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​Finding the Best Location for Your Vending Machine

​Finding the Best Location for Your Vending Machine

May 3rd 2023

When starting a vending machine business, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to place your machines. The location of your vending machine can greatly impact its success, so it’s important to choose wisely.

The best place to put a vending machine depends on the type of products being sold and the target customers. For example, vending machines with microwavable foods and meal-like offerings do well in places like offices, hospitals, and universities. Snack vending machines are also great for offices. Vending machines that dispense novelty trinkets or small candies can do well in specialty small businesses. Vending machines that dispense medicine or electronics are great to place in airports, highway rest stops, or train stations. Retail locations like grocery stores, gas stations, liquor stores, and major markets can also offer suitable spaces for vending machines. Recreation centers, gas stations, manufacturing facilities, industrial parks, distribution centers, apartment complexes, and supermarkets are also good locations for vending machines.

When choosing a location for your vending machine, there are a few key elements to look for:

  • High foot traffic: This is perhaps the most important element of a great location. You want to make sure your machine is in an area where there are a lot of people passing by on a daily basis. The more potential customers who see your machine, the more likely you are to generate sales.

  • Convenience: Another important factor to consider is convenience. Your vending machine should be easily accessible, with no obstacles in the way that would make it difficult for customers to use.

  • A captive audience: A captive audience is a group of people who are likely to use your vending machine because they have no other options nearby. For example, if you place your machine in an office building, people who work in the building will be more likely to use your machine than if they had to leave the building to find a vending machine.

  • The right demographics: Not all vending locations will be equally appealing to all customers. You need to consider who your target market is and choose a location that is likely to attract them. For example, if you are selling healthy snacks, you may want to put your machine in a gym or fitness center.

  • Open 24/7: If possible, try to find a location where customers can access your machine 24/7. This will help ensure that you are able to generate sales even when the location is closed if your vending machine is outdoors or available at all times for businesses that might have a third shift.

In summary, finding the best location for your vending machine requires careful consideration of factors such as foot traffic, convenience, demographics and accessibility. By choosing the right location for your vending machine business, you can increase your chances of success.