Author: Phil Masters

Choosing the Right Vending Machine for Your Business
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Choosing the Right Vending Machine for Your Business

Choosing the Right Vending Machine for Your Business

Choosing the Right Vending Machine for Your Business: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Are you looking for a profitable business venture that requires little maintenance and can generate income around the clock? Has the idea of starting a vending machine business crossed your mind yet? With the increasing demand for quick access to snacks and drinks, vending machines have become a popular choice for busy individuals on the go. 

In 2019, the worldwide vending machine market had a worth of $18.28 billion. Reports reveal that it is projected to grow to $25.25 billion by 2027, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% between 2021 and 2027. 

Additionally, vending machines require minimal maintenance and overhead costs, making them a low-risk investment with a high potential for profit. With the right strategy and location, a successful vending machine can generate income 24/7, allowing you to earn money while you sleep, go on vacation, or even work a different job. But where do you start? 

In this blog, we talk about some key tenets to consider while starting a vending business. So, grab a can of soda pop and read on:

What to Consider 

Starting a vending machine business can be an exciting and profitable venture, but it’s critical to carefully consider various factors before jumping in. Some important factors include the type of vending machine, the location of the machines, the target market, and the initial investment required. Other considerations may include ongoing maintenance and stocking of the machines, legal requirements, and competition in the market. A well-thought-out business plan can help to address these and other factors and can be essential to the success of a vending machine business. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the key factors you need to keep in mind:

Planning – fail to plan, plan to fail
Having a clear game plan and forecast is pivotal before diving into any business. A solid understanding of the required investment and anticipated sales can provide a significant advantage when managing the business. This is where Vending.com’s profit calculator application cand help a great deal. By utilizing this tool, you can better understand the potential revenue and expenses involved in running a vending machine business. With this information, they can make informed decisions, create a realistic business plan, anticipate challenges, and prepare course corrections. 

Location – trawling in the right territory

Location is a crucial factor when it comes to a vending machine business. It’s like fishing – if you cast your line in a dead zone, you’re not going to catch any fish. Similarly, if you place your vending machine in a location with little foot traffic or demand for your products, you won’t make many sales. On the other hand, if you find a high-traffic area that is likely to draw a lot of hungry customers, it’s like fishing in a stocked pond – you’re likely to reel in a lot of sales and profits. 

Here are some of the ideal hotspots to set up your vending machine:

  1. Apartment Complexes 
  2. Offices 
  3. Traffic Chokepoints 
  4. Hospitals 
  5. Car Dealerships 
  6. Hotel lobbies 
  7. Gyms 
  8. School and College Cafeterias 

Type of Machine – don’t take a knife to a gunfight 

The type of vending machine you choose for your business is critical, like selecting the right tool for the job. Getting it wrong would be like using a hammer to drive a screw – it might work, but it wouldn’t be the most efficient or practical option. Choosing a vending machine that doesn’t match the needs of your target market can result in poor sales and wasted investment. However, selecting the right type of vending machine that meets the demands and preferences of your customers is like using a power drill to drive screws – it’s faster, easier, and more efficient, leading to greater success and profits for your business.

Here are some questions you need to ask yourself before picking a vending machine:

  1. What is the budget for the vending machine? 
  2. Who is the target market for the business?
  3. Will the vending machine be located indoors or outdoors?
  4. How much space is available for the vending machine?
  5. Will the vending machine require electricity or other utilities?
  6. What is the budget for the maintenance and upkeep of the vending machine?
  7. What is the level of foot traffic in the vending machine’s location?

Once you have answers to these questions, you’ll have a reasonable idea about what type of vending machine to pick.

For example, a vending machine that sells healthy snacks and drinks can appeal to health-conscious customers in gyms, schools, and workplaces. On the other hand, a vending machine that dispenses hot food items can attract busy commuters in train stations or airports. Similarly, a vending machine that sells luxury items like jewelry or electronics can cater to affluent shoppers in high-end retail locations.

If you’re starting out on a tight budget, there are plenty of options available to explore! You can opt for a used vending machine or select financing options tailored to your unique needs. And, if you didn’t know already, Vending.com has some seriously flexible payment options that’ll make it feel like your vending machine is paying for itself! 

By choosing a suitable vending machine for the target market, you can increase your chances of success by providing the products that customers want and need in the locations where they are most likely to buy them.

Vending.com offers a wide variety of vending machines to suit any business’s needs. They also provide consultation services to help you identify the best vending machine for your business. By utilizing their services, you can ensure that you invest in the right machine to maximize your profits. 

Technology – the ever evolving environment

In today’s swiftly evolving technology climate and the speed at which the world is moving, technology consideration can play a pivotal role in the success of your business. For instance, you may be trying to decide whether or not to implement cashless payment options, such as card readers or mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay or Gpay. By accepting these types of payments, vending machine businesses can increase customer convenience and capture sales that may have been lost due to a lack of cash. 

However, with increased digital transactions comes the need for increased security measures, such as encryption and monitoring for fraudulent activity. Additionally, the technology used for cashless payments must be updated to ensure compatibility with the latest payment methods and security standards. By carefully considering these technical factors, your vending machine business can stay ahead of the competition and provide customers with a seamless and secure purchasing experience.

Customer Base – fish where the fish are biting

Understanding the customer base is crucial when starting a vending machine business. Identifying your target market and catering to their preferences and needs is important. For example, if the vending machine is located in a school, the products sold should appeal to students and be priced affordably. Additionally, the hours of operation for the vending machine should align with the school schedule. Similarly, if the vending machine is located in a busy transportation hub, it’s essential to offer quick and convenient food options for commuters on the go. Knowing the customer base, you can tailor their vending machine offerings and location to maximize sales and customer satisfaction. 

Research and feedback can help to identify customer preferences and inform business decisions.

If you’re looking for high-quality vending machines that are easy to operate and maintain, consider checking out Vending.com. They offer a wide range of vending machines that are designed to meet the needs of various industries and businesses. As experts who have been in the industry for almost a century now, they can also help you set up your business and get it up and running in no time.

Takeaway

In closing, starting a vending machine business can be lucrative and rewarding, but it requires careful planning and consideration of several factors. From choosing the right location to selecting the appropriate vending machine, and from stocking the machine with the right products to selecting the right payment options, each aspect is significant to your business’ success. 

The outcome of some of these critical decisions can either make or break your business, and that is why it’s essential to partner with a reputable vending machine supplier who can guide you through the whole process based on your business needs.

Vending.com offers a range of high-quality vending machines and payment solutions that can help your business thrive. With their expertise and support, you can easily set up your vending machine business, knowing you have a trusted partner.

Live Bait Vending Machine
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Reel In Profits With Live Bait Vending

“Tired of waiting for the bait shop to open so you can start your day on the lake? Believe it or not, there are now coin-operated vending machines that dispense prepackaged minnows – live, frisky, and ready to fish.”

For generations, fishing has been a beloved pastime enjoyed by many. Many eagerly anticipate spending hours at their favorite fishing spot, casting out and waiting patiently for a catch. The best catches usually happen early in the morning or late at night. Reeling in the perfect catch requires a reliable bait source, even during the late night and early morning hours when bait and tackle shops are closed. This is where live bait vending comes in, an innovative solution that allows businesses to conveniently sell live bait through a vending machine to those needing it 24/7.

There’s More To It

Overall, live bait vending offers a unique solution for anglers and business owners alike – promoting more successful fishing trips while generating additional revenue streams at some locations. Whether you’re on vacation or simply looking for a quick way to top up your tackle box between outings, these convenient machines provide almost everything you need for an enjoyable day out on the water!

VCI currently manufactures the industry’s only state-of-the-art 24-hour live bait vending machine, developed and built solely for the merchandising of live bait. With hundreds of machines serving fishermen across the United States and Canada, this proven system consistently provides an outstanding return on investment. It was first introduced at the 1995 American Sport Fishing Association’s Annual Expo in Las Vegas.

“The concept was received with an overwhelmingly positive response from all areas of the sport fishing industry- live bait wholesale and retail operators to tackle / sporting goods wholesale and retail dealers,” according to Jim Chico, vice president-sales for VCI.

What is Live Bait Vending?

Live bait vending is a relatively new concept that has recently gained popularity. Simply put, it’s the process of selling live bait through a vending machine. The 24-hour live bait and tackle vending machine lets you sell all the popular products your customers want without keeping store hours. 

The machine’s refrigerated vendor keeps live bait fresh in a convenient Pre-Cool storage system that ensures your bait is kept at the optimal temperature until purchased. Offer customers a wide selection of popular fishing products. Whether they need traditional fishing supplies or simply looking for a quick snack or drink, this machine can meet your customer’s needs 24/7—the 24-hour live bait and tackle vending machine is designed and ideal for convenience stores, gas stations, campgrounds, and bait and tackle shops. 

The Benefits of Live Bait Vending for Customers

As we’ve seen, live bait vending brings many benefits to customers. First, it provides a convenient way to obtain live bait without going to the store or tackle shop. This is especially helpful for those who live in rural areas where such stores may not be easily accessible, as they can purchase live bait at any time of the day or night without having to worry about store hours or staff availability. This is especially helpful for early-morning or late-night fishing trips. Not only does this save time and effort, but it also ensures that fishers have fresh and healthy bait when they need it most. It also eliminates the need for keeping live bait on hand, which can be costly and difficult to maintain. 

The live bait industry is embracing the latest technology through bait vending machines. This innovation offers the benefits of convenience, impulse, and necessity – the key factors for successful automatic merchandising. By adopting this new approach, live bait merchandisers have the potential to take their business to greater heights and increase their revenue.

Once a live bait machine is up and running, it requires minimal maintenance and can continue to generate revenue in your absence. This can be especially useful for entrepreneurs looking for a low-maintenance business opportunity.

Business owners can continue reeling in profits after hours while providing customer convenience. There’s increasing consumer demand for convenience, and live bait vending provides that to customers. The live bait vending machine keeps customers returning by keeping high-quality bait fresh. 

Vending offers fantastic profit potential. Most operators of VCI equipment attain gross profit margins above 50-to-60 percent. Margins vary, but the bottom line is that fishermen are willing to pay a slight premium for the convenience of 24-hour availability of live bait.

The machine can pay for itself with affordable financing. We offer a variety of finance and lease programs to reduce the up-front cost of acquiring your fishing bait and tackle vending machine making merchandising easier than ever. 

“VCI offers a variety of finance and lease programs to reduce the amount of up-front capital required when purchasing your bait and tackle vending equipment”  According to Jim Chico, V.P. Sales, and Marketing for VCI, “If an operator sold (during fishing season) an average of 4 bait cups daily, they could easily cash flow a financed or leased bait merchandiser.”

Furthermore, live bait vending can help increase revenue in local communities through increased tourism from avid fishers seeking out new spots equipped with these machines. This helps support small businesses that feed off this tourist influx.

See What Customers Have To Say About Live Bait Machines

Take a look at what owners of the live bait machines had to say:

I’ve had my machine for 1 year and customers really appreciate the after-hours availability. The machine works as good as it looks. And best of all, it has already paid for itself.”  -Raymond Mc Invalle of RJ’s Live Bait & Tackle / North Platte, NE

“I never realized how much after-hours business I was missing!” -Rick Newcombe, owner – Fore-River Fishing Tackle

“VCI’s Live Bait merchandiser has been a real asset to my store. My customers love it as much as I do. It has nearly paid for itself in its first year of operation.” – Kelley Stevenson of Ken’s B&T / San Jose, CA

“The graphics attract customers like a magnet. The 24-hour machine keeps my high-quality bait fresh and keeps my customers coming back.” – Tom Anderson of AAA Bait / Meridian, ID

In Conclusion

The Live Bait and Tackle vending machine is a profitable addition that customers will appreciate. It’s convenient for after-hours purchases and provides fresh, high-quality bait that keeps customers returning. With affordable financing, the machine can pay for itself. Its low maintenance and quality products make it an excellent investment. 

Ready to reel in the profits? We can take care of your bait vending needs. We offer easy financing, parts, and tech support, and our expert staff is here to answer any questions. Call us at 1-855-929-1042 or visit our website to learn more!

Customized Vending Machines - Vending.com
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A Peek into Vending.com’s Customizable Vending Machines

Vending machines can be custom-made and designed specifically to meet the needs and preferences of customers. Custom vending machines can sell specialized products such as electronics, clothing, laundry products, carwash items, bowling accessories, and more! With the right design and implementation, customized vending machines can increase revenue and build customer loyalty. At Vending.com, we have specialized vending machines you can design for your own needs; below, check out some of our custom-made vending machines!

  1. Sani-Center Plus Vending Machine

Provide consumers with easy and safe access to PPE (personal protection equipment), medical supplies, disinfecting supplies, and safety products with the Sani-Center Plus vending machine. This vending machine offers a contactless, seamless transaction, enabling consumers to receive access to essential PPE and safety products through a contactless payment option without waiting in checkout lines or interacting with a cashier.

In addition, you can vend various popular medical supplies and safety products with the Sani-Center Plus vending machine, including latex gloves, disinfectant wipes, kleenex, medical masks, hand sanitizer, bandaids, and other PPE supplies.

Highlights

  • The Sani-Center Plus vending machine stands out at any location with a custom graphic wrap explicitly branded for your business.
  • According to research by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), contaminated surfaces and objects, including dollar bills and coins, present a transmission risk for some infectious diseases. This has accelerated consumers’ preferences from making contact payments, such as cash, to contactless, cashless payments. Through Greenlite, our cashless payment system, the Sani-Center Plus features cashless payment to provide consumers with a contactless and safe payment transaction experience. 
  • Greenlite allows payment for products with debit cards, credit cards, or mobile wallets such as Google Pay and Apple Pay. Mobile wallet platforms use NFC (near-field communication) to power contactless payments. With NFC, consumers just tap their phone to a terminal, such as a Greenlite device, and the transaction is completed.
  • Features configurable flex trays, enabling you to offer products of various shapes and sizes, including mini sanitizers, small spray bottles, medical face masks, and sanitizing wipes.

 

  1. MarketOne Fitness Merchandiser 

Sell all the products your customers need before, during, and after their workouts with the MarketOne Fitness Merchandiser! Increase your profits by dispensing a variety of fitness products and product sizes, including pre and post-workout supplements, beverages, towels, gloves, earbuds, and additional workout gear 24/7! 

Highlights

  • Attractive merchandising window and an optional 7” touchscreen including product calorie information, video ad capability, and a shopping cart mode. 
  • It has an excellent health safety feature with a Solid Shield Extended Warranty.
  • This vending machine has an iVend Guaranteed Delivery System that ensures that all items will vend, or they will get their money back. 
  • This vending machine has a heated glass and is ENERGY-STAR-rated.
  • With the optional add-on locker, you can provide customers with large items that may not fit into the MarketOne Fitness Merchandiser.
  • Consumers can pay using the standard coin and bill acceptor or PayRange, a mobile payment system enabling consumers to make payments directly from their mobile phones.
  • The optional Greenlite cashless payment system attracts more consumers and allows them to pay with credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. 

 

  1. AutoVend Plus Car Wash Vending Machine

Maximize your car wash product sales 24/7 with the AutoVend Plus Car Wash Vending Machine! Vend car wash supplies and car care products all in one machine. Grow your sales with this outdoor vending machine. With 24/7 access, customers can purchase products they need outside business hours. This convenience makes for happy and returning customers. 

Highlights

  • With its versatile design, it can dispense various types of products and a range of sizes, from small trinkets to detail sprays and even large towels.
  • Rugged all steel construction with high-security package guards against weather and vandalism.
  • Offer customers up to 45 product selections. 
  • Easy-to-change coils for various-size products.
  • The optional Greenlite cashless payment system attracts more consumers and allows them to pay with credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. 

 

  1. Bowling Vending Machine

Strike out with your customers with our bowling vending machine! Eliminate the long lines your customers have to wait to purchase the necessary bowling items and cut costs by having to hire additional employees. Give your bowling customers the option to purchase items they need to play their perfect game without waiting in a long line at the counter. Accommodate their needs by supplying 24/7 bowling accessories such as socks, towels, cleaning sprays, and more! 

Highlights

  • Consumers can pay using the standard coin and bill acceptor or PayRange, a mobile payment system enabling consumers to make payments directly from their mobile phones.
  • It is equipped with a standard credit/debit card reader.
  • This vending machine has an iVend Guaranteed Delivery System that ensures that all items will vend, or they will get their money back. 
  • Customize your machine with a graphic wrap to stand out and grow your branding. 

 

  1. MarketOne 35 Select Laundry Center

Add profit to your laundry establishment with the MarketOne 35 Select Landry Center Machine without adding another employee to sell products from behind the counter. Offer your customers their favorite detergents, fabric softeners, and laundry cleaning products in different sizes. Become your customer’s main go-to for all laundry products. This is an ideal way to increase profits and customer satisfaction. 

Highlights

  • Pull-out tilt trays are adjustable to fit many shapes of products. They make it simple to load the machine so you can always maintain product supplies in the machine easily.
  • Electronic coin changer and bill acceptor gives customers the convenience of not having the correct change.
  • Offer your customers 35 different product options. 
  • It is equipped with an iVend Guaranteed Delivery system along with built-in security. 

Final Words

Increase your business’s profits with custom-made vending machines. Whether you are looking to design your own vending machine in vend supplies for special business needs such as laundry products, bowling accessories, or car wash items, we have the vending machines you need. Check out our customized vending machines to expand your business, or call us today at 1-855-929-1042 to let us specialize in the right machine for you.

Earth Day and Vending Sustainability Goals - vending.com
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Earth Day and Vending Sustainability Goals

Innovative, Strong, and Sustainable Vending Machines

Today, many organizations are taking significant steps and implementing policies to limit their environmental impact. These companies realize that enforcing such policies helps the environment and public perception of their brand- a win-win situation. 

Leading organizations such as Vending.com are revolutionizing the vending industry with energy-efficient, eco-friendly vending machines. The reasonable costs allow customers to make cost-conscious and environmental decisions in their vending solutions.

Let’s discuss how healthy vending machines for sale contribute to sustainability.  

Earth Day Practices

Earth Day is an annual celebration to honor the achievements of the environmental movement and raise awareness of the need to preserve the earth’s natural resources. 

The core issues addressed by Earth Day actions and events worldwide include Advocacy, Conservation, Climate Change, Education, Energy, Green Economy, Green Schools, Food and Agriculture, Sustainable Development, and Waste Management.   

How Do Healthy Vending Machines Contribute to Sustainability? 

Companies like Vending.com focus on spreading the importance of environmentally responsible behavior by the company, employees, and business partners. We continually strive to eliminate waste via sustainable vending machine practices while helping our suppliers reduce waste in the more expansive value chain. Additionally, we have employed a well-established system to recycle paper, steel, aluminum, plastic, and other recyclables in our facilities.

Reducing Dependency on Fast Food 

Installing vending machines in schools, offices, universities, and companies gives teachers, students, and employees easy and quick access to healthy food and drinks. This reduces the need for frequent trips to fast-food restaurants for accessible, affordable, and convenient food. The packaging from fast food restaurants results in more waste in toxic landfills, further damaging the environment. It is more sustainable to have healthy dispensers in schools and workplaces so people depend less on food that negatively affects the environment.   

Saving Power and Energy  

Eco-friendly vending machines reduce power. They contain an energy-saving mode that shuts down the device automatically when not in use, such as during the night-time when there are few employees in the office. 

Modern dispensers are more energy-efficient than ever. This is an essential advancement as most vending machine models must be plugged in and connected to a power supply 24 hours a day. Depending on the machine size, vending machines can use less electricity than domestic refrigerators.     

Utilizing Smart Technology 

Smart technology in vending machines has created sustainable opportunities. For example, you can automatically monitor smart fridges to replace low stock and use perishables close to their expiry date, helping reduce waste. This increases the efficiency of the vending machines, improving both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.   

Manufacturing Ethically and Sustainably 

Another critical factor is where the vending machines’ stock is sourced from. You can maximize sustainability by ensuring the vending machines are not only eco-friendly but also that their products are manufactured ethically and sustainably. With modern water coolers, you can reduce the impact of use-and-throw plastics, allowing the usage of a recyclable cup or reusable bottle. 

Final Thoughts  

At Vending.com, we are committed to promoting sustainability and healthy snacking. Our vending machines are designed to use the latest electrical, refrigeration, communication technology, and lighting technologies, making them the industry’s most energy-efficient and highest-value products.

Our products include various models conforming to CSA, California Energy Commission, and Tier II Energy Star standards. Call us at 1-800-247-8709, and one of our vending machine experts would be happy to discuss how we can meet your vending needs.

How Your Business Can Benefit From Adding a Vending Machine
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How Your Business Can Benefit From Adding a Vending Machine

Are you looking for a new and innovative way to bring in extra revenue for your business? Consider adding a vending machine. The addition of a vending machine can benefit your business in numerous ways, from boosting employee morale to attracting more customers. This blog post will explore how vending machines can improve your bottom line.

Customer Benefits – a Quick Glance 

Here are just a few of the many benefits a vending machine would bring to your customers:

  • Convenience – Vending machines are convenient for customers who want to grab a quick snack or drink without waiting in line.
  • 24/7 Access – Customers can access your vending machine anytime. They do not have to wait for an operator to assist them. 
  • Variety – Vending machines offer a variety of products, so customers can find what they are looking for while having a range of options to choose from. 
  • Payments – Customers can access secure and easy payment options like credit /debit cards or mobile wallets.
  • Healthy Options – Customers can find healthy snacks and drinks in vending machines, including fresh fruit and salads.

Diverse Revenue Stream

Incorporating a vending machine into your business can provide a new and convenient revenue stream. Vending machines can be placed in various locations, such as office lobbies, break rooms, and near high-traffic areas. Offering snacks, drinks, or additional items for purchase can generate extra income for your business.

Vending machines are relatively low-maintenance and can be operated with minimal staff supervision. They can be stocked with various items to appeal to a wide range of customers. Proper placement and marketing can make a vending machine a valuable asset to your business.

Employees on Site

If your business has employees on-site, adding a vending machine is a great way to improve morale and increase productivity. Vending machines provide a convenient way for employees to refill their energy at work with snacks and drinks. A vending machine on site can also save employees time by eliminating the need to leave work to purchase food. 

What Type of Products Should You Stock?

There are several things to consider when deciding what products to stock, including the type of business you have, your target market, and the location of your vending machine.

Generally speaking, the most popular items in vending machines are snacks and beverages. If you have an office building or retail store, snacks such as chips, candy bars, and granola bars can fly off the racks. Healthy food options are usually best-sellers for businesses that see a lot of foot traffic, such as gyms.

Items priced too high may not sell well, while items priced too low may not generate enough profit.  Finding the right balance is the key.

What Type of Vending Machine is Right for Your Business?

These decisions, again, should be based on similar factors – the type of business you have, the products you sell, the location of your business, etc. 

To sell both food and drink items, choose a vending machine that stores and dispenses them together. If your business is located in a high-traffic area, consider a machine that can dispense multiple items at once to reduce customer wait times. Coffee and frozen food vending machines are also options to consider when deciding the type of vending machine that is right for your business. 

Vending machines can provide more than food and drinks. You can sell non-food items like books, magazines, small electronics, and more. In addition, vending machines offer a range of sized shelves or compartments to accommodate product sizes. Select a machine that caters to your customer’s interests if your business has a specific customer base. For example, if you wish to vend children’s books, you can select a machine with bright colors and graphics that appeal to kids.

Final Words – Vending Machines for Increased Revenue and Customer Satisfaction

Vending machines can add convenience and value to your business. All you need is a minimum initial investment. You can experience increased revenues and improved customer satisfaction. At vending.com, we directly supply many different types of quality vending machines. With over 90 years of experience, we can help you find the perfect vending machine. Visit here or call us at 1-855-929-1042 to get in touch with one of our experts today!

Increase the Profit Margin of Your Vending Business with These Quickfire Ways
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Increase the Profit Margin of Your Vending Business with These Quickfire Ways

We understand every vending business owner’s drive toward increasing their profit margin. It is a competitive market, and margins are tight. But what is the way forward here? 

In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to increase your vending machine business profit margin and improve the performance of your business. From incorporating technology to understanding consumer trends, these tips will help you get ahead of the competition and make more money. Read on to learn more!

Trends do Matter 

It is essential to understand trends in the industry to make strategic decisions that will increase your profit margins. By staying on top of the latest trends, you can make decisions that will help you boost your bottom line.

Here are ways to stay on top of the latest trends:

Follow industry news outlets and trade publications: This will help you stay current on the latest news and developments in the vending industry. 

Attend trade shows and conferences: Trade shows and conferences are great places to learn about new trends and form networks that can prove vital to your business.

Keep an eye on your competition: Keep tabs on what your competition is doing so you can adapt and improve your offerings.

The Art of Subtle Promotions 

Quoting a famous old proverb, “all that glitters is not gold.” Not all your promotions need to be flying off that skyscraper. Subtle promotions are an effective way to gain prospects, alluring those making purchase decisions. 

One of the ways to apply this concept to a vending business is by making your products transparent through a glass-front vending machine. This way, customers can make easy purchase decisions, and the visibility of a product makes them eager to purchase. 

Another example of this concept is offering discounts on certain products when purchased together. This is a great way to encourage people to buy more. Posting special deals, contests, and other promotions can get the word out about your business without being too overt.

Subtle promotions can be used to increase your profit margin. By thinking outside the box, you can develop additional ways to promote your vending business subtly yet effectively.

Make it Attention Grabbing 

Vending businesses need to have an attention-grabbing edge. Here are a few key ways to ensure your vending machine business stands out for a better profit margin.

Customizing wraps or decals can make your vending machines eye-catching. You can add your company logo or other graphics to make your vending machines easily recognizable. You can also offer unique products such as healthy snacks or local specialties. Maintaining your vending machines well will make you a professional and reliable business.

Articulate Stocking of Products 

The more organized a display is, the more a value-centric customer base would be willing to splash their cash. Consider the following factors while stocking the products in your vending machine:

  • The type of product you are selling
  • The target audience for your product
  • The location of your vending machine

Common sense is that the more products you have, the more you can sell. The key is to use the shelf space efficiently and stock the products according to their shape and size. Purchase patterns also must be considered.

Consider Installing Another Machine

With another machine, you’ll be able to offer more products and services to customers. Before installing another machine, it’s important to consider space on the premise and installation and maintenance costs. Adding another vending machine can significantly increase your profits. 

Goodwill, That Priceless Trait

It goes without saying, but goodwill is one of the essential traits of any business. Goodwill is a business’s positive reputation with its customers, employees, and the public. This reputation that businesses hold makes customers come onto the pedestal and shake hands with you and for your employees to work with you.

There are many ways to build and maintain goodwill within your vending business. Here are a few:

  1. Excellent customer service – This means always being polite and helpful, promptly addressing customer concerns, and exceeding their expectations.
  2. Offer high-quality products and services – If you keep your vending machines stocked with fresh, healthy snacks and drinks, or if your laundry machines always provide clean, fresh clothes – customers will be more likely to use your services in the future. Customers are willing to pay as long as they receive the desired value. 
  3. Give back to the community – The community where you do your business deserves the best services. Customers appreciate a higher CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) emphasis and reward those businesses with loyalty. 
  4. Be a good employer – When your employees are happy, they’ll be more likely to provide excellent customer service, enhancing your goodwill.

Automation is the Way Forward

Automation can help your vending machine profit margin by improving efficiency and the bottom line by reducing costs and increasing productivity.

You can automate your vending business in several ways, such as using vending machines that accept card payments or implementing an inventory management system. Card payment machines can save you time and money by eliminating the need to count coins and notes, while an inventory management system can help you keep track of your stock levels and ensure that you always have the right products in stock. 

Final Word

There are many ways to achieve a profitable vending business. However, a quality vending machine is critical in running a successful vending machine business. At Vending.com, we offer a wide range of factory-direct, high-quality vending machines Made in the USA. Contact us today!

The Top Vending Trends to Look Forward to in 2023
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on The Top Vending Trends to Look Forward to in 2023

The Top Vending Trends to Look Forward to in 2023

 The past decade saw massive changes in machinery and equipment technology. The rapid development of smart technology has played a significant key in not only vending machine innovation, but in vending machine market trends. The current vending machines for sale are welcoming diversity by supplying more than one beverage option.

These machines are operable through mobile applications and programmable solutions for effective services. The vending industry continues to offer new trends that manufacturers leverage to gain a competitive advantage. Trends like large-screen displays and cloud solutions are significant in vending product marketing. Check out the latest vending market trends so you can stay ahead!

Top Vending Market Trends for 2023

Here are the top vending trends that businesses can expect in 2023:

Cashless Payment Options

Most present-day vending machines focus on digital features to provide more convenience to customers. Today, people can enjoy their cup of tea or coffee by swiping a card or making a mobile payment, and the vending machine will process the order. Cashless payments also improve equipment hygiene, reducing exposure to bacteria and germs.

Sustainable Solution

Each year, tons of waste products are generated worldwide. Unfortunately, only a tiny amount of these waste products get recycled. Manufacturers and enterprises must take steps to stop this situation. Vending organizations are making waste management more effective by preserving milk and water used to prepare beverages.

These preservation sensors can preserve the internal conditions to keep the milk fresh for a particular day. Smart inventory allows vending operators to include certain liquids to handle daily usage without waste. Some of these have recycling abilities to keep the users in good health and, at the same time, protect the planet.

Multi-function Interface

Vending machine manufacturers constantly look for ways to improve their products’ functionality. They are manufacturing vending machines that support multiple functions from a single interaction.

Additionally, these vending machines can check maintenance, manage payments, and display the number of cups dispensed. Artificial Intelligence assists coffee/tea vending machines in making intelligent inventory decisions, eliminating the requirement for standby operators in a company. This feature cuts down expenses while minimizing waste.

Customized Vending Machines

With custom vending machines, every customer is cared for as if they were the only person, following their way of thinking and satisfying their desires through personalized products that fit various requests. These vending machines are characterized by different models based on differing customer requests.

One of the main factors to consider is the customer’s budget: how much they can invest. Customized vending machines make customers feel treated special.

Smart Interactive Vending Machines

Smart interactive vending machines allow cashless payments and connectivity. As technology advances, manufacturers are trying to manufacture machines that create personalized experiences while developing their algorithms. Soon, establishments will be able to connect coffee/tea vending machines to cloud systems operating through mobile apps.

Users can use an app that processes orders and prepares their beverages as instructed. This process provides recommendations for the users the next time they log into the app, thus creating a customized user journey. Vending machines could also showcase notifications for new items and menus in the machine.

Vending Healthy Products

Vending machines have become advanced enough to instantly deliver hot coffee, tea, and chocolate in self-service cafeterias and offices. In addition, with multiple product options and changing customer preferences, vending manufacturers are now introducing healthy product options.

Final Words – The Bright Future of the Industry

Now is an exciting time to be a part of the vending industry. Thanks to advances in vending products and locations, payment, and technology, vending operators can offer more convenience and choice for customers while benefiting from cost-efficient and more streamlined maintenance.

At Vending.com, we are at the heart of these vending machine market trends. Vending.com offers factory direct vending machines with flexible in-house financing options, and much more. Click here to contact us and discover how we can meet the unique requirements of your vending business.

The Top Five Locations for Vending Machines
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on The Top Five Locations for Vending Machines

The Top Five Locations for Vending Machines

These days, vending machines are everywhere. Vending machines offer a convenient way to consume food and beverages on the go. Common types of vending machines for sale include wellness vending machines, healthy food vending machines, perishable vending machines, and junk food vending machines.

Businesses and organizations have vending machines installed in various places to meet the requirements of people with in-house beverages and snacks. They select the size and type of vending machines creating an additional source of income while allowing people to get food and drinks at their convenience within the premises.

Here are the top 5 in the list of locations where placing vending machines can be highly profitable for you:

Top 5 Locations for Vending Machines

Manufacturing Companies

After extended shutdowns because of the pandemic, manufacturing employees work around the clock to catch up with their production schedules. Through vending machines, they must rely on quick and easy access to healthy snacks and meals.

 Manufacturing companies, some having hundreds or thousands of employees, many of which operate 24/7. Whether they work day or night shifts, employees need breaks. Vending machines are the perfect way to offer them a convenient and affordable pick-me-up.

 Offices

An office is perfect for a vending machine as you can provide your employees with the convenience and ease of getting beverages and snacks during break and lunchtime. It can also be a source of additional revenue. There was a reduction in employee office attendance in 2020. However, more employers have recently requested employees to return to the office instead of working virtually. 

We all have days when we do not have time to prepare food to bring to work, which is one of the reasons why office vending machines are trendy. Employees can quickly grab a sandwich or an iced tea on a break without wasting time running to the store. 

 Hospitals and Nursing Homes

Wellness, healthy, or perishable product vending machines make good choices in nursing homes, hospitals, or healthcare facilities. Healthcare facilities are perfect locations for vending machines to offer beverages and food to visitors and staff when they need them. 

Healthy food vending machines at a care facility can be a very impulsive and attractive addition. 

Hotels and Motels

Hotels and motels are fantastic locations to add various vending machines to entice impulsive food purchases. Guests will appreciate the convenience of a vending machine. Hotels and motels make great locations for vending machines due to their high traffic and the constant arrival of new guests. 

Universities and Schools

Today’s generation has a craving for beverages and snacks wherever they are. University or school campuses can be ideal locations to install vending machines and attract students towards healthy eating habits.

After-school programs, games, music, and so on are reasons kids spend more time at school. Parents might only have time to pack extra snacks on some days, so grabbing a snack at a vending machine is an appealing option.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the most popular locations for vending machines, you can decide where to install your next vending machines. You can contact us to discuss your specific vending machine requirements and discover the best options for your facility. 

Ref:

Top 10 Locations for Vending Machines | Nayax

Top 5 Best Locations for Vending Machines (mefitvending.com)

Top 9 Vending Machine Locations to Grow Your Business (awafia.com)

Top Locations for Vending Machines: How We Find the Best (healthyyouvending.com)

Section 179 - Tax
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Don’t miss out on year-end tax saving opportunities with the Section 179 tax deduction for your vending business

Don’t miss out on year-end tax saving opportunities with the Section 179 tax deduction for your vending business

If you are wondering why all small businesses around you are rushing to make purchases, then you are in the right place. For those who have woken up from a 15-year slumber, Section 179 allows all businesses to deduct the total value of qualified purchases within certain limits while computing taxes. This has been around since 2008. This year the government provides several additional benefits to businesses, including the ability to deduct up to $1,080,000. This is the highest-ever deduction allowed so far. This number has varied each year and might not even be applicable in future years. For vending machine businesses interested in this Section 179 tax deduction in 2022, you have about six weeks to make eligible purchases.

Section 179

Eligibility for Section 179 Deductions

Large businesses can enjoy the same deductions as small ones under Section 179. However, the deductions have been structured to specifically encourage small businesses and to boost their profitability. 

Certain governing conditions define eligibility for this deduction. The total qualified equipment purchase for these businesses should be at most $3.78 Million. The following list shows the type of equipment eligible for this deduction:

Equipment (machines, etc.) purchased for business use:

  • Tangible personal property used in business
  • Business vehicles with a gross vehicle weight above 6,000 lbs
  • Computers
  • Computer “Off-the-Shelf” software
  • Office furniture
  • Office equipment

Vending machines are included within eligible purchases for the Section 179 Tax Deduction. This allows small vending businesses to spend money on capital enhancement and enjoy tax savings.

Off-the-Shelf software purchases are also eligible to put toward this deduction. Bespoke or custom-developed software and software services are not eligible, however.

Another qualifier is that the equipment purchased in FY 22 must also have been implemented in FY 22. The business must also have made a taxable profit in the same year. If the business cuts a loss, it will only be eligible for bonus depreciation. [1]

Limits in Section 179 for FY 2022

The minimum spending on capital equipment or software for which the Section 179 deductions applies is $2,700,000. The maximum amount for which the deductions apply is $3,780,000. This means there can be a dollar-to-dollar deduction for a total of $1,080,000 ($3.78M – $2.7 M) in FY 22.

This limit makes it very attractive for small and medium businesses, as large businesses often spend more than $3.78 Mn on Section 179 qualified equipment in a year.

Section 179 and Financed Purchases

The relevance of Section 179 deductions for cash-down purchases in the current year is straightforward. However, the government allows businesses to deduct for financed purchases too. The point is that businesses are eligible to deduct the total value of the equipment bought, including what is financed in the current year. This can be explained by the following example:

Assume that the value of 10 Vending Machines = $ 100,000 **

The total value of installments in the current year as a part of the financing agreement = $ 20,000 **

The value eligible for Section 179 Deduction = $ 100,000 **

Tax Savings when the tax rate is 22% = $ 22,000 **

** All values are assumptions to demonstrate deductions in the case of a financed purchase.

Thus, there can be instances where the Section 179 deductions can save more in taxes than the money spent toward that purchase in the current year. This depends on the terms of financing, though.

Savings for your vending business can be estimated by clicking on the link at the end of this article.

Electing to Deduct Under Section 179

Vending machine business tax deductions under Section 179 are not applicable by default. All businesses must elect for this deduction in form 4562 while filing the returns at the end of the year. This is a form a business must file when showing depreciation of assets or deductions under Section 179. Businesses can claim this deduction even when filing under an approved extension beyond the date for filing returns.

Investments eligible for the computation of deductions include the amount spent up to the date of filing returns. Expenses not considered in the years preceding the current year can be included in the current year. However, the investments made before 2007 cannot be considered. [2]

Next Steps for Your Vending Business

If you have not already purchased enough equipment to enjoy the benefits of deductions under Section 179, now is the time. The deduction does not only help you improve your P&L, but it can also help you save taxes and invest in your growth.

If you do not have disposable cash that you can use to purchase vending machines, that should not be a hurdle. You can finance your purchase using our attractive financing options and still claim deductions for the total value of the purchase as long as it is within the eligible limit for the current year.

Our vending specialists can help you estimate your savings and plan the purchase of your new or used vending machines. To know more, call us at 1-855-929-1042 or visit our website at www.vending.com.

Useful Links:

Part 1 of Form 4562: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4562.pdf

Information about Section 179: https://www.section179.org/

Tax Deduction Calculator: https://www.section179.org/section_179_calculator/

 

[1] – https://www.section179.org/section_179_deduction/

[2] – https://www.section179.org/electing_section_179_deductions/

Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on How to Choose a Reliable Vending Machine Supplier?

How to Choose a Reliable Vending Machine Supplier?

Vending machines are proven to be an excellent way to generate revenue. Customers appreciate their convenience, especially vending machines that provide variety and accessibility. 

However, vending is also a business that has its challenges. The competition is intense when many players are operating in the same market. Usually vending operators that provide the best machines and customer service are the most successful. This is why having the right supplier makes all the difference to the success of your vending business. A trustworthy and dependable vending supplier will have your back when things get tough. The right products, great locations, and scheduled maintenance will lead to a successful and profitable vending business. 

 

Why is Finding the Right Supplier so Important? 

About 7 million vending machines operate in the U.S alone. One must be careful whom they partner with if they want to stand out from the crowd. Once you step into the vending business, you may depend entirely on your suppliers for the right equipment. 

A seasoned and dependable vending supplier will help you choose the ideal vending machine that will be profitable for your business-specific requirements at a particular location. If you go with the wrong supplier, you might end up with a machine that is unreliable or not well suited for the chosen location. Choosing a reliable vending machine supplier is essential because a good relationship with them can save you money in the long run. Choose a supplier who will help you and answer your questions after the sale and someplace that will sell you a cheap piece of junk and disappear.

 

Steps to Finding a Reliable Vending Machine Supplier

Finding a dependable vending machine supplier may take time and effort on your part. It would be helpful to take extra time to research options in your area and find the vending machine supplier that is best suited to meet your needs. Here are a few strategies to find a good vending machine supplier. 

  1. You can choose a supplier that someone in your network recommends. 
  1. You may use an online vendor database specializing in vending machines.
  2. Feel free to ask questions: Soon after you have narrowed down the selection of vendors and received their quotes, do not be afraid to ask questions. Despite the overwhelming number of questions you might ask, a reputed supplier will be glad to answer them. Some questions customers frequently ask vendors are:
    • How long have you been in business?
    • Where are your machines built?
    • Do you offer financing?
    • What happens if the vending machine breaks down? 
    • How much does the vending machine’s maintenance cost? 

Asking these questions and listening to the answers are crucial components of success. 

Vending.com – Snack and Drink Vending Machine Sales

 

More Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vending Machine Supplier 

The process of finding a reliable vending machine supplier is an important one. Here are a few things to help you find a great vendor for your business:

  • Experience – A good, dependable vending machine supplier like Vending.com will have a record of success in the industry. They will also have experience with the type of vending machines you need and helping customers like you thrive. 
  • Reputation – A reliable vending machine supplier will have a strong reputation in the industry. You can find out what others think about them by reading online reviews. 
  • References – Ask your prospective vending machine supplier for references. You can also try to find references on your own by contacting clients who have used them in the past. 
  • Technology – How does the level of development and technology in a supplier’s machine compare to their competitors?
  • Quality and Guarantee – The quality of the vending machine is an important aspect you should examine. Check if it is built with high-quality materials for durability. Vending machines are heavy-duty equipment and must last long. Make sure the vending machine you buy has a reasonable warranty period. 

  Vending machines are an excellent way to enhance your income. However, you must choose a dependable vending supplier who provides high-quality equipment. You will need to pick potential suppliers who can be trusted. By choosing Vending.com, you will have a long and prosperous relationship. This, in turn, will assist you in growing your vending business and boosting your profit margin. If you are interested in knowing more about us, call us today at 1-855-929-1042 or visit our website! Vending.com – Snack and Drink Vending Machine Sales