How to Find Locations for Vending Machines

Gumball machines are a type of vending machine.

Vending machines dispense food, drinks and novelties for cash payment. Reverse vending machines accept recyclable items and dispense payment. Vending machine owners and operators must find locations for their vending machines that will provide visibility in a high-traffic area. The machines are commonly located in office buildings, malls, car dealerships and schools, where impulse purchases of snacks and other items are more likely made. Finding locations for vending machines can be challenging for operators.

Instructions

1. Confirm the product offered in the vending machine. Location choices for the machines can be narrowed by the product. For example, reverse vending machines for bottles fare better on college campuses and grocery stores where everyone can bring their recyclables. Place fun and neat products in vending machines to open up location possibilities. Vending T-shirts, stickers or temporary tattoos may open up locations in hipster coffee shops, concert venues, bars and clubs.

2. Call local schools, Laundromats, malls, grocery stores and car dealerships. Ask if they would allow a vending machine containing specific products.

3. Visit locations that would allow the vending machine. Watch the foot traffic. Determine how visible the machine would be in the location's potential placement spots. Make sure the contents of the machine can be directly seen by passersby, as visibility will boost sales. Locations with low foot traffic and low visibility will not be profitable placements for your machine.

4. Establish a contract with the owner of the location where the machine will be placed. Include a guarantee of exclusive rights to vend certain products at that location. Offer a percentage of the profits to the owner if necessary. Some locations' owners may not require a profit share because the machine provides a desired service to employees and customers.

5. Hire a vending machine locator service. Services such as VendingLocator help vending machine operators find locations for vending machine placement.

References

• Vending Times: If You Could Increase Your Sales at No Cost, Would You Do It?
• Earth 911: Vending Machine Comes With Major Karma Points
• GreecePost: Vintage Shirt Company Launches Airport Vending Kiosk
• Gumballs.com: How to Start a Vending Machine Business or Route

Resources

• VendingLocator