Should micro markets and ven
rom the moment vend operators
begin shelf installation at their
frst micro market, it becomes
clear — micro markets and vend-
ing are very different businesses.
If Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz
was at the installation, her famous
quote would probably be changed
to "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in
vending anymore."
Now that we as an industry have
begun to get our arms around micro
markets and what is necessary to prop-
erly support their operation, the cen-
tral differences from vending are broad
and relatively clear. Micro markets
are very different in that they involve
much greater product variety and size
fexibility, increased purchasing and
merchandising support requirements,
different warehouse operations, differ-
ent route functions, changes in route
vehicles, cashless (for the most part)
consumer self-payment systems, alter-
native feld service skills and technical
capabilities, broad consumer promo -
tional opportunities,
extensive consumer
transaction data and
reporting capabili-
ties, and on
and on.
F
The micro market organizational structure varies
from that of vending. After a few installations, the
differences necessitate separation in many areas
in order to grow both businesses.
By Brad Bachtelle, Contributing Editor
Vending
Micro Markets
Increased product
inventory
Fresh
food
management
Merchandising
support
Consumer
promotions
Vending Management
System (VMS)
Telemetry
Cashless
payment
acceptance
26 Automatic Merchandiser VendingMarketWatch.com October 2014
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