How to make the case for providing vending at the workplace and the importance of the 4Ps: Product, pricing, placement, and promotion
If your business is considering adding a vending service for employee, here are four key things to remember for vending success.
1. Product – What kind of vending do you intend to utilize? Do you need drinks, snacks or food? Maybe you are looking for a combination of options?
2. Pricing – Cheaper impulse items should be placed at eye level for a quick response from customers. Larger higher priced items such as food will be sought out by someone looking for meal options.
3. Placement – It is usually a good idea to vend healthier snack and drink options in health clubs, doctors’ offices or any location people will be concerned with eating right. If you need high energy options, they are perfect for locations such as skate parks or swimming pools.
4. Promotion – Promote seasonal items whenever possible giving your customers new unexpected flavors to help celebrate the holidays.
If you or your company are considering a vending machine service option for your location, it is important to come up with a solid plan for what kind of vending is needed.
• Are employees only going to use the machines?
• Will the public have access to your vending machines?
• Do you want to offer drinks, food, or snacks?
• Will frozen foods be an option?
• Are there going to be power outlets available?
• How much space will the machines take?
eVending has a vending machine option to fit any need whether big or small. We can help you with a solution to fit any size location. Our combo vending machines can be combined with individual snack or drink machines to add more flexibility to serve customers better. You are in complete control when it comes to deciding what you want to provide to make the best profit for your business. We not only provide superior vending equipment, we also help with online tech support and parts ordering to make your vending experience the best in the industry.
Call us today and let our team of experts help you get started with your vending business.
The 4Ps of Successful Vending
December 13th, 2017 | Posted by in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on The 4Ps of Successful Vending)Cashless Vending Is a Must Have
December 13th, 2017 | Posted by in Uncategorized - (Comments Off on Cashless Vending Is a Must Have)In today’s vending market cashless is a must have.
Why a combo vending machine coupled with cashless payment options is a home run for almost any type of business.
Watch your sales increase with a combo vending machine equipped with a credit card payment system. Not only will your customers have the ability to vend different snack, food or drink options, they will have the convenience of paying without cash. Credit card readers allow freedom from worrying whether your dollar bill will be accepted in the system or be kicked out. There is no need to worry about having the correct change or the coins getting stuck or lost in the change machine.
Electronic payments are easy to track with our tracking software. You can log in and see how many transactions are going through your machine per day, week, or month. Web based account monitoring allows access anywhere you have access to the Internet. Even with your web enabled Smartphone! Cashless payment options allow you to have a more flexible schedule and set your own hours by letting the machine do all the work.
Having a combo vending machine is great for almost any location and can become even more profitable for your business no matter how big or small with the cashless option.
In general, customers feel more comfortable knowing they are using a secure payment system from a reputable company and are more willing to swipe their credit card for vending purchases.
Give eVending a call today and let us help you find the perfect cashless combo vending machine for your location. We will get you started with our state of the art card reader.
How Millennials are Influencing the Vending Industry
August 17th, 2016 | Posted by in Buy vending machines | Vending machine business - (Comments Off on How Millennials are Influencing the Vending Industry)There are many stereotypes and assumptions surrounding Millennials (ages 18-34). For example, they have been described as lazy and narcissistic yet at the same time they are viewed as active and engaged. Regardless of the mixed opinions of Millennials, the influence they have on society cannot be ignored. With many of them entering adulthood it’s time to put more focus on marketing to this demographic.
With 75.4 million of them, making up a quarter of the U.S. population, it’s no wonder why Millennials have so much power over industry trends. Millennial’s buying power equals nearly $200 billion, making them one of the most profitable markets today. Savvy vending operators are taking note by keeping the preferences of Millennials in mind when making decisions regarding their businesses. Things to be considered are payment methods, what products are stocked in the machines, as well as eco-friendly features.
Millennials grew up in a technology rich environment, the revolution of smartphones brought an era of instant communication and connectivity. In recent years, smartphones have become a platform for payment options, which isn’t surprising considering that cash carry is virtually non-existent among Millennials. Today, mobile payment options such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and credit / debit cards are essential. As the vending industry becomes more mobile friendly, vending operators can expect satisfied customers and increased sales.
Keep in mind that cash and coin payment is still viable across the market as a whole, so don’t toss your traditional payment systems just yet. The smartest solution is to allow for a variety of payment types. Lucky for you, eVending machines come equipped with cash and coin acceptors as well as the ability to be fitted with a debit / mobile payment reader.
In terms of what kind of products Millennials want in machines, recent trends indicate that there is a market for healthy vending. Unfortunately this sort of thing is hard to nail down as far as what locations will respond positively to healthy foods. This has created a challenge for vending operators. If you happen to find an area where healthy vending is in demand and profitable, eVending has a selection of machines that can meet your needs. All of our machines have configurable flex trays that can conform to a variety of shapes and sizes; we even have a refrigerated elevator machine that will gently deliver food items such as salads and sandwiches.
Another common trend among Millennials and consumers in general is their focus on green, sustainable business practices. In fact, 49.4% of all respondents in a recent study said that when they see a product whose manufacturers use eco-friendly manufacturing and distribution methods they are more likely to buy that product; this increases to 56% for millennials.
eVending strives to be eco-friendly by engaging in environmentally friendly and efficient practices, we are proud to be a small but vital part in addressing environmental sustainability and climate change. In support for action on climate change eVending’s parent company, The Wittern Group, joined 153 companies in signing the American Business Act on Climate Pledge. Additionally, all of our machines include energy saving, eco-friendly features such as eurothane high efficiency insulation and long life LED lighting and credit display.
The landscape for vending machine operators is changing, stay on top of the trends by offering your customers top of the line, versatile machines with eVending.
Coffee Consumption Trends
August 3rd, 2016 | Posted by in Buy vending machines | Vending machine business | Vending machines | Vending machines for sale - (Comments Off on Coffee Consumption Trends)
Millennials’ taste preferences are a driving force in recent coffee consumption trends. According to an article on Vending Market Watch, in the last eight years consumption of gourmet coffee beverages increased from 13% to 36% among consumers aged 18 to 24 while gourmet coffee consumption for older Millennials (aged 25 to 39) increased from 19% to 41%.
With increasing numbers of Millennials and younger generations entering the workforce, it’s time to start thinking about ways to offer a coffee service solution that fits the consumption trends. According to 2016 NCDT data, 70% of the cups of coffee consumed at work come from the office coffee area, with over half of the respondents unhappy with their current coffee situation it’s time for a change. One solution could be offering a single serve coffee maker, such as the Keurig® Brewing System. These machines offer a wider range of coffee options that will appeal to Millennials. Consumers can choose between their favorite brand of a traditional cup of coffee or a more gourmet option, like espresso-based coffee without having to leave the office.
With the growing popularity of single serve coffee machines and the demand for more coffee variety in offices, more companies will likely offer single serve brewing machines in their break areas. Subsequently, these businesses will need a way to control their coffee pod inventory.
eVending is on the forefront of innovation with their SB16 Single Brew Coffee Vendor which offers professional, secure dispensing of single serve coffee pods, including K-Cups®. With the SB16’s built-in security you will never have to worry about employees walking off with coffee pods again. The compact size of the machine is perfect for placement on any standard 36 inch countertop with 18 inch cabinet to counter spacing. Plus the sleek modern design with glass front display shows all items on hand and will draw customers in. With 16 unique single serve coffee pod selections and a capacity of 256 total single serve coffee pods, the SB16 Single Brew Coffee Vendor offers employees with a great selection of popular, brand-name coffee pods.
Let the SB16 Single Brew integrate seamlessly into your vending business while increasing sales opportunities. This machine allows you to see which items are popular and which are not so that you can select the best coffee pods, including K-Cups®, for your location. With this feature you can drive your revenue up by stocking your machines with the preferences of customers at each location. The SB16 Coffee Vendor will fit perfectly in any office area and offers the perfect solution for businesses to dispense their coffee pod inventory.
eVending Free Premium Delivery Offer
July 15th, 2016 | Posted by in Buy vending machines | Vending machine business | Vending machines for sale - (Comments Off on eVending Free Premium Delivery Offer)We are offering a free upgrade to Premium Delivery for a limited time. eVending’s Premium Delivery Service is a $150.00 retail value and includes inside placement and uncrating of the vending machine as well as the disposal of all material used to package and ship the vending machine. Stairs / steps and narrow doorways are not included as a part of the Premium Delivery Service, but can be quoted on an individual basis. Through our Premium Delivery Service, once the vending machine is shipped from eVending’s manufacturing facility in Clive, Iowa, the time it takes for the machine to arrive is approximately two (2) week depending on the customer location.
Taxes for sales only to billing and shipping addresses in the state of Iowa will apply. This offer is valid for eVending vending machine purchases only. Not valid on the Table Top Snack Vending Machine, the Greenlite wireless credit card reader, prior vending machine purchases through eVending, or orders for vending machines placed with eVending prior to the beginning of the Free Premium Delivery Service Upgrade promotion period. Offer cannot be redeemed for cash or combined with other eVending offers or credits. Not valid for resale.
From in house financing to access to a nationwide service network, eVending offers everything you need to start, grow, or manage your vending business. We have been producing quality vending machines at our location in Des Moines, Iowa for 85 years. With such a long time in the industry, we’ve been able to build up a loyal customer base and are happy to provide the best products on the market.
Contact eVending today at 866-604-0432 to learn more about eVending’s Free Premium Delivery and full line of vending machines.
Mobile Payment Options Increase Vending Machine Sales
June 29th, 2016 | Posted by in Buy vending machines | Vending machines - (Comments Off on Mobile Payment Options Increase Vending Machine Sales)
As technology progresses, fewer and fewer consumers are carrying cash and coins. Instead, financial transactions via credit and mobile devices are becoming more common. What’s more, card swiping devices, mobile payment, and other digital payment options are predicted to overtake ‘traditional’ payment methods in the near future, making it a must have in today’s vending market.
Research reveals that 49% of consumers, and 56% of Millennials, are already using / interested in using mobile payment technology and 18% of consumers say that they would use mobile payments if more locations accepted it.
Many consumers today, Millennials in particular, rarely carry cash and prefer cashless options such as credit / debit cards or other options such as Apple Pay which will likely be a revenue driver for vending machines. In fact, a recent study that began in March of 2016 found that vending machines advertising Apple Pay increased overall revenue by 22% while contactless purchases from those same vending machines rose 89%.
With all of that said, the market for cash and coin vending is still viable so don’t scrap your traditional payment acceptors just yet. The best way to increase your profit would be to provide customers with the best of both worlds by installing both cashless payment options and coin and cash acceptors on your machines.
All of eVending’s machines are equipped with the latest electronic coin changer and bill acceptor and have a standard peripheral opening for additional payment options such as Greenlite, a cashless system that accepts debit / credit cards and mobile payments including Apple Pay. With Greenlite, you are able to remotely monitor your vending machine’s transactions from your web-based account.
Contact eVending today if you are interested purchasing a new vending machine with a cashless system or would like to add Greenlite’s mobile / wireless payment option to an existing vending machine.
Are you ready to become a Vending Operator?
June 3rd, 2016 | Posted by in Vending machine business - (Comments Off on Are you ready to become a Vending Operator?)
Vending is very much an entrepreneurs business. Vending operators essentially run their own small businesses. As a vending operator you must become a jack of all trades as you will be taking on a lot of responsibilities. You will be managing things such as product restocking, service calls, machine maintenance, finances, travel between locations, and administrative duties. While entering the industry as a vending operator may seem overwhelming, do not be discouraged as becoming a vending operator can be quite rewarding.
You may be wondering if the vending business is right for you. Let’s consider the advantages and disadvantages. As an operator owning your own vending machines, you will enjoy higher profit margins and will be allowed greater flexibility in pricing and product offerings. To enter the industry as an operator you will need money up-front to purchase the machine. Plus you will need to buy product to stock your machine.
As the factory direct supplier of vending machines, eVending in one of the only manufactures to provide in-house financing for machines purchases (based upon credit approval). eVending offers a variety of accommodating financing options, ranging from six (6) months to 48 months. Plus eVending offers no monthly payments for the first 90 days. With an average item profit of $0.50, your vending machine could pay for itself with sales of just seven to ten snacks or drinks per day. eVending’s financing options are ideal for operator entering the vending industry to be more affordable and profitable than ever.
As you prepare to put your business plan into action, you may want to make a list tailored to your needs as the operator. The following are several tips to help you prepare to enter the industry as a vending operator.
- Have a business plan – It pays to plan. Have you thought about what your goals are or how the math works out? With vending profit is not immediately obvious, there will be a significant delay between your actions and financial results. If you want to get an idea of what your machines will bring in, eVending’s profit calculator is a useful tool. The calculation takes in to account the number of machines you have, vends per day, the cost of the product, and the vend price of the product to give you the most accurate prediction of your future profits.
Be sure to align your business plan with your financial as well as lifestyle goals. - Select the vending machine type – Over the years vending machines have evolved beyond cookies and crackers. Today, you can vend anything from gumballs to a full meal. Decide which market you want to enter then find the machine that best suits your needs.
- Get the proper licenses – Before you get started, check with your local licensing office for requirements in your area.
- Buy the machines – Now that you have decided what type of machine is best for your location, you will need to purchase the machines. eVending offers a full-line of machines that are 100% manufactured in the USA. Our new machines come with a one year limited parts warranty and are specially designed to provide maximum energy output with minimal electrical requirements which help keep your expenses as low as possible. Additionally, our new machines can be managed remotely due to their cellular based designs.
- Buy or lease a vending truck – You will need a vehicle to move products from machine to machine and even to move the machines themselves. The size and type of vehicle you need will depend on the size of your operation.
- Find a supplier – Buy your products in bulk through stores such as Sam’s Club and Costco or a site that sells candy in bulk. Be sure not to buy quantities so large that they expire before you can sell them.
- Secure your locations – When selecting a location look for places with high foot traffic. Think along the lines of an office, mall, bowling alley, or hotel. Be sure to check out each site in person before approaching the owner to secure a deal.
- Service your machines – Now that your machines are placed you will be in charge of upkeep. This will involve keeping the machine functioning, clean, and well-stocked. Depending on your machine’s popularity, this may need to be done more than once a week. When you purchase one of our machines you will have access to eVending’s complimentary phone customer support as well as to Vendnet— your one stop source for parts, service, and vending products, with online support for vending machine manuals or parts ordering.
Finally, the National Automatic Merchandising Association’s (NAMA) Vending101 article is a good resource for a more in depth look at the industry.
If you decide you’re ready to make your way as a vending operator, visit www.evending.com to learn more or contact eVending today at 1-888-915-7572.
The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Awards Art Wittern Allied Member of the Year
June 2nd, 2016 | Posted by in Vending machine | Vending machine business - (Comments Off on The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Awards Art Wittern Allied Member of the Year)
ve at the OneShow on April 13th, is one of three NAMA Industry Awards that recognize the most widely respected leaders in the industry, as nominated by their peers. The OneShow is the nation’s largest vending and refreshment services trade event, which will be held April 13–15, 2016 at the Lakeside Center McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.How to Drink More Water Daily
March 30th, 2016 | Posted by in Vending machines - (Comments Off on How to Drink More Water Daily)
With the health and wellness trends quickly becoming eminent in all our lives today, we have constantly been reminded of the importance of water. Everyone has been told once in their life to “Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day!”. But, why are we still constantly being reminded if we should already have this ingrained in our heads by now?
Shocking Fact: Just 5 years ago, Americans consumed close to 50 billion liters of soda a year, which is basically 216 liters (57 gallons) per person! (Source: NationMaster)
Thankfully, in a study conducted less than a year ago, soda consumption has fallen drastically and the consumption of water is at the top again, and now 63% of Americans actively avoid soda (Source: Mercola). That’s great news health-wise! However, many people have resorted to other liquids such as energy drinks, juices, and unnatural flavorings. That might be a step up from soda, but it really doesn’t help control our sugar consumption daily.
Water is essential to our bodies to help metabolism, remove toxins, cooling, pH regulation, transporting substances, and a whole lot more. So how can we get into this habit of drinking more water everyday? Here are a few tips:
- Drink a little water after you wake up, before you brush your teeth
- Add your own natural flavor to your water – sliced fruit/vegetables/herbs
- Set a daily goal
- Track how much water you drink – by using an app or log book
- Get a bottle that you’ll actually want to use and carry around
- Drink a glass of water before every meal
- Consume more water-based foods – such as watermelon, cantaloupe, etc
- Add a little spice to your food
- Drink less caffeine – Caffeine dehydrates you
Snacking at Work
January 30th, 2016 | Posted by in Snack machine | Snack Machines | Snack vending machines - (Comments Off on Snacking at Work)
Snacking in between meals is becoming a norm for people of all ages in today’s world. We do this for a variety of reasons. Some people just prefer to eat smaller portions and more times a day, while others just don’t have the time to sit down and have a proper meal. Unfortunately, this makes us all vulnerable to unhealthy snack products that could potentially decrease our productivity (by making us sleepy, or even more hungry) and ultimately, don’t have any nutritional value to get us through the day.
Here are some ideas to make help us snack a little more healthily:
- Fresh Fruit
Try cutting up and keeping some Apples, bananas, grapes, strawberries, and any other fruits in Ziploc bags that can be stored in the office fridge/cooler. These are great to munch on while working on something at your desk - Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds have healthy natural fats and will be able to keep you full till your next meal. Next time you’re at the grocery store, just grab some wholesale and unprocessed almonds, cashews or sunflower seeds - Oats
Oats are another easy fix to a meal. You can keep some instant oats by your desk and just walk over to the kitchen to add some hot water (extra points for taking that walk!) or you could make overnight oats at home and bring them in with you - Snack Bars
There are a ton of different bars in the market today, but many of them are packed with sugar and unnatural flavorings. A great rule of thumb is to look for bars with a high protein content, low-sugar, and no weird ingredients - Hard-Boiled Eggs
Eggs are basically protein-packed food. You can boil these in the morning while you’re getting ready for work and just 2 eggs will get you through that mid-day slump - Vegetables & Dip
Cut some carrots, celery and broccoli and keep them in Ziploc bags for some very healthy snacking while you work. If you’re a dip-kind of person, try hummus or Greek yogurt dips - Whole-wheat Bread & Nut Butter
Keep some whole-wheat bread at your table and have a slice or two with Peanut Butter or Almond Butter if you don’t have time for lunch and need a quick snack that’ll fill you up - Protein Shake
Protein shakes are a great way to hit your protein goals for the day. Most of them are also low calorie, low-sugar and low-carbs. Protein makes you feel full pretty quickly, so just one serving and you should be good till dinner time
