Companies and vending machines: opportunities to explore
Today, companies are finding vending machines a growing opportunity to expand their business or create new cash flows.Thanks to technological innovations, these devices are now able to offer a wide range of products, improvingoperational efficiency and the customer experience.
Let’s see what these opportunities are, which sectors are affected, and what the requirements are for businesses.
Vending machines for forward-looking companies: potential benefits
What are the potential benefits of vending machines?
In a nutshell: reduce costs, increase product availability, and improve the shopping experience.
Because automated stores operate without the need for staff to be present, companies can save on salary costs and related benefits while reducing the complexity of personnel management.
In addition, automated stores allow continuous 24/7 operation, ensuring that customers can purchase products at any time. This increases product availability and potentially sales, without increasing operating costs.
Logistically, automated stores are equipped with advanced technologies that continuously monitor inventory levels. This enables
Finally, the adoption of automated stores enables companies to collect detailed data on customers’ shopping habits. This information can be used to improve product offerings, customize promotions, and optimize marketing strategies, further contributing to efficiency and savings.
Another important advantage, in this scenario, is the diversification of supply
Expanding the product portfolio
The reasoned use of vending machines also responds to the increasingly common need to diversify the company’s offerings in order to remain competitive and attract a broader customer base without significantly increasing operating costs.
Adding new products to vending machines allows companies to experiment and adapt quickly to market trends and consumer preferences. For example, they can introduce healthy or organic options to meet the growing demand for healthy food products. Similarly, they can offer limited editions or seasonal items to stimulate interest and encourage impulse purchases.
Another benefit of offering diversification through vending machines is the ability to reach specific market segments. For example, in a university setting, vending machines can offer stationery and energy snacks, while in a corporate setting they can provide premium coffee and employee wellness products.
Automated stores and success stories
Despite what you may think, the adoption of vending machines has led to significant successes for many Italian companies, especially small and medium-sized businesses.
A notable example is the food sector, where some companies have seen a 30 percent increase in annual sales due to the installation of strategically placed vending machines. In addition, the adoption of contactless payment technologies has facilitated fast and secure transactions, further increasing customer satisfaction.
Another successful example comes from the cosmetics market, which has used vending machines to offer its products in high-traffic locations such as malls and airports. This strategy has led to a 25 percent increase in sales, with a significant improvement in brand visibility (Confesercenti, 2022).
These case studies demonstrate how Italian SMEs can benefit from adopting vending machines to expand their business, improve product accessibility and increase sales.
Challenges to be faced: technological and logistical barriers
The benefits are certainly numerous, but there is no shortage of challenges.
One of the main ones is the need to overcome the idea that it is convenient to spend as little as possible. On the contrary, it is essential to have advanced systems that ensure the security of transactions and the protection of customer data, as well as the safety of products.
Also very important is having a preventive maintenance plan and quick service to minimize downtime.
Another logistical challenge concerns the choice of strategic locations for vending machines. It is crucial to place vending machines in high-traffic locations to maximize sales.Entrepreneurs who are able to leave behind traditional methods and look at their businesses with fresh eyes are the ones who will achieve the most.
Want more information about the possibilities for businesses with vending machines?
Contact us by phone: +39 030 2190663
Contact us by email: info@harvin.eu
