Since first established in 2005, ThirstLink has provided clients with an expert viewpoint on any changes within the Vending and Water sectors, and the impact on the Refreshment Services industry. This report aims to cover more recent developments and most importantly the positive way the Vending and POU Water manufacturers and suppliers have reacted to the Coronavirus Pandemic we have all faced.
For many suppliers and vending operators, the impact of Covid-19 has been significant, and ThirstLink has assisted our clients to navigate a way through this, as well as providing updates on the latest industry initiatives and developments. The pandemic is unprecedented in all our lifetimes and is something that has resulted in many families and individuals making changes to the way they live their lives and carry out their work. It has therefore, also caused most companies to make changes to the way they run their businesses.
As individuals and families, we are taking time to consider what the future may hold for us beyond lockdown restrictions, and are preparing ourselves for what increasingly will be a new world. This is also a necessity for the world of business and commerce.
The Vending & Water industries, could be forgiven for thinking that they were relatively protected from adversity in the past, as typically their business base is across all market sectors; offices, manufacturing, retail, higher education, healthcare, distribution, etc.
The manufacturers of equipment for both the Vending & Water industries have made significant advances over the last few years. This was mainly driven by a desire to differentiate themselves from their competition, but was also driven by more educated and demanding customer requirements. The consumers were seeking improvements in:
- Increased choice in the range and variety of products available
- More reliable equipment with simple dispensing and payment methods
- Calorific & Nutritional values of items on sale
- Improved water quality with advanced filters
- Self-diagnostics and telemetry, to alert the operator of potential or actual problems
- Hygienically treated surfaces
- Contactless payment – wave and pay, mobile phone, etc.
- Contactless dispense methods (by just pointing, or a smartphone app, or water dispense pedal, etc)
In fact, many of the above features have been available for a while now, but not many clients had the benefit of all, or even any of them, typically because their existing equipment may have been in place for a number of years and has been doing an adequate job during that time, until now.
When a Client’s current Vending and/or Water service contract is approaching its expiry date (it is prudent to look into at least 6 months before-hand if possible) they will now be able to review and implement a number of positive new features and changes to make their environment safer for their staff and users. ThirstLink is able to revisit a client’s current contracts at any time (even if they still have several years to run) to facilitate the introduction of new equipment incorporating these features.
Alternatively, when prudent to do so, ThirstLink will carry out a professional tendering service on a client’s behalf and invite potential new suppliers to put forward their proposals based upon a precise specification.
Businesses have had to adjust, due to reduced or non-existent sales income and varying levels of Government help, whilst also looking ahead as to how quickly their clients and markets will return and to what level of previous trading.
Without exception, in the managed-service Vending industry this has meant a cross business review of their cost base, how they operate, and importantly how they package their service offering going forward.
Whether it’s due to the pandemic, Britain’s exit from the EU, or the general increase in commodities, goods and services throughout the world, there are serious conversations needing to take place between clients and their Vending & Water suppliers, regarding their new requirements going forward and associated cost.
As the only Specialist Independent Consultancy in the Vending & Water Industries, ThirstLink`s extensive knowledge and influence in these areas are proving very beneficial to a growing number of clients in all sectors. Without exception, clients are finding that the future challenges for their business is very demanding on their time and resources.
However, rather than simply extending current Vending & Water contracts clients are realising there are many benefits to having professional experts working alongside them to review these services on their behalf, to maximise the benefit of new features for the benefit and safety of their staff and visitors, whilst controlling costs and obtaining beneficial terms for their organisation.
