Starting a vending machine business can be a very lucrative and rewarding venture. But before diving into the world of vending machine businesses though, it's important to familiarize yourself with everything you need to operate and maintain your machines effectively.
Having the proper equipment is essential for not only optimizing profits but also for maintaining your equipment and keeping customers satisfied.
In this article, we’re going to cover the most important pieces of equipment you’ll need to succeed as a vending machine business owner.
The 10 most important pieces of equipment you'll need for your vending machine business are:
A hand truck is by far the most essential piece of equipment for your vending machine business. You’ll be using your hand truck every time you visit a location to restock your machines. As such, it's crucial to invest in a high-quality hand truck that is durable, reliable, and easy to maneuver.
When selecting a hand truck, consider one with a convertible design. Convertible hand trucks allow you to effortlessly transform them into a cart, making it easier to transport soda, snacks, and other inventory to and from your vending machines. This versatile feature streamlines the process of restocking your machines, reducing time spent on each stop along your route.
Additionally, when choosing your hand truck, prioritize models with sturdy construction and reliable wheels. A high-quality hand truck will not only last longer but also make your job safer and more efficient. Look for features such as puncture-resistant tires and robust materials to ensure the hand truck can withstand heavy loads and daily usage.
If you’re interested in reading more, we have a more indepth article on hand trucks, which you can find here
There are a lot of good hand trucks out there, but this has been our go-to:
Not only is it extremely reliable, but it is extremely affordable as well.
You can buy it here.
As a vending machine business owner, you'll need a proper storage system for your inventory. You’ll be bringing a lot of snacks and beverages into establishments, so having good product storage is essential.
Some vendors will just bring entire boxes of product into establishments. We’re not a fan of this for 2 reasons:
You’re much better off putting your product into storage bins and carrying them into establishments that way. This is known as Pre-Kitting.
When Pre-kitting, you want to use durable bins that can store a lot of product. Construction and industrial tote bins work great for this.
These are the bins we recommend using. They are durable, secure, and have a high capacity.
You can find them here: https://amzn.to/48YFaIf
Chocolate can be a challenging product to manage in your vending machine business. You need to take extra measures to ensure proper temperature control.
If conditions are too hot, the chocolate will melt.
But if it’s too cold, the chocolate will end up getting the Bloom. Most customers will give you a problem if they see this, so you want to avoid it at all costs.
The best way to enforce temperature control when dealing with chocolate is to use a cooler. Storing a chocolate this way will reduce exposure to hot and cold temperatures.
This is the type of cooler we recommend:
You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3Sa7roi
If you’re doing a full route that has you working full time hours (about 8 hours a day), you should also consider getting a bigger cooler to keep your chocolate in while you travel from location to location.
We recommend something like this:
You can find it here: https://amzn.to/3OcBUkJ
Basic hand tools, such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pliers, are a must-carry for any vending machine operator.
During your work in the vending machine business, you will occasionally run into occasions where you will need to do some physical work on the machine. This can involve anything from tightening a few screws to having to completely remove & replace parts. The good news is that most repairs are small and you will rarely need to do anything more complicated than tightening a few nuts & bolts.
Carrying a small toolbox with you when servicing your machines will allow you to do minor repairs as needed, preventing possible downtime and lost revenue.
This is the toolset we recommend. It has everything you’ll need to keep your machines in good shape while also being extremely portable.
Buy it here: https://amzn.to/4apQoX9
In your vending machine business, having a spare coin mech is essential. Most machine errors with not accepting coins & cash are attributed to a coin mech that needs servicing. When facing such issues, a spare coin mech offers a quick solution by allowing you to replace the problematic coin mech until it gets fixed.
Coin mechs are responsible for validating and directing coins into the appropriate change tubes within the vending machine. They are subjected to constant use, which means dirt and grime can accumulate on the coin tracks, leading to jams or improper functioning. Having a spare coinmech ensures that your business won't suffer from extended downtime due to malfunctioning equipment.
You can find a spare coinmech at your local vending machine warehouse. You can also find good deals for coinmechs from other vendors on sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
This is not something we recommend purchasing online unless you have complete trust in the website you’re buying from. You will need to look over the mechanism and make sure it’s in working order before making a purchase, and buying online prevents you from doing this successfully.
When starting your vending machine business, one essential equipment you need is money bags. These bags play a crucial role in keeping your cash and coins organized, secure, and easy to transport between machines and your cash storage location.
Why Money Bags are Essential
As a vending machine business owner, you will be frequently handling cash and coins collected from your machines. It can become cumbersome and time-consuming to carry loose change without proper organization. Money bags help you streamline and simplify this process. They come in different types and sizes, allowing you to choose the ones that suit your needs best.
Selecting Appropriate Money Bags
Here are some factors to consider when selecting money bags for your vending machine business:
If you’re starting out, we recommend using money bags such as this:
You can purchase these money bags here: https://amzn.to/4akKw1f
As your vending machine business continues to grow and you secure bigger locations, you should absolutely be using money bags with a lock.
We recommend something like this:
These bags are VERY secure and durable. Great for storing significant amounts of cash and coins.
You can find these bags here: https://amzn.to/3Tjflwd
In the vending machine business, it's essential to have a garbage bag on hand. This is because, as you maintain and restock your vending machines, you'll encounter stales - products that are past their "best before" date.
Stale products should never be left for customers to purchase, as it can tarnish your business's reputation and even lead to potential health issues for the consumer.
While cleaning and restocking your machines, keep a garbage bag with you to collect these outdated items. This will help keep your vending machines clean and ensure that customers are only purchasing fresh, high-quality products. Additionally, proper disposal of stales can help you maintain a healthy inventory turnover, keeping your stock at the optimal level.
You can find appropriate garbage bags at pretty much every hardware or department store. Alternatively, Amazon has a 50 pack of reliable garbage bags that you can find here: https://amzn.to/3PnOHBj
Regular maintenance of your vending machine business equipment is essential to ensure smooth operation and a longer lifespan. One crucial aspect of maintenance is lubrication. Lubricants help reduce friction and wear on various moving parts, from hinges to glass fronts. Though the motors of a vending machine itself have enough lubricant and should not be touched, other parts of the machine need occasional attention. In this section, we will discuss two common lubricants suitable for vending machine maintenance: WD-40 and Food Grade Silicone Spray.
WD-40 is a well-known, versatile lubricant that can help maintain your vending machine equipment. It serves multiple purposes, such as cleaning, protecting, and lubricating various parts. When using WD-40, be sure to apply it sparingly and only on the components that require lubrication, keeping in mind the following points:
We recommend using WD-40 to lubricate the parts of your machine that do not necessarily come into contact with products. Some parts include the cage of your drink machine, hinges on the front, etc.
We do NOT recommend using it on any electrical parts such as the motherboard or keypad. Doing this can and will cause damage to your machine.
You can find WD-40 at your local Wal-Mart or Hardware store.
Alternatively, you can buy it online at Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3IHrfve
For areas of the vending machine that come into contact with food or consumable products, using a food grade silicone spray is essential. This lubricant is non-toxic, odorless, and safe for use on equipment that handles food items. Some key considerations and benefits of using a food grade silicone spray include:
Another essential application for lubricant is in glass front drink machines that use a robot arm to retrieve drinks for paying customers. While they can be very aesthetic and versatile, they do have a reputation for having drinks getting stuck in the glass. Spraying the glass with food grade silicone spray will reduce the rate at which this happens.
This is the Food Grade Silicone Spray for vending machines that we recommend:
You can buy it here: https://amzn.to/48XLjnt
By regularly maintaining your vending machine equipment and using the appropriate lubricants, you can ensure a longer-lasting and more efficient operation.
Cleaning supplies are an essential thing to have with you as a vendor. A clean vending machine is not only more likely to attract more sales, but will also help you maintain a good reputation with establishment owners.
Vending Machines that are not regularly cleaned also run into problems of their own, such as:
You should be carrying a box of cleaning supplies with you whenever you’re visiting a location.
Some of the supplies you should always be carrying include:
You can find all of these equipment at your local hardware or department store. Alternatively, you can visit the Amazon links we’ve included above if you prefer shopping online. The products we have included are all products that we either use ourselves or would have used.
A small vacuum cleaner is important to have in your vending machine business. While it will help with keeping your Vending Machines clean, the real reason to have a vacuum cleaner is to reduce the risk of damage to your equipment.
An excessive amount of dust and dirt can cause damage to the motherboard of your machines which can lead to a shorter life expectancy.
Additionally, it can cause the compressors of your drink machines to blow. We’ve spent over $3000 in repairing compressors that have blown from excessive dust, so we cannot recommend getting a vacuum cleaner enough.
Look for a hand vacuum cleaner that’s cordless and rechargeable. Since you’re moving from location to location and vacuuming small areas, we don’t recommend a shopvac or a bigger vacuum that you would have to plug in to use.
This is the one we recommend:
You can buy it online here: https://amzn.to/3x0TyC7
We hope you found this article on essential equipment helpful in your journey as a successful vending machine business owner.
For more guides and articles on the vending machine business, click here to visit our blog.
If you’re a business owner in Toronto or the surrounding areas and would like vending machines at your, click here to contact us.
Moving a vending machine is an essential part of the business and can’t be avoided. Even if your business consists of locations with machines already placed, sooner or later you will run into a situation where you'll need to move them.
Some situations where you will need to move a vending machine include:
Moving them can be a challenging task due to the size and weight of a vending machine. It requires careful planning, appropriate tools, and a methodical approach to ensure the safety of both the machine and the individuals involved in the moving process.
In this post, we’ll cover some tips and advice on how to move a machine as safely and efficiently as possible.
If this is your first move and you have little to no experience moving heavy equipment, hire a professional to do it for you.
You can easily damage equipment or injure yourself or others if you’re new to the task.
Before relocating a vending machine, it's essential to prepare it properly to prevent any damage to the machine or injury to the individuals involved in the move. This preparation involves a series of crucial steps designed to ensure the safety of both the equipment and the movers.
Before any physical handling, one must ensure that the vending machine is disconnected from power to avoid electrical hazards. It might seem like a no-brainer, but we have personally seen people try to remove a vending machine from a break room while it was still plugged in. Unplug the power cord and secure it so that it doesn't get caught or cause anyone to trip during the move.
You also want to make sure that all moving parts are secured. This will reduce the risk of damage during moves and make relocating a lot easier. To protect the internal components of the vending machine during the move, they should be secured using screws or strong tape. This includes securing any movable parts inside to prevent them from shifting, which could cause damage. Make sure the machine's doors are also tightly closed and locked, if possible, to avoid them swinging open.
This is a part of moving that gets frequently overlooked. The vending machine must be COMPLETELY EMPTY. Not only can this lighten the load significantly (especially if you’re moving a drink machine), but it will reduce the risk of damage to the machine. Be sure to remove the coin mech, bill acceptor, and card reader (if possible) as well.
Another essential part of the moving process. Arguably one of the most important. Correctly measuring the dimensions of the doorway and the vending machine is critical to ensure it can fit through doorways and into its new location. Height, width, and depth should be recorded, and one should compare these measurements with the entryways and paths the vending machine will need to pass through during the move.
Before attempting to move a vending machine, it is critical to have all the necessary moving equipment on hand to ensure a smooth and safe process. Choosing the right tools and ensuring you have adequate protection will make a significant difference in the moving experience.
Moving a vending machine will involve equipment designed for lifting heavy objects. There are a few different forms of equipment that can be used.
The most common way of moving a vending machine involves using a pallet jack or a pump truck. This is arguably the most efficient way, as it is strong enough to move the machine into place while also requiring the least amount of assistance to maneuver.
Another common way of moving a vending machine involves a heavy duty dolly. You would simply put the machine on top of the dolly and move it accordingly. While it is more mobile than a pump truck, we are personally not a big fan of this method. It is less secure and involves tipping a 500+ lb machine to one side, which can be potentially dangerous.
Some moves will involve stairs. In a situation like this, you would need a special piece of equipment known as a stair climber. Stair Climbers are heavy duty, and you might need special training to be able to use one. But they are EXTREMELY handy when dealing with stairs.
Supplies for protection are equally important as the moving tools. Furniture blankets and moving blankets act as padding to protect the machine from scratches and dings during transit. Secure the padding with straps or packing tape to ensure the blankets stay in place. Additional protective measures such as corner guards can prevent damage to the machine and to doorways.
By gathering the necessary equipment and supplies, individuals or teams responsible for the vending machine's relocation can expect a safer and more efficient move. Properly chosen moving equipment is the cornerstone of any successful vending machine relocation effort.
In preparing for the transportation of a vending machine, careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth move. Adequate assessment of the path, attention to the machine's dimensions, and understanding the structural challenges are key factors to consider.
The first step in the moving process involves a thorough mapping of the path the vending machine will take from its current position to its new location. Measure doorways, corridors, and any other points of passage to confirm the machine's height and width are compatible. Identify obstacles such as permanent fixtures or tight corners that could hinder movement, mapping out alternative routes if necessary.
Navigating through hallways, maneuvering through doors, and dealing with stairs can be challenging. It's crucial to have a detailed strategy for each segment of the move. For hallways and doors, establish a clear path, removing any possible obstructions. You may even have to temporarily remove a door if it’s still obstructing your path while open.
Each step must be planned with precision, employing the proper tools and techniques to conquer the complexities of the transport.
Moving a vending machine requires careful planning and the right techniques to prevent damage and ensure safety. This section covers the essentials for maneuvering and transporting the machine effectively.
Important: make sure the only people handling the machine are the people in charge of the move. If you’re moving at a time where foot traffic is present, do not let anyone near the machine until it’s fully set up. And do NOT ask anyone to help you out at any point of the moving process. Doing this can run the risk of injuries and lawsuits.
Vending machines are typically delivered via 1 of 2 ways:
Both are reliable ways to move a vending machine. If you don’t have a vehicle you can attach a trailer to though, you’ll probably find a truck with a tailgate to be more convenient. You can rent a truck with a tailgate for a day from somewhere like Penske for a very affordable price.
When it comes to moving a vending machine, correct lifting techniques are critical to avoid injury and maintain the balance of the machine. One should always lift from their knees and keep the back straight to reduce strain. Maneuvering the hefty appliance requires multiple people, with one guiding the movement and others supporting the weight, to maintain the center and prevent tipping over.
Once on the dolly or hand truck, it is crucial to secure the vending machine with straps or ropes. During transport, ensuring that the machine is immobilized will prevent any shifting that could cause imbalance or a fall. Proper securing techniques are necessary to keep the vending machine stable throughout the entirety of the move.
Once a vending machine has been moved, it's crucial to ensure it's correctly set up at the new location. This involves precise positioning, connecting to power, and preparing for operation. Each step is vital for the machine to function optimally and serve its purpose effectively.
The machine must be positioned on a flat, stable surface to prevent operational issues. Leveling is critical; an unlevel machine can cause mechanical malfunctions or product dispensing issues. Not just that, but it increases the risk of tipping and falling over. If you’re not sure the machine is level, use a tool such as a bubble level to check horizontal alignment and adjust the machine’s feet accordingly to stabilize its position.
Before plugging in the machine, it's important to restock any products that may have been removed prior to the move. This ensures immediate availability once the machine is back in use. Carefully reconnect the power supply, ensuring the plug fits securely in the outlet and there is no damage to the cord which could pose a safety hazard.
Upon reconnecting the power, perform a thorough test of the machine to check that all features are operational. This should include dispensing products, coin and bill acceptance, and the return mechanism. In case of malfunctions, follow troubleshooting steps such as checking for jams, ensuring proper alignment of vending coils, or consulting the machine’s manual for specific issues.
When moving a vending machine, specific tools and techniques can ensure safety and efficiency. Here, expert insights and practical advice address common concerns.
An individual planning to move a vending machine needs specialized equipment such as a heavy-duty hand truck designed for vending machines, moving straps, and furniture dollies. Additionally, protective blankets can help prevent damage during transport.
To safely transport a vending machine on a dolly, one must first secure the machine with moving straps, ensuring it is balanced and stable. The dolly should be tilted back carefully to distribute the weight evenly before moving.
Moving a vending machine up stairs requires careful planning. One should use a stair-climbing dolly and ensure the path is clear of obstacles. Enlisting the help of additional people is crucial to maintain balance and control during the move.
Any truck with a lift gate and ample space is best suited for moving vending machines. You can either use something like a boxtruck with a tailgate, or a pickup truck that has a liftgate installed. It should have tie-down points to secure the machine during transport and enough payload capacity to handle the weight that ranges between 400 to 900 pounds. Be sure to use cargo straps to keep the machine in place.
To utilize a pallet jack for relocating a vending machine, one must position it under the machine's base, ensuring even weight distribution. The machine should be lifted gently, just enough to clear the ground, and then carefully guided to the new location.
We hope you found this article helpful.
For more advice and posts on vending, click here to visit our blog.
If you're a business in the Toronto or Greater Toronto Area and would like to have vending services at your location, click here to contact us.
Over the years, we have been moving more and more towards a cashless society. The vending machine industry is no different. Card readers have become increasingly common.
If you visit any establishment with enough foot traffic to warrant vending machine services, you’ll often notice they’ll offer the option to pay by card. Many vendors have even started using them as a selling point.
But is having card readers in your machine really that much of an advantage? The short and simple answer is yes.
In this article, we’ll explore the numerous benefits that come with adding card readers to your vending machines, ranging from cost-efficiency to improving overall customer satisfaction.
Investing in card readers for your vending machines can significantly decrease your operational costs. Cashless transactions reduce the need for regular cash collection, counting, and depositing. It also reduces the risk of theft or vandalism targeting cash stored in the machines. Unless someone has direct access to your account, there’s no way for them to steal money as a result of card reader sales from you. As a result, you save both time and money that could be better spent on other aspects of your business.
Card readers are relatively low maintenance compared to traditional coin and bill acceptors. Coin and Bill acceptors need to be cleaned on a regular basis, otherwise the sensors can stop recognizing money and start affecting your sales. With card readers, there is a lower rate of mechanical failure, which means fewer service calls and repair costs. In addition, modern card readers often come with features like firmware updates and self-diagnosis capabilities, enabling you to troubleshoot and solve minor issues without the need for a technician. You will on occasion run into problems with your readers (like anything machine related, they break down too), but it is significantly less frequent compared to acceptors and coin mechs.
Accepting cashless payments with card readers can lead to a boost in sales for your vending machines. On average, installing readers can increase your sales by over 30%.
This is because customers who aren’t carrying cash can still make purchases at your machine using debit or credit. Customers using cards are also more likely to spend than if they were to use cash. This is because, according to a study, spending money using a card is significantly less painful compared to spending cash. This, in turn, translates to greater profits for your business.
By considering the aspects mentioned above, integrating card readers into your vending machines is a cost-efficient decision that will bring convenience to your customers and advantages to your business operations.
Offering card readers in your vending machines provides a more convenient experience for your customers. As mentioned earlier, many people nowadays carry cards or make digital payments instead of cash, making a card reader an essential feature for modern vending machines. By installing card readers, you are catering to the needs of a wider audience and increasing the likelihood of making a sale. Studies have shown that offering a variety of payment options can lead to total sales growth of up to 42%.
With a card reader, the transaction process is faster than traditional cash and coin payments. Customers simply tap or swipe their card, and the transaction is completed within seconds. This increased speed of service not only improves the customer experience, but it also increases the turnover rate of your vending machine, since customers can make their purchase and move on quickly. Vending machines equipped with card readers can accept all major credit cards, as well as mobile payment options, further streamlining the payment process.
Integrating card readers into your vending machines also reduces the risk of theft and vandalism. Since there is less physical cash and fewer coins in the machine, the incentive for criminals to break into the machine is significantly reduced. Additionally, digital transactions are more secure and traceable, which not only provides more peace of mind for customers, but also aids in loss prevention for your business. You also don’t have to worry about counterfeit money somehow getting into your machine.
These days, consumers increasingly prefer contactless payment options. By installing card readers with tap-to-pay features in your vending machines, you make the purchasing experience more convenient for your customers. This not only increases customer satisfaction but also encourages impulse purchases, ultimately boosting your sales. In addition, contactless payments provide a safer and more hygienic option, especially during times when cleanliness is of utmost importance.
With the widespread adoption of EMV chip cards, it is crucial for your vending machines to be compatible with this technology. EMV chip cards offer a higher level of security compared to traditional magnetic stripe cards, reducing the risk of fraud. By incorporating EMV chip compatibility into your card readers, you are providing a more secure payment solution for your customers and protecting your business from potential fraudulent activities.
Another advantage of card readers in vending machines is their ability to integrate with operative systems. This enables you to monitor sales, track inventory, and collect valuable data on customer preferences. You can use this information to optimize your product selection, pricing strategies, and even adjust your machine's location if necessary. Moreover, integration with operative systems allows you to streamline the restocking process, minimizing downtime, and ensuring your customers always have access to their favorite products.
By upgrading your vending machines with these features, you are not only meeting the evolving demands of consumers but also staying ahead in the competitive market.
Utilizing card readers in your vending machines provides numerous advantages, with one of the most significant being the enhancement of data collection and reporting. By monitoring and analyzing this data, you can make informed decisions to maximize profits and improve customer satisfaction.
One of the key benefits of using card readers is their ability to generate automated reports. With a reliable Vending Management System (VMS) in place, the process of data reporting and analysis becomes more streamlined. Various aspects of your vending machine business, such as sales, inventory, and customer preferences, can be evaluated via these reports, enabling you to make data-driven decisions for optimization.
Another advantage of credit card readers is their potential for improved sales tracking. As customers increasingly adopt cashless payment methods, card readers prove essential to capturing and analyzing detailed sales data. You can monitor product performance in real-time, allowing for better inventory management and targeted marketing strategies.
In summary, integrating card readers into your vending machines offers valuable data collection and reporting capabilities. Automated reports and enhanced sales tracking empower you to make informed decisions, leading to a more successful and customer-focused vending machine business.
By installing card readers in your vending machines, you are offering customers a variety of payment options, making the purchasing process more convenient. With card readers, customers can use credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, and contactless payments like Apple Pay and Android Pay, ensuring that they can make a purchase even if they don't have cash on hand. Additionally, providing multiple payment options can lead to an increase in sales, as some customers may decide to indulge in a snack or drink due to the ease of payment1.
Equipping your vending machines with card readers not only meets the current demand for cashless payments but also future-proofs your business. Society is continually moving towards new payment methods, and staying ahead of these trends can help your business remain competitive. By embracing cashless payment options now, you'll be better prepared to adapt when new technologies emerge, seamlessly integrating these innovations into your vending machines. This adaptability can ultimately lead to long-term success for your business, as your machines are equipped to cater to evolving customer preferences.
From our experience at Lucky Vending, the best brand for card readers is Nayax by far. They have been in the world of cashless payments since 2005 and make high quality readers. On top of making reliable products, they also offer an analytics platform that allows you to track the sales of your machine on a granular level, down to the time when people buy from it the most.
At the time of writing this article, Nayax’s flagship product for vending machines is the VPos.
Card readers encourage customers to make purchases by allowing them to use credit and debit cards, making transactions faster and more convenient. Research has shown that people tend to spend more when using a card rather than cash, leading to increased sales for vending machines equipped with card readers.
Card readers make transactions easier for customers who may not have cash or coins readily available. By offering multiple payment options, including contactless payments, your vending machine becomes more accessible to users. Card readers also speed up transactions, providing a seamless experience for busy customers.
Card readers are equipped with various security measures to reduce the risk of fraud and data breaches, such as encryption and tokenization, ensuring that sensitive payment data is safe. By reducing the amount of cash stored in the machine, card readers also minimize the risk of theft and vandalism.
While there is an initial investment required to install card readers, the long-term benefits often offset the costs. In addition to increased revenue through higher sales, card readers can also help reduce cash handling costs, decrease machine downtime due to coin jams, and potentially attract more customers due to the ease of use and convenience factor.
Card readers require ongoing maintenance to ensure they function properly, but this is typically minimal compared to the upkeep required for cash and coin mechanisms. Routine software updates and occasional hardware replacements may be needed, but overall, card readers can reduce the time and effort spent on maintaining your vending machines.
Before installing a card reader, it is essential to confirm that it is compatible with your vending machine model. Most of the time, this will just involve the machine being MDB. You can consult the manufacturer's documentation or customer support for specific compatibility information. Make sure to double-check all connections to ensure they are secure and properly connected.
We hope you found this blog article useful in understanding the benefit of installing card readers in your machines.
Check out our Vending Blog for more quality articles on running a vending machine business.
If you’re a business in Toronto or the surrounding area and would quality vending machine services for your business, click here to contact us.
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.
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