Why You Should Add Vending to Your Family Entertainment Center

4 Minute Read

Adding arcade games to a bowling center or skating rink has been profitable for several years. But flying under the radar is vending, especially in our current economic and social environment. Family Entertainment Centers can increase profits and improve customer experience without a massive investment through unattended drink and snack machines.

Vending machines provide convenient snacks and beverages that customers can easily purchase; there’s no need to staff an entire kitchen. Here are some ways vending machines can serve you, your customers, and even employees.

Improve Customer Satisfaction During Labor Shortages

According to a 2021 survey, 31% of small business owners reported vast labor shortages due to not filling critical positions for three months or more. This doesn’t just hurt your bottom line — it devastates customer service.

Labor shortages mean longer wait times for often irate customers. While they don’t solve labor problems, vending machines can give customers snack and drink options without adding staff. In addition, as you and your team attend to immediate customer needs, a vending machine offers customer support 24/7.

Extra Revenue Without Overhead

According to industry reports, the average vending machine earns $75 weekly. However, well-stocked machines in high-traffic areas can make over $500 monthly. So, no matter where your vending machine falls on that range, that’s extra profits.

You can devote that money to employee appreciation, office supplies, prizes, or anything else to improve your day-to-day operations. Vending machines are sources of extra income that don’t require training or time off and are always on time.

Inventory Control

Keep your machine stocked to get all the benefits of a vending machine. You can buy products in bulk, save money, and easily track expenses with quick runs to Costco, BJ’s, or even Amazon deliveries. In addition, you’ll be able to see the popular items and keep them readily available.

Diverse Options

Modern vending machines can be baristas or markets. Suppose your customer’s or employee’s favorite food and beverage options don’t come in bags or bottles. In that case, there are plenty of ways to offer satisfying items, including small, easy-to-install micro-market solutions.

Is your communal coffee pot always empty or dirty? Invest in a coffee vending machine with hot chocolate and espresso drinks options. For bulkier options, rotating vending machines offer room for trays and platters. A refrigerated display can encourage at-counter impulse buys.

Invest in Two Vending Machines to Start

Most vending machine buyers get one for beverages and one for snacks. While many machines offer enough space for both, specialty vending machines can be paired together for maximum dispensing and earning potential.

We offer a guide to the different vending machines for your business, but here are the basics of the two primary machines you should have.

Soft Drink Vending Machines

Drink machines have evolved over the years to offer all sorts of beverages. New technologies also provide suggestive selling, digital advertising, and touchless purchasing. Offer water, energy drinks, coffee beverages, soda, and more.

Snack Vending Machines

Snacks are great for grab-and-go locations, whether sugary treats, chips, or healthy options; snack machines are a moneymaker that allows you and your staff to focus on other parts of the customer experience.

Though a drink and snack machine are a great start, keep in mind what’s in the vending machine is up to your creativity and marketing aspirations. Want to offer branded or designer socks at your bowling alley? Go ahead. Driving gloves at your go-kart location? Sure. It’s up to you.

With all the types of payment options out there, keep in mind that machines can accept: Cash, Credit Cards, NFC capable of tap and go, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and more. In addition, some vending units allow custom skins for either branding or additional signage. For example, do you want to clarify that the beverage machine carries water? Why not let us customize it with a Water sign across the top? Want to extend your brand presence throughout a facility? We can put your logo on the units with any messaging you need.

Trust Betson for Your Vending Machine Needs

If a vending machine sounds perfect for your business, Betson offers a wide range of vending machines, vending machine parts, and technical services. As a family-owned business with sales offices nationwide, we’re here to meet all your vending needs.

Our staff comes to the table with over 100 years of industry experience and will work with you to ensure you have the right product for your location and optimized for profits.