Vending Machines in Offices: Why Buy Them & How to Get One

Getting a vending machine for your office can be a great way to provide your employees with convenient access to snacks and beverages. Not only can it save time and money, but it can also provide your employees with a range of options when it comes to grabbing a quick snack or drink. But why should you have vending machines in your office, and how can you get one? Read on to find out!

Why Should You Have Vending Machines at the Office?

1. Vending Machines Can Save Time during Breaks

Vending machines can save your employees time during their breaks by providing quick, easy access to snacks and beverages. This can be especially helpful for employees who are on a tight schedule and need to stay on track with their daily tasks.

By having a vending machine in the office, employees can quickly grab a snack or drink during their break without having to leave the premises.

2. Vending Machines Do Not Require Salespersons

Vending machines do not require a salesperson to operate, so you don’t have to worry about hiring and training additional staff. This can save you time and money, as you don’t have to worry about managing a salesperson or dealing with customer complaints.

3. Vending Machines Are Tailor-made for the Office Crowd:

Vending machines are tailored to meet the needs of office workers and are stocked with various snacks and drinks. This means that you can offer your employees a range of options for grabbing a quick snack or drink during their break.

4. Vending Machines Do Not Have Closing Hours

Unlike a traditional store, which may have strict hours of operation, vending machines are available 24/7, ensuring that employees and visitors can access snacks and drinks when needed. This can be especially useful for employees who must stay late or work night shifts.

5. Vending Machines Are Safer than Having to Go Out

Since the vending machines are located within the office, employees can easily access the items without leaving the premises. This is particularly beneficial if the office is located in an area where it is unsafe to go out and buy food and drinks or if the office has limited hours. Having vending machines at the office also eliminates the need for employees to take long lunch breaks or risk being late returning to the office after leaving to buy food. 

6. Vending Machines May Also Feature Healthy Snack Alternatives

Vending machines may also feature healthy snack alternatives. This is great for those looking to stay on track with their health goals while at work. Instead of reaching for unhealthy snacks, employees can opt for healthier options such as nuts, fruits, and granola bars. This is especially beneficial for those trying to maintain a healthy weight.

7. Vending Machines Have Lower Overhead Costs

Vending machines have lower overhead costs than an in-house snack bar or café. The cost of purchasing and installing a vending machine is much lower than the cost of setting up and maintaining a full-service snack bar or café.

Furthermore, vending machines require minimal maintenance and upkeep, allowing the office to focus its resources on other business areas. 

8. Vending Machines May Be an Extra Source of Income

Having vending machines at the office can be an extra source of income for businesses. Vending machines can be stocked with snacks, drinks, and other items that employees may need.

Employees can then purchase these items directly from the vending machine, which can be a great source of extra income for businesses. This is especially true if the vending machines are strategically placed in areas that are likely to be used frequently. 

9. Vending Machines May Improve the Employee Experience

Vending machines can make it easier for employees to access snacks and drinks that they may need throughout the day. This can make it easier for employees to stay energized and productive, which can be beneficial for the overall success of the business.

Additionally, having vending machines at the office can make it easier for employees to grab a snack or drink on the go rather than having to leave the office. 

How Can You Get a Vending Machine in the Office?

A vending machine is an ideal solution to provide your employees with a convenient way to purchase food and beverages. But how do you go about getting a vending machine in the office?

The first step is to determine the type of vending machine you need. Depending on the size of your office and the type of snacks and beverages you want to offer, you may need to select a machine that is larger or smaller than what you initially thought. If you have a small office, consider a small tabletop vending machine, whereas if you have a larger office, you may require a full-size vending machine.

Once you have determined the type of vending machine you need, you can begin researching different companies that offer vending machines for sale or rent. It is important to compare prices and features to ensure that you get the best deal. You should also ensure that your chosen company offers reliable customer service and maintenance plans.

Next, you can begin setting it up in your office. This typically involves locating a suitable space for the machine, such as near a break room or other high-traffic area. You also need to ensure that there is a power source nearby and that the machine is adequately secured.

Once the vending machine is installed, you’ll need to stock it with snacks and beverages. You can purchase these items in bulk from a wholesaler, or you can work with a vending machine service to have them supplied and restocked regularly.

Finally, you will need to decide on a pricing structure for the items in the vending machine. Consider the costs of the items and the markup you need to make a profit. You should also consider any taxes or fees that may apply.

How Can You Manage Office Vending Machines Effectively?

In order to ensure that office vending machines are effective and efficient, several steps can be taken to ensure their proper management.

1. Ensure a Wide Variety of Items

People often like to have different options when it comes to snacks, drinks, and other items. By offering a variety of products, customers are more likely to find something that they enjoy and are more likely to use vending machines.

Additionally, having a wide variety of items can help to ensure that the vending machines remain stocked and that customers are satisfied.

2. Offer Customer Support

People often need help with using vending machines or may have questions about the items they are looking to purchase. By having someone available to answer questions and provide assistance, customers are more likely to have a positive experience with the vending machines.

Furthermore, customer support can help to ensure that the vending machines are being used properly and that they are not being abused or misused.

3. Schedule Regular Checks and Maintenance

Scheduling regular checks and maintenance is key to ensuring that the vending machines are running at optimal levels. Regular maintenance checks can help to identify any issues with the machines and can help to keep them running smoothly.

Also, regular maintenance can help to ensure that the vending machines are stocked with fresh items and that customers are satisfied.

4. Promote Healthier Snack Alternatives

Instead of stocking the vending machines with candy bars and chips, consider adding healthier options such as granola bars, nuts, and dried fruit. This will make it easier for employees to make healthy choices when they need a snack. 

5. Consider the Demand with the Amount in the Vending Machines

By monitoring the demand and adjusting the amount of snacks and drinks in the machines accordingly, you can help to ensure that the vending machines are well-stocked with items that may not be selling. Also, this can ensure that employees have access to the snacks and drinks that they want.

6. Set Reasonable Prices

Overcharging for items in the vending machines can lead to frustration and poor morale among employees. Make sure that the prices of vending machine items are reasonable and in line with the market rate.

7. Place Machines in Accessible Locations

Vending machines should be placed in accessible locations where they can be easily seen and accessed by employees. This will ensure that employees have access to the items they need without searching for them.

8. Have a Variety of Products

Make sure to offer a variety of snacks and beverages in the vending machines. This way, employees can choose whatever they like without having to wait in line or go out of their way to get something to eat and drink. Offering healthy options, along with traditional snacks and beverages, is a great way to make sure employees have plenty of options.

9. Regularly Monitor Stock Levels

It's important to keep tabs on the stock levels of office vending machines and restock when needed. This is especially important for popular items like snacks and beverages. This will ensure that employees have access to the items they need while avoiding overstocking items with lesser demand.

10. Invest in Quality Machines

Investing in quality vending machines is essential for ensuring that your employees can access snacks and drinks quickly and easily. Quality machines will be less likely to break down and can handle larger volumes of product, so you don’t have to worry about running out of stock.

Final Thoughts

A vending machine in the office can be a great way to provide snacks and drinks for your employees. However, it is important to take the time to research vendors, decide on a location, and discuss the details with the vendor. Doing so will help ensure that you get the best deal and the most out of your vending machine.

If you’re looking for vending machine services in Philadelphia, let our team at Chomp Vending help. We offer high-quality vending machines, including free vending machine delivery, installation, and servicing. Get a machine (or five) by sending us a message today!

Let’s set you up with a vending machine