Category: Snack Machines

Happy early Halloween from eVending! There are hundreds of iconic horror movie props that have made their way into our memories, from hockey masks to axes and even a VHS tape. This Halloween season, the marketing team at Rice Krispies has certainly moved snack machines, and vending machines at large, into the that-was-really-scary part of many hungry mall-goers’ minds.

A recent Halloween prank from Rice Krispies involved passersby that were looking for a quick and tasty snack from a spooky-looking vending machine that dispensed Rice Krispies “Scares.” What they received in return was a momentarily terrifying experience where horrifying hands suddenly appeared where they were expecting a sweet snack. Check out the video below to see this machine in action!

Happy Halloween Week!
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Happy early Halloween from eVending! There are hundreds of iconic horror movie props that have made their way into our memories, from hockey masks to axes and even a VHS tape. This Halloween season, the marketing team at Rice Krispies has certainly moved snack machines, and vending machines at large, into the that-was-really-scary part of

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Combo Drink Snack MachinesAs a vending machine company, we spend a lot of time talking about and reading about vending machines online. From news articles to instruction manuals and Tweets, we are constantly looking for great information and insights about snack machines, drink machines and more.

On social media platforms, especially Twitter where you are more likely to see users share information about what they are doing that exact moment, most buzz about vending machines comes in the form of negative reviews. Complaining about vending machines distributing the wrong items, being broken or eating money without vending anything are among the most popular topics.

eVending has seen that Tweets and other social posts that you will see about vending machines are about remarkable vending machines. Machines that are either created for marketing campaigns so they are truly outrageous or out of the ordinary, or machines that deliver surprising satisfaction through product selection or new technology.

For vending operators, this means that many of your customers are more likely to complain about your vending services than they are to praise them. This is especially true if you don’t pay attention to your customers’ wants when it comes to machine technology or product offering. To avoid this, finding quality machines, keeping your products fresh and interesting, and staying on top of maintenance and servicing will help keep your machines talked about in a positive way.

Vending Machines and Social Media
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As a vending machine company, we spend a lot of time talking about and reading about vending machines online. From news articles to instruction manuals and Tweets, we are constantly looking for great information and insights about snack machines, drink machines and more. On social media platforms, especially Twitter where you are more likely to

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Whether you are expanding or just starting out, mini vending machines are a versatile option for your business. These machines fit where larger machines can’t, allowing you to get into spots you might not otherwise have to pass by. The small and light machines are easier to move than full-sized models. And, their low power usage means they cost less to operate. But, the small size still allows for a lucrative assortment of snacks. eVending’s table top model can hold 14 separate offerings to appeal to a range of tastes.

Compact snack machines mean that your snacks are right there are the break room table for customers to enjoy. This convenience eliminates the need to possibly move between a vending area and a break room where meals and snacks are actually consumed, giving your customers more time to relax during their breaks. When it’s time to buy vending machines, include mini vending machines in your research. eVending has both full size and compact vending machines for sale on our site.

The Convenience of Table Top Snack Machines
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Whether you are expanding or just starting out, mini vending machines are a versatile option for your business. These machines fit where larger machines can’t, allowing you to get into spots you might not otherwise have to pass by. The small and light machines are easier to move than full-sized models. And, their low power usage

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Each time you buy vending machines you face a choice: should you buy machines made for bottles or cans? There are benefits and drawbacks to both options and which you pick will ultimately lie with which factors matter most to you.

One of the biggest advantages of cans over bottles is shelf-life. Canned drinks can last for months longer than those in bottles. This gives you the freedom to buy in bulk and perhaps get lower prices on your stock.

Bottles have the advantage of offering a higher profit margin. Plus, many customers prefer bottles over cans because they can be resealed. However, many vendors have found that their suppliers require larger orders for bottles than can be sold before they expire. If you are still building a high-traffic route, it may make sense to wait on bottles until you are better established.

In the end, one of the best options can be drink and snack machines that hold either bottles or cans. This gives you the freedom to balance your stock depending on your location, adapting to fit your current vending clients’ needs.

Should You Vend Cans or Bottles?
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Each time you buy vending machines you face a choice: should you buy machines made for bottles or cans? There are benefits and drawbacks to both options and which you pick will ultimately lie with which factors matter most to you. One of the biggest advantages of cans over bottles is shelf-life. Canned drinks can

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According to the Center for Disease Control, 69.2 percent of adults 20 years of age or older are overweight. Therefore, it is obvious America has a big problem with health and weight. Although eating habits regarding breakfast, lunch and dinner are the most important, what individuals snack on is also very key when trying to reduce weight. Therefore, learning how to choose good food out of a vending machine is a wise idea in order to maintain a healthy weight. Below is a list courtesy of Emily Saunders, a fitness trainer, of bad and good food choices found in typical vending machines:

Bad foods:Combo Vending Machine
All snack cakes, cookies and chips are unhealthy snacks that should be avoided completely. This is due to the fact that this food will cause a spike in blood sugar. In addition, they contain empty calories, which leaves individuals feeling hungry again soon after consuming them. It is also important to not be fooled by foods that “look” healthy such as Fig Newtons or oatmeal cookies, because they are in reality just sugar filled cookies with no nutritional value.

Good foods:
Look for sunflower seeds, beef jerky or bags of peanuts when trying to find healthy vending machine snacks. These food contain protein and will help individuals feel full longer. If individuals have to have something sweet, select a bag of peanut M&M’s, which contains both the sweet aspect and the protein element.

If you think you may buy vending machines and are interested in a vending machine combo, the above information is likely helpful.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Vending Options
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According to the Center for Disease Control, 69.2 percent of adults 20 years of age or older are overweight. Therefore, it is obvious America has a big problem with health and weight. Although eating habits regarding breakfast, lunch and dinner are the most important, what individuals snack on is also very key when trying to

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Combo Vending MachineWhen it comes time to buy vending machines, you have a lot of options available. Is it best to go with full-sized machines or mini vending machines? Will a dedicated drink or snack machine be a good pick, or should you look at combo drink snack machines? Which will work best depends on the areas where your machines will be hosted. It’s often best to pick the spot, then choose a suitable machine.

  • If you will be placing machines in a gym or an outdoor athletic center, cold drink machines are a good choice. Pick ones that allow you to offer sodas, sports drinks and bottled water.
  • In an office setting where space is at a premium, consider a vending machine combo unit. This will allow you to offer both drinks and snacks while preserving a small footprint.
  • Combo machines are also a good fit for areas that are lower in traffic. The smaller size means lower power use and lower inventory, so, the snacks you stock stay fresh.

Are you ready to start or expand your vending business? We have vending machines for sale to suit every need. Contact us today.

Drink, Snack, or Combo Drink Snack Machine
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When it comes time to buy vending machines, you have a lot of options available. Is it best to go with full-sized machines or mini vending machines? Will a dedicated drink or snack machine be a good pick, or should you look at combo drink snack machines? Which will work best depends on the areas

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July 1 brings a significant change to vending machine companies that service schools. The new “Smart Snacks in School” rules affect any schools receiving assistance from the National School Lunch program.

 

According to the new rules, all snacks sold in schools must:

 

  • Be whole-grain rich
  • Have the first ingredient a veggie, fruit, dairy product or other protein-rich food if not a whole grain rich food
  • Have a combination of these and naturally contain 10 percent of the daily value of calcium, vitamin D, potassium or dietary fiber
  • Contain 200 or fewer calories for snacks
  • Contain 350 or fewer calories for a la carte entrees
  • Contain no more than 35% sugar by weight
  • Contain no more than 230 mg of sodium
  • Contain no more than 35% calories from fat

 

In addition, the rules require elementary schools to limit beverages to 8 fluid ounces, with a 12-fluid-ounce limit for older grades. Vending machines in elementary and high schools cannot offer beverages that have caffeine.

 

Vending machine companies that service schools need to understand the Smart Snacks in School rules, and start transitioning to offering items that fit these rules.

New USDA Snacking Regulations Almost Here
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July 1 brings a significant change to vending machine companies that service schools. The new “Smart Snacks in School” rules affect any schools receiving assistance from the National School Lunch program.   According to the new rules, all snacks sold in schools must:   Be whole-grain rich Have the first ingredient a veggie, fruit, dairy

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Desktop Snacking

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:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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 timeHealthy Snacking
Snacking at Work
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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

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eVending takes great pride in manufacturing vending equipment right here in the United States. Des Moines, Iowa is home to our manufacturing plant employing some of the hardest working Americans we know. There are important benefits to manufacturing in the United States.

Providing jobs by manufacturing in the U.S. is an important benefit that should not be overlooked. According to the National Association of Manufacturers there are nearly 12.5 million manufacturing workers in the United States, accounting for 8.5% of the workforce. The Alliance for American Manufacturing notes that between June 2017 and June 2018, 285,000 manufacturing jobs were created. Manufacturing jobs are very important for our economy as a whole, and on a individual level, certain demographics rely heavily on jobs within the manufacturing sector and this sector provides millions of Americans with stable employment.

When businesses manufacture in America it is much easier and cost efficient to transport their products to retailers and consumers. Plus, it takes a significantly shorter amount of time verses waiting for container shipments from overseas.  Popular Mechanics talked with different American manufacturers and found that it is often more cost effective to ship their products from the U.S than accept cheaper labor overseas. They also found that manufacturing in the U.S. helps them keep a closer eye on the market and better connect with the consumer.  An employee from Stihl said “Manufacturing here gives us the ability to quickly and easily adapt to changing supply and demand and respond to the customer with new innovations.”

eVending believes strongly in the American labor force and is dedicated to making products in the U.S. Manufacturing in the U.S. helps eVending have a closer pulse on the market in order to adapt when necessary and eliminate costs associated with shipping products overseas.  Take a tour of the eVending plant and get to know the company better.

American Manufacturing
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eVending takes great pride in manufacturing vending equipment right here in the United States. Des Moines, Iowa is home to our manufacturing plant employing some of the hardest working Americans we know. There are important benefits to manufacturing in the United States. Providing jobs by manufacturing in the U.S. is an important benefit that should

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Vending is all about convenience. Vending makes it easy for your customers to get what they want. Your customers will be attracted to your machine because what they want has found them! The vital role for you as a vendor is to figure out what it is the public wants in your machine. Like any business you will need to determine what products are in the highest demand from your target market. The following information in this article is from an Independent Vendors Association published booklet titled Vending the Right Way.

An important first step in determining which items to sell in your vending machine is to consider your location’s demographic. What time of the day they will be around your machine? What is the age, gender, ethnicity and culture of the people that will be near your machine the most? Will they be there early in the morning? Will people be needing lunch or dinner there? There are no hardline rules for which gender or age will buy a specific item, but there are some general principles that can be helpful when stocking your vending machine. More women prefer diet drinks, candy, pastries, as well as low calorie/health conscious snacks. Men can gravitate toward salty snacks, snack cakes, chips, crackers and spicy flavors. In general, more younger people tend to prefer more non-chocolate candy items, “extreme” flavors like jalapeño, energy drinks and Mountain Dew.

Leaving a refreshment survey at your locations once in a while is a helpful way to engage your market to better understand what the product demand is. Preparation and research is helpful, but trial and error is also often times necessary when purchasing items to sell in your vending machine. Carefully keep track of what is selling and not selling from your machines so you can adjust accordingly. eVending is always here to help you with all your vending endeavors. If you have any questions or need assistance please do not hesitate to call us at 1-888-568-4896.

Which Products Should I Buy for My Vending Machine?
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Vending is all about convenience. Vending makes it easy for your customers to get what they want. Your customers will be attracted to your machine because what they want has found them! The vital role for you as a vendor is to figure out what it is the public wants in your machine. Like any

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