Tag: vending machine business

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Vending Machine Financing

A concern for many people interested in starting up a vending machine business is the cost of equipment. Vending machines can seem expensive to a newcomer to the vending industry, but with financing plans and the right mindset there are tons of great options available to help you start vending today!

Vending.com offers flexibility for customers to custom-tailor their financing arrangements so that it works best for their type and size of organization. This comes in handy for anyone looking to buy vending machines because each vending machien start-up business is different, and finding the solution that works for you will help ensure your success!

Some of our financing options include flexible repayment arrangements to meet cash flow, specialized programs to increase sales, up to 48 month terms, and a quick credit approval process. Our website also offers tools such as the profit calculator that will help you visualize how easily vending machines pay for themselves between steady profits and financing options.

The easiest way to get started and find out which start-up vending machine business financing option is right for you is to give us a call and speak with one of our specialists. We are here to help you reach your business goals in the vending industry!

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

Are Vending Machines a Good Investment? Choosing the Right Vending Machine for Your Business

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 are a good investment and 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 are a good investment because they require minimal maintenance and overhead costs, making them a low-risk investment with a high potential for profit. Whether you’re buying a vending machine as a new venture or expanding your business, the potential return makes it a smart option. 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 can 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, buyers can make informed investment decisions, create a good, realistic vending machine 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 Vending 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 good investment 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 vending machine 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 good variety of vending machines to suit any business’s investment 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, good investment 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 is a good investment and 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.

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

Top 5 Ways To Expand Your Vending Business - Vending.com
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Top 5 Ways To Expand Your Vending Business

Vending machines offer unique opportunities for business growth. While these machines are often associated with the break room or vending-token sales of the past, modern vending machines have grown to be much more. Vending machines provide a secure and profitable way to sell food and drinks without needing to hire staff. They are versatile and offer various ways to expand your business. Here are the top five strategies to grow your vending machine business.

  Add Products That Cater to a Niche Audience

If your vending machine’s current sales are strong, but you’re looking for ways to grow your vending business, add products that cater to a niche audience. Become the go to place for specifically desired products. For example, if your vending machine is in a school, you may want to offer products like soft drinks, energy drinks, ice cream, and snacks such as hot dogs, sausage, and more to your menu. The same goes for vitamins, protein bars, or anything else that appeals to a more health conscious audience. By choosing to serve a niche audience, you can increase your vending machine sales without adding any risky products that may not perform as well. You can also consider adding products that appeal to specific dietary preferences. Vending machines are highly customizable so that you can add almost any product.  

Add the Latest Vending Machine Technologies

You can further grow your vending business by adding the latest technologies to your vending machines. For example, many new vending machines have a touchscreen menu that allows customers to see product images, videos and add up to three items in their shopping cart. Credit card, debit card and mobile payment vending transactions have gained popularity due to convenience as well. Our Greenlite cashless system provides backend software to track inventory and sales so you only take what you need to the machine when you go to restock products. According to a Cantaloupe and Michigan State study over 50% of vending purchases are made with card readers and 69% of sales are cashless. Ultimately, having a cashless system for your machines will allow you to vend to more customers, increasing your vending profits! 

 Build a Brand Through Your Vending Machines

Vending machines are a great way to sell your products in high-traffic areas where people already congregate. Vending machines can serve as compact mini-stores covered with your branding and filled with your products. Customers will be able to see your company’s name and logo every time they purchase a product. Vending machines can be placed where your target market is, making them ideal for building a brand and customer base.

 Add New Vending Machines To Increase Profit

If you find that your current vending machine sales have reached a plateau, you can grow your vending business by adding new vending machines. Vending.com has great flexible financing packages available to help you increase your income with brand new machines. You may do this by adding new vending machines in areas with a poor vending service currently. Adding vending machines that offer high-margin items can help increase profit. If your break room is jam-packed with customers, you can add additional vending machines to reduce line times and increase productivity. 

 Maintain Equipment Regularly For Durability

Adhering to a regular maintenance schedule can help keep your equipment running smoothly (and your clients satisfied!). Good maintenance will also assist in avoiding larger, more expensive issues in the future. Customers are more inclined to purchase if the exterior of your equipment is well-maintained and polished. Your machine will operate better and last longer if the mechanical components are well-maintained. 

Maintaining your refrigeration unit is one of the most important ways to keep your machine running effectively. We recommend replacing your air filter every 3 months and brushing under your machine’s air intake grill every month. Also, make sure your machine is positioned at least 4 inches away from the wall to allow proper air flow from the refrigeration system.

Install a Vending Machine With a Loyalty Program

Give your customers a way to earn free products by installing a loyalty program on your vending machines. Customers might be required to earn a set number of points before they can redeem them for free products, or they can redeem points whenever possible. Either way, it is easy to grow your vending business sales without increasing the number of vending machines. You can use a loyalty program to reach a broad audience as well as a niche audience. A reward program encourages repeat sales if your vending machine sells products that appeal to all types of customers, such as snacks and drinks. Customers who use the vending machine will earn points toward free products.  

A loyalty program increases motivation for customers to return to purchase from your vending machine. You may also set up a program so that only employees earn points toward free products. You can increase vending sales and generate more revenue by offering a points redemption option. Moreover, the program requires little to no maintenance other than restocking the vending machine and printing the occasional rewards.

As an entrepreneur, you want to grow your company and boost your revenues. This is only feasible if you take a logical approach, which is why you need expert advice. If you are looking for assistance from a reliable vending partner during the growing process, our experts at Vending.com will be glad to assist you. Call us at 1-855-929-1042 right away!

Vending.com - Operator and user safety in vending machines
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Operator and User Safety in Vending Machines

The Mysterious Case of the Great White Shark Vs. a Vending Machine

The origin of this statistic is unclear, but the most famous quip about safety in vending machines is that they are 4 times as lethal as the great white. We can be sure that neither was thrown into a gladiator’s ring to compete against the other, so we may never know how accurate this claim is. The most likely source of this is a research report published by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) in 1995. This report states that between 1978 and 1995, 2.2 people were killed by vending machine-related accidents on an average per year [1]. This is not an isolated report. National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a unit of CPSC, published a similar piece in 2015 to claim that the number is around 4 per year [2].

Vending machine safety incidents do not just impact business continuity for your vending business. It is a fiduciary responsibility to ensure the safety of vending machine operator and users. The good news, though, is that it is often how the machine is used that causes the incident. Not the machine itself. Manufacturers are using technology to make machines safer. Vending.com takes safety seriously, ensuring that standards are complied with and features added that ensure the safety of our customers, end-users, talk to us to know more about how we ensure this. 

Government institutions regulate the market to ensure that manufacturers are incorporating safety features. You can consider a few simple factors as a vending business owner to ensure that your operators and users have safe interactions with the vending machine.

Operator Safety

Vending machines are electro-mechanical equipment. Vending machine operators need to handle machines with necessary care and caution as they would handle any electrical appliance or equipment. Machine installation may be the most vulnerable point for potential incidents for the operator. Even that can be avoided by adhering to the installation process, using the right equipment, and wearing necessary protective gear. Once set up, operators will use the machine to program them, collect cash, or load new stock. There are well-defined vending machine safety user manuals that ensure that incidents like instability or electrocution are avoided during these tasks. Using suitable material handling equipment like mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical forklifts can prevent stock collapse and reduce operator fatigue. Vending.com equips all machines with the usage, service, maintenance, and troubleshooting literature to ensure a smooth experience for operators. Factory direct warranties, parts and service, as well as financing services are their expertise. Vending.com offers full-service programmes that assist first-time vending business owners as well as established vending business owners looking to expand their existing operations.

User Safety

The most common reason for safety-related incidents in vending machines is machine abuse. When delivery fails, some users kick, nudge, or even rock the machine. This can result in the machine tipping over. Vending machines are made of metal and glass, making them anywhere between two hundred pounds to eight hundred pounds, depending on the configuration and features. A fully loaded vending machine will weigh a few hundred pounds more. Mishandling the machine can make this come crashing down on the user. Damage to the machine legs or the floor surface can also lead to instability. Electrostatic charge accumulation is another cause of safety hazards. It might appear like these incidents can be avoided only through better user behavior. While that is true, the machine operator can ensure no clogging in the machine’s vending machine that can potentially frustrate the user. Manufacturers like Vending.com also uses technology that guarantees reliable disbursal of merchandise, contact us to know more about our iVend technology. Choosing the merchandise with suitable packaging is another important factor in ensuring proper disbursal.

Vending.com has a complete vending catalogue that can be customized with your company’s logo and colour scheme. It offers clients all around the globe a high-quality, state-of-the-art full-service vending experience with the widest range of safe and easy-to-use vending machines.

Ensuring Safety for Your Vending Machine

    • Timely Maintenance – Regular maintenance of the machine makes it function to specifications. It can also help vending machine operators discover potential safety hazards before they cause an impact. The refrigeration air intake mechanism, the coin and cash handling units, the collection tray, or any other part of the machine where transaction failures can happen need to be checked. Vending.com helps you with the timely maintenance, repair, and service of your vending machines.
    • Harnessing Technology – Using technology like Guarantee Vend can prevent machine abuse by some users. This will, in effect, help reduce the chances of tip-over. Modern machines have UV-based surface sanitation systems like UVend. They help reduce the spread of contagious diseases when users touch frequent contact surfaces.
    • Right Parts – Using manufacturer-authorized spares and supplies is an excellent way to eliminate uncertainties in machine performance. Spurious parts will not only reduce the life of the machine but can create safety issues. These parts are seldom tested and certified by regulatory agencies for your vending machines. Choosing to partner with a reliable partner like Vendnet offers the benefit of a fully stocked parts department that is committed to delivering components quickly and reliably anywhere around the world.
    • Finding the Right Machine (Compliance with Standards and Regulations) – Selecting certified machines for safety is a fundamental responsibility of the vending machine provider. It helps avoid accidents and wins the trust of the end-users. UL, FCC, and CE are good examples of standards that vending machines need to comply with. Vending.com offers a complete range of certified vending machines to fulfil all of your vending requirements. Location assistance is also included in the package.
    • Reliable Manufacturer – Vending machine manufacturers who have a lasting presence in the market have a lot of knowledge gained from years of research and addressing field issues. Fly-by-night operations do not bear the burden of long-term care for machines or users. Established players have a reputation to defend and, above all, a genuine interest in the welfare of the market that they serve. Which is where Vending.com with our 90+ years of experience, market leadership, and stability comes into the picture.

Conclusion

Vending machines are safer to operate or use than several other machines. But that does not diminish the responsibility of vending business owners towards deploying safe machines. Thankfully, that is not a difficult decision to make. A set of simple tasks like timely maintenance, use of approved parts, selecting the suitable machine, and buying from reliable manufacturers can make your vending machines an enjoyable and safe experience for everybody.

 

Vending.com bears a 90-year legacy in providing safe vending solutions. Our R&D team has tested and validated our machines for the necessary safety standards. To learn more about the safety of our machines, can talk to us at 1-855-929-1042 or visit us at www.vending.com.

 

[1] https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/1996/CPSC-Soda-Vending-Machine-Industry-Labeling-Campaign-Warns-Of-Deaths-And-Injuries

[2] https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2019_NEISS_Coding_Manual.pdf

[3] https://medium.com/purple-theory/vending-machines-vs-sharks-3e2362d762fa

Vending.com - blog - vending machine
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Winning the right location for your vending machine (the sales approach, not selecting the location)

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.

Vending.com - Blog
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How does a ‘Made in USA’ vending machine help your vending business

 

Buying Made in the USA – The What and The Why?

Some suppliers sell truly American-made products, while others do not. The government has ensured that buying Made in the USA is no longer an abstract concept. The high-level description of an “All or Virtually All” American-made product is that more than 50% of the product and its components by cost must be made in the country. Thanks to FTC guidelines [1] and federal regulations, every industry also has clear rules as to what is eligible for a Made in the USA tag and what is not.

A recent survey by a leading magazine [2] says about 69% of the respondents preferred buying American-made products. About 83% of them were also willing to pay a premium for the Made-in-America label if it is a genuine claim. This may not be surprising as we all want to reward the American spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. The benefits of buying a product made in America, however, are not limited to patriotic fervor. There are sound business benefits to vending machine owners and operators while buying American machines or services.

What it means for your vending business

Local Customer Service: A vending machine is complex equipment that is built with a variety of electrical, mechanical, electronic, and communication equipment. Adequate customer support with cross-functional technical capabilities is essential to deliver the best user experience for the end-users of the machine. Local manufacturers understand the challenges of local customers. A good understanding of many variables like ambient weather, tastes and preferences, compliance to regulations, and other factors influence the quality of service. A business that designs and builds machines in the USA is more likely to understand the nuances of these variables and provide the best support.

International Supply Chain Woes: Manufacturers, relying on global suppliers for their components currently struggle with a severe supply chain bottleneck. This is not a temporary situation. If your machine’s card refrigerator unit fails and you must wait for a month to replace it, it means your machine is out of action. The cost of spoiled inventory in the machine is not even a scratch on the surface of what you will stand to lose as revenue. If you have purchased your machine through a financing option, you will also service the debt without revenue. On the other hand, a local manufacturer can quickly replace parts and keep the cash registers ringing.

Standards of Safety and Quality: The safety standards are a minimum benchmark for an American manufacturer who understands the consequences of a gap. However, for manufacturers in a developing nation, the standards are simply a matter of compliance to purchase specifications. Both might be working towards meeting the same safety standards, but the drive to meet such measures can be quite different. North American and Western European businesses are much more savvy than most other regions. This also gives an edge to American manufacturers compared to those who buy parts or machines from other countries to sell locally.

Faster Delivery Time: Mobilizing machines, equipment, and parts locally are faster than ordering and shipping from thousands of miles away. In a market where impulse purchases of products are short-lived fads, “time-in-transit” can be a killing. Also, the distances your machine or parts must move without any economic value can hurt the environment. A local manufacturer might still burn gas to haul your machine a few hundred miles. But it is way faster, cheaper, and environmentally responsible than shipping it on a diesel barge across the ocean.

Geopolitical Uncertainties: The last thing that a vending machine owner or operator must be worried about is the relationship between countries and world leaders. Today’s environment is so volatile that countries trade tariffs, embargos, restrictions, and retaliatory measures between each other at the drop of a hat. Suppliers who rely on foreign products or components are often impacted by the tectonics of international politics. Local manufacturers are relatively insulated from such uncertainties and become reliable partners to your vending business.

Made in the USA is not a tag. It is a proposition.

Buying USA-made vending machines has a definite reason why and positive impact on the success of your vending business. You can improve your revenues, reduce risks, ensure consumer convenience, and escape impact from extraneous factors. You can also contribute to empowering the country. You can give a boost to both your patriotism and profitability by doing business with an American manufacturer. Vending.com has been manufacturing vending machines in the USA for more than 90 years. You can talk to us to know more about the benefits of doing business with an American manufacturer like us. Call us now at 1-855-929-1042 or click here.

Tax-Deduction-Blog
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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!

Prepare for Winter with UVend Technology
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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.

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The Right Coach for Your Vending Business

When you work with Vending.com, you are working with a trusted manufacturer with over 90 years of vending experience. Whether you are a seasoned vending professional or you are brand new to the industry, Vending.com can match you with a coach to provide you with vending machine business advice and help you meet your vending goals.

For vending business owners, Vending.com has the right vending machine models and financing programs to maximize your vending profits and reach your full potential. Our vending machine financing plans are catered to each business owner. No business is the same, so why should financing be the same? With a quick credit approval process and plans of up to 48 months, our flexible financing options are specialized to increase sales.

New to the vending business and are unsure of where to start? No problem! Once you have secured your vending location, Vending.com coaches will be happy to give you vending machine business advice and help educate you on the right model and machine for that location. If you are having problems finding the right location, we recommend starting with someone you know who has their own business, such as friends and family.

Whatever your vending goals may be, Vending.com is ready to work with you to reach them. In addition to our state-of-the-art machines and financing options, we offer factory-direct pricing and professional staff to coach you every step of the way with professional vending machine business advice. When you purchase a vending machine from us, you receive a factory warranty and a lifetime of technical support.

Whether you are new to vending or have been here for years, Vending.com can help you every step of the way. For additional questions, please call 1-800-548-1982.

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Mobile Apps to Help Your Vending Machine Business

Vending.com loves the following three apps for your vending machine business to help keep track of financials, inventory and more.. They each offer a different service that will be valuable to you in your day-to-day life:

Mint:
Mint.com, which was name one of TIME Magazine’s “Top 50 iPhone Apps” in 2011, is the perfect free mobile app for business owners on the go. Since your vending business keeps you out and about for hours each day, this app will help make your life a lot easier. The app allows you to set a financial budget for your vending machine business and enter transactions while on the go. You also can get real-time fund availability. In addition, in case you lose your phone, the app has a password to keep any unauthorized persons from viewing your financial information.

Evernote:
This handy app gives you the ability to instantly take notes on your mobile device no matter where you are. You can then easily access this information later. This app is ideal for making notes of vending machine inventory needs, writing yourself a daily to-do list or just jotting down your latest brainstorm for your business. Thanks to Evernote, you don’t have to worry about keeping a paper and pen handy at all times.

Dropbox:
This app is available on both mobile devices and tablets. It works by storing your business documents, photos, or videos to access on the go. Imagine being able to pull up all your vending machine business marketing materials on the app no matter where you are at the time. After all, potential clients are everywhere, so why shouldn’t your most impressive business information be as well.

Any of our recommended apps for vending machine businesses will help you take yours to the next level.

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3 Ways to Find the Perfect Vending Location

Whether you are new to the vending business or a veteran, you are likely open to suggestions on how to make your business more profitable. Since a huge part of a vending businesses success is the result of the machine’s location, learning where to put your vending machine is crucial. Read below for three tips from Vending.com on how to do just that:

Go where the people are:
As a vending machine owner, you want to find locations to put your vending machines where there is a great deal of foot traffic. Examples of such places include airports, malls or busy offices. It only stands to reason that the more people who walk by your machines each day, the better your sales will be.

Be the focus:
Although it is wise to put your vending machine where there is lots of foot traffic as listed above, you can also find success when placing your machine in a more subdued environment. Your machine will often times become a source of entertainment when people are bored. Great examples of these locations that are less busy yet highly profitable include doctors’ offices, nail salons, car repair centers or barber shops.

Don’t avoid competition:
Some vending machine owners do not want to place their machines near other peoples’ machines. However, that can be a mistake. If you place a well-stocked, attractive vending machine next to a machine that is poorly maintained or rarely stocked, you will end up doing well even with competition present.

By incorporating the three tips listed above and remembering to match the type of vending machine with your clientele, you can ensure you are placing your machine in the most profitable location possible. After all, just as in real estate, location, location, location is the means to success in the vending business.

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Eco-Friendly Customers and Coffee

Coffee Vending MachineVending.com has learned that what makes a cup of coffee delicious might depend on more than just the beans used and the coffee and hot beverage vending machine it’s made in. According to an article by the Los Angeles Times, a research team ran an experiment in which participants were presented two cups of coffee, one that was “eco-friendly” and one that was just a regular cup of coffee. What the participants did not know was that both cups of coffee were made from the same beans and in the same standard coffee maker.

While the phrase “eco-friendly vending machine” might not make all coffee consumers crave more environmentally conscious coffee, participants were also surveyed on various issues before the study and the results showed that the majority of participants that were concerned about the environment preferred the eco-friendly brew. Those same participants were also willing to pay about 25 percent more for a coffee they believed shared their views on the environment.

When it comes to coffee or drink vending machines, you might not need to change your product offering to continue to be successful, but this is a good example of how knowing your customers and what their preferences are can help your vending machines, eco-friendly or otherwise, become even more profitable.

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Vending Machine Industry Confidence Index

Vending MarketWatch recently released a new study of the vending industry, the Vending Operator Confidence Index. The aim of this index is to measure the confidence vending operators have in the industry and assign it a positive or negative value. In their first ever index, Vending Market Watch rated the vending industry confidence level at 136.00. The average is 100 so a reading over that indicates various levels of positive outlooks. 136 puts it at a cautiously optimist outlook for the vending industry.

This index will be conducted monthly and give industry members a view of how the overall industry is doing on a more regular basis. The vending industry usually relies on annual reports or smaller studies and the monthly delivery of this survey will certainly give some unique insights into the industry. Having monthly indexes will most likely cause a few unduly high or low points based on industry trends or developments, but it will hopefully draw attention to those developments as well.

With new developments occurring more and more frequently and new vending machines for sale hitting the market, having a way to keep tab on these technological advances and the overall trend of the industry will be very helpful.

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Luxury Gift Vending Machine

A vending machine in Berlin is offering a range of items that you might not find in your traditional vending machines. The vending machine was launched by German delicatessen Floris Feinkost and features gourmet selections including luxury items such as prepared food and gift packages.

This luxury vending machine has gifts that anyone would want to receive including pint-sized bottles of champagne, pastries, pralines, flavored salts, chocolates and even bottles of wines. These are just a few of the more than 60 products customers can browse through.

The unit has ten levels of display cases that showcase the wares. Vending.com has seen vending operators benefit from improved displays of vending products through updated machines, captivating graphics on the machine, and well-lit and organized product displays. In this particular luxury vending machine, the gift cases look like miniature storefront displays, with products perfectly packaged and displayed.

About Vending.com

Vending.com brings together a multitude of vending expertise through our circle of services. Everything you need to start, grow, or manage your vending business is provided through our easy online access. We provide vending services, financing, vending industry news, technical repair, parts and much more. Vending.com is one of the companies under the Wittern Group umbrella. Whether you are an entrepreneur starting your own vending machine business or expanding your current business, Vending.com offers you a full range of vending machines, financing, location assistance and other services to meet all of your vending needs. As a full-line vending sales company we provide customers nationwide with the right equipment for their client’s location. Our large selection of snack, soda machines, hot beverage, cold and frozen food and other quality vending machines can be configured and customized to fit any size location from small businesses to large factories. Let our network of vending machine companies go to work for you.

Vending.com
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Save Big with Our New Customers Special!

If you have ever shopped with Vending.com, you likely know by now that we offer some of the most affordable vending machines for sale in the business. And even though our standard rates are inviting, we are always happy to treat vending enthusiasts to extra-exciting promotions.

Our current sale is the “New Customers Special,” which makes it easier than ever to start utilizing our drink and snack machines. This special allows potential vending machine owners to lease our renowned machines for as low as just $50 per month. A variety of our best machines are eligible for this new program, giving new vending customers the freedom to choose the capacity and machine type that suites their establishment best.

The best part of this generous deal? By calling us up about the program, you can enjoy free delivery on your vending machine, which is a massive $345 value! Between the lack of shipping costs and instant profitability of our machines, buying a vending product from Vending.com is one of the smartest ways to get into the industry. The vending machine business is expanding day by day, and it has never been a better time to jump aboard. Give us a call at 866-657-7549 and learn how you can start profiting instantly!

About Vending.com

Vending.com brings together a multitude of vending expertise through our circle of services. Everything you need to start, grow, or manage your vending business is provided through our easy online access. We provide vending services, financing, vending industry news, technical repair, parts and much more. Vending.com is one of the companies under the Wittern Group umbrella. Whether you are an entrepreneur starting your own vending machine business or expanding your current business, Vending.com offers you a full-range of vending machines, financing, location assistance and other services to meet all of your vending needs. As a full-line vending sales company we provide customers nationwide with the right equipment for their client’s location. Our large selection of snack, soda machines, hot beverage, cold and frozen food and other quality vending machines can be configured and customized to fit any size location from small businesses to large factories. Let our network of vending machine companies go to work for you.

Posted on | by pmasters@wittern.com

Energy Drink Vending Machine Selections

Energy drinks are a very popular item in convenience stores, vending machines and grocery stores. Vending.com has seen the demand for energy drink vending selections explode over the last few years as more and more brands entered the market.

Currently, the major players in the energy drink game are Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar. While Red Bull claims the largest portion of the market with a 42% share, Monster has experience a lot of growth of the last few years and is now a close second with 37% of the market share. Rockstar rounds out the top three with 11% of the market share. While a distant third from the two industry leaders, Rockstar has more than double the share of remaining brands such as Amp, NOS and Full Throttle, all with 4% or less market share, according to a seven year study by Bevnet.com.

For drink vending machines, these energy-filled beverages have become popular alternatives to traditional caffeinated options such as soda or coffee. While it has caused health and dietary concerns, the largest growth of sales has been due to increased consumption by teens and young adults who are ditching coffee drinks favored by older consumers for energy drinks.

About Vending.com

Vending.com brings together a multitude of vending expertise through our circle of services. Everything you need to start, grow, or manage your vending business is provided through our easy online access. We provide vending services, financing, vending industry news, technical repair, parts and much more. Vending.com is one of the companies under the Wittern Group umbrella. Whether you are an entrepreneur starting your own vending machine business or expanding your current business, Vending.com offers you a full-range of new and used vending machines, financing, location assistance and other services to meet all of your vending needs. As a full-line vending sales company we provide customers nationwide with the right equipment for their client’s location. Our large selection of snack, soda machines, hot beverage, cold and frozen food and other quality vending machines can be configured and customized to fit any size location from small businesses to large factories. Let our network of vending machine companies go to work for you.

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More than Just Snack Vending Machines

Vending.comWhile Vending.com is known for providing some of the best snack machines in the industry, we’re more than a means to serve chips and candies to your consumer base. Whether you serve a small medical facility or are providing nourishment for a full cafeteria of students, we’ve got plenty of food service machines that provide satisfying meals for everyone in your area!

Ready to do more than serve basic snacks and drinks? We’ve got a full network of food service professionals around the nation ready to bring full meals to your establishment. Vending machines are an essential part of any office environment, and today’s vending units have evolved to provide much more than just a quick set of munchies to hold staff members over. Even if your place of business has a basic cafeteria selection, using a full-service food vending machine will allow you to keep both you and your associates fed, even during a late-night work session.

Not only will we proudly supply you with a food vending machine for your workplace, but we’ll make sure it keeps running for years to come! Every office needs a source of quality food, and the vast variety of options available at Vending.com will put more dining options at your fingertips than ever!