When considering how to approach a vending machine distributor for your business needs, it’s natural to consider the distributor's reputation in the industry. Look for customer reviews and testimonials to gauge their reliability and customer satisfaction. Longevity and stability matter too; consider how long the distributor has been in business and their track record. A stable distributor is more likely to provide consistent service. Aside from those business standards, what else should you know about upgrading your vending machines? Before diving into that decision, you might ask yourself, "Is a vending machine profitable for my business?" or "How much will a vending machine cost me?" Look no further.
At Bernick’s, we believe in the spirit of entrepreneurship and visionary leaders like you — it’s why we have been providing custom vending solutions since 1916. In an effort to help you feel more confident in the decision to offer vending services, our account team put together this list of the most frequently asked questions we receive.
1. How Much Does a Vending Machine Cost to Install?
Typically, the cost of installing a vending machine varies based on several factors, including the type of machine, the features it includes, the location where it will be installed, and any additional installation requirements. However, with Bernick’s vending distribution services, there’s no cost to install or upgrade vending machines for your business. That means no cost for installation, no service charges, and no fees for product delivery.
Why is this our service philosophy? We like to consider it as, we don’t sell to you. We partner with you. This means that we properly handle everything, from installation to inventory, so long as we can place the machines in high-traffic areas.
This low-cost, high-reward decision is a win-win for everyone. We get to sell our products while your employees get to chow down on delicious food and beverage options.
2. How Many Customers Do I Need to Get a Vending Machine?
The "right" number of customers to justify installing a vending machine depends on several factors, including the type of vending machine, the average spend per customer, the location's foot traffic, and overall demand. As a general rule of thumb, 50 people in an office or building is a great starting point to consider for on-site vending services. However, even just 30-40 people could justify a soda machine. These numbers ensure there is enough demand to keep the products moving.
If your building population is in the hundreds, then you might consider multiple machines or even a micro market.
3. What Does Bernick's Vending Product Portfolio Look Like?
When it comes to what to look for in a distributor’s vending portfolio, consider the following aspects as partnership standards. Look for a wide range of beverages, including soft drinks, water, coffee, sports drinks, energy drinks, juices, teas, and more. A diverse portfolio appeals to a broader customer base. Ensure the distributor offers popular and reputable brands. A mix of well-known and niche brands can cater to different preferences. Verify that the distributor maintains high standards for product freshness. This is especially important for perishable beverages like juices and dairy-based varieties.
Ask about the distributor's quality control processes and how they ensure products are not expired or damaged. Determine if the distributor allows you to customize your vending machine's product mix. This flexibility lets you tailor the selection to your audience. Consider whether the distributor offers various vending machine formats, such as glass-front, combo machines, or refrigerated units, allowing you to choose the best option for your needs.
At Bernick’s, our portfolio is extensive. Whether you’re looking for healthy food and drink options or are leaning toward a classic soft drink/snack selection, we have the products for you. That said, it’s important to remember your product choices will affect the type of machines we will install.
4. How Much Space Do I Need to Have a Vending Machine?
You probably need less space than you realize, considering the typical vending machine is only 72"H x 39"W x 33"D. Be sure to consider the extra space for plugging the device in, opening the door, and allowing customers space to survey their options comfortably.
We pride ourselves on our flexibility when it comes to space. You might already have a break room or kitchen that would be the perfect area for an office vending machine. With a touch of rearranging, you can still have plenty of room for a machine or two while giving guests space to relax and eat.
5. Are There Healthy Vending Options?
It’s not a trend, it’s a lifestyle. Consumers everywhere are looking for healthier food and drink vending options from makers and suppliers alike. Consumers now crave preservative-free products with no artificial sweeteners and antibiotics. Lucky for you, we're ahead of the curve. Healthy products are important to us, too.
We know that the demand for healthier products in vending machines is here to stay. That’s why we offer an extensive portfolio of better-for-you snack options and natural selections. Similarly, our account team works with all of our partners to ensure our vending machine products align with their priorities.
6. What Kind of Electrical Hookup Do You Need to Install a Vending Machine?
Check if the distributor has sustainability initiatives, such as eco-friendly products, recycling programs, or energy-efficient vending machines. This can align with your sustainability goals. While our machines don’t require anything special or tailored to vending, you will need a dedicated outlet for each machine. The installation process includes setting up the vending machine at the desired location, ensuring it is level, and connecting it to power. If the machine has additional technology features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity or a network connection, there may be additional setup steps, but nothing that our team can’t handle.
Another benefit of our vending machines is that they’re incredibly efficient. Many come equipped with energy-saving technology like LED lighting, digital compressor controls, and movement-activated features. Our upgraded vending machine technology can help you save hundreds on power costs in the long run.
7. Can I Install a Vending Machine if My Business Is Seasonal?
Of course you can. If you know certain parts of the year are slow, we can place a hiatus on services and deliveries. As long as your operational season moves enough volume, seasonal ups and downs are fine. While owning a seasonal business can bring unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to installing vending machines, by no means should it be a difficult or confusing process. Seasonal businesses typically have periods of high demand and periods of low or no activity. This fluctuation impacts the vending machine's usage and profitability. If your business has significant fluctuations, you'll need a vending machine setup that can adapt to these changes. During peak seasons, the machine should be well-stocked and operational. During low seasons, you may need to minimize costs.
In some instances, it may make more sense to utilize Bernick’s as a wholesale supplier rather than a vending solution. We know that every scenario is different, which is why we like to provide options. For example, a hockey arena might only utilize soda vending machines during the slow season while offering canteens or concession items for wholesale purchases during busier months.
So What’s Next?
Ultimately, the goal is to select a distributor that offers quality products, reliable service, and flexibility to meet your specific vending needs. The partnership needs to be based on mutual goals and a desire to understand your business as much as you do. There’s customization to consider; there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to vending. Every building, business, space, and population are different. Bernick’s doesn’t see this as a problem. We see it as an opportunity to work with a new partner. There are costs and investments to consider; your soda vending machine cost will always be zero with Bernick’s. Plus, we’ll work to bring an unmatched level of service to your vending machines that match your unique business, building, or service philosophy.
That’s our promise to you.
