This Memorial Day caused a bit of a sales frenzy at Wal-Mart stores across America. The company reduced the price of 24 packs of soda, offering prices
from $3.77 to $5. And suppliers had a hard time keeping up with demand, as consumers rushed to get in on this soda deal.
This change, in a larger sense, reflects the idea that consumers are driven ultimately by the price of soda, versus other concerns, such as health
factors or ingredients (like caffeine). And for a potential owner of a soda vending machine, this is
important to think about; how consumers make the decision to buy, and why do they feel motivated to.
While the sales for soda have been in partial decline due to the economic atmosphere, this change by Wal-Mart reinforces the idea that consumers posses
plenty of purchasing power; if the price is right. For example, Coca-Cola is still
going strong this year, strengthened by international markets.
Many analysts have speculated about the future of the beverage market; saying that the cause of a sales decline comes from a variety of different
reasons, but one thing is certain. The price of soda is still the number one factor in determining the purchasing power of consumers. Overall, beverage
sales for this year reflect an
ease in the decline of sales for carbonated beverages, and a strengthening in other markets.
That's why a proposed soda tax, which has
been recently implemented in Washington State, could become problematic for future soda sales. Increasing the price of soda with an added tax will only
work to drive away customers, and limit sales. Essentially, soda tax is being implemented as a tax revenue device; and lawmakers claim that a reduction
of obesity will result. However, the effectiveness of that claim is up in the air.
It will be important to watch how price affects the sales of soda this year. More importantly, how a tax on soda could influence soda sales. If you are
considering an investment in a soda vending machine, now could be a remarkable time to offer up price-conscious beverages to the masses.
Contact United Marketing, or call 1-800-877-1335 to buy a soda vending machine. We have vending machine experts ready to answer your questions.