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Starting a vending machine business can be very lucrative. However, it can also be very expensive if you don’t know your way around buying vending machines. Your purchases can literally make or break your company.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know before buying a vending machine. Whether you're new to vending or have some skin in the game, you should be able to make better decisions by the end of this guide.
If you're considering buying a vending machine, it's important to understand the basics of how they work. This can give you a foundation for separating good purchases from bad ones.
Vending machines work by using a combination of mechanical and electronic components to dispense product. When a customer inserts money or a payment card, the machine's internal computer system checks to see if the payment is valid. If it is, the customer can then select the item they want from the machine's inventory.
The machine then uses a system to move the selected item from its storage location to the dispensing area. This system can consist of motors, spirals, or even robot arms. Once the item is in the dispensing area, the customer can retrieve it by opening the appropriate door or slot.
There are many different types of vending machines available, each designed to dispense a specific type of product. Some common types include:
When buying a vending machine, there are several factors to consider, such as:
By understanding the basics of vending machines and considering the factors involved in buying one, you can make an informed decision and choose one that's right for your needs.
When it comes to buying vending machines, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to buy new or used. Both options have their pros and cons, so it's important to consider your specific needs and budget before making a decision.
Buying a new vending machine has several advantages.
The biggest pro is the fact you’re getting a machine that’s in tip-top condition. Because it has no wear and tear, you can depend on it for a VERY long time before you have to service it.
New machines are also more compatible with new technology. Older machines need extra steps in order to install Bill Acceptors or Card Readers, but with new machines it’s often a plug-and-play process.
New machines also come with a warranty, so you can be at peace knowing that if any issues come up, they’ll be taken care of with ease.
New machines look nicer, too!
The biggest con with new vending machines is the fact that they can be VERY expensive. It can cost over $5000 USD to buy a new machine, and this doesn’t even factor in moving costs.
We don’t recommend new machines unless:
Used vending machines are much more affordable than New vending machines. Not just that, but they can be just as reliable and aesthetically pleasing.
However, because they’re used, they will generally need to be serviced more often.
The condition of a used machine can also range widely depending on the model and the seller.
There are two versions of used vending machines:
Overall, the decision between new and used vending machines will depend on your experience, your budget, and the needs of the account.
If you’re new to the business, or if you’re servicing a location with less than 150 people, we recommend Refurbished machines.
When buying a used vending machine, there are 3 main things you need to look for: the overall condition of the machine, the overall functionality of the machine, and the overall appearance of the machine.
First off, you want to make sure the vending machine actually works. We know it seems obvious, but you would be VERY surprised at how many people will pick up machines without even plugging them in.
Aside from seeing if it turns on, you also want to make sure that all the slots can dispense product. Test each slot one by one, and check multiple times if you have to.
Make sure all the keys and buttons work as well. This is important. If you don’t do this, you can end up buying a machine with a malfunctioning keypad. Having a vending machine that won’t let you choose a certain slot will not only hurt your sales, but it’ll also get the account looking to replace you.
Make sure the lights work. If they don’t, replacement bulbs are pretty cheap so this is not a big deal. But burnt light bulbs can trick customers into thinking your machine is out of service, so it is something you want to make a note to fix.
Finally, take a look at the overall picture of the machine. Does it look like you’ll be able to depend on it, or will you constantly need to service it? This is going to take experience and won’t be so easy to spot. But the better you get at being able to do this, the more money you’re going to save in the long run.
On top of checking to see if the machine is in working condition, you also need to check and see if the machine will be able to satisfy all of your customer’s needs.
You want to make sure that the machine is MDB. In today’s environment, this is very important. If the machine is not MDB, you will not be able to add a bill acceptor or card reader to the machine. A card reader alone will account for over 30% of your sales, so you want to make sure you can add one.
If you’re looking at a soda machine, you want to make sure it blows cold air. To check for this, first plug in the machine and let it run for about 15-20 minutes. Then, open it up and touch the inside walls of a slot. They should feel cold.
If the soda machine is not blowing cold air, you should pass on buying it unless you have a replacement compressor.
Aesthetics go a long way. The better your machine looks, the better the location you can put it in, and the better the chances of people buying from it.
You want to check for any and all scratches and dents. You want to check for any vandalism as well. A machine that looks like a stall in a public bathroom is gonna turn away people from using it.
A good thing about vending machines though is that even if they look banged up, most of the time they can be easily restored. With some lacquer paint, you can cover up most dents and scratches on the machine and have it looking brand new.
If you see any damage to the glass, avoid buying the machine unless you can replace it. You won’t be able to place it in a location otherwise.
Some machines will have what is known as a “front” on them. This is basically a cover on the machine that have graphics. These can make a machine look more exclusive and aesthetically pleasing, but it can also be harder to cover up damage and vandalism on them. So consider the location before you pull the trigger on a machine with one of these.
There are several things you need to consider before buying a machine to ensure that you get the right one for your needs. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
The location you’re buying the machines for is easily the most important factor to consider. Take note of the space available, the type of environment, and the number of people who will be potentially using the machine. Generally, the more upscale the place and the more foot traffic, the more it makes sense to invest in newer machines. However, 90% of the time you’re better off with refurbished machines.
If you decide to buy a used machine, make sure to test and inspect it thoroughly before making the purchase. Check for any signs of wear and tear, damage, or malfunctioning parts. You can also ask the seller for maintenance records and repair history to ensure that the machine is in good working condition.
Buying a vending machine can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. The price of a vending machine will vary depending on the type, size, brand, condition and features of the machine.
An acceptable amount to spend on a vending machine will depend on the earning potential of the location it’s going in. For example, if a location has roughly 50-60 people, a brand new $5000 machine would be a terrible investment.
However, keep in mind that while a cheaper machine may save you money upfront, it can also require more maintenance and repairs in the long run.
The brand of the vending machine can also be an important factor to consider. Some brands are known for their quality and reliability, while others may have a reputation for frequent breakdowns.
For a list of reputable snack machine brands, click here.
For a list of reputable soda machine brands, click here.
If you’re wondering where to buy vending machines, look no further . In this section, we will explore some of the most common places to buy vending machines.
You can buy vending machines from online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. They offer a wide range of vending machines from various manufacturers. These marketplaces provide a convenient way to browse and compare different models and prices. You can also read reviews from other buyers to help you make an informed decision.
However, we don’t recommend buying machines online.
First, you’ll have to pay freight shipping charges which can be very expensive. In some cases, they can cost as much as the machine itself!
Second, there’s a lot of risk involved with buying vending machines online this way. There’s no guarantee that the seller is giving you a proper functioning machine. And by the time you find out for yourself, it’ll be too late.
If you’re gonna buy vending machines online, consult online marketplaces where you can arrange to meet with private sellers. Even though the trust factor isn’t much higher here, at least you can see the machine for yourself and make more educated choices.
Buying vending machines directly from a manufacturer can be a good option if you’re looking for a brand new machine. Many manufacturers have their own websites where you can browse their product catalog and place an order.
If you have the budget for a new machine and you have a location that warrants brand new equipment, this is usually the way to go.
This is usually your best choice.
Warehouses, Dealers, and distributors will have entire catalogs full of different vending machines you can look at and choose from to buy. Most of the time, they’ll also provide installation, moving, and maintenance services. On top of everything, they even provide warranties, so if your machine breaks down for whatever reason, you’ll always be covered.
You can find local dealers online, either through directories, Google, or online marketplaces. Be sure to compare prices and features from different dealers before making a decision.
In summary, there are several options available to you when buying vending machines. Online marketplaces, manufacturers, and local dealers all have their own advantages and disadvantages. Consider your needs and budget when deciding where to buy your vending machine.
This concludes the end of this definitive guide on buying vending machines.
To summarize:
We hope you found this article helpful.
Thank you for reading!
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What part of buying a vending machine do you find most challenging?