Hey good people, Jason Parks here owner of Big City Vending LLC right here in Cincinnati, Ohio. I’ve been in the vending game for over a decade, and let me tell you, this business has taught me more than I ever imagined. I’ve seen just about everything from my first machine in a nursing home breakroom, to testing out new tech like cashless readers, to learning the hard way about moving a 700 pound soda machine through a doorway that was just a half inch too narrow.
Every week, I jump into Facebook groups where operators like us swap stories, ask questions, and share advice. I noticed I’ve been answering a lot of the same questions, so I figured why not turn those into a blog series? That way, you get straight answers from someone who’s been in the trenches (and maybe a laugh or two at my expense).
So here’s the first round these are five questions I answered the week of September 28, 2025. Let’s dig in.
1) Where are some good places to find vending machines?
If you’re just starting out or even if you’ve been doing this for years you need to know where to get solid machines. I’ve bought from just about every source: refurb shops, online dealers, auctions, and yes, Facebook Marketplace (with mixed results).
Some of my go to spots:
- A&M Equipment Sales – They sell refurbished machines that run like new, usually around $2,000–$2,200 for snack units.
- Discount Vending Store – They’ve got their own Duravend brand of new machines (think $4,700–$6,700), plus refurbished options with warranties.
- Vendors Exchange (VE Solutions) – A solid source for refurbished Nationals, APs, and AMS machines.
- And don’t sleep on Facebook Marketplace or Local Facebook Groups if you’re comfortable checking out machines in person.
“A machine might look shiny on the outside, but always check the coin mech, validator, and cooling system before you buy. Trust me—it’ll save you headaches later.”
2) Can you put a small camera in a vending machine to combat theft?
Yep you can. I’ve tested this a couple of times. Some operators mount a small Wyze Cam v3 (around $40) inside the machine, others go bigger with rugged mini dome cameras. Just know Wi-Fi can be tricky inside a steel cabinet, so you might need to run the antenna outside.
Legal stuff: In most states, you’re fine filming in public/common areas, but check your local laws about audio recording. I always recommend posting a little “video surveillance” notice just to cover yourself.
3) What’s the best way to move a vending machine?
One word: safely.
These beasts weigh anywhere from 600 to 1,000 pounds. I use an appliance dolly with heavy duty straps, sometimes a pallet jack, and always a lift gate truck. The golden rule keep it upright. Lay it down, and you risk messing up the compressor.
“Measure the doorway before you start moving the machine. I once had to back a machine out of a school because the doorframe was just too tight. Not my proudest moment.”
4) How much commission should you pay a location?
This one always gets people talking. The typical range is 5%–10% of net sales. I usually land around 5%, but I’ll sweeten the deal if it’s a high traffic spot. Some people even do flat fees or tiered commissions.
It all comes down to the location’s value. A busy factory breakroom? I’ll happily pay more. A small office with 25 people? They’re probably just grateful to have snacks on site.
5) Do high-gain antennas really help with credit card readers?
Yes absolutely. If you’ve ever stood in front of a machine praying the card reader would connect, you know the struggle. I’ve used high gain antennas from Nayax and Cantaloupe, both around $30. Mount them on top of the machine, and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in signal.
If you’re in a basement or true dead zone though, even the best antenna won’t save you you’ll need a cell booster or a different placement.
Wrapping it up
That’s it for round one. Every week, I’ll be pulling questions straight from the Facebook groups I’m active in and dropping them here with honest, field-tested answers.
This vending business isn’t just about machines and snacks it’s about problem-solving, creativity, and a little bit of grit. I’ve learned a lot in my 10+ years running Big City Vending LLC, and I’m excited to share more of it with you in this series.
Got a question you’ve been too shy to ask in the groups? Shoot it my way. Chances are, I’ve wrestled with it (sometimes literally, if it involved moving a machine).
Stay tuned next week I’ll cover a new batch of questions.
