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Refreshments, Online Ordering, Convenience, Vending Operators, OCS Operators

Refreshment Trends: Key Takeaways from NAMA 2024 Conference

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The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) 2024 Conference occurred in Dallas. It was full of exciting changes and innovations in the vending and food service industry. Of course, Supply Wizards had to go and get in on all of the action. We noted several key refreshment trends at the event. These are set to change the landscape of convenience food options in the break room. Here’s what we learned, and how we can help improve your vending services this year.

Ready-Made Food

One of the ideas that stood out was the big increase in ready-made food options. In past years, convenience wasn’t a major consideration, but now it is a top priority for busy workers. This shift has led to an increase in the variety of easy-to-prepare meals available. For example, Tyson showed off a variety of ready-to-go foods beyond just chicken sandwiches. This is to meet the growing need for easy and quick options. So what does this mean? We should give consumers more choices. And who doesn’t want more to pick from? Having more ready-made food will make the break room experience better.

New and Improved Tech

New technologies were a top highlight at the conference. It makes sense as the world becomes even more advanced and online. Companies like Roboburger and Farmers Fridge shared new smart vending solutions. These new models use automation to deliver fresh, high-quality meals on demand. Roboburger, for instance, can quickly make hot hamburgers or breakfast sandwiches. And it does this in just four minutes. It is perfect for places like airports, colleges, office break rooms, and hotels. These advancements are key trends that will change how people use vending machines. It’s a new world, and we must adapt!

Supply Wizards, Automation, Increase Sales, Customer Convenience, B2B Enterprise Solutions

Health and Wellness

Another key trend was the focus on healthy snacks. There were many high-protein options. Things like yogurt bars, beef jerky, and energy drinks can cater to the growing demand for healthier food. There were fewer sugary treats, too. That means there is a clear shift to healthier choices. This is a response to what consumers want, and we have to move forward with them. So, think about putting healthy snacks in your vending machines. You can also put fresh food in your micro-markets.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. We offer online ordering and snack delivery. It makes getting healthy snacks easy for vending operators everywhere.

Fun Food Concepts

NAMA also showcased new and creative food ideas. They got creative with things that could change the market. Companies like Magic Cotton Candy presented unique and exciting snack options. This hints at a trend towards unconventional yet tasty food choices. These novel food concepts are refreshment trends that promise to attract and delight consumers. It’s great for people who are looking for something different.

The NAMA 2024 Conference gave a clear view of the future of convenience food. As the industry continues to change, we must stay flexible and proactive. This is needed to keep up with demand, but there’s good news. Supply Wizards can help.

We are excited to use these points to drive innovation and success in the ever-evolving vending and food service world. Contact us today to learn more!

Refreshments, Online Ordering, Convenience, Vending Operators, OCS Operators

How to Pick the Best Refreshments for Your Customers’ Break Rooms

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As a Vending and OCS operator you know how hard it can be to select refreshments for your clients. There are many different tastes and preferences, so how can you know they’ll love the snacks and beverages you select for their break room?

Vending and OCS Operators often ask us, “What refreshments should I stock in my client’s break room?” And we understand the value of knowing your customer. That’s why we’ve dedicated this blog to factors you should consider when selecting the office coffee, snacks, beverages, and other essentials to meet your customers’ needs.

Survey Your Clients

Yes, it can be as simple as asking your customers what they want! You can survey your customers to get their thoughts about refreshments and products they want in the break room. Whether it’s coffee and tea, tasty snacks, ready-to-eat meals, or sundries, you should be prepared to deliver the products your clients want most.

Follow the Data

Again, it’s important to study and know your client. So, do your research and follow the data! For example, you might notice that your clients have Millennial and Gen Z employees. Those customers may want energy drinks, cold brew, protein bars, Kombucha, plant-based options, and other trendy snacks. On the other hand, teams with Generation X employees might want hot coffee and tea, flavored water, and tasty juices. In other words, optimize your product mix based on workplace demographics.

Consider Dietary Needs and Preferences

Now more than ever, people have specific diets, restrictions, and preferences. Make sure to stock a variety of refreshments in the break room. Consider gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, organic, protein, and keto-friendly refreshment options. Your customers will appreciate it!

Supply Wizards, Automation, Increase Sales, Customer Convenience, B2B Enterprise Solutions

Choose Healthy Refreshments

If you’re looking for ways to support your client’s employees health and wellness goals, start with the break room. You can help your clients keep their staff energized and engaged by  providing healthy refreshments, such as salads, raw nuts, and sugar-free snacks. Your clients will appreciate that you are partnering with them to keep their team thriving. After all, healthy and happy employees mean fewer sick days, reduced healthcare costs, and a more productive workspace. It’s a win for everyone!

Benefits of Office Refreshments

There are so many reasons to offer tasty refreshments at work. Not only does it give employees a place to wind down between tasks. But it’s also convenient on busy days. A great break room can help retain employees and also recruit new talent. Plus, it gives your customers a place to connect and collaborate outside of a meeting room. This can boost overall company morale and happiness.

How We Can Help!

By offering products through Supply Wizards’ online ordering platform, you can make it easy for your customers to find refreshments they love and discover new snacks and beverages. Not only that, but clients can see your digital promotional banner on their personalized online ordering system. You can use this banner to promote new and popular products to the client. In short, our online ordering platform is a WIN for the client because it offers them convenience. It’s a WIN for your business because you can increase product sales.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to get started. We can’t wait to work with you!

Online Ordering, Convenience, Vending Operators, OCS Operators, Technology

A Step-by-Step Guide to Vending & OCS Operators Transitioning Customers to Online Ordering

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You already know the importance of having modern conveniences. However, you also want an easy change for your customers. One big shift among vending and OCS Operators is moving their customers to online ordering platforms. But it’s not always easy to make the change. So, let’s talk about some of the things you can do to make the process easier — for both you and your customers! Below, we will answer all the questions you might be asking.

Will the customer be OK with it?

Before making the switch, talk to your customers. Ask them about their comfort levels with online ordering. Then, provide any assistance where it is needed. Some customers may readily embrace the change, while others may need more guidance. They need to know you have their back — and their breakroom!

Will I lose sales?

It’s natural to consider the state of your sales. But with the right approach, online ordering can increase sales. Yes, it’s true! It’s common to see an increase of 20-25% in sales. By using a platform that features popular brands and new products and is easy to use, you can gain new loyal customers and increase sales.  Plus, automated reminders can also help with consistent orders.

How do I do it?

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Moving customers to an online ordering platform involves a structured approach:

  • Determine which customers to invite and inform them about the new change.
  • Give them information that is customized to their needs.
  • Set up a delivery schedule to keep it going.
  • Send an introductory email providing the customers their unique login credentials and basic instructions.
  • Follow up to make sure they have a positive experience.
  • Address any concerns along the way.

Working with Supply Wizards makes the switch even easier. We handle adding customers, products, product images, and customized lists to the platform as well as helping with introductory emails and support.

Benefits of Online Ordering

Online ordering has many benefits for both operators and customers. For one, it makes ordering office coffee products, office pantry refreshments and water filtration supplies easy.  It also helps you offer a wide range of products to your customers. The best part? It’s super convenient to manage office coffee orders, and more any time, anywhere. With the right platform, you can improve customer satisfaction and increase sales.

Why Work With Us?

At Supply Wizards, we understand the challenge of moving from a traditional service to online ordering. But our platform is made to simplify business operations for Vending and OCS Operators like you. With customizable flyers, automated reminders, and full support, we will make sure you have a smooth transition. And we’ll do this while maximizing your sales potential. Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more!

Vending Operators, OCS Operators, Supply Wizards Online Ordering

Making Online Ordering Easy With a Powerful Platform, a Fresh Look, and an Improved Website

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In today’s business world, offering a customer-centric experience is really important. Here at Supply Wizards, we’re proud to continually grow in the convenience services industry. To reflect our progress, we recently refreshed our look and launched a new website. We strongly feel that these changes better reflect our platform and our services. Ultimately, our primary goal is to assist Vending and OCS Operators, along with other businesses that provide delivery services, in enhancing their customers’ experiences.

New Logo: Mixing Old and New

We reimagined the  Supply Wizards’ logo with a more modern take and bold colors. For example, the U in our logo signifies a shopping cart to show that our platform makes online shopping a breeze for our OCS Operators’ customers. Overall, the logo signals that we offer a powerful platform that may seem like magic but is born of hard work and ingenuity.

Fresh Website: New and Improved

Our brand changes don’t stop at the logo. The website got a makeover too. As part of our evolution, we redesigned our website to reflect a more updated and modern feel. It looks nice, but it also works better. The changes also make the website easier to use with improved functionality to give the visitor a better user experience. Learn more about our services, find what you need quickly, and set up a demo meeting with our team through our easy-to-navigate website.

Helping OCS Operators and More: Easy and Convenient

Increase Sales, Vending Operators, OCS Operators, Supply Wizards Online Ordering, Enterprise Solutions

What hasn’t changed is our powerful platform, which is easy to integrate into numerous prominent vending management systems (VMS). Our platform makes it easy for OCS Operators to receive orders online. Before, they had to deal with calls and emails from customers. Now, it’s much simpler. Our platform works with existing VMS systems that OCS Operators already use. This means they can be more efficient and put their customers first. Even if they don’t have an existing VMS, our platform can work as a standalone solution.  As a result, the OCS operator can focus on providing a customer-first experience. Our powerful platform is a turnkey solution that offers efficient and streamlined processes that customers will love.

For Businesses That Provides Delivery Services

The changes we made aren’t only good for OCS Operators. In fact, our platform works for any business that provides delivery services in the convenience services industry. They can leverage our platform to make online ordering simple for their customer base, which helps them make more money and keeps the process efficient.

Changing the Convenience Services Industry

In short, Supply Wizards’ logo refresh and new website are just a part of our strategy to make impactful changes within the convenience services industry. Through our powerful platform, unique services, and technology; we want to help OCS Operators and other businesses give their customers a better experience. So, take a look at the new website and be part of this exciting change!

Contact Supply Wizards at (877) 828-7497 or info@supplywizards.com to get started.