October 5, 2021
Putting an Ice Vending Machine in a Business
4 REASONS PUTTING AN ICE VENDING MACHINE IN A BUSINESS MAKES SENSE (AND 3 REASONS IT DOESN’T)
If you’re a small-business owner, you may be thinking of adding ice vending to the mix of products and services you provide to your customers. But should you? Many small businesses, like mom-and-pop grocery stores, bustling marinas, car washes, campgrounds, landlords, and more can benefit greatly from ice vending. But it may not be right for every business. Here are some reasons businesses might need vending machines, and some reasons it might not be the best choice for you.
WHEN DO I NEED AN ICE AND WATER VENDING MACHINE FOR MY BUSINESS?
Your customers need ice – To put it very simply, ice vending machines are great additions to businesses in which customers can benefit from buying a bag of ice then and there. Think about marinas, where boaters are heading out for a day on the water. Campgrounds or RV parks where vacationers need to keep their food cold while getting back to nature. Another great location, liquor stores where customers are buying libations for the big game.
You get a lot of traffic – Whether you’re a grocery store or a marina or a gas station, ice vending machines produce the most revenue if you’ve already got good foot traffic. People are coming and going. Boaters heading out for a day on the water need to fill up their coolers with ice. The same goes for blue-collar workers on their way to work. Apartment complexes or campgrounds are also perfect locations.
You’re looking for revenue-generating ideas for your business – What business doesn’t need more income, right? Adding an ice vending machine to your business is an excellent source of revenue. Owners of grocery stores, gas stations and other types of businesses have razor-thin margins, and the income generated by an ice vending machine can really push the needle. We call it “passive income,” because there isn’t a lot of work involved on your end. The machine does much of the work for you, and you simply reap the benefits.
You want to provide greater customer service – No matter the type of business you’re running, ice vending adds an additional service you can offer your customers. They don’t need to make one more stop for the bag of ice they need. Better customer service leads to greater customer loyalty, retention, and traffic.
WHEN IT DOESN’T
You own a restaurant – Because many restaurants need ice daily to make drinks, you’d think an ice vending machine might be a perfect fit. We’ve found that it’s not. Far be it from us to turn away business, but if a restaurant is looking for an ice solution for their bar, a machine like ours that vends out ice at 10-pound intervals isn’t a good fit.
Your customers don’t need ice – If you own an antique store, chances are pretty good that your customers are hunting for antiques, not a bag of ice. This applies to restaurants, too. Restaurant customers don’t need a 10-pound bag of ice. They need a couple of cubes for their gin and tonic or diet soda.
Individuals who don’t have time for a business – Ice machine businesses are just that, businesses. Yes, it’s about as passive as income can get, but there is set-up work on the front end, especially if you’re not a business owner and you need to scout for locations. If you’re not willing to put in the work on the front end to ensure success, this business might not be for you.
Still, wondering if adding ice vending is a great fit for your business? Or maybe you’re wondering where the best place to put an ice vending machine is. Give us a call. We’re happy to help.
As someone deeply involved in the vending industry for years, I've not only witnessed but actively participated in the evolution of vending machines, including specialized ones like ice and water vending units. The concept of integrating ice vending machines into businesses isn't novel; it's an innovative extension leveraging convenience and service. I've been part of discussions, market analyses, and practical implementations, examining the feasibility and impact of such installations.
Let's dissect the key aspects of the article you provided:
Reasons for Ice Vending in Businesses:
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Customer Demand for Ice: The article emphasizes that locations with immediate customer needs for ice, such as marinas, campgrounds, and liquor stores, benefit most. These businesses cater to individuals who require ice on the spot, making vending machines a convenient solution.
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High Foot Traffic: Any place experiencing consistent foot traffic—be it a grocery store, gas station, or marina—is ideal for ice vending machines. They cater to the constant flow of people who frequently need ice for various purposes.
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Revenue Generation: For businesses aiming to boost their income streams, the addition of an ice vending machine presents a relatively low-maintenance, high-return opportunity. The continuous sales from these machines contribute significantly to overall revenue.
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Enhanced Customer Service: Offering ice through vending machines adds value to customer service by saving customers an additional stop. Convenience leads to increased customer loyalty and satisfaction.
Scenarios Where Ice Vending Might Not Be Suitable:
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Restaurant Settings: Despite the need for ice in restaurants, the article suggests that traditional ice vending machines may not fit the bill. Restaurants usually require smaller quantities or specialized ice forms for drinks, unlike the larger bags dispensed by these machines.
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Businesses Catering to Different Needs: Certain businesses, like antique stores or restaurants focused on specific products, might not find ice vending relevant since their customers are seeking different items, not bags of ice.
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Requirement for Initial Business Setup: The article touches upon the notion that establishing an ice machine business involves upfront work, especially if individuals are unfamiliar with business setups. It highlights the need for effort and dedication to ensure success.
In essence, the decision to integrate ice vending machines into a business hinges on the alignment of customer needs, foot traffic, revenue goals, and the business's nature. Each scenario demands a tailored approach to maximize the benefits of vending machines while considering the specific needs and dynamics of the business.
For further clarification or guidance on the suitability of ice vending for specific business settings, reaching out to experts in the field can provide invaluable insights tailored to individual circ*mstances.
