The Everest Blog

The pandemic has changed a lot about the way we function in society. Especially when it comes to shopping, convenience, and food. Safe, simple, sanitary options are at the forefront of everyone’s minds these days. It’s no wonder vending machines are rapidly rising in popularity. Vending is expanding rapidly – particularly the ice vending business. Take a look at the long-growing trend, and how it’s shaping the future:

Where History Meets The Future

You might be surprised to learn the trend toward vending machines was already happening before the pandemic. 

After the invention of modern vending machines in the first half of the 20th century, there was a massive focus primarily on the “4 Cs” of the industry. Those are candy, cola, cigarettes, and coffee. This meant innovation took a back burner for a while in favor of simplicity. However – self-service and automatic vending was already gaining popularity in other ways, too, such as the introduction of the automat – particularly in New York and Philadelphia. 

Automats were considered a unique experience and were well loved by many well-known locals. From former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and even comedian Mel Brooks. This illustrates that vending isn’t just about convenience or sanitation, but about the consumer experience as well – and that there’s something for everyone.

The experience of the vending machine or self-service station itself can be attractive to consumers – whether it’s the novelty of something innovative and amazing or the nostalgia of the automat. Plus, the convenience and accessibility of products 24/7 is becoming even more desirable in a world increasingly moving away from the traditional 9-5 schedule.

Because of the pandemic, however, there are two emerging primary reasons why the vending industry has become so attractive: 

• The labor shortage: Millions of Americans have left their jobs in pursuit of jobs that are higher-paying, more flexible, and especially those that will provide better work-life balance. 
• Safe, sanitary, socially distanced: Vending offers less contact with people – such as waitstaff, convenience store merchants, etc. – as well as less exposure and handling for the product itself.
• Vending is the safest option for food and water especially. 
• There are numerous reasons that clearly make vending the perfect fit – for both consumers AND machine owners alike. The most lucrative of these opportunities is also surprisingly simple – and that’s owning an ice vending business. 

Ice Vending Is Inevitable 

So what do these trends mean for ice vending specifically? First, let’s consider the old method of ice delivery. It’s manufactured in a plant, stored, handled, moved on and off trucks, and eventually delivered to the ice merchandiser where it will be sold. Not too different from the ice delivery methods of the 19th and 20th centuries. 

The supply chain expensive and problematic. The amount of handling the product goes through leaves consumers more susceptible to contamination. Unlike traditional vending machines, the stock for ice vending machine is made on the spot. All you need is water and electricity.

An Everest VX is the most energy-efficient ice and water vending machine on the market. This means incredibly high-profit margins for the machine owner. Furthermore, the water and ice business is the safest option when it comes to vending opportunities because people will always need affordable, clean, fresh ice and filtered water. Especially on a convenient 24-hour basis. It’s a win-win for everyone. 

Ice vending is inevitable, and vending is the future. Looking to be your own boss and make your own schedule, or simply just want to add an additional revenue stream to your existing income? Now is the time to take advantage of the rapidly growing ice vending business.