Posted on January 12, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Buy Used Vending Machines With Confidence – Here’s How:

When it comes to buying things second-hand, everyone knows the one key factor you need to consider: the previous owner.

That’s why, when it comes to purchasing a used vending machine from Vending.com, you can move forward with absolute confidence. Every machine we sell – and resell – is backed by our unshakable devotion to quality and service. Our used vending machines are factory remanufactured & certified by our trained experts to meet industry high standards for maximum performance.

What are the amazing benefits to buying a used vending machine from Vending.com?

1 year warranty on machines
90 day parts warranty on coin acceptors, bill acceptors and control boards
Service and Parts Support “Hot Line” 866-248-9941
100% financing
White Glove Premium delivery “FREE” ($345.00 value)
…all backed by the signature Vending.com service guarantee!

What machines do we offer?

Snack machines for as low as $79.35/month. These machines will pay for themselves after only 5 purchases! Now you can gain the extra profits of a fully functioning vending machine without the usual costliness. Some used snack machines include the 30 Selection Elevator Vending Machine, the 40 Selection Candy/Snack Machine, and Combo Vending Machines.

Drink machines for as low as $97.35/month. This machine also pays for itself after approximately 5 purchases! Treat your patrons to a nice cold drink from one of our top-of-the-line used drink machines. Drink machines for resale include the 6 Selection Standalone Drink Machine, the 10 Selection Drink Machine, and Combo Vending Machines.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for, give us a call and we can help find the right machine for you! When your budget is a priority, you can still have your vending needs met while keeping costs down. If you’re in need of a low-end pricing option, our factory refurbished and certified used vending machines are the best option on the market. We also offer machine servicing and parts for sale – a one-stop-shop for all of your vending machines needs!

Are you ready to finally offer your patrons what they’ve been asking for? Used vending machines are the most cost-effective option for your business. Call today to find out what machine options are currently available, as inventory changes daily.

Posted on January 13, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Vending Machines Are Sources Of Revenue For Schools

Vending machines raise money for schools and are a great source of additional revenue for school districts. Through the use of a vending machine, schools can fund projects and initiatives their current budgets do not account for.

By utilizing a vending machine from Vending.com, schools can have ultimate flexibility in their selection of product to offer their staff and students. This varies from vending machines supplied direct from consumer brands, as in most cases you are limited to that brand’s offerings. Making upwards of $200 daily on a vending machine in a high traffic location is obtainable with the right product selection.

Including a vending machine in your school will not only benefit the school’s revenue but also the quality of life for both students and staff. Time spent in between classes is short and usually rushed. A hungry student may be low on energy and not be able to retain information.

By adding a vending machine to high-traffic hallways or wings of your building, you will be able to quickly offer students the nourishment they need, while simultaneously collecting additional revenue from the vending machine and raising money for the school district.

Consider adding a Combo Vending Machine in a faculty break room or in the lunchroom. Have a look at the Trimline II Combo Vending Machine below.

You can vend both snacks and drinks using the Trimline II. This allows for ultimate selection capability. Offer up to 9 drink selections & 20 snack selections with a combo vending machine.

Is your district making the most out of vending options? We can help. Contact Vending.com today – our experts are standing by to help with any questions.

Until next time,

Custom Vending Machines for every business blog

Posted on January 13, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Custom Vending Machines: Innovative Dispensing Solutions for Every Business

When you think of vending machines, snacks and beverages probably come to mind. However, in the past 15 years, vending machines have grown to dispense more than just food and drinks. Now, you can sell almost anything to help you grow your business with custom dispensing machines from Vending.com. From laundromats to fitness centers, vending machines have evolved into custom solutions for nearly every industry.

Posted on January 13, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Give Customers Access to the Most Important Meal

To-go breakfast options have become increasingly popular over the past year. According to a recent study done by Tastewise, breakfast is up 13% from 2019 among consumers. Additionally, to-go breakfasts are up 154% from 2019. If you are not capitalizing on these trends with a breakfast-serving vending machine, your customers may be going elsewhere to get their fill.

Provide customers with a variety of their favorite breakfast meals, such as oatmeal, cereal, granola bars and iced coffee through the Express Combo Vending Machine or the MarketOne Combo Vending Machines. These options are perfect for a quick and easy on-the-go breakfast when customers do not have time to sit and eat a full breakfast in the morning.

Through frozen vending machines, allow your customers to purchase more substantial breakfast items, such as frozen, protein-packed breakfast bowls and microwavable breakfast meals. These vending machine breakfast items can be accessed by customers through a number of refrigerated vending machines from Vending.com. Your customers will appreciate the variety of available breakfast options with frozen vending machines.

Finally, can your morning really be complete without a hot cup of coffee or tea? The Coffee Vending Machine gives customers their morning fix with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, lattes, tea and more. If you only have room for a Keurig coffee machine in your office, the Cafecture Controlled Coffee Pod Merchandiser may be a more suitable option for you.

If you are not providing customers with the to-go breakfast options they crave, you may be missing out on a number of sales. To find out more about breakfast options and vending machines, contact us at 1-800-548-1982.

Posted on February 1, 2022 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

How does a ‘Made in USA’ vending machine help your vending business

Buying Made in the USA – The What and The Why?

Some suppliers sell truly American-made products, while others do not. The government has ensured that buying Made in the USA is no longer an abstract concept. The high-level description of an “All or Virtually All” American-made product is that more than 50% of the product and its components by cost must be made in the country. Thanks to FTC guidelines [1] and federal regulations, every industry also has clear rules as to what is eligible for a Made in the USA tag and what is not.

A recent survey by a leading magazine [2] says about 69% of the respondents preferred buying American-made products. About 83% of them were also willing to pay a premium for the Made-in-America label if it is a genuine claim. This may not be surprising as we all want to reward the American spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation. The benefits of buying a product made in America, however, are not limited to patriotic fervor. There are sound business benefits to vending machine owners and operators while buying American machines or services.

What it means for your vending business

Local Customer Service: A vending machine is complex equipment that is built with a variety of electrical, mechanical, electronic, and communication equipment. Adequate customer support with cross-functional technical capabilities is essential to deliver the best user experience for the end-users of the machine. Local manufacturers understand the challenges of local customers. A good understanding of many variables like ambient weather, tastes and preferences, compliance to regulations, and other factors influence the quality of service. A business that designs and builds machines in the USA is more likely to understand the nuances of these variables and provide the best support.

International Supply Chain Woes: Manufacturers, relying on global suppliers for their components currently struggle with a severe supply chain bottleneck. This is not a temporary situation. If your machine’s card refrigerator unit fails and you must wait for a month to replace it, it means your machine is out of action. The cost of spoiled inventory in the machine is not even a scratch on the surface of what you will stand to lose as revenue. If you have purchased your machine through a financing option, you will also service the debt without revenue. On the other hand, a local manufacturer can quickly replace parts and keep the cash registers ringing.

Standards of Safety and Quality: The safety standards are a minimum benchmark for an American manufacturer who understands the consequences of a gap. However, for manufacturers in a developing nation, the standards are simply a matter of compliance to purchase specifications. Both might be working towards meeting the same safety standards, but the drive to meet such measures can be quite different. North American and Western European businesses are much more savvy than most other regions. This also gives an edge to American manufacturers compared to those who buy parts or machines from other countries to sell locally.

Faster Delivery Time: Mobilizing machines, equipment, and parts locally are faster than ordering and shipping from thousands of miles away. In a market where impulse purchases of products are short-lived fads, “time-in-transit” can be a killing. Also, the distances your machine or parts must move without any economic value can hurt the environment. A local manufacturer might still burn gas to haul your machine a few hundred miles. But it is way faster, cheaper, and environmentally responsible than shipping it on a diesel barge across the ocean.

Geopolitical Uncertainties: The last thing that a vending machine owner or operator must be worried about is the relationship between countries and world leaders. Today’s environment is so volatile that countries trade tariffs, embargos, restrictions, and retaliatory measures between each other at the drop of a hat. Suppliers who rely on foreign products or components are often impacted by the tectonics of international politics. Local manufacturers are relatively insulated from such uncertainties and become reliable partners to your vending business.

Made in the USA is not a tag. It is a proposition.

Buying USA-made vending machines has a definite reason why and positive impact on the success of your vending business. You can improve your revenues, reduce risks, ensure consumer convenience, and escape impact from extraneous factors. You can also contribute to empowering the country. You can give a boost to both your patriotism and profitability by doing business with an American manufacturer. Vending.com has been manufacturing vending machines in the USA for more than 90 years. You can talk to us to know more about the benefits of doing business with an American manufacturer like us. Call us now at 1-855-929-1042 or click here.

Posted on August 29, 2023 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

Ready to Vend: 10-Step Guide for How to Start Your Own Vending Machine Business

If you’re considering how to start your own vending machine business and turn it into a profitable side hustle, you’ve come to the right place. Vending machines aren’t just convenient for grabbing a quick snack or drink – they can also be a lucrative business if you know how to set them up correctly. Before delving into the details of this business, here are some reasons why owning a vending machine is an excellent side hustle:

Passive Income: Vending machines keep working even when you’re not around, generating income 24/7 with minimal effort.

Flexibility: Manage your vending machines on time, making them an ideal supplementary income source.

Low Overhead: With no need for a storefront or full-time staff, vending machines offer a cost-effective entry into entrepreneurship.

Scalability: Start with one machine and gradually expand your business as you become more comfortable and experienced.

Enter the vending machine business—a lucrative venture that can generate passive income. Imagine owning vending machines strategically placed in busy locations that quietly and consistently generate revenue without demanding your constant attention. When managed effectively, vending machines can become an excellent source of passive income, allowing you to focus on other pursuits while your machines do the work.

In this blog, we will explore how starting your own vending machine business can transform your financial landscape, becoming that much-needed second source of income. Get ready to discover the power of passive income through vending machines!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start a Vending Business

If you are seriously considering starting a vending business, this guide on how to start your own vending machine business could help you get clarity. Also, you can use this to brainstorm and create your project plan.

Step 1: Research and Planning: Any dream should start with a plan. Research the vending industry, understand market trends, and identify potential locations for your machines. Create a comprehensive business plan outlining your goals, target audience, budget, and revenue projections.

Step 2: Choose Your Niche: Decide on the type of vending machines and products you want to offer. Consider factors like the demand in your chosen locations and the preferences of your target customers.

Step 3: Secure Funding: Determine the initial capital required to launch your vending business. Explore financing options like personal savings, small business loans, or partnerships.

Step 4: Purchase Vending Machines: Invest in high-quality vending machines from a reputable supplier like Vending.com. Ensure the machines are equipped with modern cashless payments and inventory tracking technology.

Step 5: Obtain Licenses and Permits: You must check local regulations and get the necessary licenses and permits to operate your vending machines.

Step 6: Find Ideal Locations: The best way is to reach out to businesses, schools, gyms, and other high-traffic areas and secure prime locations for your vending machines. Negotiate agreements with property owners or managers.

Step 7: Stock Your Machines: Source products from reliable suppliers and stock your machines with popular and in-demand items. Consider healthy snacks, beverages, and other convenience items.

Step 8: Set Competitive Pricing: Determine pricing strategies that balance profitability and customer appeal. Offer occasional promotions or discounts to attract more customers.

Step 9: Promote Your Business: Utilize social media, local advertising, and networking to promote your vending business and attract more customers to your machines.

Now that you know how to kick-start your own vending machine business, let us briefly discuss how you can maximize the winning probability.

Location – Your Key to Vending Success

Choosing the right location for your vending machines could make all the difference between success and failure—research potential locations’ demographics and foot traffic, which can significantly impact your sales. As we discussed, high-traffic areas like office buildings, schools, and shopping centers offer a lucrative opportunity to reach a wide range of customers.

When diving into the vending machine business, the key to success is selecting the correct location. Your chosen spot will dictate the type and size of machine you should invest in. Here’s what you need to consider:

Foot Traffic Matters: Foot traffic plays a crucial role in determining the profitability of your vending machine. Depending on whether the location experiences high or low foot traffic, you must opt for machines that cater to these conditions.

Low Foot Traffic: Consider compact machines that offer a variety of products suitable for lower customer volume.

High Foot Traffic: Opt for larger machines stocked with popular items to cater to a larger audience.

Gyms and Fitness Centers: Focus on healthy snacks and cooling beverages to cater to health-conscious individuals.

College Campuses: Stock a mix of affordable snacks and drinks that cater to students’ needs for convenience and affordability.

Stand Out from the Crowd: Location and Competition

Standing out among competitors is crucial in the industry when considering how to start your own vending machine business. Carefully consider surrounding businesses and competition when selecting your machine type. Here are some tips to stand out from the crowd.

Custom Vending Machines: Vending.com offers custom vending machines designed to fit your unique business needs. Showcase your brand identity and products with custom wraps to set yourself apart.

Distinctive Wraps: Set your business apart with custom wraps that showcase your brand and products. Picture a vending machine wrapped in vibrant colors, catching the eye of the crowd and making a lasting impression.

Accessibility for All: Convenience and Compliance

Choosing an easily accessible location is essential for your vending machine’s success. Ensure that your machines are ADA-compliant, making them convenient for all customers.

Upkeep for Long-Term Success

Maintaining your vending machines is an ongoing responsibility for your business’s long-term success. Regularly restocking products, promptly addressing technical issues, and ensuring cleanliness will keep customers returning.

Take Your Vending Business to New Heights

We’ve explored how understanding your audience’s demographics and standing out amidst competitors can lead you to success when considering how to start your vending machine business. You’re ready to make a splash in the vending realm by crafting a tailored approach that aligns with your surroundings. Ready to transform your vending venture?

With a wide range of top-tier vending machines and exceptional customer support, Vending.com has everything you need to launch a successful business. If you need any help setting up your Vending business, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Take the first step towards building your vending empire!

April blog graphic banner for Vending.com with seasonal themed visuals.

Posted on November 3, 2025 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

Three Key Benefits of Implementing a Vending Machine in Your Office

We’ve all been there: It’s 11 a.m. and your stomach is rumbling, but you have a deadline looming and no time to step out for a snack. You’re starting to lose focus, your energy is low, and the afternoon ahead feels impossible.

From fighting fatigue to fostering focus, a vending machine can be a quiet hero in your office. With Vending.com’s Customizable American-made Vending Solutions, it’s easier than ever to bring smart snacking and convenience right where your team needs it most.

In this blog, we’ll break down three key benefits that office vending machines can bring to your workplace.

Posted on January 12, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Malt Liquor found in Pepsi Vending Machine

Well here is something you do not hear about every day. Imagine strolling to your favorite Pepsi vending machine in search of a delicious sugary beverage, only to find a few bottles of malt liquor tucked away where sodas used to be. According to the DCist, this is exactly what happened in Washington D.C. a few days ago.

The malt liquor was found in a drink vending machine in the Trinidad neighborhood. MPD officers have since disabled the machine, which was charging $3 for the malt liquor in an attempt to sell the drink to minors. The police have yet to find out who exactly found their way into the machine and filled it with some not-so-appropriate beverages.

You certainly won’t find malt liquor vending machines here at Vending.com. What you will find, however, are some of the industry’s best snack machines at even better prices. From soda and chips, to coffee, to everything in between, we have a machine that will instantly add value and revenue to your establishment. With flexible financing options and a dedicated support staff, are vending machines for sale are among the very best in business. And they certainly will not get you into any legal trouble.

Posted on January 12, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Energy Drink Vending Machine Selections

Energy drinks are a very popular item in convenience stores, vending machines and grocery stores. Vending.com has seen the demand for energy drink vending selections explode over the last few years as more and more brands entered the market.

Currently, the major players in the energy drink game are Red Bull, Monster and Rockstar. While Red Bull claims the largest portion of the market with a 42% share, Monster has experience a lot of growth of the last few years and is now a close second with 37% of the market share. Rockstar rounds out the top three with 11% of the market share. While a distant third from the two industry leaders, Rockstar has more than double the share of remaining brands such as Amp, NOS and Full Throttle, all with 4% or less market share, according to a seven year study by Bevnet.com.

For drink vending machines, these energy-filled beverages have become popular alternatives to traditional caffeinated options such as soda or coffee. While it has caused health and dietary concerns, the largest growth of sales has been due to increased consumption by teens and young adults who are ditching coffee drinks favored by older consumers for energy drinks.

About Vending.com

Vending.com brings together a multitude of vending expertise through our circle of services. Everything you need to start, grow, or manage your vending business is provided through our easy online access. We provide vending services, financing, vending industry news, technical repair, parts and much more. Vending.com is one of the companies under the Wittern Group umbrella. Whether you are an entrepreneur starting your own vending machine business or expanding your current business, Vending.com offers you a full-range of new and used vending machines, financing, location assistance and other services to meet all of your vending needs. As a full-line vending sales company we provide customers nationwide with the right equipment for their client’s location. Our large selection of snack, soda machines, hot beverage, cold and frozen food and other quality vending machines can be configured and customized to fit any size location from small businesses to large factories. Let our network of vending machine companies go to work for you.

Posted on January 12, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Eco-Friendly Customers and Coffee

Vending.com has learned that what makes a cup of coffee delicious might depend on more than just the beans used and the coffee and hot beverage vending machine it’s made in. According to an article by the Los Angeles Times, a research team ran an experiment in which participants were presented two cups of coffee, one that was “eco-friendly” and one that was just a regular cup of coffee. What the participants did not know was that both cups of coffee were made from the same beans and in the same standard coffee maker.

While the phrase “eco-friendly vending machine” might not make all coffee consumers crave more environmentally conscious coffee, participants were also surveyed on various issues before the study and the results showed that the majority of participants that were concerned about the environment preferred the eco-friendly brew. Those same participants were also willing to pay about 25 percent more for a coffee they believed shared their views on the environment.

When it comes to coffee or drink vending machines, you might not need to change your product offering to continue to be successful, but this is a good example of how knowing your customers and what their preferences are can help your vending machines, eco-friendly or otherwise, become even more profitable.

Posted on January 12, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Calorie Count Regulations Coming into effect

Starting July 1, 2014, all US public schools will have regulations regarding food and drink standards. The Nutritional Standards of All Foods Sold in Schools came about largely because of Michelle Obama’s efforts to decrease childhood obesity.

The law impacts all foods and beverages sold on campus or as part of meal programs during the school day. These foods and drinks may come from the cafeteria, school store, snack bar or vending machines. The new rules therefore introduce new vending machine food and drink regulations to the industry.

The new food requirements call for foods that are whole grains; have fruit, vegetable, dairy or protein products as the first ingredient; or contain 10 percent of the Daily Value for calcium, potassium, vitamin D or dietary fiber.

Drinks can be low fat cow’s milk, soy or rice based products, 100 percent fruit juice, or water. Soda, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, sports drinks and energy drinks are prohibited.

Contact us to learn more about the new vending machine regulations associated with these increased nutritional standards.

About Vending.com

Vending.com brings together a multitude of vending expertise through our circle of services. Everything you need to start, grow, or manage your vending business is provided through our easy online access. We provide vending services, financing, vending industry news, technical repair, parts and much more. Vending.com is one of the companies under the Wittern Group umbrella. Whether you are an entrepreneur starting your own vending machine business or expanding your current business, Vending.com offers you a full-range of vending machines for sale, financing, location assistance and other services to meet all of your vending needs. As a full-line vending sales company we provide customers nationwide with the right equipment for their client’s location. Our large selection of snack, soda machines, hot beverage, cold and frozen food and other quality vending machines can be configured and customized to fit any size location from small businesses to large factories. Let our network of vending machine companies go to work for you.

Posted on January 12, 2021 | by Phil Masters

The Healthiest Vending Machine, Ever

Mid-afternoon hunger pains? Mid-morning snack attack? Forgot your lunch? Imagine walking up to a vending machine during a quick work break, swiping your credit card, and getting a fresh salad for lunch. For those seeking healthy vending machine options, the wait may be over. Chicago’s Farmer’s Fridge vending machine is hoping to make fresh food a reality throughout the Windy City.

Don’t think of Farmer’s Fridge vending machine as an ordinary snack vending machine. You won’t find any packaged snacks here. According to its website, it’s really a veggie and fresh salads vending machine. Founder Luke Sanders stresses the importance of freshness in his machine’s products.

Starting with salads and products that are made by hand each morning after the daily 5 AM delivery of vegetables and packaged in special glass jars, the salads are taken to Farmer’s Fridge vending machines where they will be offered for sale. At 6 PM each evening, the products at Farmer’s Fridge are discounted by $1.00. When the next day’s delivery arrives, employees remove unsold products from the previous day, stocking the machine entirely with new product. Unsold product from the fresh salad vending machines are donated to area homeless shelters.

These incredible products include a menu worthy of your favorite neighborhood eatery with salads, breakfast items, and protein pick me ups. For example,

Antioxidant Salad featuring mixed greens, goat cheese, mixed berries, almonds, carrot, sprouts and flaxseed with a balsamic vinaigrette
Detox Salad with organic kale, organic quinoa, sprouts, fennel, pineapple, blueberries, white beans and cider vinegar lemon dressing.
Greek Yogurt and Berries
Sliced apples with local honey and almond butter
Vegetable strips with hummus
Cauliflower Fried Rice with cauliflower, local peas, carrot, garlic and egg whites

Even the appearance of the Farmer’s Fridge vending machine is out of the ordinary. Saunders worked with a vending machine manufacturer to make his unique vision a reality. He envisioned a kiosk with sustainably sourced salads, environmentally responsible containers, and all at a reasonable cost. His machines are made from reclaimed wood, accepts all major credit cards, can email receipts, and features power consumption of less than $25 per month.

Saunders credits improvements in technology such as touch screens and less expensive credit card processing to his success. His company makes use of free technology like Google Docs to track recipes and inventory. Saunders also credits the city of Chicago for less expensive startup costs compared to other cities. For example the cost of the shared kitchen space his employees use daily to prepare product is about one-fifth of what it would be in New York City.

The ability to offer his products in an automated kiosk appealed to Saunders. While he estimates that his labor costs are very similar to those of a brick and mortar restaurants, the flexibility offered by a vending machine played a key factor in his decision. Given that vending machines are everywhere, having healthy options is a must for new players with ideas for a snack or drink vending machine. Having expanded from three to 14 machines throughout Chicago in a single year, Saunders is proof that fresh sells.

Posted on January 12, 2021 | by Phil Masters

How Are Millennials Driving the Vending Industry?

Millennials, those coming into adulthood in the year 2000 and after, are driving the market across many industries including housing, technology, marketing, and even vending machine industry trends. As this group reaches maturity and have more disposable income, everyone is taking notice of how to market and sell to this demographic.

What Do Millennials Look for in Snack Vending Machines?

This generation has grown up with technology. Vending machines that provide fresh, affordable snack and beverage options at a touch of a button appeal to them.
The younger generations are more in tune with the impact that sugary sodas and snacks have on obesity and health causing the health market to be the fastest growing channel in vending machine industry trends.
Millennials rarely carry cash and prefer cashless options like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and credit or debit cards; however, for low-cost transactions the probability of any consumer paying cash rises. A market savvy vending machine manufacturer will provide both cashless payment options as well as cash options that accept a wide range of bills and coins.
Providing mobile payment options also influences where operators place their machines. To complete a wireless transaction, consumers must have access to a clear cell signal, so locations such as basements where cell signals are at their worst are becoming less than ideal.

How Does This Change the Vending Industry?

Because the vending machine market is large, change will take time. Millennials are the perfect demographic for the vending market. They expect self-checkout options and as vending machine operators gather more data, micro-markets are expected to emerge.

The technology that serves the millennial generation so well is also helping the vending industry cater to them. Market analysts are beginning to predict a customer’s future possible purchases based on their past purchases. This data will help vending machine owners group products in a single machine that will encourage larger or repeat purchases from the same customer.

The convenience provided by technology also benefits machine owners. As owners provide machines that have wireless connectivity to allow cashless purchases for their customers, owners find that the same connectivity allows them to check machine inventory remotely. By knowing the machine’s inventory ahead of time, owners save precious time and money in restocking efforts.

As the nation’s leading vending machine provider, Vending.com sells and services snack and drink vending machines across the United States. Contact us at 855-712-8781 to see how we can assist you with your vending business.

Posted on January 12, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Help Children Eat Healthier With Healthy Vending Machines

We’re at the tail end of Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a recently introduced national observance created to bring the negative health effects of childhood obesity to light. 1 in every 3 children in America are obese – that’s triple the amount of overweight children as there were in 1971!

What’s the reason behind this cosmic shift? Everyone has a theory, but the cause is probably a combination of the increase in processed foods on the market and the lack of physical activity in young people due to technology overload. The devastating effects of childhood obesity run the gamut of damage, from sluggishness and depression, to increased blood pressure and diabetes, and as far as premature heart problems.

So what can we do to help children make healthier, smarter choices? By meeting them on their turf. Children and teens are just looking for convenient, delicious food choices. For example, 7-11 and McDonald’s locations are often populated by young people just looking to “grab a bite.” Vending machines are placed in every school building and recreational center, offering sugar-laden snacks and caffeinated sodas in a dizzying array of colors and shapes.

Offering our young charges healthier options, in the convenience of vending machines is the perfect solution to help bring smarter choices to the masses. Schools across America are already hopping on this trend. Vending machines are doling out fruits, whole grains, filling fiber, and nutrient-filled water. Michelle Obama, former First Lady and childhood obesity activist, has been encouraging schools to nourish not only only children’s minds, but children’s bodies, with healthy, delicious options to combat the usual potato chip and Pepsi lunch.

If you’d like to learn more about bringing healthier options to your school, hospital, office, etc, please visit the “Healthier Vending Machines” page on our site. By bringing these options to your employees, customers, and students, you’re helping to combat one of the deadliest health conditions in our country. Make a difference today and explore healthier options in your vending!

Posted on January 13, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Young Entrepreneur Finds Vending

Satisfy your customers by satisfying their hunger! This is one of the lines 10 year old Owen Lefkovits used to convince Castle Car Wash to let him own a vending machine in their waiting room.

Lefkovits was surprised there wasn’t already a vending machine at Castle Car Wash when he and his mom stopped by one day after swim practice. After collaborating with his family Lefkovits crafted a presentation for his youth-run business idea to deliver to the car wash owner.

Unfortunately, Castle Car Wash purchased a vending machine before Lefkovits’s presentation. However, the boy persuaded the company to let him own and run the machine because it would be more beneficial to have someone local maintain the machine. Lefkovits’s picture and bio are now on the machine letting customers know their business is appreciated.

Lefkovits got a loan from his grandma and off he went running the machine. To keep up with his youth-run business, he tracks purchases and comes by every week to restock the machine. Lefkovits also handles calls if there are any issues, even when on vacation.

Do you see opportunities to earn money through vending? Vending.com can help you place a vending machine in your community. We will walk you through the process and answer any questions you have about setting up vending machines. Take a look at our wide selection of combo, snack and drink machines to find exactly want you need for your business.

Courtesy Forsyth News

Posted on January 13, 2021 | by Phil Masters

Vending Machines – A Controlled, Safe Method to Provide Food and Beverages to Consumers – Part I

Why Vending is the Ultimate Controlled Dispensing Solution for the Convenience Services Industry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUH5KWngtmM&feature=youtu.be

As organizations modify their operations and procedures to best keep employees and customers safe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that is sweeping across our nation and the world, the need to safely provide food and beverage options remains critical.

According to the National Merchandising Association (NAMA), “Through our unique food distribution system, our industry can be the greatest source of “contactless” nourishment to over 40 million consumers with food and beverages daily, and it is all accomplished in an unattended retail environment, often with round the clock availability.”

Federal and State governments, along with the CDC, are encouraging social distancing, including reducing or eliminating face-to-face encounters with alternative options such as contactless delivery and self-serve options. In workplaces, this includes re-evaluating how food and beverages are offered to employees. For example, in the past weeks, many organizations have shuttered cafeterias to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Recently the NIH and CDC released information on the Coronavirus’ lifespan on surfaces.

Airborne: 30 minutes to 3 hours
Cardboard: 24 hours
Stainless Steel: 2 days
Plastic: 3 days

These guidelines have prompted many organizations to further re-evaluate self-serve convenience service options deployed in their organizations such as unattended retail markets. The risks in these applications is that the food and beverage products are not controlled in such that consumers can pick-up products and return them to the shelves for the next consumer to handle. With COVID-19 having up to a three-day lifespan on items such as bottled beverages and clamshell salad containers, unattended retail applications may pose a risk of being a spreading point within organizations.

Unlike unattended retail markets where consumers can access and return the food and beverage products, vending requires consumers to purchase the product(s) before the consumer is able to touch the product(s). Just think in a micro market setting how many people before you may have picked up that plastic bottled beverage or salad in a plastic clamshell before you and put it back on the shelf.

Besides the product itself having the opportunity to be handled by multiple people in a micro market application, another consideration is the cleanliness of micro market hardware itself. For example, when consumers access products in micro markets they often come in contact with shelving holding the product. You have risk of direct exposure on the shelf itself, as well as transfer exposure from the product. Being full secured access, this is not a concern or risk when it comes to vending, as only the operator has access to the interior of the machine including the shelving.

Vending offers the ultimate secured access solution and allows organizations to safely provide employees and consumers with food and beverage products, with little to no risk of contamination from numerous other individuals handling the product.

According to the European Vending Association, “Vending machines are a reliable and safe way to obtain food and beverages. Vending machine operators place food safety as top priority in their daily service, and are trained in protection against infections. During the current health crisis, operators have also put in place measures to ensure that the disinfection of machine surfaces is also carried out as regularly as possible.”

For more information or other equipment questions, please contact Vending.com at 1-855-906-5163.

What products are recommended to safely clean and disinfect vending equipment? Check back soon to find out in Part II.

Posted on January 13, 2021 | by Phil Masters

The Magic of a Literary Vending Machine

As an educator, one encourages children to let their minds run wild and exercise their creative minds. And, being creative allowed the students and educators of Northeast Elementary School in Owasso, Oklahoma to think outside of the box when it comes to vending machines and rewards systems.

Amanda Sordo, the school’s librarian, saw an idea from a neighboring school in which books are used in vending machines, as opposed to snacks. The idea behind this book vending machine was to provide a reward for students who have done an act of kindness for another student within the school. Sordo says, “This vending machine gives kids an opportunity to recognize other kids for the goodness they see in them. Kids write notes, which are put in a box, and then I am drawing ten names a day to give kids free books.”

From there, students receive tokens to vend a book from the vending machine. This way, kids can build their at-home library by simply performing a good deed.

The book vending machine builds excitement for the kids when it comes to reading, but it does so much more than that. Sordo goes on to say, “These kids are reading the good things that people see in them. It’s building morale, lowering bullying and it’s getting kids to read books. It’s an all-around good thing.”

When it came to the exterior design of the book vending machine, one thing was for certain. It had to be customizable to include artwork that was provided by the kids themselves “It was really important for the kids to have a big part in the design process,” Sordo says. “None of the other schools are even thinking to use the kids’ artwork like that. It turned out a lot better than I expected.”

The students played a huge role in the book vending machine. A fundraiser was held in which they received more than enough to purchase the vending machine. Additionally, the students of Northeast Elementary School submitted artwork in the schoolwide contest. This artwork was then taken to social media, where people could vote for the top three designs.

The word of the book vending machine quickly spread across Oklahoma by way of social media, local news outlets and various email communications. This has led to other schools in the area considering installing a book vending machine. If anyone is looking for advice on how to go about installing a book vending machine, Sordo offers a couple of tips. One is to be aware that one of the most challenging aspects of the machine is stocking it with books that will appeal to a wide range of students, including picture books and chapter books. The other piece of advice Sordo offers is to hold a fundraiser in order to involve the students.

When asked about the process of working with Vending.com, Sordo says it was easy and accommodating. All of the questions were answered quickly and Vending.com worked quickly. The process to add the artwork to the book vending machine was also a simple task. When setting up the machine, we ran into a few issues. I worked with Vendnet, Vending.com’s service group, to get it set up. They were very helpful and made the process easier.

Thinking outside the box when it comes to rewarding students for their good deeds is so important. Amanda Sordo and the staff at Northeast Elementary School were able to accomplish just that. With the help of Vending.com, they are able to provide students with books, while building character.

Vending.com can help you think outside of the box when it comes to vending a variety of needs. For questions, contact Todd Carber at (515) 271-8384 or tcarber@vending.com.

Posted on January 14, 2022 | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment

Full Profit Vending Program

What does a full profit vending program look like? How much can you, hypothetically, make from your vending machine? Check out our price recommendations below.

Can cold drinks (Major Brands)
Vend Price———————————————————————————————-$1.25
Cost per can———————————————————————————————–.32
Profit per can————————————————————————————.93

Bottle cold drinks (16.9oz-Major Brands)
Sale/Vend Price—————————————————————————————$1.50
Cost per bottle——————————————————————————————-.67
Profit per bottle——————————————————————————–.83

Bottled Water-#1 Selling Beverage (16.9oz)
Sale/Vend Price—————————————————————————————$1.25
Cost per bottle——————————————————————————————-.13
Profit per bottle——————————————————————————-1.12

Chips-Top Name Variety Pack (50 Ct.)
Sale/Vend Price—————————————————————————————-$1.25
Cost per bag———————————————————————————————–.28
Profit per bag————————————————————————————.97

Candy-Top Name Variety Pack (30 Ct.)
Sale/Vend Price—————————————————————————————$1.25
Cost per candy bar————————————————————————————–.70
Profit per candy bar—————————————————————————.55

AVERAGE PROFIT PER SALE: $.88

For more information, contact Vending.com by calling 1-800-548-1982.