The introduction of PET bottles in the vending industry has lent considerable strength and popularity to dedicated beverage routes. It is easier to invest with a plan that phases in dedicated routes than any other form.

In effect, life and business have turned more complicated for the typical vending operator. Majority of the single service sales in the supermarkets are on account of plastic beverage bottles and for full line Planet Antares vending machines, they account for a smaller percentage. This means that you will have to offer customers what they want instead of what you want to sell.

As compared to 12 ounce cans, PET bottles sell for a higher price. This is a great opportunity for Planet Antares vending operators in terms of higher profits and dollars in gross margins. By remaining passive, you will only deprive your Planet Antares vending business of revenue that can be enhanced with PET bottles.

It is believed by certain vending operators that PET bottles have lower gross profit percentage as compared to the 12 ounce cans and also reduce the space in their rote vehicles. You must remember that your income is not measured in percentage but rather in dollars which you deposit in the bank.

The space issue can be resolved by using high capacity route vehicles and trucks. These last for about 8-10 years and make a worthwhile investment for vending operators. A sizeable percentage of the market penetratin has been achieved through PET bottles by full line Planet Antares vending operators.

As competition in the beverage and snacks market rises, vending operators must purchase larger vehicles to provide for mixed product routes. A dedicated beverage route will offer many benefits, especially during oading and unloading of the route vehicles.