What are some of the features of the machine?
Our healthy vending machines offer a variety of features to benefit you, your employees, students, or customers:
- Multiple payment options: Accept credit, debit, cash or coins
- Remote monitoring: We track inventory and machine status remotely, allowing us to restock when we know a product is running low
- Energy-saving mode: Reduce power usage during off-hours to save money (and the environment!)
- Employee discounts: Program machines to offer discounts or special pricing to employees during specific times
- SmartCard technology: We can quickly and easily upload or change machine settings
- Entree/Side Dish Vending Unit: Expand vending options to include larger, healthy meal options such as microwaveable rice bowls and noodles
- ADA Compliance: Our machines meet all 2012 American’s With Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for vending machines
In addition to these features, our healthy vending machines are also equipped with state-of-the-art refrigeration and dispensing systems to ensure that your snacks and meals are always fresh and delicious.
Does our company have to pay for the machine?
Your company does not have to pay a single dime. Machines are provided at absolutely NO cost to your business. In fact, not only do we provide the machine, we service and stock it on a regular basis.
Who stocks the machine?
We do. We will monitor, stock and service the machine as often as is necessary. Each of our operators are well trained to ensure that the quality of service provided is far superior to anything you may have experienced before with other machines. We are local residents of your community and are therefore eager to share our commitment to offering healthy products to your employees/customers.
Can our company choose the products that go into the machine?
A very enthusiastic and resounding “Yes!”
Our favorite part of setting up a new healthy vending machine location is working with you to determine which products we should offer. We believe it is important to provide a good variety of healthy products in order to satisfy everyone. We’ll initially fill the machine with the most popular healthy products selling in our area. Later, we will meet with you to discuss changes to the selections and your suggestions (and may offer some free product sampling events as well!).
How often is the machine stocked?
Typically, machines need to be restocked about once a week. Each machine is equipped with wireless remote monitoring technology so we know if a product selection is running low. If it is determined that it needs to be serviced more often than once each week, we can set up a more frequent service schedule.
What training have you received?
We have gone through extensive training in several areas – including the operation and maintenance of the machine, nutritional guidelines, product management, inventory control, product sampling, and more. What sets us apart, though, is our focus on customer service. We we are here to serve you and the patrons of the machine. We will provide you with a business card and a label on the machine with our local contact information should you ever need it.
How many machines can you provide to our business – more than one?
This depends on several factors. First we need to evaluate the volume of foot traffic on a daily basis. Next, we need to consider if there is competition from other vending machines located in your business if you have any. If these two factors confirm there’s enough demand for an additional machine, we will be happy to supply one to your business. Some locations such as high schools, large businesses, and colleges ma require multiple machines to satisfy the demand for healthy and convenient snacking options.
What types of healthy products will be stocked in the machines?
The healthy products we provide are all national name brand items. These are the same products you can find on the shelves of your local health food grocers such as Whole Foods, Trader Joes, etc. Many of these healthier products are now going mainstream and can be found on the shelves of traditional grocery stores and even convenience stores. Not only do the products we offer provide healthier alternatives, but they also taste great and people really love eating them!
If we have a contract with another vendor, can we still receive a healthy vending machine?
This depends on the specific contract. Many contracts are exclusive only to “traditional” vending products (e.g. Snickers, Coke, etc.). Therefore, this doesn’t cause an issue as we can create menu plans of non-competing items to those in a different machine. The reality is that many vending companies claim they can provide healthier options, but very few do.
Do we have to sign an agreement?
We ask that you sign a basic agreement that outlines the relationship between your location and us – just so everyone is comfortable. This contract has no time commitment. It basically states that we will be responsible for keeping the machine stocked and maintained.
Why "Spotted Otter"?
We asked our nine year old daughter what we should name the company. She responded with zero hesitation: Spotted Otter!
And here we are.