The Benefits of Cashless Vending Machines for Gym Owners
Cashless vending machines offer greater convenience, security, and efficiency, making them an attractive option for modern gyms and fitness facilities. Benefits of cashless machines compared to their cash operated predecessors include:
Increased sales and revenue:
In a world where increasing numbers of gym members are no longer carrying cash, the ability to simply “tap and go” has become expected as the norm. The ability to pay by card or mobile wallet increases the likelihood of multiple purchases simply by making it convenient. Studies have also shown that people are more likely to spend more when using cashless payment methods compared to cash. (You’ve probably noticed it in your own spending behaviour before as well!)
Reduced vandalism and security issues:
With no cash being stored in the machine, the risk of vandalism, attempted theft or tampering is reduced. Digital transactions also minimise the likelihood of people attempting to use counterfeit money or overseas currency.
Lower maintenance costs:
With no need for emptying cash, replenishing the change float or counting money, cashless vending machines save gym owners time and hassle. Traditional machines are also prone to coins getting jammed or being unable to read poor quality notes, which can cause frustration for both users and operators and lead to lost sales and costly maintenance fees.
Better Hygiene:
In a post-pandemic world, ‘contactless’ is still a high value selling point! Any way you can reduce touchpoints in your facility, helps with maintaining a more hygienic environment for your members and staff.
Remote Inventory and Data Tracking:
With many facilities now operating on a 24 hour basis, any ways that a gym owner can work remotely is a plus. Cashless vending machines often come with smart technology allowing owners to monitor sales and inventory in real time, restocking as needed without having to manually count items. This data is also useful for making decisions about future inventory based on popular items.
Why gym owners should consider installing a vending machine
The advantages of installing vending machines are significant. No only do gym members gain 24/7 access to essential nutrition and hydration products, but vending machines can generate almost passive income. Specialist gym vending provider, Worldwide Vending and Refrigeration tell us that gyms with a vending machine selling sports nutrition and supplement products can generate revenue of up to $1.00 per member per week. For a club with 300 members, that’s up to $15,000 per year!
When installed in the right location with the right products, vending machines can be a pretty exciting cash cow. One entrepreneur in the US recently reported earning approximately $900 USD a month from a single soft drink vending machine.
Your silent salesperson is working for your club 24/7. Modern vending machines can also be customised with vinyl wrapping to complement a gym’s branding. The traditional soft drink and confectionary inventory that used to be completely misaligned with the health and fitness scene can now be replaced with an array of pre and post-workout supplements, electrolyte drinks, and nutritional snacks such as protein bars or energy balls.
Many gyms are taking on the opportunity to offer pre-prepared meals such as those from Youfoodz and My Muscle Chef, providing convenient meal solutions for their members. There are even options to stock small fitness accessories such as massage balls, supplement shakers, towels and resistance bands.
Factors to consider before installing a vending machine in your gym
Before installing a vending machine, gym owners should evaluate the space requirements needed. While a small machine can be as compact as only consuming 1 square metre of floor space, it’s important that its placement doesn’t disrupt gym operations or member flow. Operators should also research local regulations regarding vending operations, including health and safety standards.
Factor in electricity consumption, restocking expenses and potential repair costs. Maintenance of the machine itself may well be part of the purchase agreement from your vending machine supplier. As far as payment systems go, cashless vending machines are definitely becoming the industry standard.
The options really are endless when it comes to gym vending machines now. To discuss a vending solution for your facility, talk to Worldwide Vending and Refrigeration today.
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