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Introduction

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.

Important: Read this first.

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.

Preparing the Vending Machine for Relocation

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.

Safety Precautions and Disconnecting Power

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.

Securing Internal Components and Doors

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.

Emptying the Machine and Removing Products

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.

Measuring and Assessing Vending Machine Dimensions

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.

Gathering Necessary Moving Equipment

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.

Selecting the Proper Moving Tools

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.

Ensuring Adequate Supplies and Protection

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.

Planning the Moving Process

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.

Mapping the Path and Identifying Obstacles

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.

Strategizing for Hallways, Doors, and Stairs

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 the Vending Machine

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.

Vehicle for transporting

Vending machines are typically delivered via 1 of 2 ways:

  1. A truck with a tailgate
  2. A trailer

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.

f you have a pickup truck, you can also install a liftgate. These are strong enough for a vending machine and will enable you to use your pickup truck for the transport. Just be sure to use cargo straps to keep the machine in place while you drive.
If you have a pickup truck, you can also install a liftgate. These are strong enough for a vending machine and will enable you to use your pickup truck for the transport. Just be sure to use cargo straps to keep the machine in place while you drive.

Correct Lifting Techniques and Maneuvering

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.

Securing the Machine During Transit

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.

Setting Up the Vending Machine at the New Location

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.

Positioning and Leveling the Machine

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.

Restocking and Reconnecting Power Supply

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.

Testing Functionality and Troubleshooting

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When moving a vending machine, specific tools and techniques can ensure safety and efficiency. Here, expert insights and practical advice address common concerns.

What equipment is necessary to move a vending machine by yourself?

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.

How can you safely transport a vending machine using a dolly?

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.

What are the considerations for moving a vending machine up stairs?

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.

What type of truck is best suited for moving vending machines?

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.

How do you properly utilize a pallet jack for relocating a vending machine?

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.

Conclusion

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.

Introduction

If you're looking to start a vending machine business, there are two ways to grow it: Reaching out to businesses and convincing them to let you put machines in them, or Buying a vending machine location.

Both methods have their own advantages, but in this article we're going to cover how to buy a vending location.

The advantages of buying a vending machine location

Buying a vending machine location with machines already placed in them has numerous advantages over trying to secure a location of your own.

There are so many in fact that unless you’re on a tight budget or want to go through the full experience yourself, it’s your best bet at growing a successful vending machine business.

Some of these advantages include:

You get to skip the sales process

If you’re trying to place vending machines on your own, it’s not enough to find a good establishment for them; you also have to convince the decision makers to bring you onboard. 

This is the hardest part of vending for most people. Doing sales can be uncomfortable, especially when you’re knocking on doors and doing cold calls to get them. But when you buy a location, you get to bypass this struggle and get to the fun part: serving customers and running your business.

The machines are already placed for you

Moving is arguably the most stressful part of the business. Vending machines are VERY heavy and VERY easy to damage during the moving process. It’s not a one-person job. Not to mention you need special equipment to effectively move them.

By buying a vending machine location though, you won’t have to go through this struggle because the machines will already be on-site and working for you.

You’ll know the earning potential of your location

Securing locations can be risky because you never know if the place is actually going to be profitable or not. Even with a high amount of foot traffic, you can still end up with machines that rarely get used. 

At Lucky Vending, we’ve had this happen on a few occasions. In one instance, we secured an office with a headcount of over 200 people. On paper this looked to be a very profitable account for us. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, most of the workforce opted to work from home and the machines barely got used.

But when you buy a vending machine location, there’s no guesswork involved with knowing how much money you expect to make every month because the previous owner will provide you with the details. They’ll tell you the annual revenue of the location, and you can use that information to make a decision. Just be sure to confirm the earning potential, as this part of the process is very ripe for scams and misleading claims.

You’ll have a pre-established rapport with the building

Customer service and reputation is an important part of maintaining a vending machine location. You want to make sure the people buying from you trust you and are happy with your service. If you’re just starting out, this can take time to build. And in the time that it takes to build, people can abuse your machine or disrespect you. 

When you’re buying a location though, you’re usually going to be doing it from a company the establishment has already grown to know and trust. If they were in good standing with the company, you’ll usually be in good standing as well by association.

In summary, there are many advantages to buying a vending location over trying to place the machines yourself.

Where to find vending machine locations

There are generally two places you’ll find vending locations available for purchase:

There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods, and we’re going to cover them.

Buying locations from online marketplaces

Search Results from Facebook Marketplace. Online Marketplaces are a great place to find vending locations.
Search Results from Facebook Marketplace. Online Marketplaces are a great place to find vending locations.

Sites like Facebook Marketplace are full of vending machine locations for sale. Most of the time they’ll be from individual people who got into the vending business and are looking to get out of it, although you’ll sometimes come across postings from actual vendors as well

Advantages Of Buying Locations From Online Marketplaces

Marketplaces can be a goldmine for cheap locations. Not just that, but you can often haggle with the owner and secure them at an even lower price. Most people selling their locations are trying to exit the business entirely, so they’re willing to accept lower offers if you show enough buyer intention.

Another advantage of buying off marketplaces is that since you’re usually dealing with individual people, there’s significantly less paperwork involved. Most of the time you won’t be buying off established businesses or companies, so you don’t have to deal with any legal formalities. In a lot of cases, you can even pay cash.

Disadvantages Of Buying Locations From Online Marketplaces

One of the biggest disadvantages of buying from online marketplaces is the lack of proper regulation. Because anybody can put up a listing, you have to exercise caution and audit locations thoroughly, as marketplaces can be ripe for scams and deception. 

You can find locations that don’t make as much money as advertised, or have machines that need significant service. Sometimes, you’ll even find locations in terrible standing with management. 

When we were new to the business, we bought a retail break room location off of a marketplace. Retail break rooms are typically locations you want to avoid, but this was for a clothing store with over 60 workers, so we decided to make an exception. 

When we took over the location, not only did it actually make ZERO sales, but many selections didn’t work and the vendor had a reputation for putting expired product. The only reason it was even still there was because nobody tried to take over. Once we took over the location, we let the owner know it was under new management. It took a lot of work to earn the trust of the people, but we were able to make it profitable.

Outside of the lack of regulation, you’ll typically find that the locations for sale are typically small accounts. It’s rare that you’ll be finding the types of places that make for prime vending locations. Because of this, Marketplaces are usually best for people who want to try vending as a business before they really make the decision to get invested.

Buying Locations From Other Vendors

You can also buy vending machine locations from other vendors. Most vending machine businesses have locations they’re looking to sell. They might be selling it for a multitude of reasons, but a lot of time it’s because they can’t give the location the attention it deserves anymore.

Because you’ll be getting them from other vendors, don’t expect to find the locations on Marketplaces. You can find them by contacting vendors in your area, or by consulting directories such as Vending Connection, which offer ad placements for a price.

Sites like Vending Connection are great places to meet and buy locations from professional vendors.
Sites like Vending Connection are great places to meet and buy locations from professional vendors.

Advantages of buying locations from other vendors

Buying from other Vendors has a lot of advantages.

For one, you can trust that the location will be as advertised. Because you’re dealing with an actual business, you’re more likely to be dealing with someone who’s trustworthy. Businesses can be ruined by a bad reputation, so they don’t want anyone to be able to say they were being dishonest.

Another advantage is that it will typically be a location of higher quality. Professional vendors are able to secure more profitable locations, so you can expect to see a decent cashflow from the locations you buy from them. You can expect fully functioning machines and a good relationship with the owner of the establishment. And if there isn’t for any reason, the vendor will usually notify you upfront.

If you’re lucky, some vendors will also have guarantees on their machines that you’ll take over should you choose to buy the location from them. This guarantee can include free service calls, and even machine replacements.

Disadvantages of buying locations from other vendors

Hands down the biggest disadvantage of buying a location from another vendor is going to be the price. Many of their locations are priced to profit and because you’re dealing with someone with more experience, you can’t expect the type of firesales you can find on online marketplaces.

If you can figure out the profit margins of the locations they’re trying to sell though, you can often negotiate for a better price where both you and the vendor can walk away happy.

Another disadvantage of buying from other vendors is that they won’t advertise every location they have for sale to you. They understand that their reputation can be at stake even after exiting, so they won’t give them up to just anyone. Oftentimes they’ll also be selling to multiple businesses, so they can have a preference in terms of who to sell to. This can work in your favor though, as if a vendor exercises this type of caution, you can expect the locations they offer to be solid.

Buying from a marketplace and buying from a vendor both have significant advantages and whichever you choose is going to depend on your budget and your risk tolerance. If you have a small budget of less than $5000, your best bet will often be marketplaces. If you have a budget of more than $5000 and don’t want to take risks, your best move will be to build a relationship with a vendor and buy a location from them.

How to buy a vending machine location

Buying a vending machine location is fairly straightforward and follows the same process whether you’re buying it from a vendor or an individual. You want to inquire about the location, discuss payment, and buy.

Step 1: Inquire about the location

Whether it’s a vendor or a marketplace posting, you want to reach out and ask about the location.

In particular, you want to know:

If the location and price is of interest to you, the next step would be to meet up and have a look at the location.

Step 2: Visit the location

If the location and price of the vending machine location looks okay to you, you’ll want to have a look at the location in person.

Arrange for a time to meet with the owner and visit the location. If the owner has been in vending for a while, they will probably want you to give them a small deposit beforehand. Don’t worry, this deposit is 100% refundable. Vendors do this just to ensure you’re actually interested in buying the location and not a tire kicker.

When you visit the location, make sure you take note of the building and the machines.

In particular, you want to know:

It’s especially important to make sure the location & machines are as advertised. You don’t want to run into a situation where you end up taking on a location only to find out the machines are malfunctioning the headcount is lower than the owner said.

If everything seems in order to you, the next is to discuss payment.

Step 3: Negotiate a deal

If the location looks like a winner to you, the next step in the process is to make a deal.

In particular, you want to discuss:

Buying locations for the advertised price and keeping all of the equipment is standard.

Locations are usually priced at 12x the monthly gross profit. For example if a place is making $2k/month, you can expect the owner to ask for about $24k.

We’re gonna let you in on a price negotiation secret though:

Most vendors operate on a 50% margin. So if a location is advertised at $24k like in the example above, they’re most likely netting about $12k a year from the location. Vendors are usually willing to go lower than the gross revenue, but not the net revenue. If you make an offer between those two numbers, you can potentially walk away with a location at a solid discount.

Step 4: Acquire the vending location

After successfully negotiating a deal with the owner of the location, the next step is to go through the process of taking it over.

The first thing you want to do is sign an agreement with the owner. This is very important. You want to make sure you get the acquisition in writing. Most vendors will already have contracts ready for you, but if the owner doesn’t, a simple paper signed by both parties outlining the details of the transaction will do. Make sure you have receipts of any and all payments you carry out as well.

The next step is to meet with the vendor and have them take all the money out of the machines. This includes money from any sales and the change from the coin mechs. You will then be filling the coin mechs with your own change. The reason for this step is to ensure the true value is being transferred, and to avoid any potential legal problems associated with buying and selling money.

If any equipment/product is not included in the deal, the next step would be to remove them with the vendor. You would then be replacing them with yours.

The final step is to take the keys to the machines. If there are any keys associated with the location (ie. FOB keys to get in after hours), make sure you get them too.

Congratulations, you are now the new owner of a vending location!

How to buy a vending machine route

A vending machine route is basically a group of vending machine locations. They can be all along the same road, or in the same general area. Routes are typically sold by vendors looking to exit the business or size down.

Buying a route can be a great way to get started full time in the vending business. You wouldn’t just be servicing a machine or two on your downtime - you would have a whole fleet of them making money for you. It’s a good way to grow your business overnight.

The buying and selling process is similar to buying an individual location, except now you would be buying more than one for the advertised price. So instead of looking at one location, you would now be looking at and paying for however many are advertised.

Some vendors are also open to only selling parts of their location. In this case, you would only be paying for the locations you and the vendor agree on.

Either way, buying a vending route is another great way to grow your business.

Conclusion:

We hope you found this extensive guide on buying vending machine locations useful!

For more guides and tips on the vending machine business, visit our Vending Blog.

If you’re a business in Toronto and the surrounding areas looking for quality vending services, click here to contact us.

Till next time, good luck!

Email

info@luckyvending.ca

Phone

(647) 474 1339

Hours

Mon-Fri: After 5pm
Sat-Sun: Anytime
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