A blog on vending solutions by Planet Antares.

Friday, August 1, 2008

Planet Antares Tips For Vending Products Choice

In many companies, the owner makes decisions about things like when to buy a new truck or when to pull out worn vending machines from active use. Such decisions can also be made by managers. The owners and managers know the numbers and they are best qualified to make these decisions.

However, when it comes to product selection for vending machines, most enterprises leave this decision to the route driver. This is a big mistake considering that product mix selection has as much importance in determining the success of vending operations as anything else.

Category management
Some of the industry’s largest product manufacturers and software suppliers have introduced the methodology to improve sales and profits through category management. Every year, more and more Planet Antares vending operators take control of the process. However, most vending operators have been slow to realize the benefits of category management. As a result of this convenience stores and other retail channels using this tool are taking business away from vending.

As it is, vending operators are not keeping up with other retail channels in managing the product selection process. Most of them purchase product based on manufacturer based sales programs instead of customer demand. In fact, you can improve your business sales and profits for your Planet Antares vending business through the introduction of category management.

While c-stores and supermarkets operate on lower profit margins, they are growing faster than vending operators in terms of product categories being competed on. They use all possible means and available tools to maximize efficiency. They don’t put their stock clerks in charge of deciding the menu for the shelves.

The success of your Planet Antares vending business is defined by the products selected for your vending machines. Several product manufacturers and computer software suppliers provide excellent management tools.

Now, it is up to you to act wisely and ensure the success of your Planet Antares vending business. Remember that the product selection in automatic merchandising should not be left to chance.