Vending Outlook for 2006

Operators reported that economic conditions remained strong in the first half of 2006, indicating that the growth that had began in 2005 will continue.

The department of labor reported that the rate of unemployment in the first half of the year, gradually continued to decline to about 4.6 percent in June. Operators reported no sign of a return to account downsizing and more account added workers, although not in large numbers.

Rising employment carried a downside in that it placed more pressure on wages. In 2006, it was harder to find quality help. Hence, the very trend that increased the demand for vending in the last year has put additional pressures on available labor. This has had an effect on Antares vending businesses as well as other businesses.

Rising gasoline costs continues to concern Antares vending operators as well as other operators. Gasoline prices approached $3 a gallon in June, causing many operators to wonder whether consumers would begin watching their spending more carefully. Some operators noted that rising prices encouraged customers to buy items from vending machines rather than going out to eat. This brought in good business for Antares vending operators and others.

Health and nutrition has remained a concern in 2006. More states and localities have announced school nutrition requirements. This has made some Antares vending operators opt for healthier products in their vending machines. Schools have laid heavy stress on healthier products, but they still remain a small part of the vending customer base. At the same time customers are these days more health conscious and are asking about healthier options today than ever before.

The big challenge Antares vending operators are facing today is in making long term investments needed to operate more efficiently. This can easily change when you make use of the Natural Choice vending program that can guide you on the decisions you should make concerning long term investments.

The bottom line is that vending operators need to be willing and able to invest in new tools. Some Antares vending operators have already been successful in doing this, and this has helped them to meet the long term challenges that many vending operators continue to face.

.