Factors influencing the success of a vending machine business

9 out of 10 vending business owners would agree that location is the most crucial factor in determining success. Important factors, such as selecting the right vending equipment and choosing the most profitable and saleable merchandise, depend on the location.

For example, in a location where a hip demography loosens their purse strings, having an intuitive interface and reliable operations results in more transactions. Whereas, in transit centers, salty snacks and bottled water are often the most profitable. The only factor that does not depend on location is your vending machine and the service partner – Vending.com.

So how do you put a vending machine somewhere profitable, somewhere good? This blog lets us dive deep into the location factor to see how a vending business owner can win suitable locations to maximize revenue and profits.

Finding a good location

There are several parameters to consider while selecting the right location for your vending machine. These include: 

Volume of traffic: The location you select must have high foot traffic. After all, vending is a numbers game. The higher the traffic, the higher the number of transactions.

Type of traffic: Vending is about convenience and the experience depending on the consumer. It is the simple magic of the mechanics for a young kid when you push currency into the machine to get what you want. It might simply be about waiting with a beverage at the Airport for the next flight for an adult. The kind of traffic will define what you sell and how it is priced. The visitors to your location shall define the suitable machine and the right merchandise.

Demographics: The demographic of your location is going to have an impact on profitability. For example, if your machine is at a gym, customers will more than likely be looking for bottled water and not for soda. A themepark, on the other hand, may require more chocolate bars or chips. Ignoring the demographics of your location can be detrimental to your business.

Competition: The presence of other vending machines is a good sign. While the location might need more effort to win, it is a proven location for a vending business. Remember, the vending machines do not compete for the consumer’s attention. They only compete for real estate. It is the products within the machine, the quality of the interaction, and the ease of the transaction that attract consumers. The right product mix is always attainable by studying the competition and by selecting complementary products. For optimizing the customer experience, the right technology and the right aesthetics go a long way. Picture this, a fully contactless vending machine with guaranteed vending technology accepting cashless payments, with attractive designs on them – with bestselling products. This is just an example of how Vending.com’s range of machines delivers the optimal customer experience.

 Building the proposition

A vending machine owner or operator is not just doing himself a favor by placing the machine at a location. There is definitely value for the location owner, too. Winning the location is dependent on articulating the value for all stakeholders, including the location owner.

The location owner might have different types of benefits. Some might give more weight to the rental income or the commissions they will get from your vending machines on their premises. This is the most common benefit, but not always the largest.

In other cases, businesses might be keen on improving customers’ convenience. Location owners may also want to use the vending machine as a channel to promote products aligned to their business. A good example would be protein shakes and protein bars in the vending machines at a gym. This increases revenue and reduces the need for additional sales bandwidth. Some might consider your machines a good branding opportunity by sticking their brand on your machines. Features like UVend Technology on vending machines and contactless transactions can enhance the sense of safety at some locations.

While the fee for placing the vending machine is a given, its size can depend on how well the other benefits are articulated to the location’s owner.

Our 90 years in the vending industry have given us experiences that can empower your vending business with the proper guidance and insights to be successful. To know more, talk to us at 1-855-929-1042 or visit this link to get help from professionals.