As 2025 winds down, this is the best time to lay the groundwork for your vending machine business so you can hit January running. The operators who prepare now are the ones placing machines early in the year, while everyone else is still thinking about getting started.
The vending industry keeps growing, and 2026 will reward operators who keep things simple, stay organized, and focus on the fundamentals: good locations, reliable machines, strong product mix, and consistent service. You don’t need a huge investment—what you do need is a plan.
Below is a detailed, day-by-day game plan from December 15 through December 31 that will have you fully prepared to land locations and start earning in the new year.
December 15: Get Clear on Your Game Plan
Define Your Starting Point
Decide how you want to operate starting out. Will you place 1–2 machines to learn the business or jump into multiple locations?
Identify what type of places you want to target first: offices, schools, nursing facilities, warehouses, gyms, auto shops, etc.
Set Your Goals
Set basic goals for Q1: how many locations you want signed and what you’d like each machine to earn monthly.
Write a simple one-page outline of the kind of business you want to run. Nothing fancy—clarity now saves mistakes later.
Why This Matters
Starting with a clear vision prevents costly mistakes and keeps you focused on what matters most: profitable locations and consistent service.
December 15: Get Clear on Your Game Plan
Define Your Starting Point
Decide how you want to operate starting out. Will you place 1–2 machines to learn the business or jump into multiple locations?
Identify what type of places you want to target first: offices, schools, nursing facilities, warehouses, gyms, auto shops, etc.
Set Your Goals
Set basic goals for Q1: how many locations you want signed and what you’d like each machine to earn monthly.
Write a simple one-page outline of the kind of business you want to run. Nothing fancy—clarity now saves mistakes later.
Why This Matters
Starting with a clear vision prevents costly mistakes and keeps you focused on what matters most: profitable locations and consistent service.
December 20: Build Your Product Strategy
No need to overcomplicate this part. Think in terms of products, not fancy jargon.
Popular Snacks
Start with well-known sellers: chips, cookies, candy, and pastries. These are proven performers across all location types.
Beverage Selection
Stock sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks, and water. Consider location demographics when choosing brands.
Healthier Options
Include a few healthier alternatives like granola bars, nuts, or protein snacks to appeal to health-conscious customers.
Sam’s Club and Walmart are great places to get ideas for what you’ll stock—both are beginner-friendly and cost-effective. Make a starter product list for different kinds of locations (office vs gym vs warehouse). Begin thinking about pricing—your goal is fair prices that still leave you profit after cost of goods.
December 22: Create Your Outreach System
Today is about getting your tools ready for contacting businesses. Everything you create today will save you tons of time when you start calling.
Email Script
Draft a professional email template introducing your service and its benefits to potential locations.
Call Script
Create your phone script. Download the Cold Call Script at bigcityvends.com to get started.
In-Person Pitch
Prepare notes for face-to-face meetings, highlighting convenience and benefits for the facility.
One-Page Flyer
Create a simple flyer explaining who you are, the convenience you provide, and the benefits of your vending service.
December 23: Contracts & Agreements
Never Place Without a Contract
You never want to place a machine without a simple contract in place. This protects both you and the location owner.
Begin drafting your placement agreement with terms like responsibilities, commission (if any), service schedule, and equipment ownership.
To make this easy, use the Vending Machine Contract Template available at bigcityvends.com. This template keeps everything professional and protects both parties.
December 25: Product Layout & Pricing Prep
Practice Makes Perfect—Even Without a Machine Yet
Build Product Groupings
Practice organizing products: drinks, snacks, healthier items, energy drinks, pastries, etc. Group similar items together for easy shopping.
Plan Your Layout
Decide which products will go on which rows once you buy your first machine. Put popular items at eye level.
Create Tracking Systems
Create an inventory tracking spreadsheet and pricing sheet so you’re ready to roll when your first machine arrives.
December 26: Customer Service & Communication Prep
Today you’ll focus on the customer service aspect—professional communication builds trust and wins locations.
Standard Reply Template
Write a standard reply you’ll use when talking with potential clients. Keep it friendly, professional, and benefit-focused.
Follow-Up System
Prepare a follow-up template for every call you make so you stay consistent and never miss an opportunity.
Welcome Email
Draft a “Welcome Email” for new locations—explain what they can expect, your service schedule, and how they can contact you.
Voicemail Script
Create a voicemail script that sounds professional and confident. First impressions matter, even on voicemail.
December 27: Learn Your Equipment Before You Buy It
Understand Machine Operations
Since we’re not purchasing machines yet, use today to understand how machines operate.
- Watch YouTube videos on machine loading and changing prices
- Learn about testing motors and resetting boards
- Study common issues: coin jam, bill acceptor jam, refrigeration troubleshooting
- Research which machines are easiest for beginners
Make a list of machines you prefer to buy—once your first location signs, you’ll shop with confidence. Many combo machines or single-price drink machines are ideal for beginners.
December 28: Build Your Online Presence
Create Your Website
Create or update your basic website or landing page. Keep it simple: who you are, what you offer, and how to contact you.
Google Business Profile
Set up your Google Business Profile—that alone can bring in locations over time through local search.
Social Media Setup
Create a Facebook page or Marketplace template to use for buying and selling machines in the future.
