Monday, October 1, 2007

What’s Happening In The Vending Machine Industry?

Currently, vending is a 50 billion dollar industry, with millions of businesses of varying sizes and styles. There are diverse vending machine models and products which are being dispensed through them. Technological updates are making them even more attractive and customer-friendly.

The vending industry is a very dynamic industry with innovative changes occurring every few months. These include introduction of cashless payment systems, GPS, digital display feature and new security mechanisms as well. Latest products include camera vending, ice cream vending, glow necklace vending, cartoon video vending, DVD vending and ATM vending. A notable vending breakthrough has been the launch of dollar changes which can break larger bills into smaller denominated bills and even coins.

The traditional vending products include candy, snacks and soda. Nowadays, there has been a rising concern towards healthier vending product options. This has led to dispensing of healthy items like nutrition bars, bagel chips, dried fruit and meal replacement bars. Low cal and low fat alternatives are also available. Water, milk and juice vending machines are becoming popular. New products are added to the existing range of vending items every month so that customers keep coming back and sales can be increased.

Vending opportunities are offered by vending machine suppliers like Planet Antares in various forms, including:

Full line vending  This implies that the vending machine company will provide the equipment, products, locator, refilling, repair and insurance. You will have to pay very less vending commission, usually about 5-20%.

Vending contract  The vending machine company gives the vending equipment on lease to the business owner. You will be responsible for machine maintenance and stocking. Usually, the profits are split 50-50 between the supplier and your business.

Own vending business  You may opt to buy your own equipment for installation in business premises. This gives you complete control over products, prices and profits. Also, the machine repair and management will be undertaken by your staff. You must buy equipment from credible vending machine providers like Planet Antares Inc that offer quality machines as well as guidance to establish an effective vending business. Check the technical support, warranties and existing customer’s experience with the services of the company.

The vending business can prove to be highly lucrative and capable of great financial rewards if you make the critical decisions prudently. As time passes, this potential will only increase.