Vending Industry Overview

The US vending industry includes around 5,000 companies generating annual revenue of about $6 billion. This industry is divided and the 50 top most companies contribute to nearly 40% of industry sales.

Consumer spending power and business growth stimulate demand for a product. We have been seeing several vending machines placed in places of work and other crowded areas. The profitability of every single machine is dependent on effective stocking, timely service and maintenance and most importantly securing best location. Since vending is a customer influenced business, its success largely depends on providing superior quality of services and offering unique products.

Products that are most commonly sold using vending machines include candy bars, snacks, beverages, ice creams, cigarettes, chocolate, gum balls, nuts, nutritional bars etc. Apart from these regular items, there are companies that offer bulk vending items, candies and capsules containing novelty items.

With a view to earn huge returns, most operators manage multiple vending machines in multiple locations knows as route. It may be surprising to know that three fourths of vending operators make less than a million annually. Vending machines vary by the products you vend. For instance cold vending machines can dispense items that require refrigeration. Glass front machines on the other hand can accommodate different kinds of products and also allow customers to view the products they are about to purchase. These machines typically accept payments by cash or bill. Machines from Planet Antares are efficient, dependable and stylish which has made them one of the most trusted manufacturers in the country.

Whichever product and machine you choose, location becomes vital. There are several operators renting space in prime localities with high customer traffic. Vending machines are also found in retail stores, hospitals, bus and railway stations and schools. Technological advancement and increasing demand is making this business grow stronger day by day.

Some of the latest technological inventions have made it possible to improve the speed, accuracy and quality of services offered by vending machines. With the help of internet and remote monitoring systems, operators are able to identify product shortages, machine malfunctioning well in advance. This helps in providing uninterrupted customer services.

All this clearly shows that vending is a growing industry with huge scope for improvement.