What are combo vending machines?
While the term might sound confusing, a combo vending machine simply houses both snacks and drinks in a single, standalone vending machine. Why would you want that? The biggest advantage is that users can get both products from one machine (instead of two). Drinks are usually located towards the bottom of the machine. Also, refrigeration is on board to keep the drinks at a cooler temperature.
The drink compartment is usually flexible/adaptable to hold different types and sizes of bottles and cans. While it depends on the manufacturer and certain machine specifications, combo vending machines should also offer various sizes in the snack portion of the machine to accommodate both large and smaller offerings.
Why choose combo vending machines?
For a location that may have more limited traffic, placing a vending machine like this could be a better option for customers. They simply might not need the capacity that a standalone snack or drink machine provides. Alternatively, it might also come down to space considerations. A business may want to provide vending services for their customers, but the dimensions of a room, office or lounge might not be ideal for more than one unit.
In these instances, a combo machine offers a good alternative. Finally, in our experience, we find customers often don’t want just a snack or just a drink machine. They want both. Combo vending machines solves the problem. Chips go well with a refreshing drink after all!
What about cost? Are combos costlier?
Cost is always a consideration when buying a vending machine — whether it be used or new. Of course, there are NO costs for Simpl Snacks customers when they choose to start vending services with us! If you are considering purchasing a combo vending machine, one question to ask is how the costs might compare to a traditional snack machine or drink machine. Combo machines will come equipped with a refrigeration system to ensure the drinks stay cold. Generally speaking, this can increase the cost relative to a snack machine that lacks such equipment.
Pricing at Sam’s Club may vary at your location; however, using this as one benchmark, we see new combo vending machines at Sam’s Club between $3,700 – $6,300 (link to Sam’s Club site). Admittedly, we do not purchase machines from Sam’s (we work with other distributors). However, even refurbished machines can run as much as $3,000. Bottom line – shop around to make sure you’re getting the best fit for your location!
Conclusion: Combos can be great in the right situation
Personally, we love these little workhorses of the vending industry! Especially for locations that we may not be entirely sure about the foot traffic or expected usage, these are a great way to offer a bigger variety of products to our customers. You can always upgrade later if there’s space. If you think a combo vending machine would be a good fit for your business, shoot us a message – we’d love to work with you!