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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?
If you’re in the vending machine business, you better get familiar with snack machines. Next to Drink Machines, they’ll be the vending machine type you’ll be getting involved with the most.
While Pop machines can have a lot of factors to consider, Snack Machines are even more complicated. They come in a bigger variety of sizes and have more parts to them.
In this article, we will explore the top snack machine brands based on our personal experience.
When it comes to choosing the best snack machine brand, it's important to have a good understanding of snack machines and how they work.
Snack machines typically have a number of trays, each containing a number of compartments where different products ranging from chips to small pastries can be stored.
These compartments have a metal coil in the middle (known as a ‘spiral’) that rotates, dispensing the purchased product. Newer machines also have sensors that detect when a product has dispensed but got stuck.
When it comes to choosing a snack machine brand, there are a number of things to keep in mind. These are what we consider to be the most important factors to consider:
You want a machine you can depend on. A reliable snack machine will be able to dispense products consistently without frequently running into issues.
Some snack machines can’t dispense products too many times without either the product getting stuck or a technical issue on the machine arising, which can cost you money.
You want a machine that can tolerate frequent usage. Depending on the amount of foot traffic, vending machines can be subject to a lot of wear and tear.
A durable machine should be able to withstand dispensing product as much as hundreds of times per week without breaking down.
This is another important consideration. If something on your machine breaks down, you want to be able to easily replace it with something similar without having to do something as expensive as replacing the entire machine. Look for brands that offer interchangeable parts to make maintenance easier and more cost-effective.
It's important to choose a brand that offers readily available replacement parts. This will ensure you can quickly and easily get your machine up and running again if it breaks down and you can’t substitute the parts with anything from a similar model.
Some brands will have everything from replacement motherboards to keypads readily available for purchase from them and this is what you want.
If the brand is good enough, you can even find the parts for cheap on sites like Craigslist or Kijiji (if you're Canadian). This is extremely convenient and can save you a lot of money.
In general, you want to look for snack machines from brands with a lot of history in the vending industry.
That doesn’t mean that newer companies can’t be good, but the companies that have been around for decades understand the wants & needs of vending better and it reflects in their vending machines.
In general, we recommend using snack machines from companies based in North America. They’ve been around the longest, and understand the needs of vending machine businesses best.
In addition, since they’re based in North America, parts are easily attainable and maintenance problems are more easily understood and solved.
When it comes to snack machine brands, AMS is a solid choice. Established in 1997 by the late Roy Steeley, AMS has become popular among vending machine business owners due to its range of reliable and durable snack machines.
One of AMS's most popular vending machines is the Classic Snack, which was first presented in 1997 and remains a favorite among customers to this day due to its simplicity, dependability, and rugged construction.
AMS vending machines are built with state-of-the-art materials and technology, making them a reliable choice for vending machine operators.
Overall, AMS is a trusted brand in the vending machine industry, well-known for reliability and durability. If you're in the market for a snack machine, AMS should be a brand to consider.
When it comes to snack machines, Automatic Products (or AP for short) is another well-known and trusted brand. They have been in the industry for over 50 years and have a reputation for producing high-quality machines that are reliable and easy to use.
One of their most popular snack machine models is the Automatic Products Model 111 Snack Machine. This machine is compact and can fit in a variety of locations, making it perfect for offices and small breakrooms. It also has a simple design that makes it easy to stock and maintain.
Another popular model is the Automatic Products 123 (MDB Board) Snack Machine. This machine is a bit larger than the Model 111, but still has all the main features that make the 111 a winner.
Overall, Automatic Products is a reliable brand that produces high-quality snack machines. Their snack machines are easy to use and maintain, making them a great choice.
When it comes to snack machines, CPI is one of the top brands in the market. More famously known as Crane, they have been producing top of the line snack machines for decades.
At Lucky Vending, they are our personal snack machine brand of choice.
One of the most popular snack machines from Crane National Vendors is the Crane National Vendors 167. It’s a super durable, super reliable, 5 column snack machine making it a great option for accounts with high foot traffic.
Overall, Crane is one of the best snack machine brands in the industry and you cannot go wrong by choosing them.
When it comes to snack vending machines, USI (U-Select-It) is another one of the best brands to consider. Owned by Wittern, the company has over 90 years of experience in the vending industry and it shows in the excellence of their products.
USI offers a wide range of great snack machine models to choose from. From ambient snack vending machines like the Mercato 3000 to full-featured vending machines like the Evoke Snack 5, there is a USI vending machine to suit every business need.
A great feature of USI vending machines is their reliability. USI is known for producing high-quality vending machines that are built to last. This means business owners can count on their USI vending machine to operate smoothly and consistently, minimizing downtime and maximizing profits.
One of the best things about USI snack machines is their affordability. Despite being a top-tier brand, USI snack machines are some of the most affordable on the market. This makes them an excellent choice for small business owners or those just starting in the vending machine industry.
Overall, USI (U-Select-It) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, affordable, and durable snack machine. If you’re just starting out, they’re probably the best snack machine brand to choose from due to the affordability while also being a top of the line product.
When choosing a snack machine, there a lot of factors to consider including reliability, durability, interchangeable parts, and availability of spare parts
Go for North American brands with a lot of experience in the vending industry
The best vending machine brands for snack machines are AMS, Automatic Products, Crane, and USI
If you’re new to the vending machine business, the best brand to choose when starting out is usually going to be USI
We hope you found this article useful in choosing a proper snack machine for your business!
Snack Machines are just as important as drink machines, so it’s important to know which brands are the best investment.
If you're a business in Toronto or the surrounding areas looking to have vending machines placed in your facility, click here to contact us and we'll be in touch.