How to Get Into Self Serve Ice Vending
People see ice vending machines every day, but rarely consider owning one as a lucrative side business. The good news is that getting into self serve ice vending is surprisingly easy.
Steve began cold-calling condo complexes in beach towns, pitching them on a new 24/7 automated ice machine as an exclusive amenity for their guests. This approach allowed him to keep profit margins high while minimizing labor effort day-to-day.
Locations
When it comes to ice vending machines, location is key. Vending machine owners who know how to select the right locations can enjoy significant benefits and profits compared to those who have no experience or knowledge of where to place their machines.
Highly trafficked areas make ideal sites for ice and water vending machines because they are guaranteed to attract plenty of attention and sales. These include town centers, shopping malls, and other areas with consistent traffic from people going to or coming from work, school, meetings, outings, or vacations.
Busy roads are another ideal location for ice vending machines, as they tend to be frequented by drivers who often need ice to keep their drinks cool. Busy routes that lead to beaches, campgrounds, and other summertime destinations also make great ice vending machine locations because they draw in customers who are likely to purchase ice frequently.
State and national parks also make good ice vending machine locations because they are often visited by campers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who may forget to bring their own refrigerators. These visitors need access to cold drinks and foods throughout their visit, whether for a day, weekend, or even a whole season. Vending machine owners can make a lot of money by placing ice machines in park bathrooms, picnic areas, or information or meeting areas.
Machines
Ice machines make and store fresh, sanitary ice for on-demand customer self service. They provide a great alternative to purchasing self serve ice vending bottled water or bagged ice from retail outlets. Customers pay for the amount they need only, eliminating waste and unnecessary costs.
The price of an ice machine depends on size, features and daily ice production capacity. Small undercounter ice machines cost $3-10,000 while large modular bulk ice makers can run up to $50,000. Ask about a variety of financing options to help offset the upfront capital investment.
Most ice machines produce cubed, nugget, or flake ice. Some are designed with unique ice shapes like tulip ice, crescent ice, bullet ice, contoured ice, and more. The ice is made when water comes into contact with cold plates or drums inside the machine, freezing it and then releasing it so that it falls into the storage bin.
With space at a premium at gas stations, look for compact machines that can fit in tight spaces between pumps, signs, displays and shelving. Consider also opting for a more energy efficient unit that reduces electricity and water usage to keep operational costs low.
Ice
Ice comes in many different forms and sizes. Each type serves a distinct purpose and is ideal for certain settings. Choosing the correct ice for your machine can help you save money long-term and improve your ROI.
Dice ice is the most common ice style. It’s popular in restaurants, bars, and convenience stores and provides maximum cooling with a moderate melt rate. This ice is also great for bagging and dispensing applications.
Tulip ice is similar to dice ice but with a hollow center. This allows the ice to cool beverages evenly and makes it suitable for any environment with a filtered ice machine.
Crescent ice is ideal for soft drinks and mixed drinks. Its unique half-moon shape helps reduce splashing and is designed to fit perfectly into a glass. Crescent ice has a distinctive solid build and a slow melt rate.
Gourmet ice is ideal for upscale settings and drinks like whiskey or an old fashioned. This ice is larger, with a crystal-clear finish and an octagonal or cylindrical shape. Its large size offers an eye-catching presentation and prevents drinks from watering down too quickly.
Ice vending machines can be a profitable addition to venues with heavy foot or vehicle traffic, including airports, schools, stadiums, and convenience stores. They are also an excellent option for businesses that need to keep employees hydrated during long shifts, such as factories and meat-packing plants.
Water
Water vending machines are the ideal way for customers to stay hydrated without purchasing expensive single-use bottles. Vended water can be dispensed into containers brought by customers or from the machine itself, providing convenience, cost savings, and guaranteed purity. These machines also slash plastic pollution self serve ice vending manufacturer by eliminating single-use water bottles and encouraging the use of reusable containers.
These machines can work without supervision and will only need a small amount of regular maintenance, including a weekly checkup. There is some minor risk of post-vending contamination if containers aren’t properly handled, but avoiding this problem is as simple as following the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, since the ice and water is made inside the machine, there’s no need to manage inventory with outside suppliers like you would with other products.
Adding a water and ice machine to your business is an excellent way to increase revenue. The key is to choose a location that will be visible to a lot of people. Look for areas that already attract lots of foot traffic, like a busy street or shopping center. Also, try to find a spot that is close to other stores and venues that have their own clientele. This will give your new vending machine high visibility and make it a place that patrons will keep in mind for their next drink needs.