Convenience stores have become more than just places to grab a quick snack; they are hubs of immediate solutions. Customers stepping into these stores aren’t merely seeking products; they are in search of quick, hassle-free access to essentials, including bagged ice.
Historically sold in a large chest outside the store, customers are used to the routine of grabbing a bag of ice, heading inside the store, waiting in line, paying for their purchase, and then heading back outside to fill their cooler. However, what if bagged ice could be better?
Enter the ice vending machine
New technology has made the old school way of getting ice to c-store customers obsolete. Ice vending machines offer customers an on-demand product, made fresh for them on-site, and available 24/7. Already this is a massive improvement over the old, stale ice in ice chests, which is only available during store hours and often sticks together after hours of sitting idle. However, there are some additional benefits to adding an ice vending machine to your storefront that you might not have considered.
Firstly, ice vending machines act as customer magnets, drawing fresh eyes to the front of your store.Though a bland, white ice chest fades into the background of most storefronts, an attractive ice vending machine with bold, contrasting colors will stand out in front of your store, helping draw passers-by in search of ice.
In addition, ice vending machines allow customers to get the ice they need directly from the front of the store. No need to waste time carrying heavy bags inside before waiting in a line. The ice vending machine makes ice truly a grab and go item for customers, and since no employees are required for the transaction, your c-store can help those inside the shop purchasing other items more efficiently since ice-only customers no longer need to visit a register.
It’s a win-win situation where the customers get what they need promptly, and the store owners enjoy increased sales and customer satisfaction. And the benefits don’t stop there.
Boosting your bottom line
The integration of ice vending machines also provides an excellent opportunity for c-stores to boost their earnings potential without significant financial investment. This in turn enables stores to expand their product range seamlessly, catering to a broader customer base.
In addition, ice vending machines eliminate costly delivery fees as well as supply chain issues, which have unfortunately hampered the old school ice sales method in recent years. With an ice vending machine, you no longer have to worry about running out of stock, or an unexpected fee added to the cost of your product. All of the ice you need is made fresh, on-site, saving you money, and ensuring you can sell the most ice possible, for a fraction of the cost.
Common pitfalls
Though ice vending machines are a natural fit for convenience stores, the success of this integration hinges on the careful selection of vending partners.
One of the most common pitfalls when it comes to adding a vending machine is choosing one that looks dynamic, and can be seen easily from the street. A well-lit, attractively branded machine is key to success, especially as ice vending machines can operate 24/7, and need to be able to be seen in the darkness. Compatibility with the store’s overall aesthetic is equally crucial. Make sure to ask about custom branding options when selecting a vending partner, so that your machine can be easily associated with your store.
In addition, it is also important that you partner with a trusted brand with a history of reliability and efficiency, ensuring that your ice vending machine will be able to serve ice jam-free for years to come, with low utility costs.
The addition of ice vending machines at convenience stores is a strategic move that enhances customer experience, increases revenue, and ensures the store’s relevance in the ever-changing c-store landscape. Offering convenience, attractive design, and 24/7 availability, ice vending machines can truly be a game-changer for c-stores, and prove that bagged ice can be better, with innovation as well as the right partner.
Sponsored content by Everest Ice