Thursday, March 8, 2007

Frequently asked questions about Coke, Pepsi, and snack vending machines

How much do vending machines cost?

Vending Solutions provides all vending machines and services for free.

What is Full Service Vending?

It is our goal to be the best customer service company in the vending business. We full service all of our vending machines. This means we manage every conceivable facet of you vending program. We take care of everything. Vending Solutions understands that your time is very important. Leave the vending to us.

What are the requirements to place a soda machine?

In order for a soda machine to work in a business Vending Solutions requires at least 40 employees or a high amount of customer traffic.

What are the requirements to place a snack machine?

Unlike sodas, snacks have a much shorter shelf life. It is important that the snack machine does enough volume so the products do not spoil. The bigger the office the better when it comes to snack vending. Vending Solutions requires at least 75 employees before we will place a snack vending machine.

What types of vending machines are available?

Vending machines, Coke machines, Pepsi machines, drink machines, soda machines, pop machines, soda pop machines, juice machines, water machines, beverage machines, and snack machines are all available through Vending Solutions, regardless of what you call them. As far as beverage machines are concerned, we have both bottle (20oz) and can (12oz) machines. We also have a variety of snack machines available.

What do the vending machines look like?

Vending Solutions offers vending machines in various sizes that fit most locations. All vending machines are attractive, newer, top-of-the-line-models.

What sizes of vending machines are available?

The most standard machine measures 72"x39"x33". However, if the machine is going to be placed inside an enclosure it is best to allow for 80"x45"x40". These dimensions take in consideration the space for the door opening as well as room in the back of the machine for the plug-in and the need for air movement for the compressor.

Where should you install or place your vending machine?

The specific locations may very depending on the type of business you have, but the goal is always the same: place the beverage machines in locations that will receive the most foot traffic and in areas that will be the most profitable. When you sign up for Vending Solutions free vending services we send out a representative to survey your business. Our vending service professional will determine the best locations and how many vending machines should be installed.

What if I need vending machines for more than one location?

Researching vending for more than one location that may be in more than one state is a hassle. How would you orchestrate such a program? In most cases you would have to work with more than one vending company. Each vending company would have their own accounting system and service department.


How long does it take to install the vending machines and what is the process?

It takes about 15 to 20 business days to have your vending machine installed and filled. Vending Solutions process for vending machine installation is simple and seamless.

What does a soda cost from the vending machine?

The cost of the product in the vending machines is different depending on your geographic location. Pricing for soda machines are based on what the Coke and Pepsi bottlers set for their national vend rates. Generally prices range from about $0.75 for cans and $1.25 for 20 oz bottles for new machine placements.

What products do you have available in the vending machines?

We have a variety of products available in the vending machines, Coke machines, Pepsi machines, drink machines, soda machines, pop machines, juice machines, beverage machines, and snack machines. The products include all the Coke and Pepsi product lines and much more. Please look at our Products page for more information.

How many different selections can the vending machines hold?

Soda machines hold 7-9 selections at one time.

How do you deal with repair and refill issues?

A variety of things can go wrong with vending machines. Vending Solutions is always prepared for the worst-case scenario. We have a staff of vending service specialists on call to assist you and make sure your vending machines are always functioning properly. We take proactive preventative measures to ensure that your vending machines are working year round. Any time a vending machine is broken or runs empty money revenue is being lost. That’s why it is important to have a service department that is well managed, detail oriented and willing to do the follow up necessary to correct any problems that may come up.

What if someone loses money in the vending machine?

Vending Solutions will reimburse any money that is lost in the vending machine. Refunds are mailed out within 48 hours of receipt.

What if my vending machine is vandalized?

Vending machine vandalism can happen and is usually a temporary situation. Choosing the best location for the vending machines can prevent vandalism. Vending Solutions prefers indoor vending machine placements. Indoor locations are better monitored. There is a significantly less likelihood of a vending machine being vandalized at an indoor location. If your machine is vandalized, you will not be held responsible for any damaged equipment or lost money. Vending Solutions reserves the right to remove vending machines if vandalism continues to be an issue. Before we place a new vending machine at your property we would ask that you find a better location or take steps to correct the problem.

What happens if I need to move my vending machine?

In some cases, vending machines may need to be moved for building remodeling. Whatever the circumstance, we ask that you notify us of a vending machine move as soon as you can. Please contact us at least 20 days in advance of the date you need to have the vending machine moved. This is because we need to have the product removed before the vending machines can be moved.

How often should the vending machines be refilled?

Vending machines should always have sodas to vend. Anytime a vending machine runs empty, money is lost. Many vending companies place their vending machines on a generic refill schedule that is not adequate. The usage on every vending machine fluctuates throughout the seasons. The most important season in vending is the summer. If the vending machines are not on the correct refill schedule for the summer, much of the year’s revenue will be lost. At Vending Solutions we understand that no two locations are the same and that each vending machine deserves our individual attention. We cater the refill scheduling of each vending machine to meet the needs of your business.

What products should go in the machine?

It is very important that the correct product selection is placed in the soda machines. Vending Solutions will work with you to make sure that you have the product selection that suits your business the best.

Full Service Vending Machine Program

Hello,

My name is Ben I am new to blogging but just wanted to post some information for people that are looking for vending machines for their offices or other places of business. Many people aren't even aware that our type of program exists and think that the only way to get vending machines at their locations is buying a machine or paying a monthly lease.

With our company, Vending Solutions, we provide vending services to all types of locations including: hotels, schools, malls, apartments, factories, retail stores, offices and more. Our program is totally free and we can place a beverage machines for the companies provided that there are 40 or more employees (customer traffic is also taken into account). Since our program is free we have to make sure there are enough people at the location to create enough volume to justify the expense of placing a $1500 machine and the man hours to keep it stocked with products.

And to answer the next question, we do have snack machines available but we need at least 75 employees to make them work. The larger number of employees is necessary because the products tend to expire much more quickly than beverages do.

Provided a location meets the requirements of full time employees or visitors we can place a fully serviced machine. This means we install the vending machines, keep them stocked with products you want and handle all the service and maintenance of the machines.

As far as products go we can get most any national product from Coke or Pepsi including, Diet Pepsi, Diet Coke, Sprite, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, Dasani, Aquafina, , Gatorade, Powerade, Juices, Water, and more.

If anyone has any questions or anything about our program I'll try and check this a few times a week. However, one note is that we are a vending management company. If you are an established operator looking to do business with us that's fine and I can help with that, however I can't field any questions about starting out a vending business, buying a machine, etc.

More information can be found on our website as well: http://www.vendingsolutions.com/

Regards,

Ben Findley