Author: Phil Masters

Phil Masters has witnessed and shaped the convenience services industry for over five decades. Since earning his associate's degree in Marketing in 1970, Phil has played a pivotal role at Vending.com and The Wittern Group, Vending.com’s parent company. He’s been a key contributor and leader in evolving vending solutions. His impact surpasses the typical roles associated with sales. He has pushed boundaries and embraced change by spearheading new stylings for Vending.com’s vending equipment line and pioneering corporate partnerships and branding campaigns with iconic companies like Harley Davidson, John Deere, General Motors, Ford, and others. Phil is fortunate to be a part of driving the success of Vending.com and looks forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2031. He’s thankful for the opportunities to introduce new programs and provide innovative and tailored solutions to help individuals and companies reach their vending goals and thrive in an ever-evolving market.

Posted on May 3, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Popular Snacks & Drink for Your Business

Deciding what snacks and drinks to put in your vending machine is no simple task. It is essential to fill your machine with products that your customers will love. If you are struggling to find a place to start, check out some of the most popular vending machine items on the market.

Snacks

For eight years in a row, Snickers has been named the most popular candy bar in the United States, meaning you can’t go wrong with adding this top selling vending machine item to your inventory. Another great go-to product for your snack machine is Pop-Tarts. This top vending machine snack is the perfect, convenient alternative when people are on the go and do not have time for breakfast. For a healthier snack, people prefer Clif Bars, MixMeister Fusion, Trail Mix and Granola Bars.

Hot Take: When it comes to choosing the right vending machine to hold snacks, we recommend one of our MarketOne Snack 5W Food Selling Machines or the MarketOne Snack 6W Vending Machine. These machines feature a large merchandising window and LED lighting for an unbeatable merchandising experience.

Drinks

Is it any surprise that water is the most popular beverage in vending machines? Water may be easy to find, but people often forget water bottles and need to find ways to stay hydrated while on the go. Additionally, the popularity of coffee from vending machines continues to grow, especially among Millennials, particularly cold coffee. Add the top selling vending machine product to your inventory, it’s the perfect product to give customers a quick boost during the day.

Hot Take: One of our most popular vending machines, The Express Combo Vending Machine, has the ability to vend both snacks and beverages. Its eco-friendly, compact design can hold up to 20 snack selections and 9 drink selections to vend products to customers.

For more information on the best snacks and drinks for your vending equipment, give us a call at 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on June 4, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Vending Machine Upkeep-Part 1: Brushing

Did You Know?

One of the most important parts of maintaining and cleaning a vending machine is brushing the vents? It’s true!

When maintaining a vending machine, many people overlook one crucial cleaning step: brushing. The regularity of brushing you need to perform will vary, depending on the location you choose for the machine.

The only tool you need to take this extra step is a long-handled brush. You don’t even need a specialized one! As long as you can reach every part of the underside of your machine, you will be fine.

So, once you’ve obtained your brush of choice to clean the vending machine vents, simply

knock away dust, dirt, and other grime that has collected on the vending machine and
sweep the grime away (if you leave it there, it will just hop back up on the vending machine

The location your machine is in heavily affects how often you need to clean your vending machine. Vending machines, especially refrigerated ones, move a large amount of air. Outdoor machines are susceptible to dirt, dust, and other outdoor remnants being swept up into their airflow, so you would need to clean these machines more regularly than an office vending machine. However, if you were comparing the outdoor machine to one placed in a factory setting, you probably would need to clean the factory one even more.

Cleaning your vending machines is vital to their longevity. Think about when you get a stuffy nose. You can’t breathe and you feel bad. Vending machines respond in almost the exact same way. If there are major blockages of the airflow, the machine can’t breathe enough to cool down. This can cause long-lasting damage to the machine, and if it is a prolonged blockage, you may find yourself with an unsalvageable machine.

In the end, how often the vending machine is cleaned should be decided by the person who knows the location best: you! For more information on the upkeep of your machine, contact Vending.com at 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on June 21, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Provide a Safer Experience with UVend Technology

Vending.com’s patent-pending UVend Technology makes the high-touch surfaces of vending machines safer by quickly killing or inactivating some of the most common viruses and bacteria, including influenza and the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2). It provides your employees and customers with a safer way to enjoy the convenience of on-site snacks and beverages.

UVend Technology is up to 99.9% in killing or inactivating some of the most common viruses and bacteria. It has been independently tested by accredited third-party testing labs to generate UV light within the germicidal frequencies and with enough power to be effective and sanitizing surfaces. The UVC light that is used in UVend Technology is the same UVC technology that is in use by healthcare organizations, schools, prisons, retailers and the transportation and hospitality industries.

For user safety, UVend Technology features an automated motion sensor and visible blue light. The motion sensor ensures no presence is detected in front of the machine before activating and the blue light indicates quick sanitization is in process, allowing the machine’s keypad and delivery door to be sanitized after almost every use.

It is time to provide a safer experience for your customers and employees. It gives them peace of mind that the technology is creating a safer environment for employees and customers. It is a chemical-free solution that does not rely on human behavior.

To find out more about UVend Technology, click HERE or call 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on July 7, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Vending Machine Upkeep-Part 2: Leveling

It is something that is mentioned in every manual and set-up guide, yet it is consistently overlooked. Every vending machine should be leveled right away. It is an easy step that is skipped, most often because it is deemed ‘unimportant.’ This could not be further from the truth.

Vending machines can be very sensitive. They literally, in their most basic parts, are refrigerated boxes. What happens, however, when the box does not seal all the way? When it is jostled every day because it is unsteady, the longevity of the box drastically declines.

One of the most important reasons that you need to level your vending machine is to protect the door. Given enough time while unlevel, the door of a vending machine will, eventually, not close anymore. They are built to align with precise locking mechanisms and intricate wiring. The vending machine being unlevel puts more pressure on the door than originally intended. The long-term effect could be permanent damage to the hinges, seals, and locking mechanisms of the door.

Even within a few weeks of being unlevel, the door might become harder to open. The probability of the door getting stuck increases exponentially when a machine remains unleveled. If you have a refrigerated vending machine and its door does not close all the way, you risk damaging other components of the machine as well, such as the refrigeration units. The doors are designed to seal all the cold air in, so the hot air can be pumped out. This process does not work properly if the seal is broken.

All the above consequences can be avoided by leveling your machine during the setup process. All it would take is 5-10 extra minutes of set-up, and in the end, that 5-10 minutes could save you the need to buy a completely new machine!

For more information on the upkeep of your machine, click HERE or contact Vending.com at 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on July 21, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Know Your Features: Express Combo

Everyone has their favorite thing. Favorite food. Favorite drink. Favorite Color. With so many options in the world, it can be hard to choose just one of anything! It is the same way with vending machines. Today, we are here to highlight the Express Combo Vending Machine. By the end of this post, you will know a bit more about the features that make this one of our bestselling machines.

Selections and Storage

For a combination vending machine, the Express Combo has an impressive number of selections. Up to 20 snacks and 9 drinks can be placed in the machine, which makes it perfect for smaller businesses, or locations that are interested in smaller machines. This model brings convenience to the forefront. With snacks and drinks in the same machine, it is truly a one-stop shop for customers. Speaking of convenient features, the Express comes equipped with a ‘pre-cool’ storage area. Drinks can be stored here so that when a restock occurs, the first few drinks are already cold for the customer!

Hardware

The Express Combo is built with easy loading trays, two versatile bottle and can trays, and a high capacity can tray.

Easy Loading Trays

These trays are designed to tilt when they are pulled out, and they are equipped with latches to prevent the tray from falling out. This function allows for higher trays to be reached and filled with the same ease and efficiency as the lower ones.

Versatile Bottle and Can Trays

The coils on these trays can vend both bottles and cans. This feature works for cans and bottles that are up to 24 ounces.

High Capacity Can Tray

These are amazing. They hold 5 selections and can dispense up to 80 cans! They are super easy to load as well, making them great for both the operator and the customer!

Software

Greenlite Cashless

The Express is compatible with cashless payment systems. With an average of 15-30% more sales, the card reader option is a no-brainer for any compatible machine!

iVend

One of the best systems you could possibly have on your machine is the iVend Guaranteed Product Delivery System. Using a laser, the machine can sense if a product has vended completely. If it hasn’t it will keep turning the coils until the product breaks the beam, or the system determines that the row is empty. If there is a failed vend, where nothing drops no matter how many times it turns, the payment is returned to the customer to try for a different product. This system has a strong correlation with customer satisfaction!

For more information on our other great machines, click HERE or contact Vending.com at 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on August 4, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Vending Machine Upkeep-Part 3: Recordkeeping

As much as we sometimes wish it were true, we can’t remember everything. When thinking about the longevity of a machine, oftentimes what pops into our minds are steps we can take to maintain its factory-new condition. One of the most efficient and successful ways of prolonging the life of a vending machine is to regularly check it.

Detailed business recordkeeping can be a lifesaver. If you write something down, you don’t have to actively try to remember it. When it comes to repairs and maintenance, writing down even the most minute details can save you from headaches later.

You should keep detailed notes when:

You complete any self-repairs
An Independent Repairman or Service works on the machine
An Operator Provided Technician services the machine

Basically, your vending business recordkeeping should keep track of any service done to the machine, no matter who is completing it. But detailed notes don’t always mean you list who, where, and when. There are several things you should always keep track of beyond these items.

What You Should Always Write Down:

Who serviced the machine
When they serviced the machine
Where the machine is located
Every step they took to ‘fix’ the machine
- And what each action was supposed to fix
Parts they replaced and where they got them
Vending Machine serial number, manufacturer, and model number

While writing so much information down can be tedious, the lack of panicked searching and stress later is well worth the work you do in the present.

There are many reasons to keep track of everything with vending business recordkeeping so diligently:

Helps you keep track of reoccurring maintenance checks
Assists with finding parts in the future
Gives you a sense of a machine’s history

Should something not be resolved the first time around, you then know exactly what has already been tried

Of the reasons listed above, one is more unassuming than the others: Knowing the history of a machine. It probably isn’t the first thing to cross your mind, but it can be quite beneficial to use business recordkeeping to be able to see if a machine has a history of issues, especially if you have purchased a used machine. We recommend asking the previous machine’s owner about the machine’s history prior to purchasing. It can help you identify machines near or at the end of their lifetime, and in the end, can help you make the decision of purchasing a new vending machine for sale over continuing to service a machine past-its-prime.

For more information on the upkeep of your machine, click HERE or contact Vending.com at 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on August 18, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Let’s Hear it for the Pets!

Work Like a Dog Day. International Cat Day. National Spoil Your Dog Day. National Black Cat Appreciation Day. International Homeless Animals Day. National Take Your Cat to the Vet Day. National Dog Day. National Holistic Pet Day.

With August containing so many different pet-themed holidays, we thought it would be prudent to teach you about our affiliate, Vending 4 Pets!

Vending 4 Pets provides high-quality vending machines you can maintain and make all the profits benefit your animal shelter or rescue league.

Provide snacks and cold drinks to your employees and visitors. $0.65 of every $1.00 is profit! We offer 100% financing. Our program requires a portion of the profit on a few sales per day. All the rest of the profit goes to your shelter/rescue league.

Simply maintain and stock your own machines with your choice of snacks and drinks. Your choice! Choose your favorite snacks, drinks, food, and even healthy vending items. Additionally, their vending machines are ADA compliant per the American Disabilities Act.

Here is what the ARL of Iowa had to say:

“The customized vending machines are a real hit! We highly recommend this program.”

Tom Colvin, Director

ARL Animal Rescue League of Iowa

Call for a Free Vending comparison!

Let us show you how easy it is to raise money for animal shelters and rescues in your area! Call Vending.com today to learn more at 1-855-254-1131!

Prepare for Winter with UVend Technology

Posted on October 4, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Are You Prepared for Winter?

The cold, winter months are going to be here before we know it. Not only does this mean colder weather, but it means that we will see an uptick in illness, whether it be a cold, the flu or COVID-19. Believe it or not, there is a lot that can be done with existing or new vending machines for sale in the winter to ensure your customers are satisfied.

MarketOne Coffee Vending Machine

For many customers, the cold weather settling in means that they crave a hot beverage in order to keep them warm. Enter the new MarketOne Coffee Vending Machine. It features a European design and a state-of-the-art brewing system for customers to receive coffee shop-quality from a vending machine with the push of a button. Keep customers warm by giving them the option to choose from up to 34 hot beverage combination options of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, espresso and more.

UVend Technology

Give customers and employees the safer vending experience they have been craving with UVend Technology. UVend Technology, a patent-pending UVC light sanitization device, makes the high-touch surfaces of vending machines safer by quickly killing or inactivating up to 99.9% of some of the most common viruses and bacteria, including influenza and COVID-19.

To provide an extra layer of protection, UVend Technology features an automated motion sensor and visible blue light. The motion sensor ensures no presence is detected in front of the machine before activating and the blue light indicates quick sanitization is in process, allowing the machine’s keypad and delivery door to be sanitized after almost every use.

Sani-Center Vending Machine

Vending.com’s Sani-Center PPE Vending Machine limits face-to-face interaction by safely dispensing cleaning supplies, medical masks, hand sanitizers, wipes and more to customers. It allows customers safe access to supplies they need while generating revenue for your business. One of the biggest Sani-Center benefits is the capability for customers to purchase items through a cashless card reader or mobile payment platform, further reducing direct contact with the vending machine.

Looking for more ways to give your customers an extra layer of protection during the winter months? Call 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on October 18, 2021 | by Phil Masters

The 2021 Section 179 Tax Deduction

Did you know that with the Section 179 Tax Deduction, you can deduct the full price of new vending equipment? This incentive for business owners expires at the end of 2021, so take full advantage today! Find out more about the benefits of this incentive and how it can help your vending business by watching the video below.

For more information about Section 179, give us a call at 1-800-548-1982 or contact your sales representative today!

Posted on November 3, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Financing Options

The biggest challenge to investing in vending machines is capital, but it does not have to be.

Vending machines are the proverbial cash-cows that individuals and businesses can earn a constant source of additional income from. But for some, the cost of buying one can delay the decision to invest in other vending machines and vending technology. So how do you invest in a vending machine? Leading vending machine manufacturer, Vending.com, a Wittern Group company, has a history of solving this challenge for interested investors.

For more than 50 years, they have put the power to invest in vending machines in the hands of interested investors both big and small. With financing features like:
• Flexible repayment arrangements to meet cash flow
• Specialized programs to increase sales
• Up to 48-month terms
• Quick credit approval process

buying a vending machine can be easier than buying snacks from one.

Why invest in vending machines in the first place?

An auxiliary source of income never bites. People have always looked at hedging the risks in their income by creating sources that make money for them when they are busy. Vending machines can do just that for you. Like the legendary Warren Buffet would say, this would be the way to make money while you are sleeping.

But it is not just that. Vending machines at establishments like gyms and salons can bring great convenience for your customers and visitors who no longer have to haul bags of water, beverages and health snacks. This can improve customer loyalty and bring recurring footfall that increases your main business. Yes, it is true that vending machines not only help you make money by selling merchandise, but also helping you improve your customer retention. Afterall, happy customers have no reason to try your competition if you make their life easy.

For hospitals, educational institutions and community spaces, vending machines solve a different set of problems. Apart from giving accessibility to people in need of essentials, they help us all focus on our real reason for being in these places.

How to address the financing problem for your vending machine investments?

Now that we have clearly seen that individuals and businesses alike can benefit from buying and installing vending machines, the next inevitable problem is how to invest in a vending machine in regards to the capital requirement. While individuals and small businesses can get a tangible increase in income from vending machines, the availability of capital makes it difficult for them to invest. It might make it less attractive to dip into your reserves or vacation savings, even if one knows that there will be guaranteed returns in the long run.

The story is the same for small businesses when it comes to choosing between paying the bills versus investing in vending machines. The problem is not small for large establishments either. At the end of the day, removing valuable cash or capital from operations is likely to have impact on operations. This is where vending machine financing options like the ones Vending.com provide make it attractive for anybody who might be interested.

Financing is not just for making that first step into the vending world. It can help achieve scalable growth by acquiring more machines to amplify your success.

So what does Vending.com offer as financing options?

Vending.com provides a variety of plans ranging from 6 to 48 months. Each one of them come with attractive APR rates. Consultants engage with buyers to identify the best plan that suits investment appetite and repayment capacity.

What is more interesting is that the financing options are available for not just the machines but for the parts as well. What does that mean for the average buyer? The technology behind vending machines is growing in leaps and bounds. From contactless transactions, to UV sanitization and intuitive back-end web-based device management, there are a lot of ways to monetize your machines. This means that customers can continue to upgrade their machines with the necessary components that can help them generate more revenue. As Vending.com’s financing plans are extended to the parts, making that decision to invest in technology that gives you more revenue becomes a no-brainer.

How can one apply for financing from Vending.com in order to invest in a vending machine?

Vending.com realizes that having such attractive financing options can only be beneficial if interested investors can easily apply for and obtain financing. That is why they have made the application simple and straight forward. One could try the online application form in this link or download the physical application.

Even the estimation of profit before you make the purchase decision is child’s play with this tool that helps you calculate your returns.

Vending.com’s financing plans, combined with the ease of application for finance and the attractive returns on investment, are very good reasons to make that foray into the vending business. A financing specialist will assist you all the way through this secure process.

You can ask for help on this page here, or call 1-855-929-1042.

Disclaimer: Financing is only available with approved credit. (WAC)

Posted on December 17, 2021 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

Vending – A Year in Review

2021 – A look back

2020 will be remembered as the year of lockdowns and the year when masks became a style accessory for the masses. But 2021 has had a lot of other reasons to be remembered. While some may remember it as commercial space flights becoming the new norm, others will remember the vending industry and its big moments in 2021.

The market for vending equipment grew at a much faster pace than 2020. In a market that has been traditionally dominated by the United States and East Asia, other emerging markets have started making their marks too. This is not happenstance. A growing population with disposable income, new-age payment technologies and the need for contactless purchasing have all aided this growth. The traditional vending products market is set to reach $12 billion in 2021, according to leading industry analyst Technavio.

Trends in Vending

Vending machines are customized automated mechanisms that can provide items like snacks and beverages. The penetration of vending machines in the global market has been growing for the past few years. North American markets have dominated the market historically, but recent years have been great for American-made vending machine manufacturers and operators in Japan, China, South Korea and other Far East markets. Between these two geographies, they have covered more than 2/3rds of the global market in the past year.

Research companies like Markets and Research, IBIS, Statista and Technavio are all upbeat about the demand for vending machines in 2021 and beyond. Growth estimates vary from 10.6% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) to as high as 15% CAGR in the next decade. With newer applications, wider acceptance and easier payment systems, this number can only go up.

Key Drivers

COVID-19 has influenced the vending machine markets in more than one way. Consumers have become more conscious about social distancing and personal safety than ever before. Solutions like contactless payment, such as Greenlite cashless, Near Field Communications (NFC), and mobile interface have made it possible for users to interact and transact without contact. While contact with the machine is inevitable, technology like UVend Technology has come in handy. UVend Technology can kill or inactivate 99.9% of pathogens making interacting with vending machines safer for customers.

Vending machines are also becoming more versatile and allowing diverse applications. Conventional applications like coffee vending, cold beverage machines, and snack machines, continue to dominate the market. Newer applications like personal hygiene products and lifestyle accessories, however, are beginning to gain some ground.

Socio-economic factors were also a key player in 2021. The fallout from the global pandemic rolled over into 2021. This meant that convenience stores and supermarkets have not been able to function at full capacity all the time, so consumers have had to adapt newer means for self-serviced purchases either through vending machines or e-commerce. Vending machines have also been proven to be an effective alternative source of income when businesses and individuals suffered a decrease in their main sources of income.

Looking Forward:

The vending machine industry is going through a deep change. From the demand side, it is driven by the need for novel vending applications. So far, a huge part of vending machine transactions has been for food and beverage products and ticketing systems. Now, vending machines are finding new areas where self-service use cases are now relevant and feasible or new applications in self-service use cases. Vending.com offers custom vending machines for such businesses and use cases like laundry, fitness, bait, and many more. An example would be 20 Select Laundry Center custom vending machines that vend detergents, conditioners, and the like. Another relevant, popular, and new use case is PPE vending – Vending.com’s SaniCenter range caters to this use case. The trend in reverse vending is catching up quickly, thanks to waste collection systems incentivizing deposits.

The key factor that is impacting the market for vending machines is the technology component. With more diverse applications comes the need for robust and reliable systems. Modern electronics and cyber-physical systems have helped customize the core vending platforms to suit the needs of the usage. And Vending.com has remained on top and edge of technology waves that have enhanced customer experience. Incorporation of

Cashless, contactless payment tech – Greenlite
Sanitization tech for contact surfaces – UVend Technology
Intuitive touchscreen

Are but representatives of how Vending.com is developing in-house tech in addition to developing new applications atop technology trends to enhance the customer experience.

In more ways than one, vending machines are on the cusp of a new phase. Their technology is changing. Their applications are increasing. Macro factors like geo-political relationships and socio-cultural aspects are constantly evolving. Individual demands and preferences are transforming. All of this promises great opportunities for the vending machine industry. It is going to be exciting for the end-user, vending operator, machine owner, machine manufacturer, and everybody else involved in vending.

Learn more about the vending machine industry and how you can participate in it from the leaders in the vending space. Call us at 1-800-548-1982 to know more.

Posted on December 19, 2021 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

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 January 14, 2022 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

How to Find Locations for Your Vending Machine Equipment

A common question asked by new people getting into the vending business is, “How do I find the best location for my vending machines?” Some new vendors will get permission to place their machine(s) at places such as their own place of business, a relative or a friend’s business or a business where you know the owner. To assist further, we have listed below a number of businesses to consider when placing your machines. Keep in mind, you are not asking the business owner to buy anything. You are providing a FREE service to them, their employees and their customers!

Start small, one machine at a time

Local businesses with 30-50 employees and businesses with a good number of walk-in customers are good places to start. Choose businesses in your area close to your house. A short driving distance from home is ideal.

Tell them about your “Free” Vending Service

Ask for the manager or owner and ask if you can place one of your new Express Combo drink and snack machines in their business at no cost to them. We recommend you dress professionally and take a brochure about the Express Combo to each location. Be sure to let the business know that you will keep your machine filled with all the top brand products including some healthy selections at standard product pricing.

Replacing old machines with the new Express Combo Vending Machines

A good number of businesses will already have old, outdated vending machines. The odds are high that their current vending machine(s) do not accept credit/debit cards and do not have the guaranteed product delivery feature. The Express Combo, however, has all of these features! It is not too difficult to convince a business that you have a better vending program to service their employees and customers.

List of Locations

Here is a list of possible locations where vending machines can be placed:

Amusement park
Apartment building
Assisted living center
Auto brake shop
Auto dealership
Bank
Bookstore
Bowling alley
Bus station
Business office building
Car wash
Community center
Community swimming pool
Computer store
Dormitory
Driver’s license division
Dry cleaner
Fire station
Fraternity/sorority
Furniture store
Golf course lounge
Gym
Health club
Hotel
Humane society
Industrial park
Laundromat
Library
Manufacturing plan
Medical building
Meeting hall
Military Reserve/ Guard Center
Military Treatment Facility
Motel
Motor Vehicle Division
Motorcycle Shop
Muffler shop
Nursing Home/ Retirement Home
Oil & Lube Center
Police Station
Private School
Public Utility Office
Railroad Station
Recreation Center
Rental Yard
Roller Skating Rink
School
Senior Center
Shopping Center
Ski Resort
Stock Brokerage
Telemarketing Office
Tire Store
Tourist Attraction
Truck Stop
Trucking company
Veteran’s Affairs facility
Veterinary office
Waiting room (of any kind)
Warehouse
YMCA
Youth center
Zoo

Are you ready to get started finding locations for your vending machines? Contact Vending.com by calling 1-800-548-1982 today!

Posted on January 14, 2022 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

Full Profit Vending Program

What does a full profit vending program look like? How much can you, hypothetically, make from your vending machine? Check out our price recommendations below.

Can cold drinks (Major Brands)
Vend Price———————————————————————————————-$1.25
Cost per can———————————————————————————————–.32
Profit per can————————————————————————————.93

Bottle cold drinks (16.9oz-Major Brands)
Sale/Vend Price—————————————————————————————$1.50
Cost per bottle——————————————————————————————-.67
Profit per bottle——————————————————————————–.83

Bottled Water-#1 Selling Beverage (16.9oz)
Sale/Vend Price—————————————————————————————$1.25
Cost per bottle——————————————————————————————-.13
Profit per bottle——————————————————————————-1.12

Chips-Top Name Variety Pack (50 Ct.)
Sale/Vend Price—————————————————————————————-$1.25
Cost per bag———————————————————————————————–.28
Profit per bag————————————————————————————.97

Candy-Top Name Variety Pack (30 Ct.)
Sale/Vend Price—————————————————————————————$1.25
Cost per candy bar————————————————————————————–.70
Profit per candy bar—————————————————————————.55

AVERAGE PROFIT PER SALE: $.88

For more information, contact Vending.com by calling 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on January 18, 2022 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

What Is The True Cost of Owning a Vending Machine?

Total Cost of Ownership – The iceberg below the water level

Owning and operating a vending machine is good business. More than 2/3rds of vending machine owners and operators are micro businesses and individuals. They do not have the “big-four” accounting companies keeping their books. Suppose you are a small business or individual owner-operator of vending machines. There is a high chance that you will have to keep a tab of your collections and earnings yourselves. Most of us do it, too, but what we often tend to lose focus on is the cost. While buying the vending machine is a clear capital investment, there are other costs during the life of the vending machine that will define your profitability. As an owner-operator, let us see how you can understand these costs of owning a vending machine and ensure maximum profitability from your devices.

The costs across the lifecycle

Vending machines typically have a long cashable life. This means that adequately maintained vending machines can generate revenue for several years. Depending on the type of goods, location, maintenance and technology, machines can last anywhere between 5 and 15 years. The cost of owning these vending machines is also incurred over the product’s life. As the age of the machine increases, so does the cost of owning it. That is why used vending machines are cheaper to buy, but more expensive to own. It is also easy to forget that a non-functional machine means a loss of revenue. So, the decision to invest in a new machine or buy a used one should be made after carefully considering the following costs.

Cost of Buying – The cost of new vending machines for sale can be a few thousand dollars. The cost of buying a used one might be much less. This is a one-time expense and is considered a capital spend.

Cost of Installation – If you buy a machine, you will also incur charges to transport the machine to the location. Then comes the cost of setting these machines up and getting them up and running. You may have to pay for such services if you are not an expert.

Cost of Owning – Operating the machine includes the cost of the goods sold, energy cost, the cost involved in stocking or replacing goods, and other operational costs.

Cost of Upgrading – Depending on the age of your machine and the advancements in technology, you will incur expenses to upgrade your machines. Cashless payment systems are a good example. While many machines have card readers, modern cashless systems, like NFC and mobile wallets, may need upgrades.

Cost of Retiring – If your machines reach end-of-life, you will need to remove them. Malfunctioning machines or ones with obsolete technology will continue to cost you while generating no revenue. There will also be a cost of disconnecting, dismantling and disposing of such machines.

Understanding all the costs incurred during the entire life of the vending machine will help you decide several aspects. You can choose to buy a new or a used machine. You can also calculate the returns from your machines better.

Cost Types

In each stage of the life cycle, several factors contribute to the cost of owning a vending machine. Calculating these costs meticulously can help you estimate the profitability of each machine you own and operate. Let us discuss these cost components.

Machine Cost – This is the initial investment that forms a big part of your upfront cash, but this is not the most significant component of your total cost.
Installation and Commissioning Cost – The size of this spend depends on your expertise, availability of professional support, and your deal with the machine supplier. Some manufacturers bundle this as a part of their machines to make it easy for buyers.
Cost of Accessories and Peripherals – The performance of your vending machines can be improved by adding peripherals. Accessories can also help upgrade old machines and extend their life.
Energy Cost – Machines need lighting, refrigeration, heating, handling payment transactions, or connection with back-end platforms.
Location or Real Estate Cost – This cost depends on your agreement with the owner of the location. Machine operators pay fixed fees, a commission on the sales made, branding on the machine, or a combination of these options.
Maintenance Costs – The maintenance cost includes servicing outages or repairs and preventive maintenance scheduled at regular intervals.
Merchandise Cost – This is the highest cost of owning any vending machine. This can be a few hundred dollars or thousands of dollars per stock replenishment, depending on what merchandise you sell.
Insurance Cost – General liability insurance costs are also a component that runs into a few hundred dollars per year.
Warehousing Cost – You will incur this cost to store your inventory before stocking your machine.
Consumables, Parts & Supplies Cost – Your machine will consume resources to operate. Some of them are your coolant in your refrigeration unit and lubricant in your mechanical unit. These will need periodic replacement or replenishment.
Taxes on Earnings – Taxes on your income from the vending machines are based on what and how you report in your earnings statement.
Cost of Downtime – All the above costs are direct costs that can be measured. The cost that cannot be measured is the cost of downtime of your machines. This is the revenue lost when your machine is not usable. If your stock includes perishables like fruits or packaged meat, downtime will also cost you the spoiled inventory.

Recovering Total Cost of Ownership

It is now clear that the cost of owning a vending machine is just the tip of the iceberg, but do not let that scare you. Vending machines are a very lucrative investment with a low barrier to entry. The returns from this investment are fast and help you recover your total cost of ownership quickly. Every transaction your machine makes can give you a decent markup on the product sold. Depending on the location and merchandise, operators markup merchandise prices by anywhere between 50% to 200%. This is the fee that the consumer pays for convenience and accessibility.

Further, reputed machinery manufacturers also support their customers in the buying process to make investing in a vending machine even more attractive. They also have tools that help you estimate your returns from investing in a vending machine. You can call the experts from Vending.com at 1-855-929-1042 to learn more about the costs and benefits of investing in your next vending machine.

Cost-Benefit Comparison for Vending Machines

Per Machine Profitability
Aggregate Revenue and Profitability
Maximizing Profits

Selecting the Right Machine

Help you understand TCO
Partner, not vendor
One-Stop-Shop (Machine, parts, consumables, software)
Financing
Accessibility.

Posted on January 18, 2022 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

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 January 20, 2022 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

5 Vending Machine Features You Must Have (UV, Cashless, GuaranteeVend, etc.)

Five Must-Have Features of Your Vending Machine

Are you in the market for a vending solution?

Vending machines wear multiple hats – they are a great source of extra income and a way for products and retail brands to improve the customer experience. If you are in the market for a vending solution, the ideal starting point is to check out our profit calculator or contact us directly at Vending.com.

What are the features or capabilities that your vending solution must possess?

There are certain features that are required when considering the purchase of any vending machine for sale so that the machine is able to accommodate a variety of requirements for users. Entrepreneurs, retail businesses, facility management agencies, the list goes on. Your business is unique and requires solutions aligned to your business goals and your target vending audiences. Some areas will need your attention before investing in a vending solution. This blog post outlines five of these areas.

Accessibility – Are your vending machines ADA compliant?

The Americans with Disabilities Act is comprehensive in its scope, as well as scientific and compassionate in its stipulations. Though there are multiple aspects that the act covers, accessibility is an feature that should apply to the vending machines you choose.

Vending.com’s offerings are all ADA compliant or ADA ready. Our solutions comply with the ADA by its design, ergonomic access to the user interfaces, intuitiveness, and its ability to be accessible to all. Contact us to know more about our ADA-compliant machines.

Customizability

Just as your vending partner needs to cater to your business’s unique identity and operations, you also need someone well-versed with your industry’s demands. Custom-developed solutions, wherever applicable, will help drive more sales and ensure a richer user experience that delights users.

Vending.com has custom vending solutions with machines that have been designed and redesigned with features for specific industries, domains, and applications, like PPE kit vending, gym and fitness centers, self-service laundry businesses, and more. Our partners and affiliates add to our vending solutions’ customizability.

In addition to providing the custom vendor, Vending.com also helps in catching the attention of your customers with eye-popping designs. Our custom graphics offering helps in decking out your vending machine to attract more audiences – right from the factory. Our marketing team helps you serve the right look for your audience.

Effectiveness Of Technology And Application Used

Technology has raised the bar with end-user expectations regarding features and experiences. It is essential to choose the appropriate features that are relevant for your target vending audience.

Vending.com has constantly developed products and solutions filled to the brim with features, and we have done this for all stakeholders – our customers and the end-user audience. We have everything from easy item loading to handling multiple form factors. For the end-user, we have easy item selection, cashless transactions, sanitization, and more.

Alternative Methods of Monetization

We are all looking to maximize the returns from our assets and investments. Complementary or supplementary income avenues are a way to do that. In this connected and digital world, there are multiple ways to augment the principal revenue source. For instance, any surface that demands the public’s attention is ideal for placing advertisements. When it comes to vending machines with digital displays and an internet connection, the possibilities are endless.

Vending.com’s vending machine solutions have feature-rich interfaces. Our in-house engineering is laser-focused on incorporating cutting-edge technology that helps our customers recognize tangible results. Check out our Express Combo Vending Machine to see for yourself.

Sustainability

In this day and age, machines have to be energy-efficient as much as possible. Multiple technologies are applicable across design, ergonomics, hardware, software, customer behavior, etc., for reducing the energy consumption of vending machines and their carbon footprint.

For example, Vending.com’s MarketOne 5W Cold Food & Drink Vending Machine is a combo machine that includes cooling solutions, digital displays, touch interface, cashless payment, and much more. It has Energy Star compliant technology, LED lighting, and the latest in energy usage optimization from our in-house innovators.

Why choose Vending.com for your Vending Solutions?

Our 90 years of proven vending industry legacy and leadership focus on long-term innovation and planning. We offer everything required for your success. Our end-to-end ecosystem for vending solutions covers everything from usage-specific machines and new technology-driven features to financing and hassle-free maintenance.

Vending.com’s vending excellence has multiple testimonials and countless success stories. We are always at the precipice of the latest vending machine technology, features, and business practices that help our customers become more successful.

Posted on January 21, 2022 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

Full-spectrum vending machine and vending solutions supplier

How Do Vending Solutions Contribute To Business Success?

Vending is more than the machines, installation and operation, and maintenance. The complete vending service solution you choose extends your identity as an entrepreneur or business, which goes beyond the latest features and newest technology It also needs to be equipped to

Serve your customers better – take care of your customers in the most efficient way possible by enhancing the customer experience through the latest technology and features.
Further your business objectives – the ideal solution helps you achieve more sales, more profits, more customers, repeat customers, more avenues for monetization, etc.
Advocate your brand – vending solutions are an essential and easily customizable part of your real estate. With the right partner, you could increase your brand’s recall with the appropriate audience.
Reflecting your business’ vision –the way we treat our customers reveals a lot about us, the most important being the business’ stability and plans for the future.
Representing your identity –providing an inclusive and accessible customer experience indicates the values that drive you and your business.

You need a full spectrum vending solutions provider to achieve all of this, and more.

Vending.com – The Full Spectrum Vending Solutions Provider

We are committed to assisting our customers with complete vending service for their business needs. We are focused on understanding what customers seek from their vending solution – in terms of business objectives. We recommend solutions that complement their business objectives. We want you to succeed and constantly think of ways to make this easier for our customers. For example, our profit calculator helps prepare you for your business venture by giving you an estimated number of vends needed before turning a profit.

Our complete vending service solutions creates value for all stakeholders

Vending solutions: We have dispensers for snacks, beverages, frozen foods and coffee. Plus, our custom solutions reimagine the limits of items that could be stocked, including eyelashes, live bait vending and bowling products, to name a few.
Designing: Find solutions that fit your needs like a glove. We are drawing on our decades of experience and the latest technology for our customers. For example, our custom vending solutions serve the self-service retail domain. We cover diverse end-use locations like bowling alleys, self-serve laundry, car wash centers and more.
Engineering and Manufacturing: We invite you to experience our 350,000 square foot facility used for engineering, manufacturing, warehousing, selling, financing and vending management.
In addition to having the infrastructure, people, and expertise, our service, support and maintenance department is put in place to serve vending businesses long after their purchase has been made.
Research & Development: Our in-house R&D works on hardware, software, payment systems, user interfaces, access technologies, product security, and merchandise delivery mechanisms.
Parts: Vendnet is a dedicated vending machine service provider that services vending parts. Be it to replace parts or upgrade your machine, Vendnet is here to help guide you every step of the way.
Financing: Making credit available is a business need. Making it available on time with easy documentation is helpful. Providing flexible repayment plans is good. Doing all of this and helping customers profit from day one is excellent. Vending.com is excellent and dedicated to bringing affordable financing alternatives that fit the needs of each individual customer.
Business Support: Vending.com serves the customer and the industry. We work in close collaboration with multiple entities across technology, merchandising, distribution, etc., to meet or exceed customer expectations with the exact solutions they need.
Custom Vending Machines: Have a unique vending requirement or use case? We have the solution for you.
Legacy: Vending.com is a part of the Wittern Group, which has delivered vending solutions since 1931. We have transformed the vending experience and made our customers more successful.
Resources: We make available helpful content around setting up and running the machines in the form of videos and documents. Sample our training videos or check out our blogs to look for industry news and vending ideas.

What Does A Complete Vending Service Solutions Provider Like Vending.com Provide?

We cover all aspects that deliver business success for our customers. Our complete vending services help our customers

Gain a competitive edge with new features
Reduce machine purchase costs through constant innovation
Reduce running costs by using high-quality materials
Ensure business continuity with support
Reduce the threshold for investments with our used machines
Maximize value for their investment with our refurbishment know-how

We also comprehensively cover all of the tactical bits. For example, our seven manufacturing lines are capable of creating over fourteen snack machines, soda drink machines, cold and frozen vending satellites, coffee machines, and more.

We also complement our customer’s business development strategy by being the single stop for all vending-related plans. This means that while our complete vending services provide all of the necessary ingredients for success, we also save them time and money while doing it.

Experience The Benefits of a Full Spectrum Vending Solutions Provider

Vending.com is a proven, single-source solution for all vending requirements. We look forward to answering your questions on our offerings and brainstorming to achieve your business objectives. Contact us now to know more.

Phil Masters