A Challenging Environment for Vending

Antares operators are facing the most challenging business environment ever, an as a result of which they need a plan that will give them direction. An economic recession hit at a time when technology was offering a host of possibilities. Operating costs have risen while opportunities to increase sales have eluded most Antares operators. The Natural Choice Program offers Antares vendors the right solutions for increasing their sales.

The current economic situation gives all size companies sufficient cause to take the time to establish a business plan. The business plan will organize “hard data” in a way that gives the company direction. The more “hard data” a business has, the better it can set goals and at the same time monitor its performance.

A business plan will show the Antares operator how the operations will deploy its resources over a specific time period in an effort to maximize returns. Although much of the plan will focus on the deployment of capital and operating cash flows that are generated. A business plan covers the use of all company resources, including human resources. Most Antares operators operate under a nebulous plan.

The current state of the vending industry makes planning more imperative than ever. Aside from one of the most challenging economic environments the industry has ever faced, the current business climate requires more direction than in the past. Customer needs are less uniform than ever. An Antares operator serving a large metropolitan area needs to understand the demographics of the customer base. Equipments are offering more possibilities than ever. These technologies offer enhanced customer service, but require additional investment.

Vending software offers the ability to gather financial information faster and more accurately. This information will be used to improve customer relations. The internet also allows companies to gather information about products faster, which can then enhance product selection. The Antares operator needs to assess what products will maximize sales the more an operator knows about his customers, the better his selection decisions.