If you’re in the vending business, you already know this harsh truth: A bad location will bankrupt you, while a great one can make you rich. After a decade of running vending routes—placing machines in everything from hospitals to sketchy truck stops—I’ve learned exactly what separates the cash cows from the losers.
Today, I’m breaking down every critical factor that determines whether a location will make you money… or drain your profits. Let’s dive in.
1. Foot Traffic – The #1 Rule of Vending (No Traffic = No Sales)
Why It Matters
If nobody walks by your machine, nobody buys. High foot traffic = consistent sales. But not all traffic is equal—you need the right kind.
What to Look For
✅ Factories & Warehouses – Workers on long shifts buy snacks and drinks daily.
✅ Hospitals & 24/7 Facilities – Nurses, doctors, and visitors need quick options at all hours.
✅ Office Buildings (50+ Employees) – Steady demand if there’s no cafeteria.
✅ Colleges & Trade Schools – Hungry students = repeat customers.
✅ Truck Stops & Bus Terminals – Travelers grab drinks and snacks on the go.
Red Flags
❌ Small Offices (<10 Employees) – Not enough buyers to justify the machine.
❌ Dead Break Rooms – If nobody hangs out there, nobody buys.
❌ Locations with Cafeterias – Workers won’t use vending if free/cheap food is available.
Pro Tip: Spy on the location before committing. Visit at different times (morning, lunch, night) to see real foot traffic.
2. Demographics – Who’s Actually Buying?
Why It Matters
A spot might have tons of people, but if they don’t spend, you lose.
Best Buyers
✅ Shift Workers (Factories, Hospitals, Call Centers) – Stuck for 8-12 hours, they buy frequently.
✅ College Students – Always snacking between classes.
✅ Truckers & Travelers – Need quick, convenient options.
✅ High-Income Offices – Will pay extra for premium snacks/drinks.
Worst Buyers
❌ Employees Who Bring Lunch – If everyone has a lunchbox, your sales plummet.
❌ Budget-Conscious Workers – If they refuse to spend $2 on a soda, find a better spot.
Pro Tip: Ask the manager about employee habits. Do they currently have a vending machine? Is it used often?
3. Visibility & Accessibility – If They Don’t See It, They Won’t Use It
Why It Matters
A hidden machine is a dead machine.
Best Spots
✅ Break Rooms – Where employees gather.
✅ Near Entrances/Exits – High visibility.
✅ Waiting Areas (Hospitals, Auto Shops) – Bored people buy snacks.
Worst Spots
❌ Basements or Back Hallways – Out of sight, out of mind.
❌ Locked Areas – If employees need special access, forget it.
Pro Tip: If the manager says, “We’ll find a spot later,” walk away. Demand prime placement.
4. Competition – Are You the Only Game in Town?
Why It Matters
If there’s already a machine (or a convenience store nearby), your sales will suffer.
Good Signs
✅ Old, Broken Machines – Means you can replace them and dominate.
✅ Overpriced Competitors – If they charge $3 for a soda, you can undercut them.
Bad Signs
❌ Multiple Well-Stocked Machines – Hard to compete.
❌ A Convenience Store Next Door – Employees will walk there instead.
Pro Tip: Check Google Maps—see if there’s a gas station or mini-mart within walking distance.
5. Security – Will Your Machine Get Robbed or Vandalized?
Why It Matters
Theft and damage eat into profits fast.
Safe Locations
✅ Monitored Offices & Factories – Cameras and security deter thieves.
✅ Hospitals & Schools – Usually well-secured.
Danger Zones
❌ Public Laundromats – Unattended = vandalism risk.
❌ Sketchy Truck Stops – High theft potential.
Pro Tip: Ask the manager about past incidents. If other vendors left due to theft, so should you.
6. Commission & Fees – Don’t Get Ripped Off
Why It Matters
Some locations demand a cut of your sales (10-25%). Too much, and you lose money.
Good Deals
✅ 0% Commission – Ideal.
✅ Under 15% – Manageable if sales are strong.
Bad Deals
❌ 20%+ Commission – Only worth it if volume is extremely high.
❌ Monthly Rent Fees – Avoid unless traffic is guaranteed.
Pro Tip: Negotiate! Many locations just want the convenience and will waive fees.
7. Restocking & Maintenance – Can You Actually Service It?
Why It Matters
If you can’t refill easily, you’ll waste time and gas.
Easy Locations
✅ Ground Floor Access – No stairs or elevators.
✅ Flexible Restocking Hours – No restricted access.
Hard Locations
❌ After-Hours Only Access – Annoying and time-consuming.
❌ No Parking Nearby – Dragging stock long distances sucks.
Pro Tip: Do a test run—visit the location at your planned restocking time to check for obstacles.
8. Seasonal vs. Year-Round Demand – Avoid the Boom & Bust
Why It Matters
Some locations only make money part of the year.
Steady Locations
✅ Factories, Hospitals, Offices – Always in use.
Seasonal Locations
❌ Tourist Spots, Beach Rentals – Dead in winter.
❌ Schools (If Closed Summers) – 3 months of no sales.
Pro Tip: Mix steady locations with seasonal ones—but never rely solely on seasonal spots.
Final Advice: Always Test Before Committing!
Place a machine on a 30-90 day trial before locking into a long-term deal. Track sales and bail if it’s not profitable.
Bottom Line
Picking the right vending location is the difference between making $500/month and losing money. Follow these rules, and you’ll avoid the duds and find the goldmines.
Got a crazy vending location story? Drop it in the comments!
Happy vending!
