The optimization of the vending network means the improvement of the qualitative, and if necessary quantitative, constituent of vending machine functioning, that is outfits aiming ultimately to profit increase.

The network optimization implies constant labor. It is impossible to tune up one time a complicated instrument to effective operation, especially in a modern city where working conditions are constantly changing, new sales outlets are emerging and competitors are on the alert. One should keep an eye on all that and make changes in network operation.

Let’s pay attention to the following constituents of the effective work with the vending machines:

A vending operator (the beginner first of all) should keep tabs on sales through vendors for each location.

Vending accounting is required to determine and fix sales peak and decline periods, reasons of sales dynamics changes (for example, after the replacement of the vending machine or the merchandise).

The form of accounting may be free but theoretically it should include: the vending machine location, the quantity of purchased stuff, the date of filling (loading) and the date of its selling through the vending machine, the date of collection of money, extent of receipts and so on. In other words, the vending operator (network employees) should keep all records related to network maintenance. The broader the network the more data.

After a time vending accounting data will reflect the sales peak and decline periods (seasonal movements). This information allows reiterating successful decisions, avoiding mistakes in future, rejecting disadvantageous locations, keeping consumer’s demand at a high level and finally getting a maximum profit out of each location.

The next deciding factor for effective work is a vending route. After the vending operator established the vending network it is necessary to work out a vending route. It is a line of movement when maintaining vending machines. It should be made up taking into account the location of trade outlets, the form of work with sales outlets and other factors. The more vendors belong to the vending operator, the broader the arrangement of the vending net the more thoroughly thought out route should be. The vending operator must consider where to collect money from vendors, where to deliver fillers and so on.

A businessman should take account of probability of calls because of the equipment shutdown. The experienced operators mention that such technical calls may be several times at a day (as ill luck would have it) – at one moment a damp (lacerated, crumpled) note was chewed up by the vendor, at another the vendor didn’t dispense goods, now some “well-wisher” clogged a coin acceptor with matches or chewing gum. Of course, it’s impossible to foresee everything but it is important to be ready for unexpected calls.

In the final analysis the competently thought out vending route saves time (money) of the businessman.

Depending on the vending route it is necessary to make plans on the amount of the filler that is to be delivered to sales outlets. Say, if you have five vending machines it’s not a problem to take all the stuff for every vendor with you. But if there are a hundred vendors then it’s important to carry out an analysis what stuff in particular to deliver to the specific location in order not to drive back to warehouse several times and to have time to service all sales outlets. That means to work according to the vending route.