Poplady1 Posted October 18, 2017 Share Posted October 18, 2017 Startup Helps Operators Rent Vending Machine Shelf Space, Seeks Beta Test Participants Posted On: 9/26/2017 BOSTON -- A startup called Ohner is testing an online marketplace that connects operators with snack and beverage manufacturers that are new to the market and wish to rent vending machine slots for new product trials and other promotions. Ohner founder Caspian Zhu, a recent Boston University graduate, said the company is kicking off its beta test with a Boston operator who is initially devoting 24 of the slots in its 700 machines to the trial. Four product suppliers have signed on so far. The startup is also seeking more operator and supplier participants. The concept works like other online marketplace services that enable people to lease or rent their assets. The operator posts a profile for an available machine on the Ohner website, including its location, demographic, rent cost, availability and slot dimensions. Blue Moose Vending Management has been working with this promotion. Just posting to be sure the information is available to the forum members. You can turn your snack machine into a 3 shelf rental. Just some paper work to collect the funds. Snack and beverage startups can then search the site for the most suitable vending machine shelf-space in which to sell their product. Once the product supplier pays the rent, they ship product to the operator's facility, where it will be included in the planogram during routine stocking. Similar to the way in which AirBNB lets people rent their lodging space, operators choose the rent they want to charge. Ohner's only recommendation is to set the rate high enough to compensate for the income that would be generated if a popular item were stocked in its place. Ohner automatically deducts a 10% service fee from the operator's rent. At the end of each week, the vending operator transfers all the revenue generated by the renter's product to Ohner, which then passes it along to the supplier during the term of the lease. Operators keep the full rent whether or not the product sells. "Ohner helps vending operators to generate more revenue from rent without increasing any cost," Zhu said "It lets operators offer the newest products for customers to try, but they are also insured to have the profit. On the other hand, with the help from vending machines, snack and beverage startups can amplify product awareness and increase accessibility. This is a win-win business where both parties are benefiting." For more information, contact Caspian Zhu at caspianz@bu.edu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCOTT1963 Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 Fascinating concept, thanks for posting PopLady Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57thTom Posted October 19, 2017 Share Posted October 19, 2017 That is how products are sold in convenience store chains. It makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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