Micro markets have increasingly become popular in workplaces, thanks to technological advancement and changes in consumer behavior. Micro markets eliminate long queue lines, reduce employee burnout and save customers time. Do you have micro market vending in your workplace? This guide sheds some light on this new retail concept, how it works, and its benefits. Read on.
What Are Micro-Markets?
Micro markets are retail spaces where customers can get food, snacks, and beverages. The markets are equipped with a self-checkout technology that allows the customer to pay, even when there is no one to attend to them.
Usually, micro markets offer a wide range of healthy foods and snacks which are restocked regularly. They are common in break-through rooms where employees can visit during tea breaks and get what they need conveniently.
Most micro markets have refrigerators to preserve beverages, fruits, vegetables, and other perishable snacks. You can also get coffee and other fast foods stocked by the retail manager. You can think of a micro market as a mini supermarket where customers can get breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
How Do Micro Markets Work?
In micro market vending, a customer simply picks up a product from the shelves and then pays for it in an intuitive, self-checkout process. The self-contained stores don’t have direct employee monitoring but have shelves and a checkout system.
The kiosks offer multiple payment options like cash, mobile payments, debit/credit cards, and fingerprints. Most micro-markets provide 24/7 services and are conveniently located in multi-family residential or working spaces.
Where Can You Get Micro-Markets?
You can easily spot micro markets in many commercial spaces because they are easy to set up. These retail spaces are common in the following:
- Workplaces
- Airports
- Hotels
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Government offices
What Are the Benefits of Micro-Market Vending?
Below are the main advantages of micro markets to owners and customers:
- Reduced labor costs because you employ fewer employees
- Increased customer satisfaction because customers get what they want at any time
- Healthy products which keep employees healthier and happy
- Time savings because there are no long queues
How Are Micro Markets Different From Vending Machines?
Vending machines are enclosed devices that dispense small amounts of food, drinks, or even cigarettes when a coin is inserted. The purpose of a vending machine is to provide customers with a wide range of snacks, newspapers, and other products upon the insertion of money. Vending machines are restocked with a strict fulfillment schedule and may offer limited food products.
On the other hand, micro markets have a modern user experience and prompt customer service in case of breakdown. Nevertheless, both options are great, and you can always choose the most applicable for your business.
Final Thoughts
Micro markets have become popular for good reasons. They are easy to use, convenient, save time and improve customer satisfaction. Employees enjoy healthier vegetables and foodstuffs in workplaces, become healthier, and stay motivated.
For more information on micro market vending, contact us. We use our state-of-the-art technology to help you establish micro-market vending in your business and cater to the needs of employees/customers.