As vending machines offer a low-cost entry point into business, entrepreneurs across the UK are becoming increasingly attracted to the industry. Between 2011 and 2017, the UK imported developed vending machines business worth 67.7 million pounds, and this Purchasing a Vending Machine number is expected to grow as interest in the industry grows.
Since the percentage of people carrying cash in their pockets has dropped dramatically, machines are becoming better and better.This is due to touchscreen technology making its way to the machines alongside slots for card transactions.
It is becoming increasingly difficult to live without vending machines and their products, as the industry thrives. This recent development makes it highly beneficial for businesses to purchase a vending machine in the UK.
If you are thinking of buying a vending machine or have recently started a vending machine business, you will need to know what you need to consider. Here are some tips that will help you get started
Factors to consider when Purchasing a vending machine
Types of vending machines
In vending machines, you will find a variety of products, including hot beverages, sweets, snacks, and cans and cups. If you want to offer vending machines to the market, you’ll need to decide which ones you want to offer.
Location
In order for your vending machine to be successful within your office, making sure the location is right is one of the key factors. It is more likely that a vending machine will earn a profit if it is located in the right area and offers the products that customers want.
In addition to researching potential locations for your vending machine business, you should consider the demographics of your customers, traffic patterns, and purchases your customers are likely to make. Don’t place the vending machine in areas where it will be unnoticed and avoid locations with existing vending services. People are already buying food and drinks in canteens, so installing vending machines to sell snacks and drinks may not be a great idea. In a local gym, for example, a vending machine for healthy snacks, protein shakes, and energy drinks could be installed.
User-friendly
It is also important to make sure that the vending machine you are purchasing is simple, quick and easy to operate when purchasing one. It is important that vending machines are easy to use. This is because customers can return to the machine without having to spend a lot of time figuring out how to use it. First-time users should find it easy to use vending machines, which are supposed to earn them money.
One push of a button within 15 seconds displays the variety of coffee options available (cappuccino, latte, espresso, mocha and Americano), hot chocolate and hot water drinks in the Matrix Sovereign Commercial vending machine. The simple design of this vending machine enables it to deliver hot beverages quickly.
Security
Vending machines must be safe to use, especially for children, who can be playful and careless. It is important to consider this when buying a vending machine. If you have an accident with your vending machine, you will be responsible for any damages.
Quantity
The amount of space you have for the vending machine should be your guide to determining what size vending machine to buy. To purchase a vending machine that will fit the space you have, you must measure it precisely.
A mini vending machine is an excellent solution for an office with limited space! In contrast, a larger vending machine is more suitable for offices without size restrictions.
A vending machine’s cost
Vending machines are priced according to many factors, including their size and quality. Modernized touch screen machines that accept card payments are the latest electronic machines, and they are generally more expensive than older models. However, that’s not to say that affordable vending machines don’t exist. However, buying a refurbished or used machine can lead to unexpected repair costs, and small businesses and entrepreneurs might not be willing to take on that risk.
It is important to remember that cash is no longer a common method of purchasing vending machines in the modern age, especially when purchasing an automated vending machine. Vendors have realized that using cards has made it easier for customers to purchase from vending machines.
Another option is to purchase used vending machines, since they are less expensive than new ones. You’ll be able to make roughly the same amount of profit with a cheaper vending machine, which is perfect for those on a smaller budget.
Maintaining stocks and stock levels
Vending machines that are low in stock are less inviting for customers. Planning frequent visits to your vending machine will ensure that your machines remain stocked at maximum capacity.
Clean vending machines reduce maintenance costs because they prevent vending machine failures. Customers immediately correlate poor quality products with clean vending machines.
There will eventually be a problem with the machines, which you will need to detect and fix quickly to allow the service to continue functioning. A new vending machine typically comes with a one- or two-year warranty, while used equipment may come with a couple of months’ warranty. Profits won’t be generated until the vending machine is working again if it stops working.
Starting a vending machine business
You could earn a little extra money by purchasing a vending machine as a side job and as an investment. When you start generating real profits, you can gradually increase your vending machine count as you generate more profits. Once you have saved up the cash for an initial investment, it’s an easy and fast way to earn money! Why not start by browsing our vending machine UK range today.