Question 1

What makes a good vending machine location in the USA?

Accepted Answer

The strongest placements have 50+ people on site daily, limited nearby food options, a captive dwell time such as a break room or waiting area, and 24/7 or extended access. Manufacturing plants, distribution centers, hospitals, gyms, auto dealerships, and apartment complexes consistently outperform small offices.

Question 2

How many employees does a location need to support a vending machine?

Accepted Answer

As a rule of thumb, a snack machine needs about 40 daily users to be worth servicing, and a combo snack-and-drink machine needs about 80. Below that, weekly restocking costs usually exceed the gross margin.

Question 3

Do I have to pay commission to the business hosting my machine?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Small offices under 50 people commonly accept free vending with no commission. Larger sites typically expect 5–15% of gross sales, paid monthly. Always put the rate, payment schedule, and term in a written placement agreement.

Question 4

How do I approach a business about placing a vending machine?

Accepted Answer

Lead with the benefit to their staff, not your machine. Offer free installation, free servicing, and a product mix chosen by their employees, and give a one-page agreement with a 30-day exit clause. Warm introductions and location leads convert far better than cold calling.

Question 5

Are vending placement leads on Vending.forsale exclusive?

Accepted Answer

Each paid placement lead is released to a limited number of operators in the same state, and every lead is contact-verified before it is listed, so you are not paying for a stale or duplicated business record.

Vending machine placement leads

Vending machine placement: common questions