subject: The Power of Location in Vending Machine Business [print this page] The Power of Location in Vending Machine Business
Location is probably everything for vending machine business. It is a very powerful tool that can make or break your business. It is common knowledge that the best locations for vending machine business are areas with lots of foot traffic. The possibility of finding high traffic locations is often easy since these are the places we usually visit. However, this doesn't mean that high traffic locations are automatically best for your vending machine. It also depends on what type of vending machine you operate. That's why you really need to study and identify the factors and characteristics of a good location for a specific machine.
One way to find out if the location has potentials is screening. Screening means to examine thoroughly the potential location through surveys and research. It is often recommended not to put the machine on a certain location if you're not so sure that it will earn profit because moving your machine after every couple of weeks or months is very time consuming. However, others might recommend taking your chances, because machines that are in location with moderate consumer is better than the machine sitting in your garage.
Another way to find out if the location you've chosen can generate enough profit is to try and see if the area is good by placing your machine in your chosen location for at least two months to see if it's generating enough money. If it does, then it's a good location, if not then maybe it's bad, very simple. There are also some locations where there's only few people working around but may turn out to be high volume area because the customers buy several products at a time.
Here are some characteristics you need for finding a good location on some of the common types of machines:
Bulk Candy and Gumball Machines
Lots of children in the area like malls, recreation center and parks.
Long operating business hours like 24/7 food chains.
Waiting areas like doctor's clinic, hotel lobbies, etc.
People who usually have extra coins with them like laundry areas.
Areas with no other bulk candy or gumball machine present.
Snack, Soda or Combo Machines
Lots of people working near the machine, like offices, factories, etc.
Long operating hours like school canteen, hospitals.
Lots of customers in the area like park.
Lots of thirsty people around like the gym, construction sight.
Other vending machines should be place in more specific area where the products are specifically needed. Popcorn machines are usually placed in carnivals. Laundry supply machines must be placed in laundry areas. Video game machines should be placed in entertainment arenas and malls. Cigarette machines should be placed in the bars and not in the streets where minors can easily access to. These types of machines are not very common, therefore you need to do extra research on where would these machines fits best. Remember, a good location for your machine is where it is much needed. You need to put on your best effort to find the best location for you vending machine.
