Today, no one is surprised by vending machines where you can buy snacks, chocolate bars, bottled drinks. Machines selling various types of coffee, from espresso to mochaccino, have also become popular in our time.
Features of vending as a business
It seems that it could be simpler – buy a vending machine, install it, set it up and make a profit. However, the vending market is quite competitive, which is one of the risk factors. Vending requires the same serious approach as any other business.
It is best to start with a business plan, in which, in addition to the production and financial aspects, you should analyze the work of competitors and draw up a marketing “road map”. Focus on profitability, payback and profitability ratio – the “building blocks” of the success of your business, no matter what its scale.
Experienced vendors advise starting with coffee machines, since this drink is in stable demand in Ukraine. What needs to be done:
- Choose the location where the machine will be installed. To do this, create a portrait of the potential consumer and think about the traffic near the machine.
- Buy a good machine, for example, from the Italian manufacturer NECTA. Various models can be purchased on the website of the Alta Kava Group, whose core business is the supply and vending machine maintenance.
- To establish the supply of high-quality coffee – whole bean, ground and in capsules.
- Use the machine body for advertising, and not just your own.
A novice vendor can initially service the machine, replenish stocks and buy spare parts for coffee machines independently to save costs. When profitability allows delegating these functions, it will be possible to think about expanding the network of machines.
How to choose a vending machine?
The various NECTA models from Alta Kava Group are highly productive thanks to the latest electronics, and the user-friendly interface significantly minimizes the need for constant maintenance. Machines such as NECTA Maestro Touch or NECTA Opera Touch use the latest generation microprocessor, which simplifies the control and programming of the machine. In addition, the machine can be loaded with 620 cups at once. This significantly reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement of components.
A special controller supporting GSM communication standards can be installed on the machine. This will allow you to receive messages about malfunctions or complete depletion of coffee supplies to the server or smartphone, track the dynamics of drink sales and cash receipts. Such online monitoring systems allow you to:
- minimize the downtime of machines due to malfunction, deliberate damage, power outages;
- buy spare parts for coffee machines on time;
- reduce machine maintenance costs and reduce staff;
- increase revenue by 30-40%.
The efficiency of a vending machine can be assessed by increasing sales profitability and reducing the frequency of component replacement.