Why you should avoid Planet Antares Vending Machines? Well, here are few points:

1. The company is having a bad reputation. They were fined 1 Million USD by Federal Trade Commission (FTC ) for falsely misrepresenting the business potential thereby misleading people to invest in their vending machines.
2. Since its inception, the company has changed many names. Every time there was any major issue, the company officials and Mr Dana Bashor (President of Planet Antares Inc) would change the companies name. They have been known by other names like Antares Corporation, Natural Choice Vending, Orion Corp etc.
3. Planet Antares Vending machines have not been upgraded since long. They are still the old machines with no new or advanced systems in it.
4. Planet Antares Vending machines are sourced from offshore manufacturing facilities.
5. B -ve rating by Better Business Bureau
6. Vending machines are highly priced in comparison to other competitors.
7. There are many negative feedbacks about the company over the internet.

VARIOUS WEBSITES SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT PLANET ANTARES INC ARE

Federal Trade Commission – One Million Dollar Penalty Details

Planet Antares Scam Details

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/jan/16/company_has_checkered_past68551/

http://edumacation.com/PlanetAntares

http://www.trustlink.org/ViewQuestion.aspx?QuestionID=345

http://www.friendsinbusiness.com/board1/index.cgi/noframes/read/127673

http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/Planet-Antares-Inc-13012540

PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE ABOUT PLANET ANTARES INC THROUGH COMMENTS

Based on their mode of operation, vending machines can be broadly categorised as Electrical, mechanical and combination vending machines. As the name suggests, an electrical vending machine works on electricity while mechanical vending machine uses mechanical power. Each of these machines has its own set of merits and demerits. Depending upon the operator’s requirements and financial limitations, he needs to choose the one he is most comfortable with.

When it comes to different types of vending machines, there are several models capable of dispensing various products. Some of these machines have been designed targeting particular segment of customers. For instance- if you notice toys vending machines, the appearance of these machines is very lively and attractive and designed in order to grab the attention of children. Not only this, any vending machine that is dispensing products related to children is attractive to look at.

Depending on the kind of products that are dispensed, choice of vending machines can vary. In case you are planning to dispense food items, you may go for carousel vending machines. Typically majority of electrical vending machines are capable of dispensing food items. In fact coffee vending machine is one of the most popular and widely used electrical vending machine.

Popcorn vending machine is another kind of machine that has been popular for quite sometime now. Although these machines are rarely seen, they are huge success among children and teenagers. Unlike good olden days, modern vending machines are capable of dispensing almost anything in them. Apart from the routine items, modern vending machines are also able to dispense CD’s, DVD’s, tickets, computer games, stationery equipment, disposable cameras, stamps and even insurance policies.

So, the ball is now in the court of the operator and it is up to him to decide which machine he would like to go with.

In most cases new operators make the mistake of buying a used vending machine. The only benefit they derive from its purchase is that they cost you slightly less than a new one. However in the long run purchase of new vending machines turn out to be far more beneficial in comparison to a used one.

Some of these benefits have been stated below:

Efficiency: Used vending machines have been subjected to severe wear and tear by the earlier users. Hence they are not as efficient as new ones. On the other hand, new vending machines are highly efficient and so their maintenance costs are pretty low.

Features: New vending machines generally come with updated features. Used vending machines on the other hand come with age old features and most of the times these machines fail to accept latest currency. Apart from this there are several other related problems with used vending machines.

Appeal: Vending is an instinct based business hence looks or appeal of machine plays key role in boosting the sales of products across counter. Used vending machines may not look as good and attractive as new ones. Hence they may not be successful in drawing the attention of customers.

Operating costs: New vending machines are perfect in condition hence maintenance and operation costs incurred on them are pretty low. The same is not the case with used vending machines. Used machines are susceptible to frequent break downs hence operators need to incur huge expenses for getting them back to working condition.

New vending machines are highly sophisticated and are available in compact sizes but used machines are generally very bulky and cannot be installed in limited space.

All these factors prompt operators to purchase new vending machines.

Wondering why? The drawbacks that were identified in the earlier models of vending machines were rectified when it came to glass front vending machines. Thus they turned out to be fool proof machines and thus won the hearts of vending machine operators across the globe.

Although there are numerous benefits associated with the use of glass front vending machine, very few of them have been stated below for your better understanding.

• Glass front vending machines are capable of generating more sales when compared to closed ones. The main reason being, customers can view the products they are about to purchase. This can stimulate impulsive buying.
• Glass front machines come with attractive features like LED illuminated motor, pull forward trays and refrigeration units.
• A glass front vending machine comes with small shelf space that can accommodate more products when compared to drop shelf unit. However these machines have proved to be capable of selling more number of products within this small space.
• Vending is purely an instinct based business with zero customer interaction. In such a situation the presentation of products should be in such a way that they grab the attention of customers and create a desire in them to make a purchase. The same is made possible using glass front vending machine.
• Glass front vending machines come with advanced technology like electronic tracking. This prevents unnecessary wastage of stock.
• Customers have a wide variety of items to choose from.
• Glass front vending machines are best suited for vending branded products.

All these and many other benefits are primarily responsible for increasing usage of glass front vending machines.

Vending is purely an instinct based business hence operators need to ensure that they place their machines in such a place that it easily noticed by customers. This is crucial because the moment a customer notices a vending machine; he would get drawn towards it and finally end up making a purchase.

Accessibility is another factor that plays vital role in choosing a vending location. There is no point in locating your vending machine away from city in a remote locality since the probability of customers visiting your machine would be almost negligible.

Operator also needs to consider the prevailing levels of competition in the area and the need for installing a new machine. In order to be able to understand the demand and level of competition in a particular area, operators are advised to conduct a thorough market research in the locality in which they are about to install a machine. Depending on the output, they can estimate the potentiality of the location they have chosen.

Operator needs to make sure that his machines are sufficiently stocked with adequate amount of products on a regular basis. To make this possible and keep his transportation costs under control, he needs to choose a supplier close to his vending location. This would not only reduce the time taken for transportation but also keep your operating costs under control.

For achieving success in this business it is inevitable for you to choose a highly potential location. This can be done either on your own or you can also take the guidance and assistance of a vending locator.

Some of the most common challenges posed in vending industry are as follows:

Competition: With more and more number of people taking up vending, competition is intensifying in this industry. A wise vending operator is one who not only keeps a track of his business but also notices the moves made by his competitors and retaliates strategically.

Fluctuating markets: Unlike most other businesses, vending is not a need based business. It is purely an instinct based business and hence the demand for these products is not static. In fact it keeps changing with changing markets.

Tastes and preferences: As mentioned earlier, vending is purely an instinct based business and hence highly influenced by individuals tastes and preferences. He who understands customer mindset and offers products accordingly succeeds while others get washed away in this severe competition.

Technology: Technological advancements have helped vending industry in several ways. Operators need to make use of these for gaining competitive edge over others operating in the industry.

Scams: Another major challenge faced by vending industry is from scammers. Unable to withstand competition some secondary grade companies are resolving to unethical methods and offering cheap products in the market. Since they are of low quality, they are even priced low. This is eating away quite a decent amount of genuine operator’s market share.

Conceptions and beliefs: Majority of customers have low regard for the products that are offered using vending machines. This is quite a tough challenge for operators. Instilling confidence in the minds of these people is of utmost importance for an operator to survive in this market.

These aspects if borne in mind can help you design strategies for overcoming these challenges.

Before taking up vending business every operator needs to ask himself few questions like what would be the right location for my machine? Whom should I target? Which markets are perfect for setting up my business? What can lure a customer and create an instinct to purchase? Products such as candy and cool drinks target children of all age groups. While energy drinks and snacks are more appealing to youth? Working men and women would be more interested in healthy snacks or some other kinds of refreshments.

The answers to these questions would determine his future course of action. Typically every customer would expect the following things out of a vending machine.

Instant and prompt services: The main reason behind the success of vending machine business is that these machines are capable of offering instant and prompt services at the click of a button.

Latest and attractive products: Majority of customers are keen in trying out new products every time they are introduced into the market. Operators need to analyze the mid set of their target customer and offer products and services accordingly.

Stylish looks: Since vending is an instinct based business, looks of your vending machines does matter. A well maintained and good looking vending machine would be capable of luring more number of customers towards it and thus create a desire in them to purchase products.

Branded and high quality products: Modern customers are quality conscious. Hence operators should never compromise on the quality of products dispensed in their machine. Offering quality products in your machine would not only be able to win the hearts of customers but also boost your sales and thereby increase your revenue.

These aspects if taken care of would make your customers happy and thus guarantee you success in this field of business.

With so many models of vending machines available in the market, it is often a tough decision for operator to make when it comes to buying a vending machine. To make this process slightly easier, let us look at some of the factors that would influence the kind of vending machine you need to purchase.

Budget: Availability of funds forms the basis for starting any new business venture. Vending is no exception to this fact. In case you have limited funds with you, you may have to compromise with a basic model vending machine. However this would not be the same if you have sufficient funds available with you. In that case you can go for a higher and sophisticated version of vending machine.

Power consumption: If you are using a electrical vending machine, you need to be prepared to pay those huge power bills. In case you are not willing to do this, you need to go for an energy efficient machine or a mechanical vending machine.

Number of products to be dispensed: Are you looking at dispensing one product at a time or multiple products. In case of the first one you can end up buying a simple vending machine but if you are looking at dispensing more than one product at a time then you can go for bulk vending machines.

Nature of products to be dispensed also impacts the kind of vending machine you need to purchase. If you are planning to sell branded products in your machine, you may go for glass front vending machines else you can go for closed vending machines.

Target audience: The kind of customers you are targeting also influences your purchase decision. If you are targeting kids or old people, make sure that the machine you use is simple and easy to operate.

All these factors directly or indirectly influence your buying decisions.

Ever wondered what made this business so popular among operators? Well the answer is quite simple, umpteen number of benefits associated with this business are majorly responsible for its growing popularity. Now let us try and look at some of these benefits under specific heads. Every operator is concerned about nature/ease of operation, capital required and profits associated with the business he/she is about to take up. Let us look at the benefits of vending business from these three aspects.

• Operation: Unlike most other business models, vending does not ask for any professional educational qualification or prior experience or specific skill set. The only qualification that is required is the sheer intention of starting his/her own business and become financially independent. Since this is a machine run business, ease of operation is quite simple. Even home makers and retired individuals can take up this business to support their families financially.
• Capital required: There is no particular capital requirement stated for starting vending machine business. Based on the available funds, you can design the size and level of operations. For instance: if funds are your main concern, you can take up this business on a small scale by purchasing a basic model vending machine and even operate it from your own premises. However, if funds are not a concern, then you can start this business on a large scale and purchase sophisticated models of vending machines and install them in some demanded locations.
• Profit margins: The main aim of every businessman is to make huge profits. However, profits are not uniform across all products in vending business and vary from one product to another. So based on the kind of profits you are looking at you can offer a product in your machine. Operation costs are also very low in vending machine business as you need not hire any sales force for selling products. Thus you would be able to reduce your operation costs and make huge returns.

These and many other benefits have been highly responsible for the growing popularity of vending machine business.

Vending business initially started on a small note and within a span of few years, this business grew tremendously. Thus creating large number of employment opportunities among unemployed youth. The simplicity and ease of operation of this business are primarily responsible for its growing popularity across the globe.

Although vending machines are in use across the globe, there presence can be predominantly noticed in US. In fact it is one of the highest revenue generating industry in US. Busy and hectic life schedules are primarily responsible behind increasing usage of vending machines.

Since the establishment and maintenance costs of this business are also quite low in comparison to most other businesses, entrepreneurs are drawn towards this business. Besides this, vending does not ask for any specific skills or technical knowledge so almost anyone with the intention of running his/her own business can take up vending.

Place would also not be a constraint as you can even operate this machine from the convenience of your home until you are confident of running the same on a large scale. Another advantage of taking up vending business is that there are no set working hours. Hence you would be able to generate revenue round the clock by offering uninterrupted services to your customers.

You can also minimize the risk in this business by purchasing one or two basic model machines. Once you are confident of yourself and gain thorough knowledge on how to run this business, you can go for complex machines with latest technology and innovative features and thus expand your operations.

All these and many more benefits associated with this business are making vending a unique business model.