Smart management and modern technology turn Annette and Sebastian's vending machines into profit generators - around the clock, at every location.
Managing multiple vending machine shops around the clock might sound like a logistical nightmare, but with the right technology, it becomes a smart and scalable business model. For Annette and Sebastian, modern vending solutions from SECO have turned their 24/7 shop network into a well-oiled operation that meets customer demand anytime, anywhere.
In this blog post, we take you behind the scenes of their daily routine to see how SECO’s Clea Vend telemetry system and KarL4 card payment technology help streamline inventory, boost efficiency, and enhance the shopping experience, no matter the location. Whether it's a gym, a train station, or a remote motorway service area, their vending machines are always stocked, running smoothly, and ready to sell. Let’s explore how smart management and the right digital tools are powering a modern retail success story.
Annette and Sebastian are proud of what they have built up. There are 24/7 shops with vending machines at several locations throughout the municipality. Their shops offer everything from snacks and drinks to cigarettes, vapes, and electrical goods—customized to the respective location. One of the shops is located next to the reception area of a fitness center, another at a train station, and the most distant but probably most successful shop is located in a motorway service area.
But the business is anything but easy. Annette and Sebastian are constantly faced with challenges, which they quickly master as a well-rehearsed team. Their 24/7 vending machine shop presents them with numerous tasks that make their everyday life exciting but also demanding.
Always one step ahead with telemetry from SECO
Sebastian's first glance of the working day is at SECO's Clea Vend telemetry system. In the system, he recognizes which machines are running well and where there are currently bottlenecks. He can also immediately see which machines need his attention today. Because although vending machines work relatively independently, they still need to be well looked after.
Two of his four vending machines in the service area urgently need to be refilled. That shouldn't happen. The vending machines next to the motorway bring in the most revenue thanks to the many drivers and travelers. Only yesterday evening he checked and refilled all the machines. And now they are almost empty again? A few coaches have probably passed by the rest area. Then things happen very quickly and the machines are empty within a few hours.
Annette's recipe for success: creative campaigns and targeted planning
While Sebastian checks the telemetry, Annette takes care of the next discount campaign they have planned that morning. Next to the gym in the neighboring village is another 24/7 shop with vending machines. They mainly sell protein bars and energy drinks there.
A new vending machine with small cans of protein powder was added just last month. ‘For a quick shake on the go’ was the name of the campaign at the time. A very promising idea. Nevertheless, the risk was high, as the initial investment for such experiments was not exactly low. What's more, there was no guarantee that the product would be bought willingly and in sufficient quantities. But Annette was convinced that the experiment would be worthwhile. And she was right.
Now Annette wants to introduce a discount for a protein bar brand. In consultation with the manufacturer, they will give a 30 per cent discount on the nut-flavoured bar. It has sold very well in recent years, as she can see in SECO's Clea Vend telemetry. Customers love deals like this. With initial ideas in mind, she immediately sits down at her laptop and writes an email to the manufacturer with her suggestions.
Efficient and always well prepared with Clea Vend
Meanwhile, Sebastian sets off to the warehouse in his van. Here, he packs all the products he needs for the day: chocolate bars, bags of crisps, soft drinks, trail mix, and bottles of water stowed in his van in packets. His next stop is a local bakery that Sebastian and Annette work with. They buy freshly filled rolls and pastries here every day. With a fully loaded van, Sebastian drives to his first vending machine location: the service area.
On site, he takes a closer look at the situation. As the telemetry has already assured him, two vending machines are almost empty. Sebastian fills the gaps in a few simple steps. Perfect, now the drivers can be happy again.
Innovative SECO technology for smooth processes
Thanks to the innovative payment solutions and displays from SECO, Annette and Sebastian can rely on the entire process running smoothly. The touch displays on the machines offer customers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. The cashless payment option ensures faster and more secure sales. It is particularly worthwhile for the cigarette range: the KarL4 card reader from SECO recognizes the age of the person directly on the girocard.
Sebastian looks at his vending machines with pride. Once the work is done, he gets back into his van and drives to the next location to fill the remaining machines.
Efficient organization thanks to SECO: keeping an eye on everything from logistics to maintenance
In the meantime, Annette takes care of the organization and administration in her home office. With the SECO products, she has a clear overview. She knows exactly how much has been sold, which product is the most popular, and which location has the highest customer footfall. From logistics, purchasing, and payment flow to maintenance, Annette manages the business and coordinates the processes. It's not easy with three vending machine shops. Annette and Sebastian run a total of 14 vending machines together - a job that requires teamwork.
Annette closes her laptop at 3 pm. In about an hour, she has an appointment with the head of a property management company to talk about another 24/7 vending machine shop in front of the entrance.
Conclusion: SECO makes it possible - more vending machine shops thanks to smart solutions
An efficient business model based on well thought-out logistics, modern vending machines and unique technology: Annette and Sebastian feel well equipped with the tools and hardware from SECO. The fast and simple payment processing in particular gives them the confidence to open even more 24/7 shops and offer their customers a user-friendly shopping experience.
Try the smart technology for your vending machines, too!