Yes, it’s true that vending machines provide lucrative business opportunities. But it’s always better to say that owning one or more requires a great deal of hard work and creativity. And like any form of vending business, your ultimate goal is to keep your customers coming back for more.
Where to place the Machine
If you wish to have more earnings with your vending business, you need to place your machines in high traffic locations or any places with enough people to continuously buy from the machine. Finding a good location for your machine can be made easier with the help of a local Yellow Pages phone book.
Let’s look at a few places that are as good as money for your vending business:
Shopping Markets and Malls
These places never run out of people. They’re good places to put your machines for many purposes, including advertisement. But bear in mind that it is a bit difficult, but not impossible, to get the approval of some shopping centers because of some commission issues from their retailers.
Working Environments
Many people love to eat while working. Others tend to get so busy they always forget things they need for work like pens, pencils, sharpeners, etc. And some might also leave personal hygiene items at home. They will be very pleased to have a vending machine around for their own convenience.
Hotels
A lot of people stay in hotels. Putting machines in these places attracts more profit for you by quickly and easily providing for their needs in a way the establishment’s management cannot.
Shopping Markets and Malls
These places never run out of people. They’re good places to put your machines for many purposes, including advertisement. But bear in mind that it is a bit difficult, but not impossible, to get the approval of some shopping centers because of some commission issues from their retailers.
Service Providers and Stores
Putting your vending machines in stores is a good decision, but make sure you are not offering the same products that they have in their vicinity.
Your choice of location will always equate to the target consumer you have in mind, and these people should need the items stocked in the vending machines
How you can best serve your clients
Running a vending machine business includes having a professional and business-like approach. Like any other type of businesses, you have to keep your customers coming back for more.
One basic consideration when looking for ways to serve customers is that vending machines should be placed in areas that make the products easily accessible to the people who need them immediately.
The process of inserting the currency, choosing the product from the menu button, and getting the product should be as simple as possible. If necessary, provide a short guide on how to use the machine to guide your customers.
You also need to offer a product mix that will capture the particular segment of customers you are looking for. Place a customer satisfaction survey card at vending locations so your customers can leave feedback and suggestions. The feedback will give you the opportunity to provide better customer service by finding out what people want. Satisfied customers translate into higher profits and good public relationships.
Lastly, the best way to attract customers is to keep your machines well-maintained and cleaned. People won’t come back to a machine that is frequently out of order or one that takes their money without giving them an item in return. Always make it a priority to repair technical problems with your machines to prevent losing business and money.
Products you can vend
New ideas are coming onto the market every time, and one only needs to pick the right product at the right time to benefit hugely. You may be well-advised to stay with what has been tried and tested at first because these are proven methods to succeed in this industry.
Let’s take a good look at all the different types of goods a vendor can sell in their vending machines:
- Snacks and Beverages
- Candy, Chocolates, and Gum Balls
- Toys and Stickers
- Newspapers and Magazines
- Toiletries
- Medicines
- Office and School Supplies
- CDs and DVDs
- Arcade and Video Games
Entering this business requires you to do good research on the best items to sell with regards to the trends people are into. The more you work for your business, the more profit you’ll make for yourself.
To know more about vending machine business, get in touch with us today.
