A Refreshing Partnership: How the University of Reading Enhanced Campus Life with Connect Vending.

About
Location

Reading, UK

Category

Snack Vending

Date

17 Jan 2025

For nearly a century, the University of Reading has been a beacon of academic excellence and innovation in the UK. Spanning four local campuses, it offers a vibrant community with modern amenities, including a student union, library, museums, cafés, bars, shops and halls of residence. Yet, despite its thriving environment, the university faced an unexpected challenge: drink and food vending machine operations that failed to meet the needs of their bustling campus.

When their previous vending hire company went into administration, every drink and snack machine was left understocked, outdated, and unappealing. Recognising the impact on both staff and students, the catering team sought a partner who could transform their vending operations and restore confidence in these vital services.

Challenges

At a university as dynamic as Reading, drink and snack machines are more than just convenience—they are essential for providing 24/7 refreshments to thousands of people. Sadly, the existing machines suffered after their vending suppliers went into administration.

  • Operational Failures: Every snack and drink dispensing machine frequently had empty spirals, thus failing to provide for students and staff looking for refreshments.
  • Limited Payment Options: The absence of cashless payment methods excluded a growing number of users who preferred card or mobile payments.
  • Poor Presentation: The neglected state of the machines created a poor impression, leading to reduced usage and declining sales.

These issues caused frustration for users and significant revenue loss for the university. Faced with these challenges, the University of Reading outlined clear, non-negotiable requirements for their next supplier:

  1. Every snack and cold drink vending machine must achieve a minimum ‘A’ energy rating to align with sustainability goals, with transparent carbon footprint reporting.
  2. Both cash and cashless payment options must be available.
  3. Full-service management, including maintenance, repairs, and restocking, was a necessity.
  4. Refunds for undispensed items had to be processed by the vending company and within 10 days.
  5. Healthier options were essential, with at least 10% of products meeting low-fat, low-sodium, or low-sugar criteria.
university students attending a lecture

The Connect Vending Solution

Connect Vending rose to the challenge, offering a bespoke solution tailored to the university’s needs. From the outset, they approached the partnership with a focus on reliability, innovation, and proactive service.

Together with the catering team, Connect Vending developed a strategy to transform the university’s drink and snack vending machine rental operations:

  • Optimised Placement: Machines were strategically relocated to high-traffic areas, increasing visibility and accessibility for students and staff.
  • Unmatched Response Times: The university’s request for 24-hour breakdown responses was exceeded with a commitment to engineer attendance within just four hours, ensuring minimal downtime.
  • Daily Servicing: Through the fully managed Replenishment & Cleaning Service, operators visited daily to restock, clean, and maintain the machines. This regular attention kept the machines in pristine condition and ready for use.
  • Data Insights: Operators collected real-time vending machine sales data, offering actionable insights into consumer behaviour. This data allowed the university to refine product offerings, boost sales, and meet user preferences.
  • Sustainable Practices: Every lease vending machine installed is energy-efficient, adhering to the university’s environmental policies and contributing to reduced carbon emissions.
a person using the contactless payment method at a vending machine

The Impact

The partnership delivered transformative results almost immediately. Machines that had once been a source of frustration became a reliable and well-loved feature of the campus. Students and staff now enjoy:

  • Reliable Access: Fully stocked good vending machine availability with modern payment options ensure refreshments are always available, regardless of the time of day.
  • Healthy Snack Machine: The addition of low-fat, low-sugar, and low-sodium options provides a balance between indulgence and wellness.
  • Sustainability Leadership: The university’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the machines’ energy-efficient operation and transparent carbon reporting.

Feedback from the campus community has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff and students appreciate the consistent quality and convenience, while the catering team values the dependable drink and snack machine repair service and proactive support from Connect Vending.

“If I’m studying until late or rushing between lectures, I know there’s always a cold drink machine or a snack machine near me so I don’t have to worry about going to the shop or café.” – University of Reading Student

Setting the Standard in Vending Services

The University of Reading’s collaboration with Connect Vending demonstrates the power of a strategic partnership. By prioritising user experience, sustainability and operational excellence, the university has reinvigorated its vending services and enhanced the campus environment. With every snack and soft drink vending machine now meeting—and exceeding—expectations, the University of Reading continues to set the standard for innovation and service in higher education.

Commercial vending machine rental in a public space

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