What is a Free Pour smoothie system?

Nutri Blendz has two main categories for our Smoothie Solutions; Automated and Free Pour.  The Nutri Blendz Free Pour Smoothie Solution is a process for making smoothies where the smoothie is put together 100% by the employee.  It is a method that involves a lot of hands on work from the counter help or front desk employees.  The employee measures or counts out each piece of inventory that goes into the Smoothie.  Example: 1 scoop fat free yogurt, 6 pieces of frozen strawberries, half of a banana, 1 scoop of protein, 4 oz of ice and blend.

Pros:

• Usually generates a higher sales volume than most automated method.
• Customers (gym members) like to see the Free Pour method.  Even though it may not be any healthier it appears to be healthier.
• Creates a greater "Third Place to be" atmosphere.
• Creates greater gym value in the eyes of the members.
• Pays for itself rapidly.
• Pays for front desk staff.
• Great selling point for membership sales.
• Can be customized to fit your needs.

Cons:

• Higher start up cost: Extra freezers and refrigerators etc.
• More Maintenance: You will have to maintain those extra freezers, etc.
• Higher Cost of Goods: Each smoothie is more expensive because of all the extra frozen inventory.
• Greater Shrinkage: The more the employee touches the more you can loose. i.e. extra strawberries going into smoothies, or whole bananas instead of halves.
• Spoilage: You are carrying a lot of perishable inventory.
• Takes a lot of time to make each smoothie when you compare it to the speed of the Automated system.

We have found over time that the best way to determine which solution is right for you is to first determine your average workouts per day.  If you are under 1000 work outs per day the Automated Smoothie Solution is the way to go.  Low cost startup and huge profit margins.  If you are over the 1000 work outs per day threshold, then the startup cost for the free pour system are justifiable.  For more information contact your local Nutri Blendz rep.  Both the Automated and Free Pour smoothie solutions can be modified to fit your particular needs or to be more compatible with your club environment and design.