Here is a list of the most common frequently asked questions about vending machines and the services provided by Intelligent Vending Ltd:
Q: Can I pay using credit card?
A: Intelligent Vending Ltd accepts all major credit and debit cards including American Express. In addition, payment can also be made by cheque, BACS, standing order etc.
Q: Does Intelligent Vending Ltd offer lease rental agreements on machines?
A: Intelligent Vending Ltd can offer fixed term rental agreements (subject to credit approval) on all purchases over £1000. These are usually payable over a 3 or 5 year term. We have negotiated some great rates that provide a very economic and easily managed alternative to purchase.
- Advantages to lease rental:
- Doesn't tie cash up in large purchases
- Fixed quarterly payments regardless of interest rates or inflation
- Allows for effective future budgeting
- 100% allowable against pre-tax profits
- Far greater flexibility with payment
- Makes cutting edge technology more affordable
Q: How do royalty payments work?
A: Royalty payments are provided on managed soft drinks vending machines. Royalties are paid according to the number of units sold, at a figure that is pre-negotiated. As a general rule, royalty payments increase the higher the volume of units sold. All unit sales are monitored, and the agreed fixed rate royalty is calculated and paid to you quarterly.
Q: Can we open a trade account?
A: We would be pleased to open a trade account for you. All we ask is that first, as a new customer, you establish a trouble-free record of payment before the new account is set up.
Q: Do you have clear terms and conditions?
A: Our standard terms and conditions can be viewed by following this link. We have tried to make these as straightforward as possible and they apply to most of our products and services (excluding maintenance agreements etc - terms supplied separately depending on the type of machine etc).
Q: Do you offer a return policy on goods?
A: Intelligent Vending Ltd does not offer a return policy unless the machines/goods were damaged on delivery. Most of our vending machines are high value and have been pre-calibrated by the manufacturer to a customer's specific requirements. Once calibrated and delivered, it is not cost effective to return and modify machines. It is, therefore, essential that all customers check that specifications meet their requirements at the point of order, and that goods are in satisfactory condition when delivered.
Q: What is the lead time on delivery?
A: This varies depending on the vending machine type and quantity ordered. With regard to vending machine products, these can often be supplied to you within 3-5 days. For further information regarding your order, please speak to one of our advisers. We will always try to respond positively to any requests for urgent delivery, and there may be additional cost, but we cannot guarantee to improve on standard delivery times. This is particularly true for items that need to be specifically set up for the customer.
Q: Is there a delivery charge on orders?
A: Usually all orders will incur a delivery charge, although this may be negotiable on very large orders. Charges vary according to the size and weight of vending machine as well as the delivery location. Shipping and transit charges for overseas deliveries are charged at actual cost. Please speak to one of our advisers for further information.
Q: Do you supply machines to companies based outside the United Kingdom?
A: Yes, but only certain machines. In recent months, we have delivered orders to places such as the Greenland, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Slovenia, France and Australia and many more very successfully, so distance by itself presents no major problem. While we will always attempt to provide telephone support to our customers, wherever they may be, we are unable for logistical reasons to offer on-site technical support outside the British mainland. Please contact us for further details regarding any overseas orders.
Q: Do I need to site survey before ordering machines?
A: Sites for machines that are operated and managed on a full service agreement, are surveyed by a representative before installation, and you need not worry about this aspect of the process. If your machine is supplied on a self management basis, however, the proposed site will need to be properly surveyed by the customer prior to purchase, to ensure that there are no access problems and to confirm that the machine will fit satisfactorily within your chosen location. Some machines require their own power or water supply and the customer will need to confirm these are conveniently located. Connection to an appropriate and convenient supply is provided for some machines as part of the installation process, although it is likely that there will be additional charge if this is not straightforward. Intelligent Vending Ltd will conduct site surveys free of charge if there is a significant order. Otherwise, site surveys may attract a charge, according to location. The importance of ensuring the site is suitable for the chosen vending machine cannot be over-emphasised, since once Intelligent Vending Ltd has processed your order, full payment will be required irrespective of whether the machine is subsequently judged to be unsuitable (excluding damaged goods).
Q: Do you offer maintenance agreements for machines?
A: Intelligent Vending Ltd offers competitive maintenance packages for most machines in our range. The price for technical support is quoted at the point of order where you will also be supplied with relevant terms etc. All new vending machines supplied by Intelligent Vending Ltd are also covered by a parts warranty. It is also possible to offer maintenance agreements to sites with existing machines (i.e. purchased from elsewhere). Please contact us for further information regarding technical service and support.
Q: Can you set the machines up to vend any product?
A: All machines have minimum and maximum product dimensions, so there are limits on what vending machines can dispense. We have, however, calibrated machines to vend a range of items from the delicate and fragile to the unorthodox, with considerable success, so check out your ideas with us. There is often a machine on the market to suit any product (within reason!). Some unusual shaped products may need to be pre-packaged to be compatible with the machine's vending mechanism, but we will advise you about this. For unusual items, we would normally ask you to supply a number of products so we can test vend these at the factory. This is to ensure trouble free operation after delivery. In all cases, stocking of vending machines needs to be undertaken with care, as damaged or distorted packaging will prevent operation of the machine in many cases. Attempted over-filling of certain vending machines will produce the same results.
Q: Can Intelligent Vending Ltd supply products for the machines I have ordered?
A: Intelligent Vending Ltd offer products for some, but not all, machines in our range. The most common products we supply are Flavia® hot beverages (including fresh brew teas, speciality and fair trade coffees etc), washroom items (including condoms and sanitary protection etc), and confectionery. We advise that all other products are purchased from your local cash 'n carry outlets or an internet wholesaler. This gives the purchaser freedom to select their own product range at the best price, and maximise profit. In addition to products, we also supply ancillary items for washrooms including sanitary bins, air fresheners and hand dryers etc.
Q: Can Intelligent Vending Ltd ensure customer confidentiality?
A: Intelligent Vending Ltd has worked with a number of customers who are developing new vending ideas that are commercially sensitive and require a high level of confidentiality. Protecting our customers' interest is a very high priority to us, both because our good reputation with customers is highly valued, and because trust is an excellent basis for generating future business. We have also established very reliable relationships with the third party supplies that we work with. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01629 825555, or email us for further information.
Q: Can Intelligent Vending Ltd supply machines / products for domestic use?
A: Intelligent Vending Ltd mainly provides services to the business sector. When dealing with domestic consumers our terms and conditions differ to accord with statutory rights. If you are wishing to purchase a machine or service on this basis, please call us on 01629 825555 for further information.
Q: Where can I view Intelligent Vending Ltd's Terms and Conditions?
A: Click here to download our terms and conditions (Adobe PDF Document)
