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Vending Machine Buyer’s Guide 2024
modern vending solutions
Thinking of providing your employees with convenient, self-service refreshments? Choosing a vending machine for your workplace goes further than deciding on your favourite snacks. Modern vending solutions provide value for businesses and employees alike. Choosing the right machines and the right suppliers is key to gaining a positive return on your investment.
considerations before purchase
Business needs
First and foremost, your choice of vending machine needs to meet the needs of your business. Businesses invest in vending machines and self-service solutions for a variety of reasons including:
- Boosting employee engagement
- Meeting H&S or other compliance needs
- Increasing productivity
- Generating additional revenue
- Enhancing guest experiences
Vending machines can play a role in meeting all these needs, but specific machines work better in specific circumstances.
For example, a self-serve coffee machine that dispenses quality brand-name coffee is great for enhancing guest experiences. But, it’s less effective when you need to serve a factory floor full of thirsty workers.
Understanding your needs
Business needs
Stakeholder buy-in
Rolling out a new vending solution affects everyone in your business, not just the Facilities Manager. If you want your new vending solution to be a success, find out more about what people want. A vending machine tucked under the stairs that no one uses is wasting money that could be invested elsewhere.
Survey your staff and get an understanding of their needs. Not only will your employees feel more appreciated and engaged with how the business is being run, but you can be more confident that you’re making the right choice.
Employees needs
On-site space
Vending machines come in all shapes and sizes. So, before you start ordering, review your site to determine the best place for your new machines. Studies have shown that there are optimal locations for vending machine positioning. They allow for maximum opportunity for sales, without causing disruption to foot traffic or workflows.
Site needs
An average freestanding snack machine is about the size of a phone box in width and depth. A table top machine can range between the size of a large toaster and as big as an industrial microwave. It also needs somewhere to sit. If you have a small office, with limited table space, you may find that a free-standing coffee machine is, in fact, a better option.