Vending micro markets are often considered a result of the higher productivity requirements for businesses to remain competitive. Today there is a greater emphasis on employees to deliver more in a shorter time to fit an increasingly competitive standard of productivity. Micro markets are by far one of the best ways to ensure that businesses stay on the path to higher productivity without raising overhead significantly.
Vending Micro Markets Versus Traditional Vending Machines
The major reason why micro markets are so popular is that they offer a highly lucrative investment opportunity thanks to numerous added benefits when compared to a vending machine. Micro markets vending on average attract 18% percent more visits each day with an average 1.2 sales every day as compared to a vending machine’s 0.7 sales a day.
Micro markets use a web-based inventory system which is cheaper, easier to manage, and which makes refreshing stock an automated process. Plus components can quickly and easily be customized to meet the tastes of each location.
A Better Customer Experience
Vending micro markets are also able to provide a much better customer experience with beautiful layouts and presentations, which consequently increase profits. Retail tools and methods can be used to ensure the right placement of add-on purchases in the vicinity of the checkout kiosk. Plus micro markets have less downtime, require very little maintenance, and the transaction process is easier for multiple items compared to a vending machine.
Compared to traditional vending machine products, vending micro markets are often 10% to 15% more expensive. That’s because of added sales tax and a surcharge to offset potential losses from theft, spoilage, etc. Though employees often receive these items at subsidized rates via their employee cards, which allows them to avail healthy food options. Also the use of camera can cut down on additional costs to keep prices lower.
The Self-Service Option is Key to a Successful Micro Market
The key to a successful micro market is the face of the operation, also referred to as the self-service kiosk. The kiosk, unlike a traditional vending machine, allows users to scan or manually input their items, then scan their card to pay for it. Many of the latest kiosks can be programmed to allow for coupon discount codes and vouchers to be redeemed at the time of checkout.
It is also important that the micro markets vending checkout system be able to handle various transactions and keep track of them while retaining data to ensure timely revenue reports. However, on the front end, the kiosk needs to be easy to use, and durable enough to handle a lot of traffic.
Micro Markets Offer More Flexibility
While vending machines provide a one-dimensional experience, micro markets have more flexibility. Micro markets can make all manner of purchases easy and quick. Micro market operators can also consider providing other services like payday loans, check deposits, and bill payments. All that’s required is partnering with a financial institution. So, a micro-market has a lot more to offer operators and businesses compared to what is otherwise a ridged system built into a vending machine. Not to mention the fact that vending machines have remained fundamentally unchanged for decades.