Published • 10 Jan 2025
If you're considering getting into the vending business, you might find that securing the right vending locations is one of the trickiest parts. Many high-traffic spots already have a vending machine or two, and getting your foot in the door can be harder than it sounds. But don't worry—with the right approach, you can find prime vending machine locations and generate revenue quickly. Here's a guide to help you navigate this challenge.
Start by Doing Your Research
Before you even think about pitching to potential locations, take the time to research and identify the best places for vending machines. Google Maps is your friend here. You can use it to pinpoint places with heavy foot traffic, such as hospitals, gyms, and malls. Look for areas where people spend time and could benefit from a quick snack or drink—long waits, like in doctor’s offices or auto repair shops, are often ideal.
Once you’ve identified a few potential vending machine locations, narrow them down by considering the area's population, how often the space is visited, and its proximity to competing businesses, including convenience stores.
Local business directories are also a goldmine. Many listings include the size of the business and sometimes even contact info, which can save you a lot of legwork.
Know Your Market
Different locations have different needs, so make sure you’re targeting businesses that will benefit from your vending machines. For example, factories, breakrooms, or warehouses are great spots for snack-only machines, while gyms may need healthier options or sports drinks. If you're considering schools or government locations, be aware you are going to run into specific regulations around access, security and likely nutrition. If you’re open to smaller, low-volume locations, laundromats or barber shops are also good places to look.
Be mindful of competition as well. If your location is close to a convenience store, for example, you may have to contend with a broader product selection, consumer familiarity with big brand stores, and the human interaction that some might still prefer. This doesn’t mean you should shy away from those locations, but it’s something to consider when crafting your pitch.
Don’t Forget the Logistics
Once you’ve chosen a potential vending machine location, make sure the space can accommodate it. If you buy a machine before securing a spot, it may not fit through doorways or into the intended space. Always take the time to measure the area and plan for installation, including the distance between the delivery truck and the machine's location.
Go Out and Make Connections
You’ve done the research; now it’s time to hit the pavement. The key here is to make a personal connection. In-person interactions often lead to better results than cold calls or emails.
When you walk into a business, you can gauge the mood, read the room, and make a lasting impression. It’s all about building rapport, not rushing through a pitch. Have your business card, brochure, and product samples ready to leave behind. You want to show that you’re professional, prepared, and reliable.
When speaking to a decision-maker, ask if they’re happy with their current vending service or if they’re open to exploring other options. It’s important to approach the conversation as a service to them, not just a sales pitch. Highlight that the goal is to enhance employee or customer satisfaction by offering a cleaner, more reliable vending machine experience. Be sure to have printed materials like machine brochures, stock pricing, and a sample agreement so they can easily see what you’re offering.
Make It Easy for Them
The reality is that most businesses will already have vending machines, but that doesn’t mean they’re happy with them. In fact, many locations struggle with poor service or malfunctioning machines.
This is where you can shine. What can you offer that their current provider does not or can not? Maybe it’s the products or your attention to detail? It could also be the technology you choose to place in their location.
Consider this—you are pitching to a doctor’s office where health and safety are essential for workers and patients. Choosing a standard vending machine is possible, but is it the right choice?
While a standard machine might be okay, you’d miss out on an opportunity to sell items like masks, tissues, hand sanitizer, and standard snacks, drinks, and even full meals. Instead, if you look at machines more suited for smart stores, you can stock all of them and make the most of a lucrative location.
Think of the price point you could set by selling full salads and sandwiches versus chips and crackers. Plus, with the dual sides, you can offer ambient and cold items while the machine looks high-end, which fits in well with the environment.
Now, take all that information and imagine pitching the placement of a Stockwell smart cooler over a standard machine. The choice becomes pretty clear: The location gets a versatile, sleek machine, and you get the chance to sell higher-margin items.
Taking the same scenario, imagine that this doctor’s office has a current vending provider. If you place a smart cooler or smart cabinet in their location, you’ll also be placing the most advanced technology that the location has seen. Patrons will enjoy something new and ‘cool,’ which helps your business stand out, which means more sales. This is an example of a competitive edge you could have over other vending providers, distancing yourself from being just another vending provider.
If you’re pitching to replace an existing vendor, be prepared for it to take a few weeks to get the machines in place. This is a good thing, though, because it gives you time to set everything up properly while the current vendor works to remove their equipment. And while you’re installing your new equipment, make sure you pick a provider that offers the support you need if there’s an issue. An industry-leading support team can make a difference to your bottom-line when downtime cuts into your profits.
In these cases, it’s less about fighting for a location and more about ensuring you and your machines will be a better fit. It’s not uncommon for clients to welcome a new vendor simply because their current provider isn’t meeting expectations.
Why Vending Locations Matter
Once you land a vending machine location, maintaining that spot is just as important as finding it. Check in regularly with the site manager to see if the selections meet their needs. A simple “Is there anything we can do to improve your service?” can go a long way toward ensuring customer satisfaction and securing your machine’s place in the location.
The location game is all about persistence. You’ll face many rejections, but keep refining your pitch and approach, and you’ll eventually get a ‘yes.’
Finding vending locations takes time, strategy, and a people-focused approach. The most successful operators know this is a long game—but with persistence and the right tools, you can start building a solid network of locations that will keep your business running smoothly.