blog

Franchise Dictionary Magazine Features Naturals2Go as a Leading Low Cost (But Not Low Earning Potential) Opportunity

Originally appeared in Franchise Dictionary Magazine

 

Naturals2Go is a business program that offers healthy snacks, quick meals and drinks that utilize the latest technology in automated retail (vending), with services and support unmatched in the industry. The company’s mission is to help entrepreneurs achieve their dream of owning and operating their own business while helping the world eat healthier one “vend” at a time! The program includes support teams that offer complete assistance with machine location, site closing, installation, and ongoing training and mentoring for the lifetime of the program. As a result, Naturals2Go has over 700 franchises currently operating.


The Naturals2Go business is completely scalable. It has multiple packages under $100,000 where an owner-operator can test the waters while knowing that there is unlimited growth potential. Many owner-operators have started with an initial investment they feel comfortable with, so they do not feel overextended. Then, by leveraging the revenues made after starting up, they can reinvest and continue to expand and grow by securing additional locations and machines when they are ready. The opportunities are limitless because there are no geographically restricted territories.


Obtaining the funds to cover the investment is also quite manageable. Naturals2Go is the most funded vending business opportunity with the Small Business Administration (SBA), and a number of additional funding programs are available. Even during COVID-19 shutdowns, many operators realized they could easily cover their loan payments and decided to double down and invest in more machines to grow and scale.


Naturals2Go is also the most awarded and recognized vending business opportunity among its competitors. The company has been voted Business Opportunity of the Year for nine years running by the Franchise Brokers Association. In addition, the brand has placed in the Top 100 Game Changers for Franchise Dictionary Magazine three years in a row and was awarded FranServe’s FRAN-TASTIC 500 for 2020 and 2021.


The Naturals2Go investment is so affordable because of the low cost of overhead. The business does not require employees, which means the staffing costs are zero. But how do you run a vending business with no employees? Naturals2Go has a full team that helps owner-operators place their machines, and the machines in the MVP Program are provided with a telemetry system, giving owners access to sales and inventory at any time at the touch of a button. That means, on average, owner-operators will spend one hour per week per machine servicing and running their business. But wait, there’s more! In addition, no costly retail space is required, and there are no franchise fees or royalties.


To learn more about Naturals2Go, including its unique tax benefits and military/veteran discounts, visit naturals2go.com.


– Nancy E. Williams



 

 

Healthy Eating Series: Appetizers for Summer Cookouts

Preparing for the next summer cookout or holiday gathering? Appetizers are a key part of the puzzle. If you’d like to serve something beyond the typical pasta salads, potato salads, and fat-laden chips, you’ll need to discover some healthier options. Take a look at some ideas for great appetizers at your next cookout:

Goat Cheese Crostini

This goat cheese crostini is the perfect light summer recipe, and it punches way above its paygrade. Easy to assemble, it uses healthy hot-weather ingredients like watermelon, beet, soft goat cheese, and fresh chives to wow everyone at your summer cookout. And at less than 100 calories per serving, it’s the perfect option for a delicious appetizer that you can feel good about serving — and eating. 

Smoky Carrot Dip

This smoky carrot dip looks as good as it tastes. It’s sure to be a hit at your next summer cookout. And it’s packed with healthy ingredients like almonds, chickpeas, olive oil, and — of course — carrots. You could enjoy it with pita slices, crackers, other veggies, or all by itself. Check out the recipe here.

Green Chile Guacamole

Who doesn’t enjoy guacamole, especially in the summertime? Spice up your traditional guac with a little heat, and you have yourself a hit for your next summer cookout. This green chile guacamole recipe from Recipe Runner is a great example. All you need are avocados, some red onion, green chiles, garlic powder, cumin, lime juice, and cilantro to make the perfect batch. Serve with chips for the ultimate finger food sure to please every guest. 

Baked Zucchini Bites

Want a healthy, delicious appetizer that couldn’t be easier to make? These baked zucchini bites from Give it Some Thyme are just the thing. Simply mix veggies, seasoning, eggs, and cheese with Bisquick mix and bake. Then, cut into squares, triangles, or whatever shape fits the bill for your cookout. 

Pickled Shrimp

Spring is the ultimate cookout appetizer. And you can switch things up from the normal shrimp cocktail with this pickled shrimp recipe. What’s great about it is that you can prepare it the day before and have it pickle overnight, then whip it out when it’s time for the cookout. Click here to check out the recipe. 

 

Impress at Your Next Summer Gathering

Try the recipes above and see how it goes over at your next cookout. When you bring something both healthy and delicious, it’s sure to be a hit.

Naturals2Go Healthy Living Blog

Vending Inventory Ideas by Location: Offices

Offices have long been a great location for vending machines. There’s a lot of foot traffic with people coming and going, and most office workers only get a set time for a lunch break. Sometimes, going to the vending machine is the best option. But office workers don’t want to fill up on junk food — what kind of healthy snack options cater to this location? 

Protein Bars

Healthy protein bars are the perfect portable and convenient inventory item for an office location. They’re individually wrapped, they’re low-mess, and they’re nutritious. Plus, they’re delicious! Thanks to the high-fiber nuts and oats found in protein bars, they help keep your customers filled up for hours, making them the perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a great choice for office workers looking for a delicious and nutritious item from the vending machine that they don’t have to feel guilty about. These sweet treats are more convenient than fresh fruit because they don’t leave a peel or core behind, and they can last in vending machines for far longer. Dried bananas, oranges, mangoes, apple slices, and other fruits are a great choice for your healthy vending inventory. 

Dark Chocolate

Sometimes, after a long day at the office or during that afternoon lull, we get a craving for something sweet. Dark chocolate is a good option in those moments. You might be surprised to learn that dark chocolate has been linked to various health benefits, including lower cholesterol, better heart health, improved cognition, and even a lower risk of cancer. Include a few dark chocolate options in your machine; the darker the better, because darker varieties have more antioxidants and less sugar.

Healthy Chips

Potato chips are a classic junk food. But there are plenty of healthy chip options that work great for office vending machines. Stock your machine with chips cooked in sunflower oil or coconut oil, and opt for chips without a lot of added flavorings or preservatives. It’s a great way for office workers to enjoy a snack right at their desks.

Jerky

Who doesn’t love a bite of jerky now and then? It’s not as unhealthy as you may think. And if you can find jerky made in a healthy way — one made using premium meat and without fillers, additives, and preservatives — it’s a fantastic and delicious choice for your office vending machine locations. 

Stock Your Machines With the Very Best

Partnering with Naturals2Go means you’ll be able to stock your machines with the best in healthy snacking and meal options that customers really want. And with our location procurement service, placing your machines properly in offices or elsewhere couldn’t be easier. Get in touch today to learn more. 

Learn More About a Naturals2Go Business

Healthy Eating On-the-Go: Parent-Approved, Kid-Friendly Snacks

Let’s face it: Kids get hungry sometimes. And usually, it happens when it’s least convenient. That’s why keeping some kid-friendly snacks on hand is such a good idea. But rather than feeding your child sugary junk food when they start to get the hunger pangs, you probably want to feed them something a little healthier. 

 

Here are a few suggestions on parent-approved, kid-friendly snacks:

Popcorn

We sometimes think of popcorn as junk food, but it’s healthier than you might think when you do it the right way. Popcorn is actually a nutritious whole grain; we just tend to slather it in butter and salt. If you keep the butter to a minimum and avoid other unhealthy toppings, popcorn serves as a convenient, portable, and healthy snack. 

Yogurt

Most kids enjoy yogurt, and it’s an easily portable snack that works well to attack those random hunger cravings. Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein, and it contains probiotics to promote good gut health. Look for yogurt with low amounts of sugar and added flavorings to keep it healthy. 

Cheese Sticks

Full-fat dairy foods provide kids with vitamins A and D, protein, magnesium, calcium, and other important nutrients. That’s why a piece of cheese or something like a cheese stick makes for a good portable snack. It’s easy to eat and makes no mess. Plus, most kids are sure to gobble it up without a complaint. 

Trail Mix

If your child isn’t allergic to nuts or other ingredients in trail mix, it’s a delicious and convenient snack for kids that works perfectly for those on-the-go moments. Ingredients like healthy nuts, raisins, and seeds are good for your child. Just look for trail mixes without a lot of chocolate bits or other sugary items. Or, you can make your own at home using mixed nuts, dried fruit, and whole-grain cereal. 

Fruit

Not every child likes every type of fruit. But if you can find something your child does enjoy, you’ve got a portable, low-mess, healthy snack on your hands. Slice up some fruit before leaving home and put it in a plastic baggie, or grab a banana. You can even try adding a little peanut butter to entice your child if they’re a picky eater.

Healthy Snacking Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

When your kids get hungry on-the-go, having the right snack on hand makes you the super-parent. Try the options above and see how your kids like them!

A Career That Protects Your Future

How to Find and Keep the Best Vending Locations

One of the fundamentals of the healthy vending industry, and the vending industry in general, is the location of machines. Location is everything — an operator that has 10 well-placed machines can outperform an operator with 100 poorly placed ones. And machine placement is often one of the biggest concerns that operators have when they’re just starting out. With Naturals2Go, there’s nothing to worry about. We help you find and keep the best vending locations for your business. 

Location is essential. 

The real estate adage “location, location, location,” applies to the vending industry as well as any other. You can have the best equipment and offer the best service in the world, but without paying customers, it really doesn’t matter. Simply put, vending machines require foot traffic to become profitable and stay profitable. If people aren’t physically walking by your machines on a daily basis, there’s little hope of that machine being successful. That’s why the Naturals2Go team is here to help. 

Take advantage of OUR LIFETIME SERVICE. 

Rather than outsource our locating services to an outside agency, our staff performs this service themselves. We’ll join you for on-site locating; one of our Staff Locating Specialists will come to your town to help you in person. We’ll take you on appointments, close the locations, and teach you how to do the very same thing to help your business grow and achieve success in the future. And to make it even better, we don’t charge anything for this lifetime service. 

We’ll help you find THE BEST LOCATIONS. 

There’s no compromising when it comes to finding the best locations. That’s why we offer our Lifetime Locating Service to help you find the best placements for your machines and to keep those placements for as long as you’re running your business. Some of the types of locations we target include:

          • Gyms & Health Clubs
          • Hospitals & Medical Facilities
          • Schools
          • Hotels
          • Offices
          • Sports Arenas
          • Car Dealerships
          • Call Centers
          • Apartment Rec Rooms
          • And much more!

Achieve Your Entrepreneurial Goals With Us

Interested in learning more about the healthy vending machine industry and launching your entrepreneurial journey? Want help with placing your machines in the most profitable locations? Partner with Naturals2Go to get started — contact us today.

Learn More About a Naturals2Go Vending Business

Owner-Operator Stories: Eric Copeland Launches His Own Business After the Military

Eric Copeland’s New Sense of Adventure After the Military 

 

This post is a continuation of our Owner-Operator Stories series, where you’re able to get a firsthand look at life as a Naturals2Go business owner. Through these interviews, our Owner-Operators share their experiences with their healthy snack vending machine businesses.  

 

Today’s featured Owner-Operator is Eric Copeland, a former military officer seeking adventure.  

 

Eric Copeland was no stranger to risk at the beginning of his journey as a business owner.  

 

However, he placed his trust in Naturals2Go, a well-known and proven business opportunity in the healthy snack vending machine market, and found himself in a successful new career. 

 

 

The proven business expertise provided by Naturals2Go combined with Eric’s positive attitude was a recipe for an exciting partnership. 

 

In the expansion of his Naturals2Go business, Eric has found a rewarding adventure with opportunities to complete additional on-site work and market training. Since 2019 he and his wife have grown their venture by 25%! 

 

      • He appreciates he’s able to expand his role in his career field. 
      • He likes the ability to work in his metro-Atlanta hometown. 
      • He loves the fulfillment of being his own business owner. 

Ready to get started on your own vending business journey?  

Our consultants are here to help you take the first step today.  Watch our video tutorial on starting a vending business now.

 

 

 

 

Healthy Eating Series: Alternative 4th of July Meals

Hot dogs, burgers, barbecue, potato salad, deviled eggs… the classic Fourth of July foods are delicious, but they’re not very healthy. If you’re looking to celebrate America’s birthday with some healthier options, you’re in luck. Check out these healthy meal ideas that are just as delicious as all of the staples:

 

Watermelon Feta Blueberry Salad

Fresh fruit, fragrant mint, tangy feta cheese… this watermelon feta blueberry salad is the perfect side dish to your July Fourth feast. Or, enjoy it as the main course if you’d like! And the best part is that it’s red, white, and blue — perfect for Independence Day. It’s not loaded down with a lot of dressing or mayo like other summer salads, and it’s very easy to make. Find the recipe here.

Grilled Fish Tacos

Most fans of fish love a great fish taco. And when you grill the fish rather than deep fry it, it’s even better for you. And since tacos are easy to assemble and eat in the backyard, they’re the perfect choice for that family picnic or party. You can use whatever fish you like best. This recipe suggests halibut or mahi mahi. Either way, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious option for the Fourth!

Italian Vegetable Hoagies

You can’t go wrong with a delicious sandwich on a holiday like the Fourth of July. And with this Italian Veggie Hoagie recipe, you’ll be bringing a definite crowd-pleaser. This sandwich is loaded with fresh and unique veggies like pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, and red onion. And here’s the best part: it couldn’t be easier to assemble and transport. Take a look at the recipe and try it out this holiday.

Summer Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are a time-honored summer tradition in many households. And many are loaded with mayonnaise and other ingredients that aren’t the healthiest. But there are ways to make pasta salads healthy — this creamy summer pasta salad packed with fresh veggies like broccoli, cucumber, and onions is a great example.

 

Happy Independence Day!

While you’re celebrating the Fourth of July this year, consider some healthier alternatives to the typical Independence Day fare. You’ll feel good about it and enjoy your holiday meal at the same time.

Take Your Passion for Healthy Living to the Next Level

Understanding Why People Buy from Vending Machines

Why do people buy from vending machines? This might seem like an obvious question with an obvious answer, but it’s an important one to ask. As a business owner, it’s essential to understand your target audience. If you don’t, you can’t identify why someone would want to do business with you — and it’s not likely you’ll be in business very long.

 

Here are the main reasons why people buy from vending machines:

 

They need an energy boost.

Whether it’s the after-lunch drag or that mid-morning tired spell, many people choose to get a snack from the vending machine to get a little energy boost. A lot of vending machine snacks sell because they’re used to get a person through to their next meal! That’s why energy-boosting snacks like nuts and seeds, protein bars, and healthy energy drink options are always hot sellers.

It’s convenient and fast.

Another great benefit of grabbing a snack from a vending machine is that it’s convenient. If you work in an office, getting something from the machine in the lobby is a lot easier to fit into your lunch break than it is to run out to a fast food restaurant. If you’re looking for a snack on the way to work or school, the vending machine in your apartment complex’s lobby is on your way. Of course, you don’t want junk food every time — that’s why healthy vending snacks like dried fruit, low-salt popcorn, granola bars, and beef jerky are perfect choices for your healthy vending operation.

It’s inexpensive.

People turn to vending machines because they know they’ll be able to spend only a few dollars and get a filling snack in only a few moments. If vending machine prices were as high as the cost of restaurants, they wouldn’t be popular! Including low-cost, high-impact foods in your vending machines like pretzels, single-serving nut packets, and shelf-stable noodle dishes and soups. You’ll be pleased with how well they sell.

 

Take Advantage of This Great Business Opportunity

Interested in launching your journey in the healthy vending industry? Partnering with Naturals2Go is the best way to do that. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Learn More About a Naturals2Go Vending Business

Healthy Eating On-the-Go: Road Trip Snacks

Road trips have always been popular, but they’ve only become more common as the COVID-19 pandemic made travel by bus, airplane, and rail less doable over the past year. It’s safe to say that at some point on your road trip, you’re going to get hungry. And rather than stopping off at a fast-food joint, you’ll be better served by packing some healthy on-the-go snacks. Here are some great options:

 

Nuts

Nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Not only are they nutritious, but they also help you to feel full thanks to the protein and fiber content. Try to find a lightly seasoned variety that isn’t loaded down with a lot of salt, and you have a great, portable, easy-to-eat snack on the road.

Jerky

Many jerky varieties are full of artificial preservatives and sodium but do some extra research, and you’ll find plenty of healthy, organic alternatives. Finding a healthy beef or chicken jerky strip is a fantastic way to satisfy those hunger cravings on the road! There are even jerkies out there that align with the gluten-free and Paleo diets, for example.

Dried Fruit

Fresh fruit is always an option for road trips, but you’re left with the banana peel or the apple core to dispose of. When you bring along a package of dried fruit, it’s a great low-mess way to get those nutrients in a more convenient package. Plus, it’s delicious! Try dried banana, apple slices, mango, or kiwi.

Protein Bars

Protein bars or nut bars are always a good option on the go, including for road trips. Try to find bars that are made with natural, organic ingredients with minimal preservatives and additives. Unfortunately, many protein bars aren’t that good for you thanks to artificial flavors and added sugar. If you can find a healthy version, though, it’s a great choice for your next adventure.

String Cheese

String cheese is conveniently packaged, easy to eat on the road, and more nutritious than you might think. They’re loaded with calcium and protein, and they don’t contain as much fat and calories as other types of snacks. Cheese wheels or chunks work well, too.

 

Ready for a New Adventure?

Whether it’s a road trip or a new and exciting career, now is the time to embark on your next great adventure. And Naturals2Go is here to help. Contact us today to learn more and enter the next phase of your journey.

Take Your Passion for Healthy Living to the Next Level