Tuesday, September 22, 2009

GPS Technology In Vending

Vending machines have come a long way since their beginning with selling post cards and books. These days vending machines are use to prepare and sell all kinds of customized products.

Technological advancements in recent years have led to many innovations in the vending machine components and functions. Modern vending operators are making use of this latest technology to improve the efficiency and reduce their operating costs. Some operators are going to the extent of investing in Global Positioning System or GPS. GPS is a satellite based navigation system that was originally used for military applications.

How does GPS work?

A network of satellites transmits signals to ground based receivers. GPS combined with special mapping software provides vending machine operator with updated information on various activities of the machine. Service stops and variations in vending routes if any can be identified using this technology.

GPS is mainly of two kinds: active and passive. In an active system, data is transmitted to a website where the operator can view the activity. Whereas in a passive system, data is stored and uploaded in a computer once the vehicle completes a vending route. Every moment of the vehicle passing through the vending route is recorded.

Benefits of GPS

Vending operators using this technology have reported faster response time and improved customer relations, improved efficiency, efficient route management, reduced vehicle wear and tear, automation of vehicle record keeping, better driving safety and reduced fuel costs. The initial cost of investment in GPS is little high because of the hardware, software and training costs involved. But when compared to the results provided by it, this cost is worth investing. The benefits of using GPS vary depending on the size of the company.

Many vending operators who have tested this technology have reported that GPS is the best selling tool. It also assures of prompt and timely customer services. This is helpful in increasing the size of customer base and also their loyalty towards the company.

Thus latest innovations are proving to be advantageous to both the operators and customers. Operators are benefited by reduced costs and increased sales while customers on the other hand are able to enjoy quality food at great convenience.

Planet Antares is constantly investing into newer technologies for vending. If you are planning to buy latest vending machine then you need look no further than Planet Antares.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Planet Antares guidelines for Vending Business Owners

Indubitably vending has proven to be a great way to promote different products. Vending machines offer extraordinary services to customers. Vendors can create additional income from the vending machines and is one of the most feasible business opportunities today. Vending machines have radically grown in recent years and offer countless vending possibilities. The attractiveness of vending business has resulted in high competition. Planet Antares is a reputable name in the industry. Getting started with Planet Antares will robotically set your reputation in the industry, however a little bit of promotion never hurts.

Advertising has proven to carry additional benefits to a business venture. Today almost everything is being publicized. Consumers are exposed to advertisements where ever they go. You can see ads in your home, office, internet, radio, television, bus stations, railway stations, shopping malls, restaurants and many other potential places. Here are few tips from Planet Antares on how you can prop up your vending business while not crossing your budget:

• Business stationery is an ideal business promotional tool. Use your business name, contact information, logo and slogan on your letter heads and envelopes.
• Writing articles on topics related to your business expertise is an excellent business promotion technique.
• Use internet for your business promotion. A website can also be designed and advertised on google and other search engines and social networking sites
• Give freebies or reward your customers to promote your business.
• Use banners or stickers on your vehicle to promote your business.
• Offer a guarantee.
• Distribute brochures or leaflets
• Stock your machines with branded and well known products.

All the above promotional stratagems will help you to inform, to remind and to persuade your customers. Showcase them benefits of buying your services and offer a best deal in the business. Planet Antares holds a reputation which is transferred to its customers.

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

How to keep products fresh and healthy in vending machines.

Vending machines are one of the most desirable sources for grabbing a quick meal. Right from snacks to refreshment drinks and mini meals to candies, everything is being vended through vending machines. With such a popularity of vending machines for quick snacks, it is important for vending operator to make sure that the products stocked are healthy and fresh. Below are few tips that will help vending operators to provide best products to their customers.

1. Always Stock Quality Products Manufactured By Reputed Companies: Reputed companies manufacture products under strict quality guidelines. Such products tend to have longer shelf life.

2. Set Temperature & Humidity Control At Recommended Levels: Always set up the temperature and humidity levels at recommended levels. High or low control settings can deteriorate the food quality.

3. Regular Servicing Of Vending Machines: You should regularly service your vending machine to prevents any faults to creep in. Timely servicing would ensure proper functioning of controls, thereby keeping products fresh in vending machines.

4. Buy A New Vending Machine: Don’t buy refurbished vending machine; they may have faulty seals and controls. Always go in for a brand new vending machine.

5. Get Machines Repaired From Original Manufacturers/ Authorized Personnel: In case of any faults, never get your vending machines repaired from unauthorized technicians. Always contact support staff of manufacturer or authorized service dealership for repairs. Unauthorized personnel can damage your vending machine, thereby creating problems for you in future.

6. Keep Surroundings Of Vending Machines Clean: Always keep surrounding of your vending machines clean and hygienic.

7. Replace Products After Shelf Life: As a responsible vending operator, you should get your replace products from vending machine upon expiration of shelf life of products.

Serving customers with healthy, nutritious and fresh food will always reward your vending business. Customers will come to you again and again. To make sure that your vending machine dispenses fresh products, always buy modern vending machines manufactured by Planet Antares. State-of-the-art circuitry and latest parts ensures smooth operation for vending machines. Contact Planet Antares support staff to know more about different vending options.

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Thursday, September 3, 2009

How a used vending machine often turns out to be costlier?

If you are new to the vending business it is always advisable to take advice of successful and experienced owners so that you can replicate what these successful men did to expand their business. If you get a chance to speak with such people, you will find that none of these vending business owners ever bought a refurbished or a used vending machine even though it costs less in comparison to a new vending machine.

The reason is not that these successful vending business owners want to spend more and take a cut in taxes. Actual reason behind buying a new vending machine for every location is that the deal with new vending machine often turns out to be cheaper in comparison. New vending machines are more attractive and you don’t have to spend money on repairing every now and then. Buying used vending machines might save you some money at start but you will end up spending money on its repair and the time that you are kept out of business and of course this machine will make you lose on your goodwill.

It is advised that you should never buy a used vending machine as it can really harm your reputation and can make you a lot of money because of its inconsistent performance. Also when you would go in the market to compete, you would understand you are losing out against your competition that has new and attractive vending machines which attract new buyers every day.

New Vending machines from Planet Antares come with warranty and ensure good and smooth performance as against used machines where you have to spend every time whenever there is a slight problem. Also customers tend to trust new machines more than the old machines.

In a nutshell, new vending machines will always come be a good deal for you as compared to used vending machines.

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