Planet Antares scam alert blog on tips & advice on various vending scams for entrepreneurs and operators.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

How Can You Become A Successful Planet Antares Vending Operator

Even though it has been stated several times earlier that vending is one of the easiest business models, not everyone who takes up this business is successful. However, this has not stopped new operators from trying out their luck by establishing their own vending machines.

As more and more number of operators have started taking up this business, it has resulted in cut throat competition in this industry. Only those operators who have able to understand customer pulse and offer products accordingly have been able to withstand this competition while others are washed away.

Vending operator can taste success as long as he remembers the following aspects:

• Quality: Modern customers are quality conscious. They are ready to spend more amounts but are unwilling to compromise on the product quality. Ensure that you stock your machine with best quality products.

• Customer service: Vending is a customer oriented business. You exist as long as you are able to satisfy your customer. Once your customer is upset with the kind of service he receives, he will never visit you and at the same time stop others from visiting you. Word of mouth plays a key role in this industry.

• Maintenance: Good looking machines can attract customers. Ensure your Planet Antares machine is clean, regularly serviced and is in proper working condition. In case of breakdown, try to resolve the issue at the earliest. One sec of time wasted leads to break in your revenue.

• Advertising strategies: Use advertising strategies like special gifts and coupons. These not only draw customers towards you but also advertise the products you sell.

• Inventory: Ensure you machine has sufficient inventory stock in it. Make sure no customer returns empty handed after visiting your machine due to lack of stock.

• Latest products: Customers like to try out new products that have been introduced in the market. Try to introduce such products in your machine. If their demand fades, you can replace them with your previous products

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Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Planet Antares Vending Machine Business- Popular Business Choice

Several business models have come and most of them faded with time. Vending is perhaps the only business that has tasted success, success and only success. Since its induction there was no looking back for this industry. What makes this business so popular?

• Ease of operation: Anyone irrespective of your educational qualification or professional background can start a vending business.

• Investment: Initial cost of investment for establishing this business is also very low when compared to most other business models.

• High profit margins: The profit margins in this business are very high. However they vary from one product to another.

• Quick service: Convenience, instant services are the two machine features that have made these machines popular across the globe.

• Recession proof: Vending is perhaps the only business model that has remained least affected by recession or other economic slowdowns.

• Instant cash flow: This is one of the very few businesses that allow you to reap returns right from the time you install your machine and fill it with sufficient amount of stock.

• Cash flow: There are very few other business opportunities that are all cash. Since vending is a hundred percent cash business, you need not worry about bad debts or other collection issues.

• 24/7 Services: There are no set working hours in vending business. Your machines would be every ready to cater to the needs of its customers round the clock all 365 days.

• Tax exemption: Tax exemption is applicable to vending business also. If you fall in the 20%-30% tax bracket, then you have great chances of increasing your profits.

• Planet Antares business has allowed several operators to enjoy complete financial freedom and allows you to have complete control over your money and future.

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Monday, March 08, 2010

Glass Front Vending Machine from Planet Antares Ideal for Vending Business

Becoming a part of this billion dollar industry has always been the dream of several young and upcoming entrepreneurs. In fact many have succeeded in realising their goal. Vending is one of the simplest forms of business hence can be taken up by almost anyone and everyone. This has resulted in increasing competition in vending industry. To withstand this competition and create a unique identity for themselves, operators have been trying out their luck by using various models of vending machines.

Since the inception of vending industry several models of vending machines have been developed and introduced in to the market. Drop shelf vendors were the first machines that were used to dispense single products. Technological advancement has lead to the introduction of electronic drop shelf machine and glass front machines. But only a few have been successful in satisfying both customers and vending operators. Glass front vending machine is one among them. What is that makes this model of vending machines so popular?


• Glass front vending machines from Planet Antares are capable of generating more sales when compared to closed ones. The main reason being, customers can view the products they are about to purchase. This can stimulate impulsive buying.

• Glass front machines come with attractive features like LED illuminated motor, pull forward trays and refrigeration units.

• These machines are capable of selling more products in smaller shelf space when compared to the traditional drop shelf machines.

• There is more scope for customer interaction in glass front vending machine when compared to closed ones.

• Glass front vending machines come with advanced technology like electronic tracking. This prevents unnecessary wastage of stock.

• Customers have a wide variety of items to choose from.

• Glass front vending machines are best suited for vending branded products.

All these benefits are luring more and more operators towards glass front vending machines.

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Three Important Factors Influencing Success Of Vending Business

In order to stay on top, vending operators need to out beat competitors. There are several factors that spell difference between success and failure in a vending business. A business will exist as long as it is able to benefit both the parties involved in it (operator and customer) else business would not survive.

Before starting a vending business you need to consider three important factors that include the following:

• Location: Location is one of the four P’s of marketing mix. Purchasing a quality vending machine is essential for successfully running your vending business. However, selecting best location is vital for this business. Choice of location should be such that it is easily accessible to all customers otherwise there is no use of that location.

• Positioning: Once you have chosen a location for your vending machine, the next step is to decide its position in the premises. You are selling a product and so when you are placing it, it should be located in such a place where everyone can easily locate the machine. The position of your vending machine no doubt depends on the kind of place you have installed your machine. If you are catering to needs of offices, pantry or lunch rooms would be a perfect choice.

• Stylish and good looking: Performance of your vending machine is also dependent on its looks. This factor is ignored by most buyers while purchasing new machines. If you are targeting children, then they would be more attracted towards vending machines that have graphics or animated pictures. Looks of vending machine can create impulsive buying amongst customers. Thus your sales and overall profitability can be increased. Planet Antares machines are designed keeping in mind style and robustness and probably can be your best choice.

Due priority should be given to these three factors if you would like to make your business a big success.

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Thursday, February 18, 2010

Why Vending Business is most preferred business.

Many businesses have been established and most of them have been washed away by the huge tides of recession. Vending is perhaps the only business that has remained unaffected by recession or other economic fluctuations. Besides this, the initial capital required for establishing a vending machine is minimal when compared to most other business models. All these make vending very popular among the business world.

There are several benefits that are enjoyed by any operator who takes up this business. Some of them have been mentioned below:
  • Vending business has high profit margins: The products that are dispensed in this machine are priced high thus operators retain a huge margin.
  • Vending business is not a seasonal business. The demand for the products vended in this machine is almost static, thereby giving its operator a regular flow of income.
  • This is a 100% cash business. Therefore there is no risk of bad debts and collection issues.
  • There are no fixed working hours and you can run your machines round the clock 24/7.
  • You need not take up this business on a full time basis. You can continue with your main job and take up this business on a part time basis.
  • You need not appoint sales personnel as vending machines takes care of all your sales.
  • Like other businesses you can enjoy tax benefits even in vending business.
  • Except for regular maintenance and repair costs, operator does not incur any major overhead costs.
  • This is perhaps the only business that gives you instant returns.
  • This business gives you a lot of financial independence.
Vending machines business is perfect choice when it comes to offering instant and convenient services to customers. Since its inception this industry has been skyrocketing and has been able to provide employment opportunities to several young and enthusiastic individuals.

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Tuesday, February 09, 2010

Role of Customer Satisfaction in Vending Business

Vending is no doubts a highly profitable business that can be taken up by any enthusiastic individual. With the intention of making more money, operator only concentrate on the 4 Ps of marketing mix and tend to give least or no priority to customer satisfaction. This is one of the biggest blunders ever committed by any vending operator.

Vending is a customer centric business. With more and more customers switching to vending machines, the number of operators taking up this business is also on the rise. Competition has become severe and every operator is striving towards customer satisfaction. As a result, operators are even willing to put in lot of time and money is in conducting several customer relationship programs. All this is done with a view to ensure that customer preferences are given topmost priority.

One satisfied customer refers ten others from 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.

Customer’s confidence and satisfaction can be gained by the below mentioned methods:

• 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.

• Branded products: 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 vending 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.

One or all the above mentioned aspects is sure to give you a huge success. For more advice contact Planet Antares who have been in business for over two decades.

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Friday, January 22, 2010

The Perfect Approach for Starting Vending Business

None of us like to be bossed over or dictated by other. We all enjoy freedom. Hence some of us like to set up our own business. But the fear of hassles and challenges makes some of us withdraw this decision. If at all you come to know of a simple business that required limited capital, small area for operation and most importantly ensures guaranteed returns, I bet none of us would hesitate to take up that business.

Wondering which business it could be? It is none other than vending business. The unique feature of this business is that it does not have any fixed working hours. These simple and portable machines can be installed almost in any place. All they need is a little attention at times so that they can serve you 24/7 without any interruption.

However, there are few things which you need to know or do before you start this business. Some of them are:

Contact National Automatic Merchandising Association that deals with all aspect of business information including education, health, safety, Govt affairs and NAMA certified vending machines. You can get a lot of valuable information about installing, reloading, purchasing products, stocking inventory and accountability. You also need to check with the appropriate sources that issue licenses, permits and other legal advises.

Always purchase new vending machine of renowned or branded company: The kind of machine you purchase can make or break your business. Try to find about the latest machines in the market and also about the kind of machines that are being used by your competitors.

What is that you would like to sell using vending machine? The kind of product sold also influences the machine you need to purchase. There are more options for setting up vending business. Ensure you purchase a machine whose spare parts are easily available in the market.

Be watchful while you purchase machines because there are several companies that try to rip you off by selling substandard vending machines. These companies last only for a short period of time. They steal away your money even before you realise that you have been cheated.

If these little things are followed, your business can become a big success. For complete guidance on starting a vending business Planet Antares can be the best choice where you can get all the information under one roof.

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Friday, January 15, 2010

Vending Planning

Whenever we talk of any business, we often come across the words planning and implementation. Both these elements run hand in hand and are very crucial for making your business a huge success. However, success in this business cannot be attained as simply as it is stated. Several factors like quality of service rendered, products, price, location of vending machine and its technology influences its success. So, an operator need to design several business plans in order to achieve his business targets.

Vending operators always have two options while setting up their business. The first option is to purchase an existing vending route while the second one is to buy a new vending machine. Each of these has its own set of merits and demerits. Buying a existing location is undoubtedly much cheaper when compared to purchasing a new vending machine. However, there are more disadvantages of purchasing an existing/ used vending machine. Used machines are more susceptible for breakdowns and maintenance issues. Hence purchase of new machine is highly recommended.

Another challenge faced by operators is finance for their machines. To make the entire process smooth and much easier, vending operators need to prepare a rough estimate including the capital required and various sources for which he can secure funds. Identifying right location is the next important step in vending planning. While planning , you can take help of Planet Antares staff who have tons of experience backing them.

Locations are numerous but choosing the right location is crucial. After deciding on the location, operator also need to finalize the product he would like to vend. A wide variety of products including candy, soft drinks, newspapers, soda, snacks, ice creams etc are available in the market. So operator needs be very careful while choosing the product since there is a relation between the product you vend and the vending machine you purchase.

Last and most important aspect is maintenance of machine. There is no use purchasing a new machine if you cannot maintain it properly. Durability of a vending machine depends on how well you maintain your machine. All these aspects need to be considered in order to make vending a big success.

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Friday, January 08, 2010

What Makes Vending Unique?

Whether you have taken up a business as an additional source of income while still employed else where or homemaker looking for extra income or unemployed trying to figure out what to do, vending is most appropriate business opportunity. It is unlikely that this business will give you breakeven in the very first month, but has huge potential to grow in to a full size business within no time.

You may have burnt your hand investing huge amounts in various business models. Why not try vending that requires minimal capital when compared to most other ventures? If you think that by investing very little amount you can sit back and watch the cash rolling in, you are mistaken. Just like other business ventures, success in vending cannot be hand in a day or two. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication and proper planning to taste success in this industry.

The convenience vending machines offer to its customers and benefits it provides to its operators is making it most popular choice.

• Low capital: unlike other businesses, vending does not require huge capital or floor space for its establishment. This business can be operated even from your residence.

• Complete cash business: This is an all cash business. So, operators need not bother about bad debts.

• Uninterrupted services: Since this is a machine run business, there is no time limit. Hence business can be run round the clock.

• Tax exemption: Operators can claim tax exemption.

• Ease of operation: Machines are designed based on target customers. Moreover these machines can be operated by anyone. Hence they can draw customers towards them.

• Over head costs: Overhead, repair and maintenance costs in this business are also low when compared to other business ventures.

When it comes to customers, instant services backed up by convenience and quality. This is what customers expect from any provider. All these features made vending most chosen business opportunity.

For more information into the vending business you can get in touch with Planet Antares who can provide you with the best of information, knowledge and guidance while starting your own vending business.

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Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Choices of Vending Machines

Today, the vending business is increasing at a very rapid rate. The reason being that vending business gives unbelievable returns and maximum growth.

If one wants to venture into the vending business it’s very important for him to focus on what area he wants to capture by using a specific type of vending machine. Because, besides other factors, your business also depends on the choice of vending machine you use. Different vending machines have different uses and a specific type of vending machine is used to cater to a specific location. So the conclusion of choosing a vending machine should be based on the location you have available and exactly what type of business are you interested in.

Most of the people consider that the vending machines just consist of coffee, energy drinks, juices and refreshing water bottles as we may find many of these vending machines just anywhere. The major reason of this is demand of the product in these vending machines.

Basically, the choice a vending machine depends on the product and location. But there can even be a different criterion to choose your product. The sales of chilled energy drinks, juices and refreshing water bottles tend to go down in winter seasons whereas the sale of soups, coffee and tea increases comparatively in the same season. Better sales may be achieved by changing the products in the vending machines taking these facts into account.

Choosing a vending machine that dispenses candy, gum balls, gifts near restaurants, amusement parks and malls may increase the sales as kids always look on for such vending machines while accompanying there parents to any of these places.

Another machine appropriate for these places is the larger sized prize vending machine that dispenses gifts like stickers, soft toys, cars, and other toys. It is not always that a kid must win a prize so it can prove to be a very good choice.

With so many choices of vending machines available you can easily choose the best one suiting your needs for a better business prospect.

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Friday, December 04, 2009

How To Tackle Competition in Vending Business

With little efforts and minimal investments, you can start up your own vending business. And if you have started on the right path you can generate profits right from day one. Vending is an amazing business. It allows you to do your regular work, spend time with family, play your favorite sport etc , you have complete independence. All you need to do is to regularly maintain and fill up your vending machine.

There are some locations that can be highly lucrative for vending operators. As a result multiple vending operators mushroom up around those places. Typically in parks, amusement centers, shopping malls, gyms etc you can at times witness multiple vending machines, all selling different type of products. For such location, you need to present your business in a better way. Below are few tips that will help you to weed out competition from such locations.

1. Always go in for a reliable vending machine. Don’t buy old or refurbished vending machines. You don’t want your machine to fail while customers are picking up products from the machine. You can choose Planet Antares vending machines.

2. You machine should be attractive and should appeal to masses. Outlook of machine and the way you present products will matter a lot. Glass front vending machine can be the answer where customers can view products even before vending them.

3. Machine should not be clumsy, noisy or inconvenient to use. Just buy vending machine that you believe is smooth in operations.

4. Always keep your vending machine full. Typically when your vending machine is 50% in stock, you should restock it.

5. Service your machine at regular intervals as recommended by manufacturer. This ensures smoother operations and long life of vending machine.

6. Keep your machine hygienic. Regularly clean it and make sure it is hygienic. People should know that you lay special emphasis on keeping it clean all the times.

7. Stock products that are preferred by customers. It is good to stock nationally recognized brands that are extensively marketed by the companies.

These few tips will help you to kill the completion around you. Planet Antares vending machines are amazing equipments. Office Deli. A patent pending, product of Planet Antares enables multiple type of vending machines to be clubbed into one. Just contact Planet Antares sales staff for knowing the best vending machine for your business.

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Monday, November 23, 2009

Why Should I Take Up Vending Business?

We all hear about vending machines and vending business. One question that arises in the minds of most of us is why should I take up vending business? The answer to this question can be obtained by looking at the benefits of this business.

• Vending business has high profit margins.
• This is a 100% cash business. Therefore there is no risk of bad debts and collection issues.
• There are no fixed working hours and you can run your machines round the clock 24/7.
• You need not take up this business on a full time basis. You can continue with your main job and take up this business on a part time basis.
• You need not appoint sales personnel as vending machines takes care of all your sales.
• Like other businesses you can enjoy tax benefits even in vending business.
• Except for regular maintenance and repair costs, operator does not incur any major overhead costs.
• This is perhaps the only business that gives you instant returns.

However success cannot be achieved in a day. A vending operator needs to do a lot of hard work and strategic planning to succeed in his undertaking. To begin with, he needs to do a thorough market research. This will help him in understanding the in and out of vending business. With the data collected via market research, vending operator will be able read the pulse of customers, the present market scenario, the needs and wants of customers, various models of vending machines in use and the products that have maximum demand.

After gathering and analyzing information, operator needs to finalize on the kind of machine and product he would like to go for. It is always advisable to purchase new vending machines of reputed manufacturers. Likewise operators need to offer a combination of both branded and unbranded products in their machine. This would boost the sales. Location is another factor that is vital for the success of this business.

For more information on vending business contact Planet Antares.

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Thursday, November 19, 2009

Vending Business Secrets

If you are an upcoming businessman new to vending business, you need not invest huge money. There are several affordable ways of starting this business. For beginners with budgetary limitations, vending machine rental is an appropriate alternative.

It is always advisable to start with simple and small machines rather than investing huge money on complicated and expensive equipment. As you gain confidence and experience in this business, you can expand by identifying better locations and till then, it is better to spend carefully.

Several vending machines are available for sale, rental or leasing depending on your business needs and budget limitations. You can choose the machine of your choice form this wide range of high quality and well maintained machines. Each of these options has its own merits and demerits. Consult Planet Antares staff to get appropriate advise according to your needs.

Renting vending machine: This allows you to start your business with a small investment. Nevertheless, you need to concentrate on the location and products you would like to dispense in this machine. It is the prime responsibility of vending operator to monitor the performance of various machines at each location. If required, he will have to move the machine from low sales area to that place which has maximum demand. However, it is advisable to try and enhance sales in the same location before shifting the machine. Since this shifting may incur you additional costs and may even damage the vending machine if proper care is not taken.

Renting a vending machine may sometimes become very challenging. These machines have been used earlier and have been subjected to a lot of wear and tear. So, the probability of a break down is very high. The performance efficiency of these machines would definitely be low when compared to any other new machine. Another disadvantage of renting vending machines is that they do not come with the latest and updated features which customers may be looking at. Hence it is better if vending operators purchase new machines.

Even if budget is the main concern, operators can choose simple and basic models rather than complicated ones. This will not only cost less but also perform far better than a used one. Hence operators should not get carried away by short terms benefit(low cost of used machine) and forgo long term benefits(high efficiency and performance) of a new machine.

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Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tuning up your vending business for profits.

Vending is one of the most lucrative business to be into. With advantages like minimum management, no manpower required and 24/7 operations, vending is one of the preferred source of additions income. Though you just need to have the right vending machine and a perfect location to earn profits, you may want to fine tune your vending business further to earn extra bucks.

Here I will just go through some of the tips that will help you to generate additional profits.

1. Once you have secured a perfect location for your vending business, you should try to identify the customer’s choice and try to stock your machines with products preferred by customers.

2. You can keep your customers engaged by providing them some incentives for purchase. You can either offer discount on products at times.

3. Do make sure your vending machine is new in condition and is customer friendly. You may try Planet Antares new range of vending machines for your location.

4. If you have a large number of vending machines, it is important to plan your vending route so as to make sure the machines are never out of stock.

5. Do try to relate to customers, if your vending machines are targeting kids, you can have cartoon pictures on your vending machine and if your vending machine is targeting health conscious people, you may want to keep pamphlets/ display boards on weight loss or other common fitness concepts.

Vending is all about providing a quick access to products. To make sure your vending business generate profits, you have to think from customer’s point of view. Be little proactive and provide customers what they want. That’s the success mantra in vending business.

To make the most out of this amazing business opportunity, you should consult Planet Antares support staff. They guide vending operators in running their business and provide solutions to their requirements. Planet Antares sells vending machines ideally suited for multiple locations.

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Thursday, October 29, 2009

Importance Of Customer Needs In Vending Business

Vending is a customer oriented business. Understanding customer’s needs and wants becomes very crucial. But how many operators are really aware of what customers really look for? Understanding their requirements and living up to their expectations becomes very important. 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: Place a suggestion box near the machine. 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.

The tastes and preferences of customers are not standard. They vary from individual to individual and from one age group to another. Few common things which most customers look in a vending machine are:

• 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.

Once an operator realises these and implements them in his business, he is sure to be successful. For any guidance and advice you can also contact Planet Antares and get help on all aspects of setting up and running a vending business.

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Friday, October 23, 2009

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.

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Wednesday, October 07, 2009

What should I stock in my vending machine?

Thinking about what products should be bought for stocking in a vending machine? Well, you should choose products according to the customer’s preference. A simple survey on customer’s choice can tell you what should be stocked in your vending machine. You can attach a suggestion box on the vending machine where customers can write about what they would like to have in the vending machine. Over couple of days, you will have suggestions from customers that can really help in selecting products.

While purchasing products you should always buy in bulk and try to negotiate to strike a good deal. There are many wholesale snack retailers like Costco’s & Sam’s where you can buy snacks in bulk. Also look out for great deals with candy retailers. Bulk purchasing can make a huge difference in price when it comes to buying candies. Soda distributors also offer different schemes and discounts year round, so always be on the lookout for deals from local distributors.

Snacks of proper size should be bought for your vending machine. You should check the size with sample products in your vending machine before purchasing products in huge quantity. Huge sized products can jam up the vending machine, thereby causing business loss.

For effective tips on managing your vending business, just call up support staff of Planet Antares. Experts from Planet Antares Inc provide necessary guidance to vending operators for managing their business. They also suggest various amends in current business strategy to ensure better profitability. Planet Antares is leading manufacturer of modern vending machines. They provide vending machines equipped with latest technology at reasonable prices. If you are thinking of starting a vending business just get in touch with Planet Antares.

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Tuesday, September 01, 2009

How Product Rotation In a Vending Machine Ensures Better Revenue.

Vending is one of the most profitable businesses around. With huge success stories there is absolutely no doubt about success of vending machine business. Just like any other business if you plan it a little, you are bound to get great profits. There are some tips and tricks of every successful business. Vending business is not different.

To make sure you are reaping good profits from your vending business, you should try not only to secure a good location where the traffic is high, but also keep a check on products you place in a vending machine. Selection of products will be one of the deciding factors in success of your business.

To identify which products will work well at a particular location, you can rotate different products in your vending machine and can keep a track of sales for each individual product. The products that sell quickly would be the ones that are preferred by consumers at that particular location. After rotating products over a period of time, you can zero in to the most successful lot to be stocked in your vending machines.

Such a practice of rotating products in vending machine not only ensures selection of right products that will generate profits but also provides consumers a variety to choose from. The products that you find sells quickly can also be tried at different locations.

Selection of products is very crucial in success of a vending business, besides product rotation, you can try a short customer feedback campaign for products to be stocked. To know more about how to ensure total customer satisfaction In vending, just contact support staff of Planet Antares. Planet Antares not only provides state-of-the-art vending machines but also provides step by step guidance to ensure your vending business kicks off on the right note.

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Friday, July 24, 2009

Efficient currency handling in Planet Antares vending machines

The problem that most vending customers had to face with the traditional vending machines was the requirement of exact change in order to obtain goods out of them. Since a long time the vending operators have felt the need to introduce easy payment options in their vending machines. Bill acceptors in Planet Antares vending machines accept the money that the customer place for the purchase of the product.

The technologically improved bill acceptors and validators extend the capability of the vending machines. The bill acceptance rate is high with the introduction of features such as automatic jam ejection and automatically adjusting sensors. Cleaning cards are also available in order to keep the bill acceptors clean and ensure their smooth functioning.

Sales through vending machines will increase substantially if the customers are given an opportunity to use whatever change they are carrying at that moment. Bill acceptors accept all or any combination of the following bills: $1, $2, $5, $10 and $20. A Planet Antares vending operator needs to pay an emphasis on the regular cleaning of the bill acceptors particularly the bill paths, sensors and belts. These devices were extremely susceptible to failures and jamming in the past due to folded or damaged notes.

Overall, technology has improved the versatility, reliability and durability of bill acceptors and changers in vending machines. Counting of cash has become easy for the vending business owners. Higher denominations are easy to count than several coins of small denominations.

Easy payment options encourage the consumers to reuse the machines. With increased number of consumers using the vending machines, sales and profits will also increase. Improved bill acceptor in Planet Antares vending machines has led to efficient currency handling and convenience of the consumers. You should never forget that convenience is the key to success.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Understanding the vending terminology

The benefits of owning a vending business has encouraged many to start their own vending business and enjoy the status of a successful business owner. The opportunities provided by vending are innumerable. The vending business can be started with low investment and is an all cash business. An operator can start the vending business with soda vending machines, snack vending machines, combo vending machines or any other type of vending machine available with Planet Antares. If you have decided to start a vending business, it is very important to first get acquainted with the terminology that’s associated with the industry.

Few of the essential terms are:

Accounts Payable: Amounts due to a vendor for the delivery of inventory products.

Accounts Receivable: Amounts due for the delivery of products to non vending locations.

Bank:
1) Two or more vending machines in a row.
2) Amount of money stored in a coin/dollar mechanism; also refers to a routeman’s change fund.

Bulk Operator:
Person who specializes in vending machines offering gum balls, trinkets and charms, usually at one cent or five cents with larger offerings at ten and twenty five cents.
Bulk Vending: Sale of unwrapped or unsorted merchandise through coin operated vending machines.

Class of Trade:
(also referred to as location) the classification of the site where the machine is placed by sector (e.g. schools, factories etc.)

FDA Model Code 1978:
“The Vending and Beverages” model ordinance code developed specifically for vending in 1957 and revised in 1978.

Free Standing:
A single machine installation, distinguished from the bank.

Free Vend:
A machine adjusted to vend product at no charge.

Installation:
Placing a vending machine(s) for operation at a particular location.

Location:
Specific place within the site where the machine is. (I.e. Cafeteria, Breakroom).

NAMA:
National Automatic Merchandising Association is the national associate of vending and food service management industry founded in 1936.

Par Out:

1) The process by which the routeman collects sales, fill the coin mechanism with change and loads the vending machines with products.

2) The process by which the merchandise and sales in a vending at any point of time are reconciled to the par or the fixed level of the machine to determine if any excess or shortage exists.

Route:
A sequence of locations services by a traveling routeman.

Routeman:
The person who services one or more vending locations.

Route Driver:
The person trained to fill, clean and balance various vending equipment.

Route Vend:
A group of vending locations serviced by a routeman (also referred to as jump route or street vend).

The knowledge of the terminology of the vending industry helps the operators to manage the vending operations like a pro. An overview of the basic terms eases out the venturing into new vending business. The terms are wide and depend on the different vending machines. Key terms for snack and beverage vending machines might differ from each other. Planet Antares provides you a complete guide of the industry terminology and an edge over the competitors.

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