A micro market in the simplest terms is often thought of as a food vending service. However, by its definition, it is an unattended, mostly self-service store with a collection of open shelves and coolers. Micro markets sell everything from fresh sandwiches, salads, and fruit to yogurt, beverages, veggie snacks, and teas. You’ll generally find these in a workplace environment serving mainly employees by allowing them to easily scan the item and pay for it with a value key card or some other form of electronic payment.
Micro markets were originally launched back in 2011 and have grown tremendously in the past couple of years. The National Automated Merchandise Association estimates that there will be 35000 units by 2020.
If you are considering a food vending service, we run through a couple of benefits of micro markets below.
A Modern Alternative to the Traditional Vending Machine
Micro markets have been replacing many conventional vending programs and have also been successfully deployed as a supplementary option. The beauty of micro markets is that they offer users that feeling of being in a convenience store with numerous vending options and competing prices. Thus users enjoy a whole new level of service, satisfaction, and most of all, selection of items which could otherwise not be possible with conventional vending machines.
A food vending service, for instance, can only offer so many options. However, a micro market can offer a multitude of products like a full-fledged grocery market. So, you can have healthy snacks, lunches, drinks, etc. Everything can be accessed at any time of the day or night. The beauty of the system is that it focuses on the needs and wants of the consumer so they can have everything that users need. It, in particular, applies to items which are healthy and fresh.
Benefit for Vendors
Micro markets are more versatile and user-friendly. They can also be installed in just about any location which gives vendors access to a larger, more diverse market. Plus they get to offer a more extensive variety of products and so have to deal with fewer products that are about to expire.
Even though vendors may have to deal with a slightly higher overhead, being able to sell more products means you can target more people. Also, since most micro-markets serve an often affluent population, you can sell most things at a slightly higher price, which ensures better margins.
Can help Boost Business
Businesses already know that workplace productivity has a lot to do with their employees’ nutrition. So, one of the best features of a micro market is that it can sell healthy food, and because they are self-serve, the system does not require manpower like a conventional store to serve people. Having these machines in any business or building can help to increase profits for most businesses and consequently, productivity.
The interesting thing about micro markets is that there is no investment required. Businesses can partner with a food vending service provider who will install and maintain the micro market for you and that too at no cost. Businesses don’t have to bother with leasing or purchasing. So, it would be worth considering what a micro market food vending service can do for your business.
