Soap Vending Machines

Designed to vend a variety of laundry products, including stain treatment products and single-use detergent portions, soap vending machines are a convenient amenity to add to shared laundry facilities. Typically found in dormitories, youth hostels and budget-range accommodations, soap vending machines can also be profitable at truck stops, in apartment complexes and at camping areas.

The basic soap vending machines manufactured for the commercial market will hold, at minimum, about 40 different items. Typically designed as wall-mount units, these vending machines usually contain a minimum of five columns, and feature easy-loading compartments utilizing a first-in, first-out system that automatically pushes older products to the front. Because the number of products a basic soap vending machine model is designed to carry is limited, most offer only a narrow pricing range for each individual product column. However, if you’re looking to diversify your product selection, you are better off shopping for a soap vending machine that allows for individual pricing. While these models are typically more expensive, they are frequently more profitable because the increase in available selection means a higher turnover of product volume.

Simpler units are lighter in weight and more compact than the elaborate soap vending machines. A no-frills, 40-item unit usually weighs between 75 and 90 pounds. It can conveniently be mounted on a wall, with little required in the way of additional support. Operators concerned about the security of their soap vending machines can also shop for a sturdy design; however, most commercially manufactured soap vending machines are constructed from durable heavy-duty steel, making them very difficult to tamper with.

Soap Vending Machines with Advanced Features

If you’re looking for a soap vending machine with advanced and enhanced features, manufacturers also offer debit and credit card operated models, as well as units with up to 24 product chambers or more. These units can be a boon to property owners and managers looking to increase profitability at high-traffic shared, public or commercial laundry facilities. Not only are these types of units designed to hold a wide variety of products (which will, in turn, attract more business), but the convenience they offer can also be used as justification for charging higher-than-normal prices for the products offered. Studies have shown that vending machines that accept credit or debit card payments can be significantly more profitable than their change-only counterparts. There are two simple reasons for this increased profitiabily: first, people are more likely to spend money if it doesn’t require them to part with physical cash; second, the convenience of paying with a card often wins business when customers aren’t carrying cash or exact change.

You can also split the difference between the basic and higher-end models available by purchasing mid-sized soap vending machines that offer some conveniences but still keep your up-front investment costs low. The best example of this type of machine is a unit that accepts both bills and coins, and makes change for customers who don’t have the exact amount of money required to make a purchase. More elaborate models like this come equipped with readers than can detect different bill denominations, useful if you want to offer products that cost a little more money. In addition, they make a good compromise between the small and easy-to-mount basic units that offer relatively few products and the large, space-consuming but more versatile high-end models.