Office Coffee tag - Tech 2 Success

Online Ordering, Vending Operators, OCS Operators, Snacks, Beverages, Coffee, Office Pantry Refreshments

How Vending & OCS Operators Can Win New Business With the Supply Wizard Online Ordering Platform

November 22, 2024September 30, 2024 by Katie

The business world today moves fast. That’s why you want to have an edge over the competition. For vending operators, an online ordering platform could be the key to winning new business. From office managers to Human Resource managers, many workplace professionals are already used to ordering refreshments, supplies, and other office essentials online. They likely use sites like Amazon, Staples, or some other big box retail store. So, to win new business, you must meet clients where they are.

Why Online Ordering is a Must

Gone are the days when clients would call or email their orders. Now, many want things easy and fast. They want to click through a website and place their orders themselves. Offering online ordering not only makes it convenient for clients. It also sets you apart from other Vending & OCS Operators who may not offer this service. Are you still relying on phone calls and outdated order forms? Well, you might be risking being left behind in a market where convenience is king.

More and more operators are catching onto the benefits of online ordering. By showing an online ordering platform during a client sales pitch, you can highlight your commitment to innovation and customer service. Plus, younger managers, especially from Millennial or Gen Z generations, expect a client-first experience. So, they may choose to do business with you depending on if you can provide innovative solutions that make their jobs easier.

Showcase Your Product Catalog

Don’t miss out on winning new business! Potential clients want to know the breadth of products you offer. Do you offer coffee brands, snacks, beverages, or healthy selections? Well, then show them off! One of the best ways to win new business is by making it easy to see your entire catalog. Show potential clients the range of refreshments and products you can offer them through an online ordering platform. It will help give them fresh ideas on what they can offer their employees to keep them excited about coming to the office.

Giving a visual and organized catalog is far more useful than an outdated Excel sheet or a paper list. They are more likely to work with a system that lets them view and select products in real time. Plus, you can always add new products to keep the client’s workforce happy and engaged. Moreover, you’ll be able to share higher price point items and add to your bottom line.

Online Ordering Shows Your Expertise and Helps you Win New Business

By offering an online ordering platform, you can show new business that you’re not just keeping up with the times. You are showing that you are also a forward-thinking partner. If some clients prefer traditional vending services for now, don’t worry. Just knowing that you offer more advanced solutions can give them confidence that their needs will be met as they evolve. Plus, customers will also love the flexibility to scale up or change services. In short, an online ordering platform can make all the difference when a potential client is deciding between you and a competitor.

In today’s competitive market, showing that you are a modern and customer-centric Vending & OCS provider can help you win new business. Don’t get left behind when it comes to offering a robust online ordering platform.

Ready to learn more about how Supply Wizards can help you win new business with our online ordering platform? Contact us here or call (833) 256‑8382.

Online Ordering, Vending Operators, OCS Operators, Snacks, Beverages, Coffee, Office Pantry

The Supply Wizards Online Ordering Platform Benefits Your Customers, Too!

November 22, 2024August 30, 2024 by Katie

Managing break room services can be a lot of work. The good news is there are a few things to make it easier, starting with an online ordering platform, which can save time and reduce stress for your customers. The Supply Wizards online ordering platform offers just that. For busy office managers, facilities managers, and HR managers, this is a game-changer. With its easy and convenient interface, customers can order coffee, snacks, drinks, and other essentials without hassle.

Keep reading to learn how an online ordering platform can benefit your customers.

Save Time and Money

Your customer doesn’t want to waste time traveling to multiple stores to restock the break room. You can give customers access to everything they need in one place. With our ordering platform, you can offer customers a wide variety of refreshments and essentials. This saves valuable time and money for your customers who are in charge of restocking the break room. Plus, they no longer have to worry about missing items or last-minute store runs. By using online ordering, they can easily get all their orders from a single place. The result? Cost savings and more efficiency.

Online Ordering Makes It Easy

Before using the platform, your customers had to rely on phone calls or emails to place orders. This can lead to confusion, delays, or lost orders. For instance, if your staff scribbled a customer’s order on a Post-it note, it could easily be misplaced. Or, your customer’s email could land in your spam folder. With online ordering, office managers and HR managers can quickly place orders from their computers or smartphones. This allows them to focus on more important tasks while making sure the break room stays fully stocked.

Stay On Budget

One of the best parts of our ordering platform? It comes with a budgeting tool. This is helpful for companies that need to manage their refreshment services within a specific budget. This small but essential tool makes it easier for your customers to manage their break room expenses over time.

Discover New Products

Another great benefit of online ordering is being able to try new coffee brands, snacks, and beverages. Vending and OCS operators can regularly update the platform with new and exciting products. This gives the office manager a chance to impress the team and keep employees happy and engaged.

Supply Wizards’ online ordering platform is a valuable B2B e-commerce solution to offer your customers. It saves time, ensures easy ordering, helps them stay on budget, and keeps employees excited with new product selections.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today at (833) 256‑8382 or info@supplywizards.com to get started!

Water Coolers, Water Dispensers, Filter Maintenance, Online Ordering, Vending Operators, OCS Operators

Water Coolers in the Workplace

July 1, 2024June 28, 2024 by Katie

With summer in full swing, it’s more important than ever to keep your team hydrated at work. That’s where office water coolers come in. The good news is that there are many options to choose from, and we’ll help you choose the best options that your clients will love. As a vending and OCS Operator, you should be aware of the latest water coolers and equipment on the market. Employees need to stay hydrated to do their best work and you can help by offering a comprehensive office water service that meets their needs.

Why Water Coolers and an Office Water Service Matter

Providing water in the workplace is a must. And you might be surprised by the positive impact on your office. Drinking enough water can help with focus and cognitive performance. It also improves brain function, digestion, and metabolism. All of these can greatly affect your team’s productivity, not to mention their well-being and health.

Staying hydrated can also mean fewer headaches and sickness. The result? Workers won’t need as many sick days and can be more productive during the workday. Plus, studies have shown that being just 1% dehydrated can cause a 5% decrease in cognitive function. Therefore, giving your employees a water cooler will enhance both the health and productivity of your workplace. As you can see, the benefits of a water cooler are worth it.

Types of Water Coolers

Bottleless Water Coolers

Bottleless water coolers are a popular choice for many businesses. These coolers are plumbed directly into the water supply of your office. This provides fresh and clean water all day long. Plus, they are an eco-friendly water vending option. A single bottleless water cooler can keep thousands of plastic bottles from ending up in landfills. How’s that for boosting sustainability efforts at your workplace? Some of our favorite bottleless water coolers include:

Bevi water cooler: Enjoy still, sparkling, hot, cold, and flavored water from a single cooler using an app on your smartphone. It’s designed to remove impurities so you can drink the freshest water possible. Hydrate With 48,000 unique combinations for their flavored and enhanced water options, hydration becomes an experience at the office.
Brio water coolers: These come in both floor-standing and countertop models. The water coolers have cold and hot water and use convection cooling. Plus, they’re fast and reliable.
Borg & Overstrom water dispensers: These premium coolers are where technology meets elegance. They offer chilled, ambient, hot, and sparkling water. They have a high-capacity dispense area, which is perfect for filling bottles and jugs.

Bottled Water Coolers

For those clients looking for a budget-friendly office water service, bottled coolers are a great choice. There is no water line needed and top load and bottom load options are available. They can be placed anywhere and are ideal for companies with high water consumption such as warehouse facilities. Brio and Oasis offer reliable bottled coolers for fresh drinking water.

Stay on Top of Filter Maintenance

Proper filter maintenance is a must for clean water free of impurities. At Supply Wizards, we work with Vending and OCS operators to ensure their technicians stay on top of filter maintenance. Our Filter Maintenance App helps your technicians track and manage filter changes. We’re excited to announce that we’ve made improvements to the app so that technicians can schedule multiple dates for a single customer for any equipment that needs filter maintenance such as water dispensers and coffee machines. And, technicians can keep track of when they repair or maintain equipment all within the app. We’ve made tracking your break room equipment easy so you can easily manage it all in one place. Delight your customers by proactively servicing the equipment through the Supply Wizards Filter Maintenance app.

Are you ready to improve your clients’ office water service and improve online ordering? We’re here to help! Contact us today to learn more about how we can help take your business to the next level.

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

Refreshment Trends: Key Takeaways from NAMA 2024 Conference

May 31, 2024 by Katie

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!

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!

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

April 25, 2024 by Katie

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!

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

February 29, 2024 by Katie

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?

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!

Products and Equipment, Online Ordering, Convenience, Vending Operators, OCS Operators, Technology

Game-Changing Products and Equipment for Vending and OCS Operators in 2024

January 31, 2024 by Katie

In the ever-changing world of convenience services, Vending and Office Coffee Service (OCS) operators are always looking for new ideas to make their businesses better. That’s why we recently attended a webinar about the “Products and Equipment that will be game changers in 2024.” So, we want to share the key points we learned.

If you want to stand out from other convenience service operators, this blog is for you. Let’s explore the most important lessons that can make your business better this year.

Think Outside the Box

The idea of a “game-changer” is about being different. In a world full of common snacks and drinks, you need to think: What makes us special? It’s time to change things up and be curious. Think about what fueled your early business success. Beyond the standard bean-to-cup offerings, think about creating memorable experiences for your customers. You can do this through events, promotions (i.e. ice cream Fridays), and shared moments. This is a great way to make a happy workplace for your customers.

Always Put Customers First

The modern customer wants more than just the usual snacks and drinks. They also want products and equipment, as well as a custom shopping experience. You can deliver great break room services with fun promotions and personalized touches. This will make a big difference. It can even help retain clients and keep them happy in the long run. Think about their needs and offer solutions before they even ask about it. This will change your role from a vendor to a trusted partner. As a result, you can strengthen the relationship. It’s the small things that make an impact!

Tap into the Hospitality Industry

Some workplaces are turning into hospitality environments. For good reason, too. It’s important to take care of your team at work. And operators need to follow that trend by offering the best products and equipment. How can you do this? You can give your customers personalized experiences with your break room services, products, and equipment. They will find this valuable, and they will keep your services to make their team members happy.

Find inspiration in the World of Retail

Winning in unattended retail at work means gaining more shoppers. This is why elevating impulse buying in today’s convenience services landscape is important. The bottom line is that if an idea works in retail, then it might work in the workplace too.

Put the Products on Display

Make it easy for customers to purchase refreshments by putting the best snacks on display. Shoppers will love a display of ice cream, gummies, candy, and more. Put them near the kiosk or other product categories to increase sales. And guess what? Displays and signs inspired unplanned purchases for 46% of in-store shoppers. Product selection is important, and you should have a retail approach to sales in the workplace.

Here are some other ideas: Use power brands, such as M&Ms and Snickers, as signposts to increase noticeability. This will make it easy for shoppers to see their go-to snacks, and make them want to buy them. Illuminate certain products at checkout. In fact, sales of products lit up at checkout went up 20%. In short, create a welcoming shopping experience with unique ideas and make pricing irrelevant to your clients.

Order Products and Supplies Online

In today’s world, making things convenient for clients is critical to your business. Beyond product selection and placement, you’ll need to make it easy for your office coffee and pantry delivery customers to buy products from you. If you’re not offering an online ordering system, your clients will find someone who does. Streamline your business with an intuitive online ordering platform where clients can order snacks, beverages, fresh food, sundries, and essential supplies for the workplace. Reach out to us to see how we can help.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to get started!

Pricing, online ordering, Convenience, Vending Operators, OCS Operators

Why Online Ordering Doesn’t Encourage More Price Shopping

February 15, 2024December 21, 2023 by Katie

Supply Wizards has become an integral part of Vending & OCS Operators businesses for many years. And one worry we sometimes hear from these operators is that our online ordering platform shows their product pricing to customers. Therefore, they think that customers might compare prices with places like Amazon, Costco, or Staples. Well, we’re here to set the record straight.

In this blog, we’ll share why you don’t need to worry about showing product prices to customers.

Making the Shift to Ordering Online: Staying in the Game

If you’re still using old-school methods like calling, emailing, or faxing to take orders, you might be falling behind your competitors. These days, customers expect to be able to order refreshments, office supplies, sundries and more online, and it’s a big part of how businesses work now.

Understanding the Customer Journey

Operators, there is no need to worry! Why? Because your customers choose to work with you because of the service you provide. That includes equipment, maintenance, specialized product selection, and convenient delivery. Your sales team negotiates service terms, equipment, and pricing with your customers as usual. Once you and the customer come to an agreement, you invite them to online ordering with Supply Wizards so that day-to-day, ordering from you is super quick and convenient for them. That means that customers who use online ordering have already said “yes” to your proposal for product, pricing, equipment, and maintenance when they signed up. Importantly, they can see additional products that you have to offer that you may not have discussed during your initial conversations. While pricing is an important factor for customers, they’ve agreed to the pricing they will see once they log in to their custom site, and price comparisons with big stores like Amazon or Costco don’t happen any more frequently than they do presently.

Why Pricing Matters

It’s important to know that your customers, like office managers or HR professionals, want to know how much things cost. The Supply Wizards online ordering platform not only shows prices but also helps customers stick to their budgets. Being able to set different prices in the Supply Wizards online ordering platform for different customers is a great feature for customizing the service. Plus, it’s all confidential. This means each customer gets a unique deal that works for them.

Clear Pricing Makes Ordering Simple

Customers already saw the prices when they signed up, whether they were buying snacks, coffee, hotel pantry supplies, water services, or other refreshments. Now, they can get everything they need in one place. In other words, they don’t have to check out at different places like Amazon, Costco, or Staples. This makes the office manager’s job easier, and gives them more time to focus on their primary job.

Putting Customers First

In a world with lots of choices, the main reason a customer might leave is if they’re not getting good service. Offering consistent, reliable service alongside a genuine commitment to their satisfaction builds trust. When customers feel valued and understood, they not only return but also become advocates, spreading the word about their exceptional experiences, becoming the lifeblood of sustained success for your business. So, it’s important to give your customers a good experience with every interaction. In short, combining the Supply Wizard online ordering technology with a stellar customer experience will set you apart from your competitors.

In the end, prices are just a small part of what makes customers happy. The good news? Our online ordering system not only keeps up with the latest tech trends but it also gives tools to stand out while offering an awesome experience for customers. Using this technology isn’t just moving forward. It’s a big step in making sure that your break room services are ready for the future.

If you’re ready to delight your customers with a robust online ordering system, contact Supply Wizards for more information. Your customers will love it and your business will thrive.

Supply Wizards, NAMA, Vending Operators, OCS Operators, Online Ordering

Top 3 Takeaways from the NAMA Coffee Tea & Water Conference

November 30, 2023 by Katie

There is a lot to learn about break rooms. So, we were happy to go to the National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) Coffee Tea & Water Conference in Indianapolis. After all, these drinks are an important part of every epic break room. And choosing the best refreshment options has the power to improve the employee experience.

The meeting was full of knowledge, networking, and valuable lessons. We loved the keynote session about experience-driven workplaces. It had a lot of good info about employees going back to work. And that means the need for office coffee, office pantry, and water filtration services in the office. Therefore, it’s important to wow clients with great customer service and products. In this growing market, these things matter.

Keep reading for our key takeaways from the NAMA Coffee Tea and Water conference.

Workers Are Coming Back

During and after COVID-19, many workers got used to working from home. Well, that’s changing. In fact, John Boccuzzi, Jr., the Keynote Speaker at CTW, found that 59.1% of workers are going back to the office full-time. What does this mean? It means that Vending and OCS operators can be corporate office superheroes! Now more than ever, you can step up your game by offering coffee and office pantry services. You can do this by using the right technology and delivering the best customer experience.

Every Vending and OCS Operator should offer an easy process. It’s convenient for customers to order coffee and pantry products online, as it makes it easy to restock the break room. Gone are the days of taking orders over the phone or email. Instead, you should offer your customers a user-friendly online ordering platform. That’s where we come in!

Offer Unique and Authentic Interactions

Today’s marketplace is competitive. Therefore, you’ve got to stand out. How can you do this? Well, you can start by offering unique and authentic experiences. You should make every interaction with your customer count. Help your customers solve their “pain points” and make their jobs easier. As a Vending and OCS operator, you have one chance to make a good first impression! How you work with the client matters.

As a Vending and OCS operator, your focus should be on making the entire transaction a customer-centric one. Most of these people are looking for customer service and convenience in the process. For example, you can offer special deals to your customers. Trust us, they’re going to love it!

According to NAMA, technology matters

One of the main things we learned at NAMA is that technology plays a crucial role in your break room. Technology is being used to improve every aspect of the convenience services industry. This includes the production, distribution, and consumption. The result? An increase in online ordering. According to the Automatic Merchandiser’s 2022 State of the Industry Report, many operators have reported that business is improving even more in 2023. They also found that employers are willing to pay more for convenience services as incentives for workers returning to the office. And that’s where online ordering comes in.

If you’re still taking office coffee orders through emails or phone calls, you should consider upgrading to an online ordering system. Offering your customers the convenience of online ordering can give you a leg up from your competitors. You can even stand out by giving deals and promoting products online.

In addition, an online ordering system helps you grow revenue by doing the upselling for you with automated features. Customers will also more reliably place orders. If you don’t offer them an easy-to-use online ordering system, they might find someone who will. In other words, the time is now!

If you’re ready to delight your customers with a robust online ordering system, contact Supply Wizards for more information. Your customers will love it and your business will thrive.