Like any other industry, there are certain procedures involved with getting office vending services. It's not always a quick and simple process. It takes time to qualify a location, order the vending machine, then install it. So, if you're wanting to get a Coke or Pepsi vending machine for your business, here's how the process works.
Vending Machine Installation Process
1. Site Survey
Once you've contacted a vending company of choice, they will have a sales representative meet with you at your location. During this meeting, they will determine whether or not your business will qualify. Since the success of a vending machine depends on how often it gets used, the more people at your location the better. The supplier will confirm the number of employees and/or customers that are on site everyday. Most vendors prefer to place equipment for locations that have 40 or more full-time employees, or about 60-80 customers daily. They will also discuss flavor choices to determine if they install a Coke machine or Pepsi machine.
2. Scheduling The Installation
After confirming that your location qualifies for vending services, the supplier will have to check their equipment availability. If they have the type of vending machine you want in stock, it can be placed within a week or two...maybe less. Sometimes, however, they might need to order the vending machine from a manufacturer, which could take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Once they have the equipment on hand, they'll put it on the schedule to be installed.
3. Stocking Your Vending Machine
Since vending machines are so big and heavy--roughly 600lbs!--and are even heavier when loaded with sodas, the machine will be installed empty. (Snack machines are lighter, so some vendors will deliver those with the selections already in the machine.) But the vendor will make sure the service department has your location on route schedule to be filled within 2-3 business days.
As you can see, there are quite a bit of logistics involved with getting vending machines for an office. But once it's all set up, it's only a matter of having it filled every couple of weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vending Machine Installation
What is the first step in the vending machine installation process?
The first step is a site survey where a sales representative visits your location to determine if your business qualifies for vending services based on factors like the number of employees or customers.
How does a company decide which vending machine to install?
During the site survey, the supplier discusses flavor choices with you to decide whether to install a Coke or Pepsi vending machine based on your preferences.
How long does it take to schedule the installation after qualification?
If the vending machine is in stock, installation can be scheduled within a week or two. If the machine needs to be ordered from the manufacturer, it may take several days to weeks before scheduling.
Are vending machines installed fully stocked?
No, vending machines are installed empty due to their size and weight. The service department will then schedule regular visits to stock the machine within 2-3 business days after installation.
What factors affect whether a location qualifies for a vending machine?
Locations with at least 40 full-time employees or about 60-80 daily customers are preferred, as the success of the vending machine depends on frequent use.
What happens after the vending machine is installed?
Once installed, the vending machine is regularly filled every couple of weeks by the vendor's service team to ensure it remains stocked.
