What are Vending Machines? Best Vending’s Quick Guide
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What are Vending Machines? Best Vending’s Quick Guide
You may find this hard to believe but vending machines have been around since the 18th century. First dispensing stamps, then postcards and now snacks and even hot drinks – they are an overlooked part of our everyday lives that provide value and convenience. But what are vending machines? How would we define them in the modern era? How do they work?
In this blog we’ll be answering these questions, as well as outlining some of the main benefits they provide to both users and the businesses buying or renting them. From being cost-effective refreshment solutions, providing quick and easy access for employees, being simple to maintain and change as well as providing a good level of customisability. We’ll provide all the key information you need about vending machines for the workplace.
What are vending machines? How do they work?
First, a definition. Vending machines are automated machines that dispense goods such as snacks, refreshments and tickets after the customer inserts payment into the machine. The payment can be made in various forms such as coins, bills, or cards. Today, many newer machines have contactless payments available, only increasing their convenience. As a 24/7 standalone unit, it only requires a standard electrical connection to operate. Its operation relies on basic electro-mechanical systems to automate the dispensing process, whereby a motor moves the item into an area where it can be retrieved by the customer.
Vending machines also have sensors, controllers and a display screen to help with the transaction process, and they are often connected to a power source and to a network for monitoring and management purposes. The technology used in vending machines has advanced greatly over the years, making them more efficient, convenient and profitable for the operators. Vending machines can attract customers through the use of visually appealing graphics, innovative product offerings and engaging videos and stereo sound. Overall, this has increased the popularity of workplace vending machines across the UK.
Benefits of using vending machines in the workplace
With an improvement in the technology used by vending machines, we’ve naturally seen new systems and techniques that have been implemented into their systems. Let’s go through some of the main vending machine benefits.
Cost-effective solution
Boasting low overhead fees, vending machines for the workplace are a great cost-effective solution to providing staff with food and drinks. Instead of having to constantly refill the snack cupboard, provide staff with options for lunch, or go to the supermarket to fill up the coffee and tea stocks – you can simply invest in a high-quality vending machine. Here at Best Vending, we provide a wide range of top-of-the-range vending machines to buy or rent, depending on your needs.
A vending machine offers quick and easy access for employees
The convenience factor is undoubtedly one of the greatest selling points for workplace vending machines. No matter how much we try and deny it, we live in a world of convenience, where we’ve been programmed to have everything that we want in our hands at the snap of a finger. Vending machines provide something very close to this. Instead of having to leave the office and head to the nearest café, coffee shop or smoothie stall, you have the ability to access snacks and refreshments quickly and easily. The controls are simple and the results are quick.
Vending machines are customisable
You can now benefit from the ability to customise the type of vending machine you want for your business, choosing the kind of food and refreshments which may appeal to staff. By getting employees to vote on its contents, you’re keeping them in the driving seat and making them more inclined to use it after installation. Through Best Vending, you can pick and choose what your shiny new machine contains.
Easy to maintain and manage
An extremely important addition to the list of the benefits of vending machines is that they are easily maintained and managed. Depending on the type of company you chose to work with and what services they offer, it’s likely that their trained staff will visit on a timed basis to perform maintenance and refill your machine. The machines can be easily looked after, keeping them working optimally.
That finishes our list of the main benefits of vending machines, now you can read our recent blog which covers four different types of vending machines and the different features they offer.
Are you hungry for more information? Best Vending’s range of vending machines is only the highest quality.
Vending machines have come a long way and are now a staple in many workplaces across the UK. We’ve answered the question ‘what are vending machines’ and we’ve shown you the main vending machine benefits including ease of maintenance, affordability and customisability. Now it’s time for you to invest. If you’re interested in learning more about Best Vending and its product offerings, call 01527 822800 for a free, no-obligation quote – or you can send our professional team an email at sales@bestvending.co.uk, they’ll be more than happy to help and answer any questions you may have.