Pay and push is out, bulk bins and dispensers are in – or are they?
This just in: traditional vending machines no longer meet the needs of today’s hungry – and at times, “hangry” consumers. Instead, micro markets are becoming a hot commodity. But before you haul away your vending machines and hire an employee to oversee your new micro market, here are a few pros and cons regarding each option that you might want to consider.
Micro markets – Pros
Micro markets inject a sense of interactiveness and a consumer experience to the workplace, or other organization’s grab-and-go dining experience. “Shoppers” can take their pick of fresh and dry foods and beverages stored in cooling trays, chafing dishes, refrigerators, bulk bins and beverage or dry food dispensers, opting for the hot or cold treat that meets their fancy and fills their belly. These foods and drinks tend to be fresher, healthier and more aesthetically pleasing, and can even do away with the traditional crinkly wrapper associated with vending machine edibles. While you can hire an attendant, you can opt to open a self-operated kiosk, customized to meet your space’s unique requirements – and your clientele’s demands.
Micro markets – Cons
While you can manage your micro market’s inventory via the internet, doing so does involve some technological know-how. If you do go the self-operated kiosk route, you’ll also have to deal with cashless payments only – a disadvantage for those shoppers carrying coins and bills but not cards or apps. If your system temporarily glitches, malfunctions or crashes. In addition, the open concept of the micro market can potentially lend to too much touching of items for sale, leading to the spread of germs.
Vending machines – Pros
With vending machines, all your products are neatly arranged, highly visible and clearly marked with prices. Your customers can insert coins, bills or cards (depending on the type of machine), press a button and serve themselves, no attendant or checkout process necessary. Plus, as you enter a contract with the vending machine provider, you are ensured routine maintenance and refills, without having to learn or monitor any technological processes.
Vending machines – Cons
First, the type of food you typically get from a vending machine is highly unhealthy. When it comes to healthier vending machine options like sandwiches and yogurts, there’s no easy way to know the food freshness or when it was placed inside the machine. Second, vending machines are known for getting jammed, leaving you without your money and without your snack or meal. Third, with vending machines, you’re generally limited in the variety of foods you can offer, unless you plan on lining your walls with countless bulky machines. And finally, vending machines prevent shoppers from seeing the product and its nutritional information up close before purchase, which means they may be less likely to buy, or be happy with what they bought.
Micro markets or vending machines? Which solution is right for your organization?
If you’re looking to take your organization to the next, future-forward and health-conscious level with micro markets, Rosseto can help you make the smoothest of transitions. Our extensive lines of bulk bins, dispensers and other buffet equipment can help you optimally display your foods and drinks, so shoppers can select the freshest, most appetizing treats that meet their needs.
