FAQ'S
Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions page, where we provide innovative and insightful answers tailored specifically for the vending business. Here, you’ll find thoughtfully crafted responses that go beyond the basics, giving you the tools to make informed decisions that align with your unique needs. If there are any questions you may have click the add question button below to submit your question.
How do I get started in the vending business?
Getting started in the vending business is simpler than most people think, and you don’t need experience or a large budget to begin. Many beginners get stuck because they believe vending is only about snack and drink machines. In reality, vending is about placing the right type of machine in the right location. Getting started means learning the options available, setting up a basic business presence, and understanding how businesses think. Once you shift your mindset from “buying machines” to “solving placement,” the entire process becomes much clearer and easier to scale.
Is getting into The Vending Business worth it?
Yes, when it’s done correctly. Vending has been around for decades because it solves a simple problem: convenience. Businesses benefit, customers benefit, and operators earn from consistent demand. What makes vending appealing is its flexibility. You can start small, grow at your own pace, and scale based on performance rather than guesswork. Like any business, results depend on strategy, placement, and execution, not just buying a machine.
Everyone is getting into the business, how can someone still get in and make money?
Competition doesn’t eliminate opportunity. It exposes weak strategy. Just because a location already has vending services doesn’t mean they’re satisfied with what they have. The mistake many beginners make is thinking vending is limited to snack and drink machines. In reality, vending is about convenience. The question isn’t “Is vending saturated?” but “What problem can I help solve?” When you focus on convenience and value instead of copying what everyone else is doing, opportunities become much easier to spot.
Should I pay a commission?
Paying a commission is optional, not a requirement. Some locations can be secured without paying because you’re providing a service, not asking for a favor. That said, there are situations where a commission makes sense, especially early on. Locations don’t need vending to operate, but you may need the location to get started. What matters most is flexibility. How you start isn’t always how you finish. In some cases, paying a commission initially can open the door, build trust, and create opportunities to renegotiate later.
How much is responsible to pay a location?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer because every location and service is different. Commission should always be evaluated based on the type of business, the type of machine, and the earning potential of the location. As a general guideline, many operators aim to stay around 10% or less on a monthly basis. That number isn’t a rule, and there are situations where exceptions make sense. The key is making sure the commission still allows the machine to be profitable and worth maintaining long term.
What are good locations or which ones should I stay away from?
There isn’t a single location type that’s always good or always bad. Performance depends on traffic, audience, and how well the service fits the environment. Locations that look identical on paper can perform very differently in real life. That’s why it’s important not to automatically discredit a business type based on someone else’s experience. Vending involves testing, learning, and adjusting. The goal is to evaluate each location on its own potential rather than relying on assumptions.
What's the average amount I can expect to make per machine per location?
There’s no fixed average because vending income varies by machine, location, and setup. Performance is influenced by traffic, payment options, pricing, and operating hours. Instead of chasing someone else’s numbers, successful operators evaluate whether a machine is profitable and worth maintaining based on their own standards.
Are vending machines customizable?
Yes. Vending machines can be customized both inside and out. The exterior can be wrapped or professionally customized to match a brand or location. Inside, machines can be configured to fit different product types, from traditional snacks to specialty items. Additional features like lighting or payment options can also be added depending on the machine and setup.
Is cold calling locations still a good option?
No. Cold calling is not recommended. Vending is a relationship-based business, and relationships are built far more effectively in person. Walking into a location allows you to see the environment, understand their current setup, and have a real conversation with decision-makers. Over the phone, it’s easy to be dismissed. In person, you’re able to present value and be taken seriously. Face-to-face outreach consistently creates stronger opportunities and better long-term results than cold calling.
Where should I be looking to get my first machine?
Your first machine should come from a reputable vending machine vendor, not a private seller. While online marketplaces may seem appealing, they often come with hidden risks. Reputable vendors provide warranties, technical support, and access to parts. When you’re new, these things matter. Buying from a private seller usually means purchasing the machine as-is, with no support if something goes wrong. Starting with a trusted vendor ensures you’re not left guessing, troubleshooting alone, or learning expensive lessons early on.
How much does it cost to get started?
The cost to get started depends on the type of vending machine you choose. Vending isn’t limited to snack and drink machines, and different machines come with different price points. Entry-level machines can cost a few hundred dollars, while larger or more advanced machines may require a few thousand dollars. The range stays similar across many vending options, depending on features, support, and quality. The key isn’t starting with the most expensive machine, but choosing equipment that fits your strategy, location, and long-term goals.
How much should I charge for this product?
There isn’t a universal price that works for every machine or location. Product pricing should be based on your area, operating costs, customer base, and how quickly items move. In practice, the same product can be priced differently depending on the location. Some locations support higher pricing due to convenience or volume, while others require lower prices to keep items moving. I personally price the same products differently across locations based on performance. Pricing isn’t just about how much you make, it’s about how fast you make it. It’s also not about what someone else is earning, but what you’re comfortable making while keeping products moving. The real skill is knowing how to evaluate a location and adjust pricing accordingly.
Should I get a machine first or secure a location first?
There isn’t a single right answer. Both approaches can work. That said, many people find that purchasing a machine first creates commitment and momentum. Having a machine often shifts your mindset. Your focus, conversations, and awareness naturally turn toward finding a location for it. Looking for a location without having started can feel discouraging, especially after hearing “no” multiple times. When progress feels distant, it’s easy to lose momentum and push the idea aside. Having a machine in hand often helps keep the process moving forward
How much money does a good location make?
There’s no universal number that defines a “good” location. What’s considered successful varies from person to person based on goals, expectations, and operating style. A location that feels worthwhile to one operator may not meet another’s standards, and that’s okay. Comparing numbers often leads to unnecessary frustration and poor decisions. Instead of focusing on what others are making, the better question is whether a location meets your expectations and makes sense for your situation. No one else can define that for you.
If you’ve read through these questions, you already understand that vending isn’t about shortcuts or copying what others are doing. It’s about strategy, placement, pricing, and making decisions that fit your situation.
This FAQ page covers the what and the why. Our Vending Blueprint is the guide that walks you through the how. Inside, you’ll find the frameworks, decision-making processes, and real-world considerations that aren’t possible to fully explain in an FAQ.
If you’re serious about starting the right way and avoiding costly trial-and-error, our Vending Blueprint provides the clarity and direction to move forward with confidence.