How to Choose a Reliable Vending Supplier

From a business operations perspective, the concept of vending machines might seem like a smaller focal point than other business-related initiatives. Perhaps you haven’t considered your own vending machine needs to be a priority as other things take your time and attention. And in a way, that makes sense. A good vending machine supplier takes the stress and consideration out of it for you. But, that’s not to say vending isn’t big business, because as an industry, it is big business. In 2020, the U.S. vending machine market was sized at a $36.5 billion-dollar sector; globally, its growth is expected to top $146 billion by 2027. That’s pretty substantial.

If you have existing vending solutions in place or are contemplating an overhaul, knowing what options exist in the market that make the most sense for you and those you serve is important. But, given its massive footprint and operational presence, how do you even begin to select a vending machine distributor?

Why is the Vending Machine Supplier Important?

Essentially, a good vending machine distributor will handle your business like its own, with unmatched service, product offerings, and support. From installation to upgrades to ongoing maintenance, a vending partner will ensure your vending operation is an essential, yet easy, part of your business.

Which Type of Vending Machine Do You Want?

Classic Cold

Think traditional sodas, juices, energy drinks, water, tea, and iced coffee

Classic Snack

Feature snack items from beloved brands that satisfy all snacking needs—crunchy chips, salted nuts and trail mixes, low fat pretzels and crackers, sweet treats like granola bars, fruit snacks, and candy

Hot Beverage

Of course there’s a vending machine that meets your hot beverage needs. Offer your customers and guests brand-name coffees and teas

Fresh, Handmade Food

Looking for more substantial vending options? Think fresh fruits and veggies, yogurt cups, hard-boiled eggs, hummus snack packs, sandwiches, and protein options

Qualities of a Good Vending Machine Supplier

When determining needs for a vending machine distributor, how do you “shop” for that? It should be no different than seeking out the values and reputation of a supplier who represents the best offerings and service support for your business. The qualities of a well-aligned distributor should encompass a well-rounded offering that is backed by brand recognition both as a company and the portfolio it represents. The service collaboration should be evident and to your expectations. The equipment and components should be the best of the best. And, to meet the needs and preferences of those your vending machines will serve, an emphasis on health-conscious offerings should top the list.

Portfolio

From salty snacks to savory, breakfast to full lunch options, to every single kind of beverage consumers want, partnering with a vending distributor with an expansive portfolio is necessary to optimize your own machines. A lot of distribution companies stick to a narrow selection of beverages in particular, and might only offer a traditional lineup of soda and water. Simply ask your proposed vending company what kind of beverages they vend, and what your options are. The sky should be the limit.

Health Conscious

In 1937 vending machines started dispensing bottled drinks including Pepsi thereafter. For many years, soda and basic packaged snacks epitomized what a vending machine could purge to anyone looking for anything to eat or drink. The vending machines of today, however, are nowhere near as limited as they were for a handful of decades. Today it's not uncommon to find a great vending distributor who is looking to fortify the vending experience by featuring handcrafted food items that appeal to modern tastes and preferences.

Service

With the national average of each vending transaction being less than two dollars, it might seem that vending machines are a low priority when it comes to attention and inventory. That couldn't be further from the truth. Any line of business you and your company are trying to support is important regardless of size or scope. If your potential vending service company is a little too laissez-faire about the urgency of their attention or responsiveness, it's not going to serve your building very well.

Innovation

In today's connected world, it often seems like cash is no longer king. Maintaining a vending machine with dated technology will only serve to frustrate users. Enabling people to pay for vending selections with credit or debit cards ensures an easy, contemporary transaction each and every time they visit your machines. On the flip side, today's vending technology systems have also become more intuitive alerting distributors when items are low or require service. This eliminates the need for an onsite representative to be tasked with vending machine management - maybe even removing that from your plate.

Proactivity

A vending machine isn't a set-it-and-forget-it entity. What's popular and in demand this month or season might not maintain its popularity down the road. Rightfully so; the food and beverage industry moves fast. Consider the importance of partnering with a vending service expert who is both nimble and a little proactive.

List of Best Vending Machine Suppliers

R.S. Hughes Co., Inc. was founded in 1954. They distribute coin-operated vending machines, including dispensers. They are based in Sunnyvale, California.

Diebold, Inc. was founded in 1859. The company is a manufacturer of point of sale (POS) and self-service retail systems, including self-checkout systems, kiosks, and vending machines. They are based in North Canton, Ohio.

Mars, Inc. manufactures vending machines and other electronic equipment. The company is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, and was founded in 1952.

Crane Co. manufactures industrial-engineered products such as fluid handling equipment, payment software, merchandising software, aircraft equipment, and more. The company is located in Stamford, CT, and has been in business for over 165 years.

Bernick’s is a premier beverage distributor that specializes in various innovative strategies for vending including micro markets, pico markets, hot beverages, and fresh food. Founded in 1916, Bernick’s has served the upper Midwest from its headquarters in St. Cloud, MN.

Haggard & Stocking Associates, Inc. distributes abrasives, cutting tools, safety products, hand tools, and more. The company has its headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, and has been in business since its founding in 1972.

SandenVendo America Inc. manufactures refrigerated vending machines for the convenience store and vending sectors. Its machines come equipped with lighting & refrigeration controls, large character displays, door-latching systems, and more. The company is located in Dallas, TX, and was founded in 1937.

Westerfield Sales and Service is a distribution company supplying vending machines that include trucks with rear main wheel design, plastic hub molded rubber front wheels, nose plates, and more. The company is located in Cleveland, OH, and serves the hospital, school, distribution, and food & beverage industries, among others. It was founded in 1946.

IVM, Inc. is a manufacturing company offering employee vending machines that dispense snacks, coffee, soda, and more. The company has its headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN, and has been operating since its founding in 1991.

Atlantic Paper & Supply is a distribution firm offering vending machines that dispense feminine products. Its machines include different coin styles, metal casings, restock locks, and can be wall mounted. The company is located in Pawtucket, RI, and was founded in 1948.

Count on Bernicks for your Vending Machine Needs

When you're looking at offering food and beverage options on-site, the vast world of vending can be overwhelming. This notion applies even if you currently have some form of vending and are simply looking to upgrade (or overhaul) your offerings. Where do you begin? How do you know what products or brands to stock? What kind of service best fits your needs? It begins with a vending machine distributor who knows the industry and has a service perspective that is unmatched.

Learning how best to serve the needs of your employees and guests takes an insider who has an expert angle on the market and a passionate team of employees who embody service and values.