Wednesday, February 20, 2008

What Other Vendors Won’t Tell You About Vending Machines

You will find a lot of information about the vending business but very few of these tips and advice is actually helpful. Any newcomer will need to know about the different aspects of the vending business and see the bigger picture to establish and run a successful vending business.

Here are important things about a vending business that other vendors won’t tell you:

1. Every snack and beverage vending machine is not the same
You need to consider various factors while buying the right snack or soda vending machines for your selected locations. The factors that result in such differences include quality, features, capacity, shape, etc. most of the vending companies have not been in the industry long enough to become dealers for the good line of vending equipment in the market. This will result in a large number of inferior quality vending machines being sold as one of the best in the market. Make sure that you check the quality of the vending machine and not just its price.

2. Choose a vending machine according to the potential location
You must choose vending machines that are a proper fit for the type of location you have as well as the number and type of employees or customers that will use them. Apart from that, you need to assess whether the chosen vending machine has adequate number of snack and soda selections as well as make sure that you buy based on the amount of service time suitable for you. One factor affecting the location you choose will be the number of employees and customers and the environment as to how much product will go through the snack or drink vending machine on daily or weekly basis. Some combo vending machines may look very practical and appear to offer a large selection but in reality, they are not practical as the number of cans or bottles that can be stored is very less.

3. Price is not equal to quality in the vending business
Vending machines definitely possess great potential for generating income for you. The vending industry is attracting a large number of people who want to start their own business and are searching for a lucrative opportunity. Look out for unscrupulous vending machine manufacturers and fraudsters who are waiting to rip-off anxious vending machine buyers who are eager to start their vending business!

4. Which vending machine options are valuable and which are not worth your investment
Planet Antares snack and soda vending machines are no longer traditional. They have advanced systems and technology-enabled components that enable everything from talking to recognizing fingerprints. Your goals will determine the amount of money you need to invest in such frills and additions. If you just want to keep vending machines in office for your employees, there will not be need for more than a few of such features.

5. How and by whom can you get your vending machine repaired?
In case of new Planet Antares vending machines, you won’t have to worry about repairs of vending machines frequently. Many vending machines require very less repairs even after 15 -20 years of service. If you are using mechanical vending machines, anyone with mechanical skills can handle minor problems. For electrical vending machines, it can be a challenge for you. hence, you need to choose a vending company that has a strong customer and technical support service.

6. Some vending machines need more repair and servicing than others
Like any other item, vending machines also differ in models and quality. From no name, low-end models to high-end, premium quality vending machines like Planet Antares vending machines, you will find vending equipment of varying quality. Don’t make the mistake of buying the lower quality vending machines made for newcomers or even the premium quality models meant for large corporations. Try to find vending machines that have better than average performance as well as a reasonable price.

7. Know the cost composition to avoid any surprises later on
A lot of vending companies don’t explain or disclose the entire cost details to you up front. Ask for guaranteed cost including machine cost, processing fees, fuel charges, shipping costs, residential charge, notification fees, inside delivery fees, etc. make sure that all these items are listed before you sign the purchase agreement.

8. Employee incentive programs for your company
Giving incentives to employees is an important part of motivating them for better performance and increasing business productivity and profitability. If they are happy, so will be the customers who get good service and products. This will enhance the whole experience of your customers!

Keep these factors in mind while taking any decisions for your vending business. you won’t go wrong if you do your homework and be smart while making the choices necessary for setting up and running your vending business.