or for picking up the occasional soft drink in between classes. They’re a full fledged marketing channel that can generate millions of dollars a year in revenue if utilized effectively.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Your Goals for 2021

A new year is officially upon us. If you have not yet, it is time to make goals for your vending business in 2021. These goals should include focusing on what your customers are craving, both in technology and snacks. Let’s discover what your keys to success look like in 2021.

It cannot be stated enough. Cashless vending is something you cannot afford to skip. Cashless payments, such as through Greenlite or PayRange, not only benefit the customer, but they benefit you as well. Cashless payments mean quicker transactions for you and an increase in same-machine sales. By not providing cashless payment options, you are losing sales and possible customers.

Another trend in 2021 that is predicted to increase is more product transparency. This includes more than simply nutrition information. This is storytelling features on the products you are providing. For example, Vending MarketWatch recently produced an article in which brands are using barcodes or a QR code to give background information about where the product came from. Customers may be more drawn to these products if they are included in your vending machine.

Many people saw an increase in their anxiety, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help put people at ease in 2021, consider offering products that prioritize immune health. Snacks and drinks that cater to these needs include dark chocolate, orange juice, yogurt and nuts. Put customers at ease with what you provide through vending. The best part? All of these products can be featured through a variety of Vending.com machines, such as the Express Combo Vending Machine, the MarketOne Snack 6W Vending Machine and the MarketOne 5W Cold Food Elevator Vending Machine.

Vending.com is here to help steer you in the right direction in 2021. For more questions about our vending equipment and services, call us at 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

The Importance of Proper Guidance for Employees

For many employees, the employee handbook is only one small piece of working for a company – a piece quickly forgotten. They read it, forget it and get on with learning and doing their job. While this may not be ideal from and employer perspective, it is important to realize that forgetting the employee handbook is a luxury only available to employees. As an employer, the employee handbook is an important tool for communicating with your workers and protecting your company from unnecessary lawsuits.

The importance of an in-depth employee handbook

The employee handbook explains a number of things to your employees – things that they need to understand to integrate effectively with your company. It not only tells them the history of your business and your mission and goals, it explains hard and fast rules for getting along in the company. It lays down the law on what is and is not acceptable.

In addition to the rules of your company, the handbook also lays out the specific laws that are applicable to employment with your company. There are federal and state laws pertaining to employment – and perhaps to safety in your particular industry – that employees need to be aware of.

All of this information is put down in clear writing that is then explained to the employee by your company. Employees can look to the handbook for clarification, as well as to management and human resources if applicable. The important thing is, all parties have the same reference – the handbook.

The handbook protects your company

You company could do everything right, operating well within the law and treating your employees fairly. This does not protect you from legal action by unscrupulous parties – even people you have hired and taken care of. Companies are sued all the time whether they do anything wrong or not. But, as long as you are obeying the law and have solid documentation to back you up – such as with your employee handbook, you should be able to effectively defend yourself.

Consider at-will employment. If you are in an at-will state, you should certainly have that information front and center in your handbook. Employees should know that legal realities of your relationship to prevent any confusion on down the line. Disciplinary measures are sometimes necessary and should be mentioned in the handbook as well, along with the relationship between disciplinary measures and at-will employment.

Harassment policies are also an important component of the handbook. Sexual harassment charges can hit a company hard, damaging both its reputation and its bank account. Your policies towards any type of harassment or discrimination should be clearly stated in the handbook. This is something you will want to be able to reference should anyone ever attempt to lay blame on your company policies for harassment or discrimination situations.

Invest in your employee handbook

The employee handbook is important enough to invest time and money in. Consider hiring an attorney familiar with employee handbooks to ensure you include everything necessary to protect your company – both now and in the future.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Investing in Used Vending Machines

When people think about used equipment, normally the images that immediately come to mind are negative ones. After all, who among us hasn’t purchased a used computer or television set or some other item over the years only to run into irritating (and costly) issues down the road? Certain companies are proving, however, that you need to throw these preconceived notions out the window – at least as far as vending machines are concerned. Investing in used vending machine equipment is a decision that brings with it a host of different benefits that can’t be ignored.

green check markBuying with Confidence

Companies like Vending.com take guesswork out of the equation by only selling used vending machines that have been factory remanufactured by trained professionals. Every snack machine, drink machine or other piece of used vending equipment is certified to meet industry high standards. Not only does this allow the machine to perform at peak efficiency at all times, but it also gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got a machine that you can rely on.

green check markWarranties

Another one of the reasons why it makes sense to invest in used vending machines has to do with the types of warranties that these items normally come with. Vending.com, for example, offers a one year warranty on all machines and a 90 day parts warranty on control boards, coin acceptors, bill acceptors and other important components.

green check markCost Effective and Environmentally Friendly

Perhaps the most important reason to invest in a used vending equipment has to do with the cost effectiveness of your decision. 100% vending machine financing is often available on these items and you’re usually getting a machine that is just as good as a brand new option at a drastically reduced price. Oftentimes it only requires as little as five sales a day to run into profits on these machines.

More than that, investing in used machines means that you’re also making the decision to recycle. These used machines go back out into the population where they can be of good use and they won’t sit in a factor (or a landfill) without a purpose.

These are just a few of the many reasons why investing in a used vending machine may be the right choice for your business. Not only do you get a high quality, factory remanufactured and certified piece of equipment, but you also get to add a well-stocked and properly executed vending machine to your business in the most cost effective way possible.

Vending.com
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Preparing for 2022 Trends: What beverages and sodas are your customers consuming?

Preparing for 2022 Trends: What beverages and sodas are your customers consuming?

If you have beverage vending machines, you need to plan ahead to accommodate the changing demands of your customers. Industry experts predict that, on an average, the sales of major beverages are set to rise at a CAGR of 1.7% per year until 2026. The year 2020 saw the entire world go through major upheaval due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Even retail sales of beverages dipped as fewer people were stepping out of their homes. However, with everything slowly opening back up and returning to normalcy, we can expect to see a steady increase in the sales of beverages from vending machines.

At Vending.com we have a wide range of drink vending machines that will help you sell everything from iced coffee to soda, juice and bottled water.

Due to the global pandemic, people have become more health conscious and aware of the need to consume healthy and cruelty-free foods, and this extends to drinks. Here’s what consumers are likely to demand more of in the coming year:

Plant-Based Drinks

Sure, we’re already consuming several plant-based drinks – fruit juices! But experts predict that the demand for vegan products, like soy milk, will also spike. Veganism is gaining popularity in the western world, including America, as there are many people who are lactose intolerant and cannot consume dairy. So, all such individuals are going to demand non-dairy-based shakes and drinks. Almond milk, cashew milk, and soy milk are the most popular among the non-dairy milk drinks. 

Immunity Boosters

As concerns about health grow in the pandemic era, people are keen to boost their immunity through natural means. This means there is going to be a sharp demand for protein shakes, probiotic drinks, turmeric lattes, and an assortment of health teas. 

Other Health Drinks

A lot of drinks fall under this category including packaged smoothies, shakes, and superfood drinks. Examples of superfood drinks include shakes or juices made with plants like spirulina, wheat germ, basil seeds, goji berries, chia seeds, and more. Such drinks will sell well in vending machines placed in health clubs, gyms, swimming pool complexes, and other sports complexes where teams practice and compete, such as our MarketOne Fitness Merchandiser.

With different beverages coming in varying shapes and sizes, it is crucial that your vending machine is able to accommodate consumer trending beverages and sodas outside of traditional cans and bottles. The Cold Drink 5W Elevator Vending Machine not only accommodates a variety of products, but also features a soft delivery elevator, so you can vend fragile items, such as iced coffee.

Sustainable and Organic 

Today, consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it was grown – whether it is organic or genetically modified. Brands that advertise their products as organic and sustainably grown will certainly have high demand, as consumers are likely to look for those beverage brands in vending machines, too.

Low Sugar Drinks

With diabetes and other lifestyle diseases on the rise, more and more people are looking for foods with low sugar and salt content. They look for fizzy drinks and fruit juices with minimal or no-added-sugar. 

Coffee

Come what may, Americans are not going to stop drinking coffee, at least for the foreseeable future. The consumer trending demand for this popular beverage will continue into the next year. We all know that coffee is not just to quench thirst. It can be your wake-up-drink or a post-lunch digestion aid. Business deals are made over coffee and people use it to start a conversation. With so many reasons to get a cup of it, people just need the visual cue to reach out for one. Coffee vending machines can be placed in almost any place with high foot traffic. 

Our MarketOne Coffee Vending Machine delivers a European café experience to your customers, with a range of coffees that taste just like freshly made Barista beverages. With a stylish design and cutting-edge brewing and filter system that facilitate precise ingredient control, this machine is THE one you need for coffee vending. You can choose from freeze-dried and fresh brew models; it dispenses multiple types of premium, specialty hot beverages – in fact, there are 11 core hot drinks with 34 combinations to choose from: hot chocolate, espresso, coffee, cappuccino, and more. 

Soda

While there is an increased consumer trend shift towards healthier drinks, sodas will not disappear. There is still a demand for fizzy drinks, and as a vending machine owner, you need to have this in your inventory.

The Express Combo snack and drink combo vending machine is a compact machine that is also eco-friendly. Its LED lighting highlights your products, and the fiber door graphic styling makes it attractive to customers. You can stock up to 9 types of drinks and 20 types of snacks, offering ample choices to your customers. It features two flexible trays for bottles or cans with high stocking capacity which can hold up to five drink selections, allowing you to offer your customers multiple choices for drinks, including health drinks.

Bottled Water

As the awareness about the benefits of sufficient hydration increases, so will the demand for bottled water. It is an item that is needed by every single person, regardless of age or health status – making it a safe bet to vend as well. Additionally, it will sell well at almost any location. 

The MarketOne 48 Select Water Vending Machine from Vending.com is the ideal choice for this. Its sleek design is sure to impress your customers; the availability of multiple payment options like cash, debit, and credit cards offers convenience. This machine also features iVend guaranteed technology, which guarantees dispensing. In case the product gets stuck, customers get their money back. It is also suitable for use by people with disabilities and visually impaired customers, as there is a backlit keypad with Braille identification. Its dimensions comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Ideally, to keep up with consumer trends, you should provide as wide of a beverage and soda selection as possible, especially when you start off with your vending business, so that you can increase the possibility of sales. Something for everyone is always a good principle. However, you need to closely monitor your sales, item-wise, so that you can decide whether to continue with the same items or remove them from your inventory.

Are you still hesitating to kickstart your vending business? Or do you just need help with your machine and its products? At Vending.com, we are always happy to answer your questions and help you achieve your business goals. Call us at 1-800-548-1982 today!

Posted on | by Phil Masters

How Motivation Impacts Productivity in the Workplace

Every company wants employees who arrive at the office in on time, put 110 percent into each day and value customers. Those productive and motivated employees directly affect profits, but keeping quality employees is a challenge most businesses face. How can a company achieve maximum employee productivity? By implementing eight motivational techniques that can help improve productivity in the workplace.

1. Employee Recognition

Recognition is the biggest way a company can keep employees motivated. When employees know they are valued and appreciated by their company, they feel good about themselves and their abilities. They want to live up to the praise and work even harder. Companies can provide recognition with:

  • Performance certificates
  • Employee of the Month rewards
  • Verbal gratitude for a job well done
  • Public recognition in an internal or customer newsletter
  • Annual employee recognition banquets

2. Job Security

Employees value stability in the workplace. If they work for a company with one foot in the grave, they are more likely to place minimal effort into their job. A productive work day results when employees know their employer is succeeding and moving forward.

3. Interesting Work

Every employee works better when he or she performs enjoyable work. Wise hiring agents match employees to positions that maximize their training, skills and interests. Then, employees arrive at work enthusiastic and eager to do their best, leading to more motivation and productivity in the workplace.

4. Promotion Opportunities

Most staff members appreciate promotions and work hard to achieve this reward. When possible, companies should motivate employees by offering opportunities for increased responsibility and eventual promotion.

5. Positive Working Environment

Bullying, discrimination or cliques discourage employees from doing their best and may lead to high turnover. A positive workplace environment encourages staff retention, motivation, and productivity.

6. Supportive Supervisors

Every employee carries personal problems to work. Caring supervisors do not need to be therapists, but a kind word, flexible work schedule and understanding shoulder go a long way toward showing employees that they are valued. Employees then work harder and smarter.

7. Tactful Discipline

Every work environment needs a disciplinary policy. However, harsh discipline, including being called out in front of other employees, does not promote productivity. It does cause staff members to fear making mistakes, and it stifles creativity, however. Productive workers understand the rules and know that they will be disciplined with tact if necessary.

8. Financial Incentives

Monetary rewards go a long way in showing appreciation to staff members. Employees will work harder to meet quotas, gain positive customer reviews and meet other goals when extra money is at stake. If financial bonuses are not possible, companies should at least pay employees a fair wage for the tasks they complete and benefit from a fun break room, regular office outings and other special events.

Employee productivity and company profits go hand in hand. Companies can increase motivation and energy with coffee vending machines, but they will also want to implement eight techniques that increase productivity every day.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Denver Broncos are Giving Free Stuff Away Via Vending Machines

Denver Broncos Twitter Vending Machine
Image Source: www.denverbroncos.com

Social media in general is one of the most significant innovations to come along in quite some time. Not only is it a way to effectively make the world smaller by making communication easier regardless of geography, many different types of businesses are now using it as an organic and even fun way to increase consumer engagement exponentially. Case in point: the Denver Broncos professional football team has recently teamed with a vending machine manufacturer to give away free items via vending machines that are powered by one of the most popular advertising and social networking sites of them all, Twitter.

The Denver Broncos

Sponsored by Bud Light, the Denver Broncos recently placed a series of Twitter vending machines inside their football stadium. Considering the fact that thousands of patrons excitedly pass through the halls of the stadium each Sunday, this vending machine was a very well thought-out advertising plan.

The vending machine instructs users to send a tweet using their own Twitter accounts to the @BudLight handle, the official Twitter page for the beer manufacturer. The machine also gives those users a three digit code to include in their tweet. Soon after the tweet is sent, a mechanism is automatically triggered and the machine will give them a prize completely free of charge.

Though the machine is sponsored by Bud Light, the prizes do not involve alcohol. The Broncos have added a bit of a contest element to it, giving users the chance to win ticket upgrades, unlimited catering, interaction with Broncos alumni and players and more. Prizes can even be highly expensive or even collectible and can include things like Bud Light skis signed by Jake Plummer, wearable merchandise and yes, even vouchers for free beer to be redeemed at any point during the stadium.

Because the promotion is completely free, users are flocking to the machines in droves. Users get free prizes and the Broncos and Bud Light get an inexpensive marketing campaign that spreads their brand messages to millions of people each game day.

The Twitter vending machine is just one of the many modern examples of social advertising vending in practice. It’s not just a benefit for businesses, but for vending machine companies themselves – they get to push the envelope on innovation and release products that people can’t help but take notice of at the same time. By understanding just how powerful social media is and the ways in which people are using it, you put yourself in a better position to leverage it to your advantage.

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Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Buying a vending machine is easy (Financing, leasing, reman/used, etc.)

Buying a vending machine is easy (Financing, leasing, reman/used, etc.)

Buying a vending machine is easier than ever before.

Everybody must have experienced the fun of buying something from a vending machine to just see it spit out the product you chose to buy. Owning a vending machine can be even more fun and rewarding. Nobody will mind an alternate source of revenue from vending machines. There are several stories where what started as a side hustle became a thriving vending business.

Investing in a vending machine can improve the experience of the customers or visitors of your establishment. Customers will find it convenient to wait with a beverage until it is their turn to be served. Businesses can also use vending machines as another channel for the sales of products relevant to their business.

Investing in a vending machine is simple when considering the following five aspects before making the purchase.

Finding the right location

One of the most important factors to consider for your vending machine is the location. If a machine is purchased for your own business, customer accessibility is a critical consideration. If a machine is difficult to access, it will have a difficult time generating cash. Additionally, if you are looking at an outdoor location, it is important that your machine has the correct specs to accommodate customers. 

If you place the machine at a location owned by someone else, then you will need to consider things like partnership expectations, such as commissions, rental fees or custom branding on the machine. Vending is a numbers game. The more people looking at your machine will result in more revenue for you.

Selecting the right products to sell

The numbers for 2019 point to packaged snacks and food items as the most sold products in vending machines. Beverages come in at a close second, leaving everything else eating their dust, but this is still a generic classification. You need to be more specific as to what you want to sell. Some products give you razor-thin margins, while others are more rewarding.

A good example would be a chocolate bar. The average gross markup on a bar of chocolate would be 46% over the list price. Considering you must still cover your logistics, energy, location fees, insurance, and other costs, this is not much. On the other hand, the humble bottle of water might give you a tidy 85% markup. The logic is simple when you need water, you need water. A chocolate bar can always wait.

It is not just the markup. It is also about the demand. Pick products that move fast. The cost of products staying in the machine is often unnoticed, but can be very costly. M&Ms might fly off the machines at a waterpark, while a yogurt cup may not. The product to location ratio is everything in the vending business.

Investing in a machine

If you know what to sell and where to sell it, all you need to do is pay for it, but this is where most operators are stuck. While some operators can dig into their operating income or personal savings to buy a machine, others cannot. However, the good news is that reputed vending machine manufacturers have made it easier for such operators to buy their machines. They offer several options like the ones listed below.

  • Cash purchase: If you have the cash and you are willing to use it to buy a vending machine, then it is straightforward. All you need to do is find the proper manufacturer or seller who will give you a machine that costs you less to buy and to own.
  • Financing: Buyers can also obtain financing support to buy their machines. Depending on the business case, the manufacturer of the machine might offer attractive interest rates or other benefits to encourage the purchase. Individual operators trying to create an alternative source of income often find this appealing, as they can invest in the latest technology without large upfront costs.
  • Used: Beginners can also try used machines. They come at a much lower upfront cost, however, the cost of maintenance and upkeep of these machines will depend on the quality of the machine. If the machine is already old, over-used, or faulty, the cost of owning the machine might become high. It is essential to buy used machines from businesses of good reputation to avoid future surprises.

Installation and Setup

The machine’s installation and setup are often covered by the manufacturer when you buy a new machine. If you buy a used machine, however, ensure that you calculate the setup cost. Other than costs, installation and setup also require skills. Configuring your machine for the products you sell, providing proper payment interfaces, connecting to software inventory management systems if there is one, and other aspects of installation might need professional support. Buying new or used machines from reliable businesses can help you address these needs. They often provide the necessary support.

And you can rest assured knowing that our dedicated service entity covers all installation, setup, and setup requirements. Vendnet also supplies all spare parts and hardware along with easy-to-use manuals for all our models that help in DIY troubleshooting.  

Stocking

Once you have the machine up and running, all you need to do is stock your machine. If you have already decided on your product, make sure you buy fresh stock. Ensure that the products are worth the price your consumers are paying. It is vital to have quality products as it impacts consumer experience. Only a happy consumer will buy again from the same machine. Also, ensure that you have the necessary mechanism to keep your machine stocked. An empty machine continues to cost you without generating revenue.

A vending machine can be your steady stream of additional income. The past two years have taught us that even a strong market or economy can be fragile. Investing in vending machines can reduce risks to your income. Operators who carefully consider the above mentioned aspects and buy from reputed sellers are wise. They minimize the upfront capital expense and optimize the cost of owning the machine while also reducing risks. Our specialists at Vending.com can assist you through your purchase of a new or used vending machine.  Our offers are simply icing on the cake that you simply cannot resist. Talk to us at 1-855-929-1042 to know more.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Vending Machine Guide to Purchase

23 selectionMany companies that purchase snack vending machines and drink vending machines spend far more time worrying about items they’ll purchase to put into the machines than the actual vending machines themselves. That’s not always the best course of action, so we wanted to help guide you in purchasing your vending machine.

Whether the interest is in purchasing a used vending machine or buying brand new products as they roll off the assembly line, it’s important to know a few critical details about vending machines before making the decision to buy.


How long should vending machines last?

Vending machines should last ten years or longer. Vending machines are an investment. It’s important to make sure the investment is one that’s meant to last at least ten years in order to be a cost effective business choice.

What is the outlook of the vending sales company?

Businesses in many industries come and go. It’s important to look at the past and present of businesses before entering into partnerships with them. The history of the company and the way the company runs today has a significant impact on the future of the company. What you really want to know is that the company will still be around to serve your vending machine needs ten years from now.

Does the company stand behind its products?

This is perhaps the most important detail to know of all. No one wants to do business with a company that doesn’t make a visible show of faith in its own products. One of the most telling ways businesses can do this is by offering warranties and/or guarantees on the products they sell or service.

Does the business offer local representation to serve your needs?

The key is to work with businesses that have a local presence for a quick response when problems arise. Problems arise and repairs need to be made on occasion. When these things happen, getting the machine repaired and back in service quickly is a priority. This is much more likely to happen when there are local representatives available to see to these details.

Making the right decision is not always as simple as it seems. However, knowing the important factors to look for first, like those in our vending guide, helps you narrow down your choices in order to make an informed decision that will best meet your business needs.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Vending.com | The Wittern Group Announces its Commitment to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge

Vending.com’s parent company, The Wittern Group, joins 153 companies who have signed the American Business Act on Climate Pledge in their support for action on climate change.

Vending.comDES MOINES, IOWA – December 7, 2015 – Vending.com, announces The Wittern Group’s commitment to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge.  The official announcement from the White House highlights the commitments from 73 companies, including The Wittern Group, from across the American economy that are joining the American Business Act on Climate Pledge. With this announcement, a total of 154 companies will have signed the Pledge.  These companies have operations in all 50 states, employ nearly 11 million people, represent more than $4.2 trillion in annual revenue, and have a combined market capitalization of over $7 trillion.

By signing the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, The Wittern Group is voicing support for an outcome that takes a strong step forward toward a low-carbon, sustainable future at the COP21 Paris climate negotiations.  As a part of this Pledge, The Wittern Group is demonstrating an ongoing focus on climate action by committing to:

  • Reducing water usage by 10% by 2020
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their vending products by 45% by 2025
  • Increasing investment in low-carbon, climate-resilient, and green projects by $2 million by 2025
  • Developing long-term business plans that align with the deep DE carbonization necessary to keep global average temperatures from rising less than 2C

“Sustainability is an important initiative for Vending.com and The Wittern Group as we look to grow our business while remaining agile amid a changing environmental landscape,” commented Heidi Chico, CEO of The Wittern Group and NAMA Board Member.  “By committing to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge, The Wittern Group, along with Vending.com, is taking a leadership role by focusing on initiatives that will increase the profile of the vending industry and demonstrate our industry’s commitment to climate action.”

The Wittern Group is one of seven National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) member companies that have committed to the American Business Act on Climate Pledge.  NAMA is the association representing the $25 billion U.S. vending and refreshment service industry.  These seven companies demonstrate an ongoing commitment to climate action and to voice their support for a strong outcome at the Paris climate negotiations.

“The Wittern Group recognizes that delaying action on climate change will be costly in economic and human terms, while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy will produce multiple benefits with regard to economic growth, public health, and the well being of the global environment,” commented Heidi Chico, CEO of The Wittern Group and NAMA Board Member.  “The Wittern Group is proud to be a small but integral part in addressing climate change and through this Pledge has committed to ambitious, yet achievable, goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize clean energy alternatives.”

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About The Wittern Group

Founded in 1931 by F.A. Wittern Sr., The Wittern Group provides a full range of products and services to meet all vending needs including design, manufacturing, financing, national and international sales, re-manufacturing programs, parts, and support services. The Wittern Group is structured to help people succeed in vending.  www.wittern.com

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Contact: Heidi Chico // Tel: +1 (515) 271.8425 // E-mail: hchico@wittern.com

V.COM-March Blog
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Snacks, Drinks, Frozen Foods, or Combo – What Would Give You More Vend Sales?

Snacks, Drinks, Frozen Foods, or Combo – What Would Give You More Vend Sales?

The product decides the machine.

A vending business is a reliable source of revenue, if you do it right. Even if you are not a mainstay vending business owner, an additional revenue stream from a vending machine gives you the liberty to pursue your passion. It helps you save money for a rainy day. The first step towards getting a steady flow of revenue is by choosing the right product to sell and the machine that vends it, in that order. It is important to remember that while people interact with the machine, it is the product that they consume.

First-time buyers often tend to focus more on the vending machine for sale than the best products for those vending machines. The product is a bigger capital investment than stocking the machine. They tend to pay less attention to the fact that revenue and profits come from the product you stock and sell. So, choosing what you want to sell takes precedence over the machine you use to sell it. Let us discuss how to select the right product that will give you the best results.

Factors to consider

The most obvious factor influencing your decision on the best products for your vending machines should be user experience. Your consumers should get the best satisfaction by buying from your machine. The best experience comes from the product they want to buy and the machine they interact with. So, the product you sell and the machine you use should be of the best quality and at the right price point. These two factors are applicable to what product you choose to sell. Other factors are influencing the selection of the product you choose to sell, however, like the ones below.

  • Volume: Some products sell in higher volumes than others. The higher the number of transactions, the better the returns on investing in a vending machine. Water bottles and beverages constitute more than 56% of the sales through vending machines[1]. They are universally sought staples and can also generate a decent margin[2]. Moreover, vending machine products are generally impulse buys. This means while users start transacting to buy a water bottle, they can get interested in a bag of chips or an energy bar. So, high-volume products increase the chances of up-selling and generating more revenue per user.
  • Profitability: Certain products can fetch a higher margin than others in your vending machine. While the same product may not have the best profitability everywhere, there are certainly some sweet spots. There is statistical evidence from a survey showing that the humble water bottle scores high on the profitability scale. Fruit snacks are a close second[2], but again, these are statistical averages. While your water bottle might get you good profits at a gym, sugary drinks and candies might earn big bucks at an amusement park. That takes us to the next factor you need to consider while selecting the right product to sell, the location.
  • Location: The location of your vending machine can significantly influence what sells and what does not. The volume of traffic, the spending power of the traffic, and the need for convenient access to supplies are all dependent on the location. Outdoor vending machines with cold beverages at a summer fair can be a bigger attraction than the rides. Cold sandwiches might fly off the machines at the factory cafeteria. Protein shakes are more likely to be bought at a gym than most other places. Location not only defines what sells but also how much of it. Some vending enthusiasts place so much significance on the location that they are happy to select their machine or product based only on this factor.
  • Demographics: This is a slight evaluation of the location. This defines who is likely to use the machine. The demographics you are likely to cover at a school are children between 8 and 18 with access to disposable income in the form of pocket money. An office is more likely to have an older age group of people but with a bigger purse at their disposal. This kind of classification of who is likely to use your machine will help you identify the products they will likely need. It also indicates how you can price the products that have a compelling demand against others that don’t.

The right machine for the right product

Choosing the best product for vending machines impacts you’re the experiences of your customers, who do business with your machines. Getting the product mix right has a great influence on the revenue and profitability of your vending business, but the product by itself does not complete the experience of your customer. They conduct these transactions through your machines. Hence, the right machines combined with the best products deliver delight to your customers and success to you. Striking a balance between performance, features, cost of purchase, cost of ownership and maintenance could be tricky even for experienced vending machine owners.

This is where businesses like Vending.com can help. With over 90 years of experience in the vending industry and a sophisticated ecosystem of distributors and partners, Vending.com can provide the right vending solutions tailored to your needs. Reach out to us at www.vending.com or call us at 1-855-929-1042 to know more.

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Posted on | by Phil Masters

Back To School | Healthy Vending Options

snack machinesToday’s student in the U.S. is used to choosing from a variety of options. From classes, to friends, to after school activities, variety is the spice of life in middle and high schools. This may be a key reason that the vending machine has been such a successful tool for satisfying hunger cravings for our nation’s kids. Beyond its function as a nutritional vehicle for keeping kids alert and energized, it is also a significant revenue builder for the nation’s schools.

This fall a federal law will require vending machines placed in educational environments to forgo the candy and sweet treats in favor of healthy vending machine snacks in schools. Some school administrators worry about the financial impact. Many have been grappling with the decline in revenue since regular sodas have been replaced with diet and sugar-free versions. Fortunately, along with Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” initiative to fight against childhood obesity, the nation has been trending toward a more sophisticated approach to eating with health and flavor in mind.

The vending machine is now at the center of the debate in school-based nutrition. Some commercial vending companies today, such as Vending.com, support healthy vending machine snacks in schools. From Vitamin Water and spring water instead of soda, to baked potato chips instead of the oilier counterparts and dried fruit in place of baked goods and other sweet tooth snacks, Vending.com knows how to satisfy a kid’s need for variety within the limits of federal regulations successfully. Yogurt and energy bars are other nutrient dense snack food alternatives to sweet and unhealthy foods that kids choose and parents can rest easy about.

The new, healthier products, coupled with technology, gives students an exciting and fun way to meet energy needs throughout the day, and to have fun while doing it.

A Vending.com representative can advise you about the user-friendly healthy vending machine snacks in schools and a vending machine for sale that offers benefits, such as:

  • filling a vending machine that still entices the kids to buy products
  • meet guidelines
  • give you a return on investment that makes sense
Posted on | by Phil Masters

State of The Food and Drink Vending Machine Market, 2015 – 2021

14957-illustration-of-a-globe-pvModern society has become accustomed to the idea of obtaining beverages, snacks, and many other types of items from vending machines. The machines are becoming a standard part of various businesses and industries, which range from pharmaceuticals to free items for the fans of sporting events. The stagnant age of the vending machine has come to a close, and a recent report by Persistence Market Research, as reported on by Medgadget, indicates an overwhelming trend of growth for the vending machine industry over the next six years.

What’s Driving the Growth?

Consumer demand remains the ultimate driving factor in the growth of the snack vending machine market. In recent years, the public has become increasingly concerned with the nutritional value of the contents of drink vending machines and snack vending machine. Traditionally, these vending machines have contained items of little nutritional value, but the trend seems to be changing. As more governments have become health conscious of snacks and beverages from vending machine, vending machine manufacturers and owners who readily display the caloric value of available items are expected to reap significant profits.

The growth of the vending machine market cannot be attributable to these factors alone. Instead, some of this growth may be the direct result of an increased use of mobile payment options, such as vending machines that accept credit cards. Ultimately, a vending machine with more payment options is able to serve those who may not have cash or coins on their person.

Where Will the Strongest Growth Occur?

Vending machines represent the classic idea of self service. In the coming years, the vending machine industry is expected to grow by 13.98 percent to reach an approximate worth of $31.75 billion. The US is predicted to be the predominant player in driving the growth of the vending machine market globally, while North America will claim approximately 44 percent of the market share of the vending machine industry.

What Types of Vending Machines Will Experience the Most Growth?

Vending machines can be categorized into generic groups, such as snacks, beverages, medical supplies, promotional materials, and more. Food and snack machines are expected to garner the highest market share in the industry. Behind snack vending machines, frozen food and candy vending machines will experience the highest level of growth in the US. However, the use of vending machines in quick-serving restaurants is expected to contribute the highest to the growth of the vending machine market globally. Although the growth will not be as substantial as snack vending machines, drink vending machines, such as those that dispense soda, beer, liquor, wine, and other cold beverages, are expected to show “substantial” growth by 2021.

The vending machine industry is growing, and vending machine manufacturers understand the need to increase snack and drink vending machine availability. To learn more about how vending machine services are changing today’s world, visit the blog on Vending.com, or contact a reputable vending machine manufacturer by filling out the online contact form today.

Vending.com
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Be Mindful of these Pitfalls When Purchasing A Used Vending Machine

Be Mindful of these Pitfalls When Purchasing A Used Vending Machine

The Pros and Cons of the Used Vending Machine Business

Did you know that as of 2022, the US has roughly 5 million vending machines? According to the industry market research firm IBIS World, the vending machine industry generates close to $8.9 billion in annual revenue. About 67% of this market comprises small independent operators selling snacks and beverages and making small margins. For most vending machine owners, it is primarily a side hustle.

Vending is a booming business, and starting one is not very difficult. The vending business is a constantly changing and evolving industry. It provides an excellent opportunity for all kinds of entrepreneurs, whether you are a novice or a seasoned business owner. The range of products that can be offered to your customers is vast. The most common and popular items being sold are snacks, candy, and beverages like soda, water, and coffee.

Used vending machines generate profits quickly with a low initial cost

If you are new to the vending business and would like to try your hand at it, then an easy way to start your own vending business is to buy used vending machines. A used vending machine will typically cost a fraction of its brand-new unit. You may also chance upon a used vending machine that has barely been used.

While experimenting with new locations, a used vending machine can be a good choice. If you are operating with limited resources, used vending machines may be the way to go. Many such use cases get you started on a used machine and earn the capital required to invest in a brand-new device.

There are many kinds of used vending machines available in the market today. They sell a variety of merchandise, from sodas or general snacks in malls to travel electronics like headphones or phone chargers in airports. You can also buy COVID-19 essentials like masks and sanitizers from vending machines in hospitals and public spaces like malls or theaters. Picking the right product and pricing it right will help recover the capital invested in buying your used machine.

Important aspects to consider before purchase

A used vending machine might seem like a cost-effective choice to jumpstart or expand your vending business. There are a few important things, however,  to consider before buying one.

There are business pros and cons when investing in a used vending machine. The right price, the suitable model, long-term reliability, value over investment, etc., form the cons. Vending.com ensures that these cons are handled and converts them to advantages.

  • Warranty –
    • Con  – Used vending machines come with no warranty, unlike new ones. 
    • Pro – Vending.com “factory refurbished” and “certified used vending machines” do come with a great price and limited warranty
  • Financing- 
    • Con – purchasing a used machine most likely will be a cash-only transaction, or you may have to take out a loan. 
    • Pro -Vending.com has a few attractive financing options that have been designed for entrepreneurs and their cashflows in mind.
  • Number of Features
    • Con – Used vending machines are generally older models. Legacy units will not have the latest features and technology like contactless transactions. They may not be equipped to accept card payments, thus limiting the number of customer transactions. 
    • Pro -Vending.com has the expertise and parts catalog to address this.
  • Hidden expenses –
    • Con – Used machines may work perfectly fine initially, but as they near end-of-life, their mean time between failures becomes lesser and lesser. While the cost of repairs will be a factor considered, the more significant aspect would be the lost revenue from sales. 
    • Pro- Vending.com’s one-year factory warranty and Vendnet’s 90 years of vending experience ensure your machine operates with no problems. 

When purchasing a used vending machine, it’s always a good idea to inspect the vending machine in person. If Tinder taught us anything, it is that profile pictures are often overrated.

  • Seeing is believing. Check if there are any physical damages like scratches or dents. It is relatively easy to improve the external appearance of the machine. If there are heavy dents, it is better to take a closer look at the circuit boards and refrigeration systems before moving ahead with the purchase. You should ask for the machine’s original manual and schematics and whatever proof of service the seller has at hand
  • If you are buying a vending machine for dispensing cold beverages, check the compressor thoroughly. Insist on starting the machine a couple of hours before you arrive. If you have a gas leak detector, do not forget to take it along. Freon-based coolants like R232 are relatively easier to detect with their distinct smell. It is the propane-based ones that are difficult to spot without a detector. It is better to look for better options if the compressor does not inspire confidence.
  • Check the bill acceptor and coin validator. Test it to make sure it is not malfunctioning. No one wants to use a vending machine that simply eats up their money and dispenses wrong items or nothing at all. You could also retrofit a card reader or cashless payment system to the machine. If the bill acceptor or coin validator is glitchy, ask for a discount in the asking price that will help you retrofit one from Vending.com.

 

The kind of used vending machines you buy can influence the pros, cons, and ultimately the success of your vending business. Getting a quality machine will save you lots of money and time while maximizing revenue-generating transactions. Purchasing your vending machine from a reliable company can help eliminate uncertainties and risks. Vending.com has a wide range of factory-direct new and used vending machines that are manufactured in the USA. All machines have been factory inspected and remanufactured to look and operate just like new vending machines. 

When buying your vending machine from Vending.com, you can rest assured that you are in good hands. With over 90 years of experience in the vending industry, Vending.com offers a dependable business proposition to help you build your own vending business.

Vending.com offers affordable used vending machines that are factory refurbished and certified.  Call 1-855-929-1042 today for all your vending needs.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Keep Your Employees Happy, While Saving Money

A company that keeps its employees happy is more productive overall and can more effectively meet the demands of the marketplace.

While benefits and other significant perks are a main focus for most businesses, smaller areas, such as an employee break room that offers nutritious foods, can also be perceived as important.

Employees usually need a nice, convenient working environment in order to concentrate on work, and spend less energy on decisions that support their general well-being. This is the reason that parking and other basic needs are usually important features of a positive work culture.

In the case of an employee break room, having a positive environment that offers nice decor, ample seating, and a comfortable space for either sitting alone or gathering with a colleague or two over a beverage or a quick meal, is important.

A break between work that recharges energy, gives an employee social support and offers a source of pride is a great gift for your workforce that can establish trust, reduce employee sick days and turnover, and increase your bottom line.

Vending Machine

A vending machine in a company break room is a primary source for snacks and even meals for many employees. While foods are also often purchased elsewhere, the convenience of on-site vending snacks and meal-friendly foods frequently becomes a staple for those working hard and requiring nutritious support to bring them to the next meal. In some cases, selections in a vending machine can actually offer meal replacements, which is a great time save that need to remain on the company grounds between meals.

Your employees may be eagerly anticipating the next vending machine selections that you choose.

Selecting snacks that provide nutrition, such as yogurt, cheese, pita chips, and sugar-free or low-sugar beverages, such as Vitamin Water, can support a healthier culture and extend productivity. If you instead stock a vending machine with mostly sugary snacks and offer fewer healthy options, it could affect the attention span of employees, and even their health.

A vending machine is traditionally considered a source of junk food, but the image and available food options is changing. Stocking an employee break room drink vending machines with tea, water and seltzer water, and a snack vending machine with fruit, and savory healthy foods will help show that the company is supporting their well-being and is aware of the leading health trends.

Purchasing a vending machine for sale and its products through Vending.com, which has been manufacturing vending machines since 1931, will give you the necessary tools to deliver a superior break room environment to your prized employees. It is crucial to work with a trusted and reliable company that knows the industry. From a coffee vending machine to one that includes mostly food products, Vending.com has you covered.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Our Trimline Refreshment Center Offers the Best Snack and Drink Vending Machine Options

Trimline-Refreshment-CenterThe technology in vending machines has grown exponentially. Vending machines are used for a variety of purposes, which range from healthcare applications to traditional snacks and soda refreshments. Some of the latest technology includes mobile payment options and Apple Pay. However, simplicity can be more productive, and the Trimline Refreshment Center is designed to focus on simplicity.

A Traditional Soda Vending Machine

Do you recall the stories of your grandparents first experiences with vending machines? In many cases, vending machines may have contained few items, but the popularity was undeniable. The Trimline Refreshment Center Returns to the simplistic nature with six beverage selections, and business owners can decide between bottled or canned beverages, such as water, sodas, juices, and more. When filled, the Trimline Refreshment Center can hold up to 144 20-ounce bottles or 312 12-ounce cans. However, the Trimline Refreshment Center takes on another critical concern of vending machine owners, space.

Essentially, the Trimline Refreshment Center is made up of two paired machines, and the drink side weighs 467 pounds. A traditional soda vending machine may be up to 4 feet wide. Yet, the drink side of the Trimline Refreshment Center stands out at a mere 21 inches, which makes it easy to fit anywhere. Furthermore, the lightweight section of this refreshment center makes installation faster and easier than bulkier machines.

Redefining the Snack Vending Machine

Some snack machines can hold hundreds of different various items, but you’ve probably seen a few vending machines where a few items grow stale and don’t sell. This combo vending machine focuses on resolving this problem by simplifying the snack selection to 12 items.

Business owners can select 12 items to fill this machine to its capacity of 152 items. The snack section of the Trimline Refreshment Center offers an MDB coin acceptor and an MDB $1 and $5 bill acceptor. Similar to the drink section, the snack part of this machine is a mere 21-inches wide, which increases the machine’s maneuverability during installation or when moving the machine from one location to another.

With a versatile configuration for drinks, independent sections for snack and soda storage, and a simple, customer-driven selection, the Trimline Refreshment Center is sure to please the hunger and thirst of your customers. To find out more about combo vending machine options, contact the vending machine manufacturer directly at Vending.com, or request a quote on the Trimline Refreshment Center today.