Micro markets are the newest trends in the unattended retail industry. While they’re similar to traditional vending, they have a few significant differences that provide a different kind of service. Micro markets have been making the rounds in other sectors, promising lower startup costs, easier maintenance, fresher offerings, and greater revenue than traditional vending machines.
While this assumes that traditional vending machines are losing their relevance and are up for replacement, this is not true since the vending industry has also seen significant growth in the market. However, what is true is the potential of micro markets to provide newer options for consumers that are otherwise not offered by traditional vending alternatives.
However, as with all businesses, not all scenarios are applicable and may affect how that business operates and profits. Micro markets are promisingly lucrative and present themselves with a more open concept and self-serving kiosks. But this setup presents newer problems and challenges that are otherwise not found in traditional vending machines.
Let’s discuss which of the two players in the unattended retail industry is better in specific scenarios and how business owners can maximize the profits of the traditional vending and micro-market industries.
What is Micro Market Vending?
While similar to traditional vending in the sense that it is unattended and requires the consumer to choose and pay for the product at their behest, it is, at its core, like a mini-convenience store.
It features a closed-loop environment and can serve different sizes in terms of its customer base ranging from 50 to about 200 persons in a specific location. Startup and operating costs depend on micro market size. However, they inherently have a larger capacity to provide a diverse inventory of products. This open space and availability can, in theory, drive more significant profits due to consumers grabbing more products and better upselling.
They also provide consumers with a unique experience and interactiveness in their workplaces, reminiscent of a grocery store or a grab-and-go restaurant. In terms of product offerings, micro markets typically have fresh and dry food and beverages stored in dispensers, bulk bins, and cooling and heating trays.
What Unique Problems and Challenges do Micro Markets Face?
Since micro markets are relatively new in the unattended retail industry, they’re bound to have initial gaps and problems that may not present immediately. Still, with longevity and market research, the micro-market industry can recognize and promptly address these problems.
Here is a list of the unique problems and challenges micro-markets currently experience:
- Cashless – Since most micro market setups opt for the self-service kiosks to minimize additional expenses, such as hiring an attendant, they operate using cashless payment systems. This payment scheme is relatively downgraded since you only offer one payment option.
While this benefits people who don’t typically carry coins or bills, there is a risk of cashless payments crashing or experiencing glitches. These system breakdowns can frustrate micro-market patrons who want to grab food or drinks. This can also mean losses in profits.
- Space requirements – Traditional vending machines can be placed anywhere in an establishment and don’t even need to rent space due to the minimal space it takes up. Micro-markets, however, can’t be placed anywhere and require extensive installation planning. Not to mention, the larger space requirement may incur rental fees in the establishment or office.
While this may not be the case for all offices or establishments, this is still a factor to consider.
- Price – While micro markets offer healthier and fresher alternatives, this typically means that the products they sell would cost more. Compare this to products that traditional vending machines sell; the difference is significant. This price difference may not appeal to other consumers who prefer cheaper and more accessible options.
- Security – Due to the operating nature of micro-markets which feature an open setup, there may be security concerns such as the thieving of products even if most micro markets are found in a closed-loop environment.
Therefore, it is possible to put up surveillance, this doesn’t necessarily deter shoplifters, especially if they know that there are no physical attendants in a self-serving micro market setup. While you can say the same for vending machines, the products are enclosed in a solid covering and require physically destroying the machine before grabbing them, which at least adds a layer of protection.
- Hygiene – Another problem with an open setup is hygiene concerns. Consumers tend to touch products even if they won’t necessarily buy them to get a “feel” for the item they’re buying. This action is called a product touch, and research has shown that all buyers do this, and it can facilitate a customer’s buying decision.
But with the recent pandemic, this can be a health risk. However, even without the pandemic, germs can spread from one person to another because multiple hands may touch an item over the day. Traditional vending machines do not have this problem as the only time you touch the product is when it comes out of the dispenser, making vending machines relatively more hygienic.
In What Scenarios Will You Find Micro-markets and Vending Machines Thrive?
Micro-markets
A micro-market configuration attracts more potential customers because of its extensive product offerings and closed-loop environment. This means they are suited to communal offices, hotels, living spaces, cafeteria replacements, distribution centers, and more. Features such as fresh product offerings, enticing product displays, and a loyalty program to reward your patrons will keep customers coming back for more and will see your micro-market business thrive.
Vending Machines
Vending remains a strong contender in the unattended retail industry. While it may have limited product offerings compared to micro markets and none of the fancy product displays or loyalty reward programs, its accessibility and low prices are still a go-to for most consumers looking for a quick snack or drink.
Vending machines also avoid the lengthy process of manually checking out the products you’re buying. You can immediately enjoy your products with a few button presses and multiple payment options such as cashless and physical payments. From a business owner’s standpoint, fully-serviced vending machines are routinely stocked and undergo maintenance without worrying about logistics. This makes malls, hospitals, parking lots, and other non-closed-loops environments suitable for vending machines.
Which is Better?
Between vending machines and micro-market vending, both are better suited for specific scenarios and settings and are profitable in their own right. Business owners can maximize their income generation and thrive by pinpointing the perfect location for these unattended retail setups. Bottoms Up Vending offers both traditional vending machines and micro-market vending options that are fully serviced and offer excellent value and service for your business establishment.
