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Micromarket Buyer’s Guide 2024
What is a micromarket?
Micro markets are self-service food stalls designed to run automated, 24/7.
They are closely tied to the vending machine industry, using more advanced vending machines and other food technologies to provide employees or clients with many nutritious options.
Micro markets improve efficiency, lower cost and implement technology to make the dining experience more convenient. Furthermore, our machines remain safe from theft while being completely unmanned.
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Micromarket vs Canteen
There are many advantages that micro markets have over traditional canteens:
Flexibility
Micromarkets:
With products available 24/7, micromarkets offer unlimited access to nutrition at the touch of a screen. Perfect for travelling customers and shift workers who are on the move all night.
Canteens:
Because canteens are restricted by the number of employees they can hire and how long they can work, they are limited to certain number of opening hours.
Cost Efficiency
Micromarkets:
With no full-time or part-time employees needed to work in the dining area – and no wages that need to be paid – micromarkets have minimal operating costs. The maintenance costs are offset by the savings made by reduced energy consumption and employee overheads. This makes them an incredibly cost-effective solution.
Canteens:
Wages, employee benefits, recruiting and training costs mean that mannered canteens have significantly higher overheads than automated micromarkets.
Hygiene and Cleanliness
Micromarkets:
The food technology solution in micromarkets ensure that food and beverages are stored at the correct temperature, protected from outdoor bacteria and automatically lock when they detect the presence of out-of-date goods, keeping the food fresher for longer.
Canteens:
As careful as many kitchen operators are, mistakes are made. Human error and cross-contamination can increase the risk of foodborne viruses and bacteria.
Use of Layout
Micromarkets:
Micromarkets use space more efficiently. Even the smallest rooms can be kitted out with the latest technology – like smart fridges, coffee machines and vending machines – and can be customised to best use the space.
Canteens:
Kitchen appliances, utensils, sanitary equipment and storage take up significantly more space than the machines used in micromarkets.
Micromarket ROI
Some organisations are put off switching to a fully-automated micro market solution because of security.
However, most of these concerns are potentially ill-founded as many micro markets operate with a theft rate of only 4%. Security can be bolstered by having:
- Stock checking software – A series of sensors and software tracks the quantities of meals, snacks and beverages stored in the machines and flags unexplained dips in stock directly to those in charge.
- PCI certification – All micro market machines are PCI certified. This means that payments made in a micro market are safe and minimal risk to a user's sensitive financial information.
At Selecta, we make sure that all of our micro market machinery is as safe as possible.
To find out more, contact us today.
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Why is a micro market important?
Micromarkets help keep employees nourished and healthy and improve their mental state by offering a range of low-cost options quickly, letting them maximise breaks and downtime.
Because of the reduced overheads, the cost savings can be passed down to the employer, which is vital for improving employee well-being and not breaking the bank.
Additionally, our micro markets support a welcome break area for long-distance travellers.
How does a micromarket work?
A company decides that a micro market is the perfect cost-saving solution. They invest in equipment – like coffee and vending machines – and stock them with a range of lunchtime meal options, snacks and beverages.
Once installed, a micro market does all the work.
Employees can choose what they want and self-checkout with quick, contactless payments to get their lunch quickly.
How do I start a Micromarket?
Starting a micromarket is easier than you think.
Firstly, employers must calculate the available space and decide on machines and food and products that best fit the space.
Secondly, find equipment and food suppliers that best match your budget and make the enquiries. Many companies will handle the installation process for you.
With Selecta's unrivalled selection of machines of all different shapes and sizes, there's something for everyone. Why not browse our range of machines and micromarket options today and build a modern lunchtime solution for your business?
What payment options do micromarkets have?
Unlike traditional vending machines or out-of-date canteen tills, micromarkets offer a range of payment methods.
Contactless cards, Apple/Android Pay and employee credit can be used to quickly self-checkout and get a tasty, nutritious meal quickly and easily.
Some micromarkets worldwide even allow users to pay using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum as well as other smaller altcoins – bringing a range of diversity to payment options and an exclusive company benefit card.
Are micromarkets profitable?
Yes, micromarkets are profitable.
Because of the reduced amount of space, energy and staff needed to run a micromarket compared with a canteen, the cost savings can quickly outpace the initial investment or purchase price.
What are the benefits of micro markets?
There are many benefits of micro markets, including:
Reduced overheads:
Once installed, micro markets require no staff compared to a traditional cafeteria – which may need two or three people on salary – reducing the day-to-day cost of getting food to employees.
Maximise breaktimes:
Employees don't have to leave the workplace to get a high-quality lunch – they can maximise their lunch and break times with quick access to affordable, nutritious food options.
A range of options:
It can be tricky for cafeteria staff to organise and prepare different types of meals fresh for the day. With a micro market, machines can be stocked with a range of options – like vegan and vegetarian alternatives – to suit all employees' tastes.
Increased cleanliness and food safety:
The nano-septic, self-cleaning solution used to clean the machines ensures there's no contaminants. Modern machines self-lock when they detect out-of-date goods – avoiding common mistakes associated with human error.
Takes up less space:
Modern micromarkets take up less space than entire canteen facilities – meaning it's an effective solution for smaller businesses with limited space.
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If you're interested in creating your own micro market, browse our range of innovative food catering technologies or contact us to help you get started.