Crane Vending

In Celebration of International Coffee Day – Give Crane Vending a Taste
In Celebration of International Coffee Day – Give Crane Vending a Taste 1800 1200 GAD Vending

Yes, we acknowledge there was a time when the jokes about vending machine coffee were very true. The original coffee vending machines were pretty bad.

But Crane has spent years perfecting their new equipment to give the best baristas a challenge on taste. In are Crane coffee vending machines with bean grinders integrated in the machines for truly fresh ground coffee. Then there is an amazing selection of quality options to create the perfect cup. Choose from a variety of flavors, frothing and sweetening options. Create your perfect cup – and the machine will remember your order for the next time.

These machines are replacing many restaurant, coffee shop and bar baristas as the quality is the same cup after cup.

If you are looking at the coffee station in your breakroom as a constant disaster, replacing the mess with a simple Crane coffee machine could be a simple solution. Or if you cater to a particularly picky coffee crowd, these units can save you time, employees and money to service your crowds.

Start with a free cup of coffee from any of our GAD sales staff. Then order your new coffee station for immediate use from our stock in Omaha, Des Moines and Kansas City.

 

 

 

How Vending Operators Can Bring Results
How Vending Operators Can Bring Results 2048 1367 GAD Vending

GAD works with a variety of Vending Operators that service many types of end locations. Part of our job is to help our Vending Operators with their profitability, safety and operational streamlining.

Service at the End Location

Service is the pain point for many of the end location customers. This is especially important for independent operators. Tasked with overseeing everything to do with the equipment, payment and stock levels this can be a big lift for a single operator.

But GAD can help.

Rethinking Vending Management

It is critical to manage your time, your route efficiencies and your profitability. Crane Vending offers Simplifi new software apps to manage your entire business on your smart phone. Set up stock alerts. Machine malfunction. And other alerts to help you be aware of issues before your end location. This helps you stop reacting to being proactive.

Customization is Key

Know your customer. Customize your vending equipment to service the type of customer. You may want a mix use machine that delivers both liquids and snacks. Check out the vendors that deliver full meals. Place a vending machine that dispense products like PPE, cell phone accessories or other high need merchandise.

Use Quality Equipment Reduces Ongoing Costs

Maintenance is key to keeping a quality machine in its best working order. Crane vending machines partnered with GAD Vending parts department keep your machines working 24 hours delivering product.

Machine Placement is Key

Machine placement is key. High traffic areas. Low competition areas like breakrooms. Unique locations like apartment complexes, schools and even convenience stores.

Many customers are looking for self service, securing product and low employee interaction cost. This opens up all new positions for vending machines. High priced products can be secured without employee costs. Small items can be vended easily.

Vending machines aren’t just for candy any more! Vending is an answer for today’s growing demand of retail and consumer expectations.

Touchless MEI and Crane vending payment options at GAD Vending.

What Should You Be Asking Your Payment Processing Provider? 5 Security Questions
What Should You Be Asking Your Payment Processing Provider? 5 Security Questions 1000 666 GAD Vending

Navigating a Connected World

Our world is more connected than ever. The rapid pace of technological innovations has given us access to an unmatched level of convenience and speed in our day-to-day business transactions. But that innovation also comes with increased security concerns—especially when it comes to money and payments, where the security of customer data is paramount, and not all technologies are created equal.

As you consider which technology solutions are best for your business, security concerns should be top of mind. Here are five questions to ask a potential suppliers to help you find the right fit for your security needs.

1.   How are they prioritizing the safety and security of their customers?

When it comes to payments and the protection of your business data and customers’ information, a good partner should take security just as seriously as you do. They should have protocols and teams in place to continuously monitor all technology for potential weaknesses and threats, from the design phase all the way through implementation, service and updates. Look for a company with a dedicated Security Compliance Officer who ensures all processes are carefully followed, and has your business’s security as their top priority.

2.    Are they offering security in-depth, or just at the perimeter?

When you picture security—whether digital or physical—the first thing that comes to mind is protecting the perimeter from outside threats. In the physical world, these are things like locks and security guards—in the digital world, these come in the form of network firewalls and tools to protect technology from outside hackers. But today’s threats can also come through a different source: the applications and devices used by companies and their personnel. A good payments partner should understand the interconnected nature of modern technology and be prepared to address the security threats that come with it. That holistic approach, often referred to as “Security In Depth,” is key to protecting your customers’ payments and their privacy from all sides. Always ask potential partners how they view security – what you’re looking for is a robust, considered answer that reflects a culture of safety, not just a checkbox for your inquiry.

3.    How are they securing connected devices?

The more interconnected devices and applications your system has, the more targets cybercriminals can potentially exploit. But that interconnectedness is key to doing business the way customers expect in 2021—so how are your payments partners protecting your system as a whole? Any holistic security approach should include detailed, dedicated security for connected devices and applications, in addition to network security. If your partners can’t speak specifically to their device-level protections, that could be a red flag.

4.    How are they staying on top of evolving threats?

Security is not a set-it-and-forget-it proposition. New threats and vulnerabilities are arising every day, and the speed at which cybercriminals are taking advantage of those vulnerabilities is accelerating. Any potential security partner should readily acknowledge this reality, and have protocols in place to stay ahead of the latest threats. Look for a partner that is a part of the IoT Security Foundation, which rapidly updates members on relevant security frameworks and threats, allowing all members of the foundation to proactively address threats before they become a problem.

5.    How are they monitoring their own software and technology?

While it’s vital to stay on top of evolving threats throughout the industry, it’s just as important that your suppliers continuously examine their own technology for potential weaknesses, and are positioned to rapidly respond. Tools like Black Duck allow companies to identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Your partner should continually monitor all their software and tech, quickly identifying and patching any weak points to keep your data and your customers’ data secure and safe. Transparency is key here – if your partner is open, communicative, and engaged in sharing and correcting potential threats, that’s a good thing – don’t mistake candor in threat communication and correction for weakness in security. It could be a sign that your partner is on top of evolving technology threats, and proactive in solving them. And you can be sure that if your partners aren’t proactive in protecting their own systems, they won’t be proactive in protecting yours.

The Takeaway

When it comes to the security of your business in an interconnected age, the stakes are high—but the right partner can help mitigate those risks and keep your business protected from evolving threats. Any good partner should treat your security concerns as an ongoing discussion to help keep you protected. These questions can serve as the beginning of that discussion as you find the payments partner that’s right for you, your customers, and your business. And while there’s no single way to address security, you can gain confidence in a partner who is open and confident engaging in a discussion, and offers a depth of analysis that goes beyond a simple “yes” or “no.”

Looking for more resources that can help you improve the safety and security of your payment systems? GAD Knows Vending. As an authorized distributor for Crane Vending, GAD knows how to help you secure your vending machines.

Labor Shortage Issues? Want to Accept Cards and CASH? Look Into How Self Check Out Can Help Your Business
Labor Shortage Issues? Want to Accept Cards and CASH? Look Into How Self Check Out Can Help Your Business 750 520 GAD Vending

47% of all sales that total under $25 are paid in cash

It’s 2022–Retailers have recognized the value of self-checkout technology and the benefits it will bring to their stores including easing labor shortage problems, improving the customer experience, and, of course, increasing the bottom line. Now you need to consider how to deploy your self-checkout to best suit the needs of your stores and your customers; the big question is—do you automate cash, or go completely cashless?

You may be leaning toward cashless—it’s less costly upfront, and card payments seem more like “the future.” Let’s examine that assumption—can you get the full ROI you expect from your self-checkout without adding cash? First consider from the perspective of the speed of service; self-checkout will move your customers through the line faster and eliminate long lines at peak times of day. If you’ve only automated cashless payments you haven’t solved the complete problem, and will not be able to repurpose cashiers to take on additional store related tasks, like cleaning, stocking shelves, etc. Stores that struggle with staff shortages will find relief by allowing their customers to checkout without their assistance, ensuring only one cashier is required to ring up age-verified products.

41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line

What is your customers’ experience? For the average purchase in convenience stores, consumers overwhelmingly choose cash; 47% of all purchase values under $25 are paid in cash. The percentage of cash usage in your stores may be even higher given that the average c-store transaction is between $3.75-9.00; recent studies report around 40-50% of purchases are made in cash. In addition to preferences, the Federal Reserve estimates 20-28% of the population is currently “unbanked,” or “underbanked,” and do not have access to card payments. Cashless only self-checkouts could lead customers to perceive unfairness—why should they wait in line while the card paying customer can breeze right through? It’s not worth the risk alienating such a large portion of your customers.

Card-only self-checkouts will still require a cashier to handle all cash payments, increasing the likelihood that lines will continue to be long at rush hour, and risk customers walking out without purchasing. 41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line, and one bad experience can sour customers on your entire business. Almost half of consumers avoid a specific store if they have to wait longer than 5 minutes. No one wants to lose business due to customer dissatisfaction, and these lines can be effectively eliminated by deploying cash automation with self-checkout.

Lastly, cashless processing isn’t always as cheap as it seems to be. There’s a good chance cash payments cost less as a percentage of your revenue than cashless. Driving customers to cashless may actually increase costs and negatively impact profit margins.

In order to fully reap the benefits of your self-checkout deployment you need to include both cash and cashless payments. Cash automation makes it a well-rounded solution and delivers a superior ROI for your business.

If you are looking for self check out equipment that accept both cash and cards, give GAD a call. Our sales team is knowledgeable to help retailers save on labor cost, speed check-out, and improve customer experience.

3 Reasons Why Self Checkout is a Smart 2022 Solution
3 Reasons Why Self Checkout is a Smart 2022 Solution 332 347 GAD Vending

It’s 2022 and savvy retail owners have recognized the value of self-checkout technology and the benefits it will bring to their stores including:

  1. Easing labor shortage problems
  2. Improving the customer experience
  3. Increasing the bottom line

Now you need to consider how to deploy your self-checkout to best suit the needs of your stores and your customers; the remaining big question is—do you automate cash, or go completely cashless?

47% of all purchase values under $25 are paid in cash

You may be leaning toward cashless—it’s less costly upfront, and card payments seem more like “the future.” Let’s examine that assumption—can you get the full ROI you expect from your self-checkout without adding cash? First consider from the perspective of the speed of service; self-checkout will move your customers through the line faster and eliminate long lines at peak times of day. If you’ve only automated cashless payments you haven’t solved the complete problem, and will not be able to repurpose cashiers to take on additional store related tasks, like cleaning, stocking shelves, etc. Stores that struggle with staff shortages will find relief by allowing their customers to checkout without their assistance, ensuring only a few manager cashiers are required to ring up age-verified products and help customers with items that don’t want to ring up easily.

Next, think about your customer’s experience. For the average purchase in convenience stores, consumers overwhelmingly choose cash; 47% of all purchase values under $25 are paid in cash. The percentage of cash usage in your stores may be even higher given that the average c-store transaction is between $3.75-9.00; recent studies report around 40-50% of purchases are made in cash. In addition to preferences, the Federal Reserve estimates 20-28% of the population is currently “unbanked,” or “underbanked,” and do not have access to card payments. Cashless only self-checkouts could lead customers to perceive unfairness—why should they wait in line while the card paying customer can breeze right through? It’s up to the retailer to know their average ticket sale and customer demographic to make the right choice before going all cashless.

Card-only self-checkouts will still require a cashier to handle all cash payments, increasing the likelihood that lines will continue to be long at rush hour, and risk customers walking out without purchasing. 41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line, and one bad experience can sour customers on your entire business. Almost half of consumers avoid a specific store if they have to wait longer than 5 minutes. No one wants to lose business due to customer dissatisfaction, and these lines can be effectively eliminated by deploying cash automation with self-checkout.

41% of customers will abandon their purchase if they see a long line

Lastly, cashless processing isn’t always as cheap as it seems to be. There’s a good chance cash payments cost less as a percentage of your revenue than cashless. Driving customers to cashless may actually increase costs and negatively impact profit margins.

In order to fully reap the benefits of your self-checkout deployment you need to decide to include both cash and cashless payments. Cash automation makes it a well-rounded solution and delivers a superior ROI for your business.

Having a conversation with a well versed GAD Vending sales person can help you determine the optimal self checkout solutions for your business. Let us help today.

What Vending Operators Need To Know About Going Green
What Vending Operators Need To Know About Going Green 2048 1664 GAD Vending

THE SHIFT

Sustainability at the Forefront

During these uncertain times, one thing is clear: sustainability has never been more important. The pandemic reminded us of the fragility of our world, reaffirming our need to protect the health of both people and the planet. That’s why it’s no surprise that in the wake of crises, businesses and industries alike are taking active steps toward a more sustainable future. And it’s not just because it’s the right thing to do, it’s what today’s consumers have come to expect.

But where do vending machine operators fit into the sustainability equation? And how can they adapt to meet evolving industry standards and the needs of environmentally conscious consumers? Who can help with the answers?

THE NEED

Making Vending More Planet-Friendly

Traditional vending solutions have come a long way in recent years, with today’s smart machines offering everything from freshly brewed self-service coffee to cosmetics, clothing and everything in between. But alongside advances in vending technology, a green revolution has also been taking place, challenging operators to reexamine the environmental impact of their products and their machines.

From increasing the energy efficiency of their equipment to offering more eco-friendly products, operators are doing their part to ensure cleaner, greener vending operations. And for many, the most pressing change is transitioning to natural refrigerants in their refrigerated machines.

THE PROBLEM

Ozone-Depleting Synthetic Refrigerants

The cooling industry accounts for about 10% of global CO2 emissions—or three times the amount of aviation and shipping combined. Many vending machines still use commonplace refrigerants called hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R134a. HFCs are potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP), trapping substantially more heat than CO2. That’s why replacing HFCs with climate-friendly chemicals, also known as natural refrigerants, is a huge part of the solution.

THE SOLUTION

Climate-friendly HFC Alternatives

To reduce emissions of HFCs, a variety of climate-friendly, safe and proven alternatives are available. These include natural refrigerants and blends, CO2 and hydrocarbon. As with any change, operators will need to plan accordingly—but this change has been all but overnight. In fact, hydrocarbon refrigerants have replaced the use of HFCs in Europe since the mid-1990s, and global brands like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola began the shift to hydrocarbons more than a decade ago. To keep up with the changing regulatory landscape and key climate goals, HFC phase-outs are planned on a broader scale both domestically and internationally.

THE BIG CHANGE

Shifting to Cleaner Refrigerants

In November, after more than two years of research and advocacy work, the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) updated national safety standards in the U.S., allowing for the unrestricted placement of vending machines refrigerated with advanced, environmentally-friendly coolants. This has opened the door for vending operators to make green vending the new industry standard, with
R290, a commercially available natural gas, being one of the most popular choices in replacing HFCs.

So as the phase-out continues to heat up in the U.S., here’s what operators need to know to navigate the transition.

  1. Select a vending partner that’s committed to clean energy solutions. As you explore alternative refrigerants and new equipment, the right partner should be able to help you transition and explore green-friendly, approved, regulatory-friendly products and solutions. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but we recommend hydrocarbons like R290. With its excellent thermodynamic properties, R290 is a non-toxic, naturally occurring substance with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (OPD) and very low GWP (less than 3).
  2. Protect your investment by transitioning early. Remember that while the HFC-phase out won’t be overnight, it is inevitable. Be strategic in your approach, do your research and communicate openly and honestly with your customers about what they can expect. Waiting until the last minute to update machines can put unnecessary pressure on operators, making it difficult to be strategic. Choosing the right green technology will ensure your equipment is up to par with industry regulations and customer expectations—a win-win for any vending operator.
  3. Take advantage of coinciding updates in machine technology. Remember that the EPA ruled that the retrofitting of existing equipment is prohibited by law. When selecting new equipment, look for solutions that make the vending experience more convenient for both customers and operators. This includes technologies like USB software updates to optimize serviceability, error-proof wiring and LED diagnostics. These enhancements offer an array of operational benefits ranging from less machine downtime to improved serviceability features when issues do arise. Technologies like responsive touchscreens can also increase sales, enhance performance and attract new customers with colorful, eye-catching graphics, advertising and targeted messaging. Machines with low voltage, universal power supplies and components like brushless motors can also be more energy efficient, making vending even greener than ever before.
  4. Remember that small changes can have a big impact. Going green isn’t about racing to the finish line. It’s about taking active steps to enhance the functionality, efficiency and performance of your machine—all while taking less from the Earth. There are myriad ways to decrease your footprint without compromising performance. Selecting machines that are Energy Star certified is an easy way for operators to lower their environmental impact and their total cost of ownership.

THE CONCLUSION

Why Going Green Makes Cents

With businesses worldwide already making fundamental shifts to their strategies, products, services and operational models, now is the time to integrate sustainability along the way. So as retailers continue to find new ways to meet the needs of increasingly conscious customers, vending operators would be wise to stay competitive.

Your customers care about the environment and want to feel good about what they buy—right down to the snacks and beverages they purchase when they’re on the go. Our world is changing and the only way for operators to survive—and thrive—in a new economy is to make sustainability a priority.

Crane Vending Machines Configured with Drinks and Snacks. Midwest at GAD Vending.

Vending Is Going Green
Vending Is Going Green 750 395 GAD Vending

Sustainability: The Hot Topic

There’s one topic that has transcended every country, industry, and consumer group: sustainability. As a new generation of buyers emerge, one with increasingly potent buying power, businesses are faced with a decision: get on board with sustainability, or get left behind. What do retailers need to know about this consumer shift toward sustainable purchasing? We break it down for you. Read on to understand the trends that are molding a new generation of business investments.

NEXT VEND, NEXT GEN

Meet the Newest Group of Vending Consumers

As retailers start investing in new technology, it’s important to understand the consumers they’re serving. With Gen Z wielding nearly $143 billion in buying power, they make up over forty percent of global consumers. What’s more? It’s estimated that ninety-three percent of parents say their Gen Z children’s opinions influence their household spending decisions. Capturing the attention and trust of Gen Z is a no brainer when it comes to running a successful, future-proof business. There’s more: Gen Z-ers are earning income sooner than their predecessors in the Millennial age group. Most enter college with a job, and nearly half (46%) of them having already joined the gig economy. They have money to spend.

With this in mind, we know where Gen Z goes, money flows. So how can we win their business? Sustainability is a natural place to start. Gen Z buyers care about what brands care about, with over 54% saying they’re willing to pay an incremental 10% more on goods and services coming from businesses that directly work sustainability and environmentally friendly practices into developing and delivering their products.

RETAIL SUSTAINABILITY

More than Generational

While Gen Z makes up a major part of the global buying power, the impact of socially responsible businesses isn’t lost on millennials or even boomers, with even bigger portions of this generation following through on opinions with actual spending. Forrester Analytics’ latest Consumer Technographics® data showed that 51% of boomers are more likely to say they’re environmentally friendly, and 59% are actually willing to look for and direct their spending with brands that boast energy-efficient labels.

And the investments don’t stop there. A 2019 CSB study found that nearly 50% of sales growth between 2013 and 2018 came from sustainably-marketed products. IBM’s 2020 consumer research study showed that 57% of consumers (across every age group) were willing to change their purchasing habits to help reduce negative environmental impact. More than 7 in 10 of those same consumers would pay a premium to make purchases from brands that support recycling and sustainability.

VEND SOMETHING BIG

Cashing in on a Mega Trend

Sustainability counts when it comes to consumers, but it can also have a big impact on business costs. 75% of corporate sustainability professionals say that businesses need to get better at including sustainability into business strategies. Many view sustainability as a megatrend. Morningstar defines megatrends as movements “likely to have broad, deep, and long-lasting impacts on our lives and institutions, and those of future generations.” With businesses like Amazon, HP and Unliver boasting decades-long plans to restructure their business models to support sustainability, it’s clear that this isn’t just a fly-by trend, but one we can expect to see permeating businesses for decades to come.

But, there’s evidence to suggest that getting in on the trend can actually benefit a business’s bottom line. Though shifting towards more sustainable business practices costs more up front, companies have realized that “greening” their businesses reduces the cost of business over time, with many companies prioritizing sustainability efforts in order to improve operational efficiency. And there’s more: Many companies can benefit from tax credits, rebates and savings by going green.

THE TAKEAWAY

Sustainability is Here for the Long Haul

With consumers driving the demand for more sustainable, environmentally friendly purchase options, it’s clear that sustainability is a trend that’s here to stay, and retailers must make the investment in technology and products that meet the call to action. As retailers seek to be more competitive, the importance of sustainable investment—from technology to operations to product—and communicating that investment to consumers, couldn’t be more important.

Taking these steps is surprisingly simple. Ask us how you can invest in responsible, sustainable technology to start driving your business toward a greener, more profitable future.

GO GREEN WITH CPI

Learn about how Crane Vending and GAD are bringing sustainability to unattended retail

It’s Time to Reconsider Self-Checkout for Your Business
It’s Time to Reconsider Self-Checkout for Your Business 332 347 GAD Vending

Struggling Through the Labor Shortage?

If you think that waiting in line is an unavoidable part of the shopping experience, think again. Your customers disagree, and they aren’t waiting around for you to catch up. According to Fidelity Payment Services, 81% of customers actively avoid stores where they perceive the lines to be too long, and they aren’t afraid to abandon their loyalties and jump ship.

Add a pandemic to an increasingly-impatient consumer base and the message is clear: it’s time to automate. According to Bloomberg, 87% of consumers prefer shopping in stores with touchless or robust self-checkout options, and with COVID-19 still impacting daily life, there is a strong likelihood that pandemic preferences will become permanent – particularly in favor of technologies that deliver speed, safety, and convenience to consumers.

Self-checkouts don’t just satisfy consumers’ preferences, though. They also have the ability to save companies a lot of money. Here are three ways that self-checkouts benefit your business:

IMPROVE THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

Losing Customers Happens Quicker Than You’d Think. Self-Checkouts Will Make Them Stay

Customers won’t hesitate to take their business elsewhere if they are unsatisfied with their shopping experience. A study done by Box Technologies and Intel concluded that 41% of customers are willing to abandon their purchase if they have to wait in a long queue.

In A.T. Kearney’s 2019 Consumer Retail Technology Survey, 72% of respondents expressed a strong desire for technology that helps to reduce their time spent checking out, well above the 31% that coveted a feature that allows them to customize products. This means that if you have to choose between improving the shopping experience and new product development, customers may prefer that you prioritize the former over the latter.

LOWER CASH-HANDLING COSTS

You Can Cut the Costs of Handling Cash with Self-Checkouts

There are hidden costs involved in handling cash: opening and closing the cash drawer, counting and providing change, and reconciling the cash drawer at the end of every shift. You also have to physically make deposits or arrange for someone else to make them, which can be a time-consuming and/or expensive process.

According to IHL Consulting, ⅔ of the costs of handling cash are the labor involved in manual cash drawer processing. IHL Consulting also found that the average cost of cash in the convenience segment is 8.3%, considerably higher than credit card processing fees, which are generally around 2% of each purchase.

While you do need to make an up-front investment to switch to self-checkouts, the increase in your margins allows you to quickly see a quantifiable benefit.

LESS CASHIERS, MORE HELP

Self-Checkouts Allow You to Redeploy Your Staff to Other Activities

With self-checkouts, you still need cashiers – you just don’t need as many of them. Instead of placing a cashier at every register, you may only need one employee to monitor 6-10 self-service machines.

However, the benefit to deploying labor beyond the checkout line lies not just in the efficiency to your business, but in the benefit to your customers – who will likely spend more and return more often to a store that delivers an excellent experience. A recent study by Mindtree demonstrated “that sales associates play a pivotal role in the consumer purchase journey.” In fact, shoppers who interact with a sales associate are 43% more likely to purchase a product, and their transactions have 81% more value. Imagine the boost to your business when valuable associates are able to concentrate on servicing customers rather than accepting payments.

You may still want to offer a traditional checkout experience at a few registers to accommodate customers who are unwilling or unable to use self-checkout machines, but in time, you can likely drive the majority of your customers to a self-checkout experience.

Self-Checkouts Provide a Strong Return on Investment (ROI)

Since the onset of the pandemic, customers have increasingly grown to expect convenience in every area of their lives. And many companies have provided it for them: according to a McKinsey survey, companies experienced 3-7 years of digital transformation over the first few months of the pandemic. Through digitization, you can build more convenience into your customer experience, potentially increasing your retention rates.

With self-checkouts proving to be beneficial for both businesses and consumers, they are likely to proliferate in the coming years. By adopting self-checkouts sooner rather than later, you can get a jump on your competitors, building up your brand in the eyes of your customers.

5 Tips To Picking The Best Vending Management System
5 Tips To Picking The Best Vending Management System 370 370 GAD Vending

Succeeding with VMS

While most vending operators are well aware of the importance of a good vending management system (VMS), when it comes to continued investment in new technology, making the right choices can be tricky. With an ever-expanding field of providers and experts, operators face a lot of decisions. We break down the best way for operators to shop when they’re looking to add new features and functionality to their VMS.

1.    Pick an Open Platform Solution

When it comes to making a new investment, the last thing you’ll want to have to worry about is migrating data. Look for solutions that provide an open platform with multiple integration options data sharing between your VMS and other business systems.

2.   Pick a solution that is intuitive

New technology means time spent onboarding employees both new and seasoned. When it comes to investing in add-ons to their VMS, operators should focus on platforms that are intuitive and user-friendly to maximize employee use and minimize training needs.

 

3.    Pick a solution that allows employees to use their own devices

An investment in new technology seems expensive, especially when hardware is considered, but with a focus on mobile technology, these expenses can be negated. Operators should seek solutions that are mobile-friendly (across both Apple and Android operating systems) and ideally allow associates to access software tools right from their own mobile devices or tablets. Additionally, technologies that are compatible with cloud-based systems that allow for the dissolution of location-based servers.

4.    Prioritize real-time data

Data means actionable insights, but only if you have it when you need it. Prioritize live data that can be shared between drivers in the field and supervisors in the office to increase efficiency in every route visit.

5.    Pick a solution that allows phased upgrades

For operators with large workforces, the idea of having to update everyone’s devices can be daunting. Operators should look for platforms that allow for phased upgrades, enabling them to update as they replace old devices. This means you can follow an upgrade path that is modular and can be executed in phase.

The Takeaway

As you continue to update and invest in your Vending Management System, ask GAD Vending how you can implement smart, economical solutions that maximize efficiency in your operation.

The FUTURE of Self Service Coffee
The FUTURE of Self Service Coffee 654 691 GAD Vending

Consumer Choice After COVID

The world will not look the same after COVID. In a few short months, we’d gone from carefree to cautious, with the pandemic reshaping the way we live, learn and work. From how we shop for groceries to the way we go about getting our daily cup of coffee, we’ve all got accustomed to a different way of life—especially when it comes to retail.

While people will eventually return to a new normal with family, friends and coworkers, the new habits we’ve developed as consumers may never completely go away. This means that even after the pandemic, self-service technologies have the opportunity to flourish by offering less employee contact and more convenience for increasingly conscious customers. 

So how can self-service meet the needs of a post-COVID world? And what can office coffee service operators specifically learn from self-service retail trends as they continue to adapt their businesses?

The Value of Self-Service

Simply put, people are willing to pay a premium to avoid contact—and will continue to do so, even after the pandemic. According to McKinsey, “Post-crisis spending on in-restaurant dining is expected to be lower than pre-crisis levels, largely because consumers will still be wary of being in densely populated public spaces.” And “after the pandemic, consumers will likely spend more on food delivery, prepared foods and groceries than they did before the pandemic.”

Self-service retail models give people a way to access the goods and services they want, without contact—a choice that has become increasingly popular as of late. This is especially true in the food service industry, where restaurants and food retailers have turned to self-service to help customers minimize contact with cashiers, servers and each other.

For example, the following solutions have been widely adopted:

  • No-touch menus that can be accessed via QR codes rather than handed out on paper
  • Contactless payments like EMV cards and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay
  • All-in-one mobile apps that allow customers to order, pay and pick up orders at curbside
  • Electronic tablets that enable customers to order and pay from their table

In addition to increasing safety, these types of self-service technologies can decrease labor costs, and ultimately, increase customer satisfaction.

And it’s likely that even long after COVID is behind us, the demand for self-service will remain—or become even stronger. As consumers become more reliant on the convenience and safety it provides, they are likely to seek out more self-service options in the future.

The Demand for Digital Experiences

Even before the pandemic, the ease and convenience of digital offerings were shifting consumer expectations. But after months of isolation and contact reduction, consumers have become even more accustomed to the perks of the digital experience online: customization, rapid payment and delivery, saved preferences, and, of course, minimal or no contact. Those expectations are driving consumers to seek out digital-driven experiences that provide those same benefits in the physical space.

To meet this demand, operators and retailers will continue to look for ways to provide safer, more convenient experiences—and self-service digital kiosks offer exactly that. Just as online platforms like Amazon and Netflix save user preferences and offer immediate gratification, a self-serve digital kiosk gives consumers a faster, easier way to access the products and services they want. That ease of use and almost infinite flexibility—with the added bonus of a nearly contactless experience—is what consumers are looking for in an increasingly digital world.

With that in mind, we expect to see retailers adapting their experiences across the board in order to serve their customers digitally—whether they’re installing touchscreens for ordering, implementing mobile apps or adding new digital payment options like mobile wallets. Customers will continue to expect a seamless digital experience with minimal contact, and with technologies evolving rapidly, operators have more ways than ever to meet those expectations.

The Benefits for Office Coffee Service Operators

The benefits of self-service retail for consumers are clear, but the trends driving this digital shift also bring considerable benefits for operators of all types. In the Office Coffee Service space, adapting operations to include more self-service options can allow operators to not only increase the hygiene of their operations, but to improve the customer experience as well. By providing modern, digital-first experiences that give people more options for their coffee and less contact during the experience, operators can increase both customer retention and loyalty.

Office Coffee Service is a microcosm of the larger digital trends we expect to see in the future: fast, seamless, intuitive digital experiences that give customers the choice of less contact, more customization, and more ways to pay. Modern free-standing self-service coffee machines with touchscreen interfaces give customers an easy way to browse beverages, customize their drink and even save their preferences. Optimizing the experience for your consumers is about more than increasing sales. It’s about meeting the needs of loyal users who expect a perfect, consistent experience in a digital-first world.

Takeaways for Operators

  1. As consumers demand faster, easier, more customized experiences with less contact, it’s never been more clear: the future of in-person retail is digital self-service. In a world where consumers have more online options than ever, it’s vital to provide an in-person option that offers the same benefits and level of service.
  2. Shifting spending patterns during the pandemic have shown that consumers will pay a premium for rapid, convenient, contactless services, and it’s likely they’ll continue to do so in the future. Now is the time to invest in providing that same experience to them in person, with modern machines and digital experiences that offer even more options while reducing touchpoints. Technologies like self-service kiosks can minimize contact with cashiers and other customers, as well as contact with shared surfaces or equipment.
  3. Self-service digital coffee machines do more than just offer a convenient and contactless experience. They also offer consumers more options for customization, allowing them to easily explore new drinks and modifications without any extra labor on the part of the operator. An expanded menu with an increased level of customization can lead to more revenue for operators—without lifting a finger.

With the increased demand for self-serve digital experiences, there has never been a greater opportunity for Office Coffee Service operators. During a time when consumers expect convenience, efficiency and fewer interactions with others, self-service kiosks are one of the easiest ways to perk up business. By giving 21st century users the experiences they’ve come to expect, you’ll increase both loyalty and sales—and that’s a sure bet for brewing success.

GAD Knows Experiential Vending Solutions

GAD Vending

Greater America Distributing (GAD Vending) is your premier marketer of vending equipment and amusement games in Mid America.  The company has been operating for over 30 years with offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Kansas City, Missouri; and Grimes, Iowa, a suburb of Des Moines.

Omaha

6161 Grover Street, Omaha,
NE 68106

1-402-553-2812
[email protected]

1-402-553-2812
[email protected]

Kansas City

3230 Roanake Road, Kansas City,
MO 64111

1-816-531-4300
[email protected]

1-816-531-4300
[email protected]

Des Moines

2105 SE 37 Street, Grimes,
Iowa 50111

1-515-278-4455
[email protected]

1-515-278-4455
[email protected]

Greater America Distributing

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