Why Planet Antares Glass Front Vending Machines?

Vending machine industry has been through a lot of phases before reaching its present state. In fact during this process, several models of vending machines have been designed and introduced into the market. However, not all of them have succeeded in winning customers hearts.

These days’ vending machines have become an integral part of our life. There is nothing wrong in stating that our day begins and ends with these machines. Hectic life schedules and drastic changes in eating habits are the prime reasons behind this increasing dependency on vending machines. Modern customers hardly have any time for themselves. Hence they are in constant look out for instant and processed food.

During this long journey, several models of vending machines were designed. To begin with drop shelf machines were initially used by operators for selling single products. This was followed by Electronic drop shelf machines and later came glass front vending machines. Of all these glass front vending machines was a big success. The reasons behind its success are:

• Increase sales: It is believed that glass front vending machines are capable of generating more sales when compared to closed ones. One of the reasons being, customers can actually have a glance of the products which they are about to purchase. These machines have proved to be a great success in busy locations.

• Features: Glass front vending machines from Planet Antares come with several attractive features like LED illuminators, pull forward trays, easy dispensing trays and refrigeration units.

• Shelf space: More products can be marketed in this small shelf space when compared to other drop shelf units.

• Customer association: Customer participation and involvement is more in a glass front vending machine in comparison with closed ones.

• Wastage: The possibility of products getting wasted is very low in a glass front vending machine. The reason being electronic tracking system.

• Choice: Customers have a wider choice because this machine can accommodate more products in it.

• Branded items: Glass front vending machines from Planet Antares are ideal for vending branded products.

Reasons behind Growing Popularity of Planet Antares Vending Machine Business

Several business models have come and gone but very few of them have been as successful and as popular as vending machine business. Although this is not a new business model and has been in existence for quite sometime now, it has been able to gain huge popularity and acceptance only during the past few years.

Minimal capital requirement, zero sales force, flexibility in operation and freedom while choosing products and vending machines are some of the unique features of this business model. As we all know Planet Antares vending machine are renowned world wide and are use for dispensing almost all kinds of products and services. This is another reason why customers are lured towards using these machines.

• Instant returns: Vending is perhaps the only business that allows you to earn money right from the moment of installing your machine.

• Constant demand for products: Unlike other businesses, vending is not a seasonal business. The products offered in this machine are in constant demand throughout the year. So operators need not worry about season and off season.

• Low capital investment: Starting a vending business is very easy. It does not demand specialised skills or huge floor space for installing the machine.

• No specific promotional activities: Most of the promotion is carried through word of mouth and hence operators need not spend huge money on taking up promotional activities. In case you vend branded products then you need not worry since these products are popular across the globe and their sales happen automatically.

• Flexibility of operations: There are no set working hours and operators can work at their own convenience.

• Sales personnel: vending machines are your salesmen. You need not employ additional sales staff. You are also free from franchise fee, royalties and this is an open market so you need not worry about territory limitations.

• Profit margins are very high in this business.

• An operator can expand his business without taking any loans and advances by reinvesting the returns on his existing machine.

All these benefits are key reasons behind growing popularity of vending machines.

How Is Product Selection Crucial For Success of Planet Antares Vending Business

Since its inception, vending industry has been skyrocketing with no looking back. Perhaps, this is the only industry that has been successful in providing employment opportunities to people despite recession and other economic crisis. This simple business can be taken up by anyone keen in standing in his own legs.

With the success of this industry, several vending products are introduced into the market. Hence choosing one from amongst them is quite challenging for any operator. Moreover, the choice of vending products is influenced by several factors like kind of vending machine used, location in which machines are placed, demand for the product and target audience.

Things which operators need to keep in mind while choosing vending products are:

• Prefer suppliers based in your near by locality. This will save a lot of time for the operator while procuring stock. Another thing the operator needs to ensure is that the products vended are fresh and have not past their expiry date. This is important because you do not want to lose your customers by offering them outdated stock. This will not only affect your sales but also create ill will and bad image for your company.

• Product demand: .Identify the products that have maximum demand and stock them in your machine. Keep updating yourself with latest products in the market and try offering them in your Planet Antares machines. This is a good way of attracting and satisfying customers.

• Target customer needs: Children and youngsters constitute major portion of customer base for vending business. Try to understand their needs and requirements and offer products that can satisfy them. Product suppliers are also a source of vital information about the right kind of products suitable for your machines. This will help in boosting sales.

• Go for branded products: Branded products are renowned internationally and hence they get sold easily as compared to unbranded ones. So try to offer them along with unbranded ones. This would grab attention of customers and even enhance sales of your unbranded items.

How To Expand Planet Antares Vending Route

All of us start businesses with the view of further expansion if not immediately, at least at a later point of time. The common practise adopted by operators taking up vending business for the first time is to start on a small scale with may be one or two machines and gradually expand it over a period of time.

Most of us might not be aware of the fact that vending machines have been through a lot of phases before reaching its present form. Still the first thing that strikes our mind when we talk of vending business is coffee and junk food machines. Vending industry has surpassed this stage and healthy vending is the modern mantra of this business now. Healthy vending machines dispense low calorie cookies, candy bars, fruits, grain bars, baked chips and many more.

When it comes to business expansion, operators have several choices. Few of them are mentioned below:

• Try to add more machines. Try increasing the product length (add similar kind of products). For instance, if you sell Coke, then add Pepsi to it.

• You can also increase the product line i.e., if you are selling soda, then add sandwiches to it.

• Identify areas that need vending services and offer to locate your machines there. You can also identify prospective locations in your existing vending route.

• If the vending route is becoming too complicated to handle, then employ a worker if required.

• Try to advertise by distributing brochures or pamphlets. These direct channels of advertising can help in market penetrating.

• Also try and utilize the indirect mode of advertising i.e., through word of mouth. Ensure that your customer is satisfied and suggests your product to other customers.

So be on the look out for new expansion options.

Understanding Customer Needs Very Important For Success of Vending Business – Planet Antares Guidelines

Vending is a customer centric business. Hence understanding customer needs and wants is the basis for running this business efficiently. But how can you know what customers look for? This is what most operators are concerned about. Understanding customer requirements is do doubt very important and one way of doing this is by proving the location with a state of art machine that is capable of vending a wide range of products. The other methods which an operator can adopt are mentioned below:

• Suggestion box: This is an age old technique that is in practise in several business models. Since there is no direct interaction between operator and customer, placing a suggestion box near the machine is highly beneficial. Customer feed back related to the products you vend and service you provide can be gathered using this.

• Survey: Random surveys need to be conducted on a timely basis. This helps in understanding changing tastes and preferences of customers.

• Regular monitoring: Regular monitoring of products vended helps you assess the most fast moving one and also the ones with least demand. Slowly you can replace slow moving ones with those that have maximum demand.

• Data: There are few vending manufacturing companies that supply you with customer preference data. This helps you know which product has maximum demand.

Other things apart, these are the minimum requirements which customers expect from Planet Antares vending machines:

• Convenience: The main reason why vending machines have gained prominence is due to the convenience they offer. In today’s hectic lifestyles, most of us do not have the time and patience to wait in long queues to purchase products. This is one reason why we switch to simpler and faster means.

• Branded or standard products: Modern customers are willing to pay anything for branded and established products.

• Best quality products: Customers are not at all willing to compromise on the quality of products they purchase.

• Environmental friendly equipment: User and environmental friendly equipment if encouraged by all.

• Reasonable and competitive prices: High quality products reasonably priced is the choice of one and all.

• More choice options: Customer always looks for a wide variety to choose from.

• Flexibility in mode of payment: They prefer acceptance of various modes of payment.

• Quick and prompt services: Quick and prompt servicing is the key to success for any business.

An operator who understands this and provides the same to his target customers is definitely successful in his venture.

How to Make Planet Antares Vending Business Successful

We all are familiar with the fact that vending is a very promising business that generates high revenue. However, just like any other business model, success cannot be obtained in a day. A thorough planning, careful analysis of market and competitors and designing strategic plans can alone make you successful in this billion dollar industry.

Few tips on how to make your vending business a big success are mentioned below:

• Always set realistic goals. These act as motivating forces which inspire you to work hard and thus achieve success.

• After deciding on the product you would like to dispense, your next move would be to identify a strategic location where people stay or gather in huge numbers. Some of the most ideal places for installing your machine are lunch rooms, bus or railway stations, shopping malls etc. The choice of location is once again influenced on the kind of product you offer.

• When it comes to purchase of a vending machine, operator has two choices. He can either purchase one or hire. It is much cheaper to purchase a used machine or rent one. However, when it comes to performance efficiency, new ones from reputed manufacturers like Planet Antares are far more superior that old or refurbished machines.

• Since the advent of internet, a wide variety of information relating to various aspects is available on the net. All you need is just browse and look for special offers or compare prices of various manufacturers and purchase one at the best possible bid.

• One of the major issues with used or refurbished machines is currency changes. Hence it is imperative for the operator to check if they work with the present currencies and see how easy it is to receive desired product since this would satisfy your customers and bring them back to you for repeat purchases.

• Availability of spare or replacement parts is also crucial. More and more companies offer metal machines which are far more reliable when compared to old plastic ones. The best part with them is that repairs are far easier when compared to the traditional ones.

• The percentage of profits you would be sharing with the premises owner also influences your success.

New Vending Machines-Where and How to Purchase – Planet Antares Tips

Vending is one of the businesses that can be started easily and also gives you complete freedom in determining the type and number of vending machine you would like to start with. But before you go ahead and purchase a vending machine, thorough market research needs to be conducted. This helps in identifying various models of vending machines available in the market, their features, distributors offering them and their prices.

Starting a vending business is quite simple and does not require any specific knowledge or prior experience in determining the size of your machine or the location you would like to install it. Always start with a new vending machine. This has got dual advantages added to it. A new vending machine is not only efficient and attractive but also comes with warranty. Using a new vending machine for dispensing unique products especially targeting kids is got to be a big hit.

Before purchasing a new vending machine, you need to check the number of distributors existing in your locality. Once you decide on the vending machine you want to start with, you also have to consider the availability of suppliers of bulk products and at the same time identify some of the most attractive locations.

Purchase of a new vending machine is always advantageous when compared to a used one. These machines are highly efficient, come with latest features, do not break down frequently and maintenance costs are also very low. New vending machined also gives you an edge over older ones especially when you have taken up vending business for the first time.

Besides this business owners would be more than willing to partner with you when they get to know that the machines you possess are new. This would ensure them that the machines would not give any scope for complaints from customers regarding service interruption or coin getting stuck in the machine due to worn out parts.

One thing operators need to check before purchasing new vending machines is whether they have been tested or not. These small tips if followed can keep your customers satisfied by offering uninterrupted services.

How to Start Planet Antares Vending Business

Vending is one of the very few businesses that do not require any technical qualification or specific skill set. This is perhaps the main reason for increasing popularity of this business among all business classes. This does not mean that this is a very easy business. Like every other business, vending requires a lot of ground work and proper planning in order to enjoy returns.

Vending operator has two options when it comes to starting this business. He can either start from scratch or take over an existing vending route. Some people prefer purchasing an established vending route. This is also a great way of starting the business as it would not involve much work either for setting up or running this business. All that is required would be to pick up from where the previous operator has left. You are least bothered about identifying locations or suppliers for your machines.

Finance is one of the prerequisites for starting any business. Every prospective vending operator needs to analyze the estimated costs for taking up a vending business. This cost depends on two factors, the make and number of vending machines required. Several models are vending machines are available in the market at reasonable rates. So, choose the one that best fits your financial limitations and is also low on maintenance. Planet Antares machines are ideal if you are looking to start a vending business.

Location is the next important factor that influences the success of your business. Prefer a location that has maximum customer traffic. Schools, offices, restaurants, shopping malls, bus and railway stations are some of the most popular locations. Make sure that the location you have selected is easily accessible to your target customers. Besides location, price of product should also be taken into consideration while starting business. This is because the price of the product and your target audience bear direct relationship.

All these factors directly or indirectly influence the success of your business. So operator should carefully and strategically plan his moves to become successful.

Various Vending Choices – Planet Antares

Several manufacturers and suppliers are offering wide variety of vending machines in today’s market. Some of these machines work on electricity while others use mechanical motion to vend different products. These machines come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and even price ranges.

We often find vending machines located in shopping malls, waiting areas, bowling alleys, businesses and schools. Of all these, soda vending machine is most commonly found. However, this does not mean that other kinds of machines are not popular enough. For instance snack vending machine from Planet Antares is commonly noticed in colleges, hospitals, bus stations and airports.

On the other hand candy and gum ball are fun kind of vending machines. Candy vending machine is most popular among automatic vending machines while medical; tattoo and laundry soap vending machines are other types that are commonly used. If you are targeting kids, food and toy are most commonly used machines.

If an operator is intended to sell food products, carousel vending machines are a perfect choice. When it comes to electrically run machines, coffee vending machines are most popular. In case you are looking to dispense more than one variety of products then you can go for combination vending machine. Capsule vending machines are designed exclusively for boosting your sales.

Sticker vending machines have always been popular attraction among children and teenagers. Modern vending machines have been through a lot of transition before reaching its present stage. Machines that were once used to dispense limited products are now able to sell almost anything. Even beverages are being sold in some kinds of vending machines.

Popcorn vending machine is another kind of machine that has been popular for quite sometime now. Although these machines are rarely seen, they are huge success among children and teenagers. Customised vending machines are also being introduced to meet individual requirements. These machines are capable of dispensing a number of unusual products like CD’s, DVD’s, ticket, computer games, stationery equipments, disposable cameras, stamps and many more.

Vending machine business is sure to give you guaranteed returns provide you purchase the right kind of machine?

Factors Influencing Product Selection In Vending Machine

With increase in number of vending machine users, a wide variety of products are being offered in the market. This makes choice of vending products quite tough. Product selection plays crucial role in the success of your business. There are a lot of factors that influences the choice of a product to be vended in your machine. Some of these factors are mentioned below:

Customer tastes: Since vending is a hundred percent customer oriented business, it is imperative that operators understand the needs, tastes and preferences of their target customers before finalising on the product. Another thing which operators need to consider is that customer requirements are not static; they keep changing with changing times. Hence operators need to keep pace with changing market trends. This helps them in offering products with maximum demand and thus boosts their sales.

Pricing: The price of the product you are about to vend is also vital. For instance: if you are targeting middle class customers and are pricing your product very high, the chances of success are limited. Depending on your target audience, locality in which you are installing your machine and competitors pricing, you need to price your product.

Quality: Modern day customers are quality conscious. They are prepared to spare additional money in order to get the best. If you would like to become a successful vending operator, make sure you do not compromise on the quality of products. Ensure you maintain fresh stock in your machine. Check for the expiry date on the products regularly and replace out dated products on a timely basis. This will not only create good will among customers but also increase sales by increasing the number of repeat customers.

Offering latest and new market entrants: Besides selection of product, it is also important that you know how to promote your product. This could augment your sales. Offering new products is important and is it also necessary for route driver to be well acquaintance with new items. Planograms help can be taken while introducing new products into your machine. If you are using a glass front vending machine while offering new products, make sure the name of the product is displayed properly.

These simple factors help you in the process of your product selection. For information on starting your own vending business get in touch with Planet Antares staff and know all that you need to from the experts who have been in business for over two decades.

Vending Business

Vending machine is one of the easiest, convenient and best options for purchasing food items, entertainment related products or other retail products. By taking up this business on your own, you get the opportunity of becoming a part of its prestigious multi billion dollar industry.

Nowadays you can spot a wide variety of vending machines located almost in every nook and corner of the street. Besides offering quick and convenient services, there are many advantages of starting your own vending business.

The best thing about this business is that this is a pure cash business so the customers who intend to purchase products from your machine need to pay cash immediately. Hence there is no scope of bad debts. Once installed after procuring relevant licenses, you need not invest huge money as maintenance cost of this machine is minimal. Another great benefit of this business is that you can cater to your customer needs 24/7 without any restriction.

You are also free from the risk of hiring sales force and supervising them since your machine is your true salesman. This business does not ask for any prior experience or specific skills as you learn from your performance. Besides all these you are not answerable to anyone other than yourself. Since you become your own boss, you need to take proper decisions regarding placement of the machine, what to sell, where to install and which machine to purchase. This is also perhaps the only business that is least affected by fluctuating economy or recession.

In case you are a novice to this business, you can start with one or two machines in the beginning. Instead of buying latest and costly machines, you can go for some basic models that would cost you less. Once you are confident of yourself and gain thorough knowledge on how to run this business, you can go for complex machines with latest technology and innovative features. For more information on buying vending machines, take help of Planet Antares staff.

All these aspects and benefits make vending one of the most desirable business opportunities.

Few Plans for Starting a Vending Business

Starting a vending business is quite simple and easy process especially if you pre planned idea of how to go about it. Irrespective of what kind of business you are about to start, you need to set goals. This would help you work towards it and achieve it.

Starting a vending business is no doubt very easy but what is challenging is how to find right locations? Where to procure your stock from? Where to buy spare parts? How to service or repair them? You should have answers to all these questions before you start this business. A thorough market research or a lot of ground work is mandatory especially if you are starting a vending business.

There are several models of vending machines available in various shapes and sizes. Before purchasing any one of these, browse the net and gather information about various companies offering them and the prices at which they are offering. You need to compare this information before arriving at the best bid. Planet Antares is said to be the most trusted brands in vending industry.

Choosing the right location is quite tricky. If required you can take the assistance of a professional locator. Once you have identified the perfect location and installed your machine there, you would be able to generate revenue right from day one. It is always advisable to start with one or two new vending machines and gradually expands your business. Locations are the life blood to your vending machines. Hence you need to be very cautious before finalizing them.

The choice of location is influenced by several factors. Some of them are the kind of product you dispense, the kind of machine you use and your target audience. An operator should bear all these things in mind while choosing a location. Operators should also be able to take care of minor repairs all by themselves. This would save a lot of time and money and most importantly you would be able to provide uninterrupted services to your customers.

These aspects if borne in mind can give you guaranteed success.

Role of Product in Success of Vending Business

Product, price, place and promotion, these are the 4 P’s of marketing mix. The order of placement alone shows the importance given to product in a business. Selection of right product is as important as the selection of the machine particularly in a vending business. The choice of product vended decides the success or failure of your business.

There are various products available in the market. The use of vending machines was once limited to few selected products. However, with changing times, this trend has also changed and modern machines from companies like Planet Antares are capable of vending almost all kinds of products. You name it and vending machine offers it. This is the present scenario. Vending machines are used for selling snacks, drinks, food and many other products. Few products vended by these machines are part and parcel of our lives and we cannot avoid purchasing them whenever we pass by a vending machine.

While selecting products that are to be vended, it is important to consider customer requirements and the availability of supplier to provide you with the products you want to vend. Operator needs to ensure that the supplier is very near to your area of operations. This will avoid delay in transporting products from supplier to your vending machine.

In case you are a new operator and are not aware of the various kinds of products to be refilled, you can do a small survey. Just go to few vending locations and see what people prefer to purchase from these machines. It is advisable to offer products which have maximum demand or those products without which we cannot sustain.

The choice of product depends on your target audience, the kind of machine you use, the location in which you place it and also to your financial limitations. For instance: If you are targeting children, they often look for latest products in the market or those that are attractive to look at. All this clearly shows the significance of product in a vending machine.

Why Should You Consider Vending?

During the present economic crisis it is hard to find job security in any profession except for one “vending”. Yes, vending is perhaps the only business venture that has been least effected by fluctuating markets or recession. This is the only business model that requires low start up costs but ensures high revenue margins.

Vending is not a new industry; it has been in existence right from the Roman times where it was used for dispensing pure drinking water. After undergoing a series of changes and modifications, modern vending machines have been able to offer wide variety of machines right from the most typical mechanical ones to highly sophisticated electronic machines for dispensing all kinds of products.

Vending is a 24/7 business that has been successful in obtaining wide acceptance among people of all walks of lives. We got so used to this machine that it is almost impossible to imagine our lives without them. Vending machines are seen in all nooks and corners of our cities. The most common places being offices, leisure centers, hospitals, stations, street corners, rest rooms, pubs, schools and many more. Vending is a great business concept as it offers convenience and opportunity to customers whenever and wherever they require. It is this fact that makes this business truly variable and desirable one.

Most of the businesses are influenced by economy. Hence they tend to vacillate with credit crunches, rising interests and mortgage rates. However, vending is the only business that is least effected by any changes. This is due to low cost impulsive buying nature of most products offered by these machines. In comparison with every other business category, vending provides relatively low risk business opportunities with an assured income.

For all those looking for a new business opportunity either to fit in to their existing business model or with their current family commitments, vending offers a complete flexibility.

Planet Antares has remarkable vending machine programs designed specifically for entrepreneurs. You can contact sales staff of Planet Antares and explore the most amazing business opportunity of all times.

Vending Location Guidelines

Selecting the right kind of location for your vending machine is quite challenging. Place or location plays a key role in success or failure of vending business. One unique feature of this business is that you do not require any special skills. You only learn from your mistakes; however there will not be any serious damage to your business.

Since vending is a customer centric business, location or place plays a vital role. Finding strategic locations for placing vending machines is not as easy as it may sound. This is only possible with a thorough market research. One way of understanding how this business works is by going along the vending route or getting information from a route planner. Since these are the first ones to gather information about existing and new business avenues. Even a vending locator can be of great assistance to you.

However, there are few things which you need to bear in mind while identifying and finalising on a location.

Accessibility and visibility: These two aspects are very important while locating your vending machine. Both these factors help in creating more business and repetitive purchasing. Some potential places for locating your machine are near the entrance or exit of any shopping mall, next to water fountain, opposite a rest room, besides a coffee maker, near the reception, next to cash counter, near a music store, in a waiting area (petrol station) etc. The main aim here is to locate the machine in or near a place where there is some amount of customer waiting.

Another option while locating your machine is to place the machine indoor or outdoor. Each of these has its own merits and demerits. For instance: if you place your machine outdoor, customer will be able to access it 24 hours without any restrictions. But is it safe to place your machine outdoor? On the contrary, placing the machine indoor is definitely safe but, there are restrictions on timings. An operator needs to compare both the merits and demerits of each option before finalizing. Sometime the revenue generated by the business may dominate its demerits.

Another thing which operators need to be aware of is the local and state regulations in regards to placement of vending machine. Since there are few states that do not allow vending machines to be placed outdoor. While few states require the vending machine to meet the standards set by National Automatic Merchandising Association.

Planet Antares staff can be of great help while selecting a location. You can trust them on location as all the locations proposed to you by Planet Antares have been researched about. You can select the best location depending upon the analysis done.

How To Get Brand Recognition in Vending Machines

Since vending is a customer influenced business, it is very important to understand customer perception about your business. Hence you need to create a unique identity for yourself in the market. This helps customers to discriminate you from your competitors. Brand recognition becomes very crucial in this business and this can be made possible by using a professional website. Prepare a brochure or adopt any other significant element that sets you away from the regular operators.

Few ways of establishing brand recognition are:

• Business cards: Make use of business cards or letter head with your company logo, this helps in creating a visual identity for your-self.

• Brochures: Use brochures for advertising your company. These are effective advertising tools that help in establishing credibility.

• Website: This is internet generation; most of us browse the net whenever we want to purchase a new product or commodity. Create a highly professional website for your self that provides information related to your business. Design it in such a way by understanding what most customers would look for in such websites.

• Vending machine: Generally customers get lured by the looks of a vending machine. If you have an old machine, then you can make some modification in its looks. You can replace the old exterior panels of the machine with pre cut plastic panels for a trendier look. Thus you can promote your brand in client locations. Buying machines from Planet Antares can give you instant boost in sales.

• Signage: Make use of free advertising and branding opportunities. This is the most cost effective marketing tool.

• Employees: In case you have employees, then make sure they all carry the same uniform. Since employees represent the company, they can publicize your brand more then anyone else. Your employees should be perfectly dressed and proudly display you brand on their uniforms.

Which method to adopt depends exclusively on operators personal choice.

Method for Choosing the Right Kind of Vending Machine

With increasing use of vending machines, more and more varieties of machines are being introduced in to the market. Managing vending business is not as simple as purchasing and installing one. It requires a lot of planning and strategy development. To begin with operator needs to come up with an estimated sales forecast taking in to account the present location of the vending machine.

Operator needs to understand the needs of customers and determine what exactly they are looking for? This would definitely determine the success or failure of this business. The income generated by this business is influenced by three factors- the type and number of items sold, number of existing players in a location and quality of target customers.

The type of item sold or offered should be based on your target customers. For instance: if you are targeting children, it is advisable to vend chocolates, ice creams, toys, pop corn and similar products that can entertain kids. When it comes to selection of vending machine, it is done based on the individual’s budgetary limitations. Operators can go for most complex and expensive machines that are capable of offering more that one kind of product at a time or go for some simple and reasonably priced machines like snack and soda machine.

A wide range of vending machines are available in the market. These include the simple coin operated machine to the most complex and innovative one. Planet Antares provides the best machines which have proven results. Technological advancement has been able to gift mankind with various varieties of vending machines. Few instances are mentioned below:

• Few machines are capable of reading your identity card and driving license. This avoids vandalism and prevents theft.

• Some vending machines use cold systems with no greenhouse gases. These are environmental friendly machines.

• Vending machines can also sell digital contents. This kind of machines allow you to acquire and store in your USB devices which can later be connected to videos, music, movies, Blu-Ray etc.

• Modern vending machines are also capable of converting VHS format into digital or DVD format.

As an operator, you need to keep yourself updated with latest developments in vending industry. This helps you offer the best and latest products to your customers, thereby boost your sales.

Customer Satisfaction Key for Successful Vending- Planet Antares Success Formula

Vending is a business where there is no direct one on one interaction between the operator and the customer. This does not mean that customer response or customer satisfaction is not important. In fact, vending is a customer dominated business and for making this business a success, operators need to keep themselves updated with changing tastes, preferences and market needs.

To begin with first of all operators need to identify their set of target customers and what they are looking for. Once you have identified your target customers, keep them updated with changes. Communicate information through the medium that is most suitable for them- direct mailers, e-mail, phone etc. A recent study has proved that vending industry is losing a lot of customers due to lack of proper awareness. Cultivate awareness regarding new vending technology and products in order to build a strong customer relationship.

Word of mouth is the best advertising strategy especially in vending industry. You can be proud of yourself if you have satisfied at least one customer. Because this business works on the principal that one happy customer refers your business to ten others in his family or friends circle. In addition to this, if the operator comes up with some special discounts and offers, then you can lure many more customers towards your business.

Besides discounts, coupons and free gifts, modern customers expect three important things from vending operators.

• Quality: Today’s customers do not mind spending some extra money in order to avail the best quality products.

• Latest products: Most customers like experimenting with new products that are introduced into the market for the first time. Make sure you offer all the latest products that hit the market. Brand consciousness is increasing among modern customers. So, you can make them happy by offering branded products. Another advantage with these products is that they do not require additional promotion as they are known world wide.

• Cleanliness: Make sure your Planet Antares machines are always kept clean and in good working conditions. This will ensure that a customer who visits your machine will not return empty handed. This will also create goodwill for your company among customers.

These three if implemented can give you guaranteed success.

Location Key Aspect Of Vending Business

Operators should always keep one thing in mind. Vending is a customer oriented business. Hence vending operators need to choose a place that is visited by large number of people. The most preferred vending locations are restaurants, parks, malls, bus stations, pubs, schools, grocery shops etc. Vending operator job does not end just by locating populated places. In fact it begins from there. Hence operators need to ensure that the choice of the place suits the product you are going to vend. The best location for your machine will be those places where people wait for several hours. Vending sales is not compulsive buying, it is generally impulsive buying. Most buyers either get attracted to the machine or the products offered for sale.

Place or location is key elements of marketing mix. This clearly shows us the importance of product selection in a business. Vending industry is very resourceful in terms of the products it offers. An operator can choose anything from water to DVD’s. The choice of your product is greatly influenced by the location which in turn is dependent on your financial ability.

The choice of your machine is greatly influenced by your investment ability. You have several vending machines available in the market ranging from few hundred dollars to several thousands of dollars. After deciding on your investment ability, the next important step would be identifying a machine that would be appropriate for vending your products. Some machines can vend two or more products simultaneously while others dispense only one product at a time. The price of these machines varies accordingly. Who are your target audience? The features of your vending machine should be in accordance to the age of your target audience. It should be in such a way that they can operator with ease.

Your target audience will also influence the kind of product you are choosing to vend. For instance: if you are targeting at children, then candy, gumball, chips and ice-creams would be perfect choice. You also have the option of healthy products like cereal bars, juices, milk, and low fat snack. These items are in great demand because of growing health consciousness among people. Another product with increased sales in recent past is prepaid phone cards. The ideal location for them could be bus and train terminals.

Ensure you keep these things in mind for becoming a successful vending operator.

Steps before Taking up Vending Business

There is no single business model that ensures success or promises guaranteed returns without any hard work. Vending is no exception to this fact. How does a vending machine work? Customer just needs to pop in few coins into the machine to enjoy a cup of coffee or sandwich of his choice. With vending technology taking a whole new turn, this million dollar industry is offering excellent employment opportunities to several new and upcoming entrepreneurs.

Few steps have to be followed before starting this business.

• Setting goals is the first and foremost step before starting any business. Goals determine the purpose with which you have set up the business. Why are you into this business? Your goal answers this question.

• Once goals are set, you need to plan your activities so that you can achieve the goals. For instance: your goal is to become top most soda supplier. So what equipment would you need? Where should you place it to maximize your sales? Who would you supplier be? How much investment is needed? All this and many more things need to be considered.

• After deciding on the activities that are to be taken up. Your next important step would include a small basic research work. You need to find out how many operators exist? How far are they located from your proposed location? On an average what are the number of hits on their machine? Is there any untapped segment? How frequent stocks have to be changed? What would be their maintenance costs? And so on.

• After getting a fair idea from your research work, proper analysis needs to be done. Make a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. Analyze your prospects and at the same time consider the bottle necks that may come up in your way. This would help you to be prepared for the worst.

• Develop a USP (Unique selling proposition) for your product. USP is that which differentiates your product to the existing ones.

• After all the ground work is completed, its time for implementing your thoughts and ideas. Make sure there is flexibility for making some corrections in them if required.

Thus careful planning and right approach can bring you huge success.