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It's location-location-location
Make sure your milk vending machine is in the best possible location. The machine
will produce more milk sales in a well traveled area. If the machine is in
the cafeteria, the cafeteria area should be accessible during all school and
after school activities. Away from the cafeteria, the best spot for the machine
is the hall students frequently walk through before, during and after school. |
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Keep it totally cool
Milk single-serve plastic pints must be delivered directly to the school and
properly stored to maintain quality and flavor. For best quality, keep milk
below 42°F at all times. |
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Have it come your way
Coordinate milk deliveries with the school foodservice department for convenience
and cold storage. Single-serve plastic pints of milk can be included on the
milk bid to negotiate the best wholesale price available. Some processors currently
are offering extended shelf life products that can last (under refrigeration)
for 45-60 days, allowing schools to consider larger volume deliveries if storage
space is available. |
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Time is money
Milk vending machines offer students a great chance to buy milk at times when
it is not normally sold at school. Be sure your machine is operating and full
before and after school every day. Plan to check and refill the machine on
Friday afternoon for weekend sales. |
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Price for value
Set milk prices to be comparable with other vended beverage prices. A national
study of milk vending success indicates that pints of milk should be sold for
$1 each to net a sufficient profit in most schools. |
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The eyes have it
Keep the machine clean, well stocked and in good operating condition to attract
and keep customers. Have it repaired whenever it is malfunctioning. Use a preventive
maintenance program to avoid breakdowns and keep it running all the time. Clean
the inside and outside of the machine daily. |
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Great taste means more
filling
Research indicates that flavored milks sell best in vending machines. Be sure
to stock the machine with a variety of flavors. Check often with your milk supplier
to keep current about new products that may become available. |
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Promote for profit
Milk sales will drop after the machine is in the school for a short while and
the novelty wears off. You can keep sales up by conducting simple promotions
to market the milk in the machine. |