Do you and your employees often work late? Are there times when snacks would lift the energy of the office or provide a welcome break? If so, you may want to consider buying a vending machine for your business. Studies have shown that the availability of snacks and drinks in the building increases productivity and helps boost the morale of the staff.
Owning and operating a vending machine is relatively simple. There are only three main considerations:
What to sell. You will need to do some research about the demographics of your business’s employees before selecting a machine. Would they prefer snacks like chips and chocolate bars? Healthy juice and protein bars? Is there a need for a machine that provides larger meals? Or even a freezer vending machine that dispenses frozen entrees? It may be that your business could use two machines, one for drinks and one for snacks. Or you may be able to customize one machine to meet all of your needs.
Where to locate the machine. Location is a major consideration for vending machine business. You’ll need to find a common area that gets a lot of traffic. Hiding the machine away somewhere will ensure that sales will be low, while finding a spot that puts products on constant display reminds employees that the items are available and stimulates sales. Before buying a machine, be sure to measure a few areas where it might go. Take into account traffic patterns and access to exits or stairs.
Stocking the machine and collecting money. You’ll need to consider a few things with regard to this area. First, do you have a storage space for supplies? Stocking the machine and collecting money is relatively simple. For example, the average snack machine has seven trays, four for larger bags such as potato chips, and three for smaller, chocolate-bar-sized items. How do you want people to pay for purchases? There are machines with options for coins only, coins plus bills, or coins, bills, and credit cards. The first is the easiest to deal with, but allowing for more payment options means more business.
A Good Distributor
A key element in the decision to buy a vending machine for your business is finding the right supplier. Better suppliers are able to help you assess your company’s needs and choose the most suitable types of vending machine for your business. They will offer products with warranties on parts and labor, and a service contract that ensures that you will minimize downtime of your machine. Assembly and delivery should be offered at a minimal price, and they should have a wide range of parts on site. Leading suppliers can even offer financing on machines, on approved credit. As well, free training is usually offered to the buyer, or in this case, to whichever employees will be responsible for the maintenance of the machine.
Speak with a vending machine supplier today and find out what you need to know to bring a convenient vending machine into your business!