Category: Vending Machines

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Google Play Vending Machine

Another unique vending machine has launched in Tokyo recently. There is definitely no shortage of odd and creative vending machines in Japan, but this one has a very large brand name attached to it. This new machine was launched by Google and does not vend physical products, but it is a brick and mortar interface for Google’s Play market.

This creative vending machine requires that you have a smartphone that is running Android 4.0 and has NFC technology. So not all smartphone users will be able to interface with the machine, but most new Android devices should have no problem. The machine features a large screen that uses the same interface that Android users would regularly see when they visit Google Play on their desktop or mobile devices. Customers can then browse the selections on the screen while they are assisted by two attendants that will be stationed at every Google vending machine.

The purchases on the machine can be paid for with your mobile device and will be downloaded after payment is received. Vending.com has discussed NFC technology and mobile payments for vending machines before, and seeing how Google uses their own technology could lead to some interesting innovations!

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, 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 | by Phil Masters

How to Get a Vending Machine License

The licenses and permits that you will need to operate soda or coffee vending machines, snack vending machines, or other machines will vary depending on the state and even county

vending permit

 

where you live. Knowing how to get a vending license or permit and how much it costs are details to check into before you purchase machines so that you have them established before installation.

The Small Business Administration has a directory where you can find your state’s webpage for license requirements. If you are are unable to find the answer on your state’s site, call a local office of the SBA. Someone there will most likely be able to help you find the proper forms and information.

Having licensing and permitting in order before you install machines can save you expensive downtime or even fines later on. Licenses for drink vending machines and other types are generally inexpensive. In Alabama, for instance, the fee for a license is only $75 per year for a vending business that has revenue between $60,000 and $80,000. Other states have fees that are in the same range. Some do not require licensing at all.

Are you ready to start or expand your vending business? We have a vending machine for sale that fits your needs.

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 machine financing, services, 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, 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 | by Phil Masters

Companies Who Make Employee Health a Priority Show Enormous ROI

Healthy-Vending-MachineFor many people who wish to live healthier lifestyles, one of the biggest obstacles has always been the workplace. Depending on how busy your days are, you may not necessarily have time to run to the nearest healthy source of food during your lunch hour. Fast food, which is among the least healthiest food possible, may be the best option. Worse yet, even companies that have traditionally said that they encourage healthy activities in their employees usually stock vending machines filled with high calorie, low quality items for those workers to consume. The snack vending machine has long been the bane of existence to everyone who just wants to watch what they eat and lose a little weight while on the job.

That is, until now. Research has indicated that companies that make an active effort to make employee health a priority are showing an enormous return on investment when these types of programs are initiated in conjunction with a Healthy Vending Machine.

Vending machines in general are notorious for dispensing foods that are high in trans fats, filled to the brim with synthetic ingredients and include other unhealthy qualities that make it difficult to eat right while at work. Many vending machine manufacturers have started offering nutritious alternatives that are designed only to vend low fat, low carbohydrate and low sugar products. These are not limited to snacks – these can include drinks and even full meals depending on the specifics of the program in question.

The return on investment that companies are seeing for making employee health a priority falls into a few different categories depending on the situation. The most obvious is that employer health insurance premiums are directly related to the health of their workers. If your employees are only making poor food decisions all day, premiums will eventually go up as a result. Studies have indicated that not only are these premiums not going up, but they’re actually being lowered in many cases. Many employers have created employee-driven health groups designed to manage these initiatives in the workplace.

Additionally, the vending machines themselves are becoming a viable source of income for many businesses. Employees who are already trying to live health conscious lifestyles are enthusiastically using these types of machines at a higher frequency than ever.

One great example of this type of program in action is Vending.com’s Healthy Vending program. Vending.com is a vending machine manufacturer that has been in operation since 1931. In addition to selling specially designed vending machines that dispense food, snacks, coffee and everything in between, they are also doing their part to promote healthy eating in the workplace by way of the Healthy Vending program.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Vending Machines and Social Media for Making Purchases  

Companies of all types have long been looking for ways to use the marketing power of social media to their advantage. After all, sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and more all come with active user bases in the hundreds of millions of people – who wouldn’t want to tap into that? In the 21st century, companies are using social media marketing techniques to do a whole lot more than just send out the occasional clever tweet. Many companies are leveraging the power of social media with the benefits of the common vending machine to create a situation so enticing that people everywhere can’t help but notice.

Free Promotions

One of the best recent examples of using social media vending machine equipment takes the form of a promotion executed by the Boston Red Sox. The Boston Red Sox rented a vending machine that was connected to the social media network Twitter. If a user was in the vicinity of the machine and tweeted using a specific hashtag, the machine would dispense certain products.

The real crux of the idea, however, was that a signed jersey from one of the Red Sox’s star players was inside the machine. One lucky Twitter user could use the right hashtag to win the jersey, creating a situation that fans came from all over to participate in.

Old Navy

old navy vending machine

Another example of a company putting vending machines to good use is Old Navy. Every year, Old Navy has a sale where they discount a huge number of different pairs of flip-flops to just $1. One year, Old Navy took the promotion to the next level with the involvement of 36 different social media powered vending machines in New York City and Los Angeles. If a customer came across the machine, all they had to do was log into Twitter from a tablet that was attached to the machine itself and answer a few questions in a survey.

Once the survey was completed, they could then specify their shoe size and take home a pair of flip-flops to call their own. One user also won a $5,000 vacation package, generating buzz for the campaign that was impossible to ignore.

These are just a few of the many ways that companies are using social media enabled vending machine units to their advantage. As you can see, vending machines are no longer just for selling snacks in between shifts at work or for picking up the occasional soft drink in between classes. They’re a full fledged marketing channel that can generate millions of dollars a year in revenue if utilized effectively.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

What Should I Do With Products That Go Stale?

 

Most food and drink items will have an expiration date on them. These are the dates you have to make sure to pay attention to when doing inventory of all your product to avoid selling expired vending machine food.

Keeping an eye on stales is a key component to maintaining your vending machine, and maintaining your customer satisfaction. You can gain a reputation with your repeat customers if you have products that are out of date for sale.

Shortest Coded Items

If you have a refrigerated cold food machine you know these items have the shortest code. Whether you’re selling sandwiches, or salads, these short coded meals need to be checked every single day, several times a day.

Keep Your Stales Under Control

Every time you open the door to your machine, check the dates for all your food and drink items. Once you turn this into a habit, you will be able to create an eagle eye for out of date items. If you have employees, you will have to train them to check the vending machine daily, several times a day for expired food to keep from selling it.

Handling Customer Complaints

Complaints can be a seen as an opportunity to make a bad situation good. Listen to your customer. Have they found repeated stale or expired food items that your vending machine has been selling? You may want to offer something to them that is of better value than a simple refund. Perhaps offer them a gift card to your store, or a free item along with their refund. For customers whose first time buying a stale item is now, definitely offer them a refund, and assure them you and your team will be more proactive in making sure all the items are completely fresh.

If you can help it, it is best to keep stale items out of your vending machine. Stay aware of what is in there, and once it becomes a habit, it will become way more easier.

Get in contact with us to explore your vending machine options!

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle With a Used Vending Machine

Reduce, reuse and recycle – purchasing a refurbished vending machine is a great way to eliminate waste, care for your environment and save some money on what is essentially a like-new machine!

All of our used vending machines are factory-remanufactured and certified by our trained experts to meet the industry’s highest standards for maximum performance. All of our refurbished vending machine come with a one-year limited parts warranty and a 90-day parts warranty on accessory components including coin acceptors, bill acceptors and control boards.

Limited on budget? Not sure if you want to commit to a brand-new vending machine? No worries –  we offer 100% financing. Our used snack machines start at as low as $79.35 per month and our drink machines start at as low as $97.35 per month. The profit on only five sales a day can pay for your machines! Additionally, Vending,com offers FREE White Glove Premium delivery – a $345 value.

Our used vending machines:Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

6 Selection Stand Alone Soda Drink Vending Machine

This sleek vending machine fits in the space of a file cabinet! This machine allows for 6 selections and has the ability to vend 144 bottles, 312 cans or a combination of both bottles and cans. Call us at 1-855-712-8734 for more info on this used machine!

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

10 Selection Soda Drink Vending Machine

Style, variety and capacity. This newer can & bottle drink vending machine offers 10 selections of your customers’ favorite national brand canned and  bottled beverages. Call us at 1-855-712-8734 for more info on this used machine!

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Trimline II Combo Vending Machine

Satisfy your customers and employees with their favorite snacks and beverages with the spacious Trimline II Refreshment Center.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

30 Selection Elevator Vending Machine

Designed to provide the best food service available, the 30 Selection Elevator Vending Machine offers a wide variety of meals, sandwiches, salads, dairy, fresh fruit & beverages that are softly served via a patented elevator delivery.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

Used 40 Selection Snack/Candy Vending Machine

With 15 snack, 18 candy and snack cracker, 2 gum & mint and 5 pastry selections, this vending machine has the selection and capacity that a large location demands. Call us at 1-855-712-8734 for more info on this used machine!

 

Call today at 1-855-712-8734 to find out all machine options currently available as inventory changes daily.

Used vending machines are a great affordable option for those on a budget. Satisfy your vending needs and stay within budget with Vending.com.

Until next time!

Vending.com

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Teaching Hard Work to the Next Generation

What was your first job? What was it like? How did it impact your view of work? An important part of growing up is learning how to work hard. We all wish earning money was easy but that’s just not reality. Vending is a great way to teach hard work and responsibility to your family. It doesn’t take extensive education to service a vending machine, teens are very capable of helping a family vending business. Teaching hard work to kids when they’re young can set them up for a successful future.

Vending is simple to get into and can be very profitable for you and your family. However, there are no shortcuts and putting in work is necessary. There are many family-run vending businesses across the country, where families work together to service their machines and reap the rewards. Vending.com equipment offer great profitability but they take time and energy to remain full with product. Not only does it take time to refill machines with product it takes research and intentionality to know what to sell in your machines. Machines poorly maintained show negatively on your business and if it’s a family business, possibly on your family too. Vending is a great opportunity to teach young people the value and importance of responsibility.

While vending is work, the profits make it all worth it. As a vendor there’s nothing like taking a thick wad of cash out of the bill box and seeing the fruits of your labor. Working is hard, but it’s important and has its rewards. Seeing and experiencing the rewards of hard work is great motivation to continue working hard. The money you earn will mean much more to you and used more responsibly than money that was just given to you. 

Vending.com is here to help you before you begin vending as a family and throughout the life of your machines as well. We want you to have the best experience vending. We are available to honestly answer any questions you have about the industry or our equipment. Give us a call today at 1-855-365-0906.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

The Future of Vending

There are a lot of unknowns occurring in the world right now. Some industries and businesses are thriving, while many, unfortunately, are struggling. While the vending industry is facing some challenges during this time, this is also an opportunity to reflect on how the vending industry and your business and grow and thrive. So, what exactly does the high tech future of vending machines look like? Keep reading to find out.

Touch Screen Capabilities

We understand that not all vending machines have the capability to have a touchscreen device on them. If they can, however, your customers will appreciate the fact that they are safe and easy-to-use. Having a touchscreen also ensures your customers do not necessarily have to directly touch your vending machine. For instance, your customers can use a stylus to purchase the products they are craving. This ensures your customers will have very little contact with your machine.

Cashless Payments

The growth of COVID-19 has led to the growth of digital payments. While the chances of COVID-19 being passed between currencies is very low, many people have grown weary of paying with cash or coins. This high tech vending machine shift does not bode well for vending businesses who only accept cash and coin payments.

By not accepting cashless payments, not only are you not catering to your customers’ needs during this time, but you are also losing out on sales. By integrating a cashless card reader into your business, such as Greenlite, you are putting yourself in the position to increase sales, while giving your customers what they need. Greenlite accepts cashless payments including debit cards, credit cards and mobile wallets, such as Google Pay and Apple Pay.

Provide Your Customers with the Necessities

More than likely, customers are not going to stop craving a candy bar or something to drink. However, many customers, stores, offices and health care facilities are needing products outside of just candy and beverages. Give your customers access to not just the products they want, but the products they need with a PPE Sani-Center vending machine. Fill this high tech vending machine with hand sanitizers, face masks and cleaning wipes to keep your customers and your facility safe.

Things are constantly changing. As a vending business, it is your job to change with it. For more information about touch screen capabilities, Greenlite or PPE vending, contact Vending.com at 1-800-548-1982.

Prepare for Winter with UVend Technology
Posted on | by Phil Masters

Are You Prepared for Winter?

The cold, winter months are going to be here before we know it. Not only does this mean colder weather, but it means that we will see an uptick in illness, whether it be a cold, the flu or COVID-19. Believe it or not, there is a lot that can be done with existing or new vending machines for sale in the winter to ensure your customers are satisfied.

MarketOne Coffee Vending Machine

For many customers, the cold weather settling in means that they crave a hot beverage in order to keep them warm. Enter the new MarketOne Coffee Vending Machine. It features a European design and a state-of-the-art brewing system for customers to receive coffee shop-quality from a vending machine with the push of a button. Keep customers warm by giving them the option to choose from up to 34 hot beverage combination options of coffee, hot chocolate, tea, espresso and more.

UVend Technology

Give customers and employees the safer vending experience they have been craving with UVend Technology. UVend Technology, a patent-pending UVC light sanitization device, makes the high-touch surfaces of vending machines safer by quickly killing or inactivating up to 99.9% of some of the most common viruses and bacteria, including influenza and COVID-19. 

To provide an extra layer of protection, UVend Technology features an automated motion sensor and visible blue light. The motion sensor ensures no presence is detected in front of the machine before activating and the blue light indicates quick sanitization is in process, allowing the machine’s keypad and delivery door to be sanitized after almost every use.

Sani-Center Vending Machine

Vending.com’s Sani-Center PPE Vending Machine limits face-to-face interaction by safely dispensing cleaning supplies, medical masks, hand sanitizers, wipes and more to customers. It allows customers safe access to supplies they need while generating revenue for your business. One of the biggest Sani-Center benefits is the capability for customers to purchase items through a cashless card reader or mobile payment platform, further reducing direct contact with the vending machine.

Looking for more ways to give your customers an extra layer of protection during the winter months? Call 1-800-548-1982.

Vending.com - The Best Locations for Vending Machines
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Where to Put Vending Machines: Best Places & Locations

Where to Put Vending Machines: Best Places & Locations

Discover the most profitable spots and expert strategies for securing prime vending machine real estate to maximize your business growth. 

Key Takeaways: 

  • A vending machine’s success depends primarily on strategic placement in high-traffic, high-intent areas where people have immediate needs and limited alternatives. 
  • The most profitable locations typically serve captive audiences where people spend time and cannot easily leave for food. 
  • Operators should evaluate not just foot traffic volume but dwell time, audience demographics, competition quality, and product-market fit before securing a location. 
  • Matching product selection and machine type to the specific environment (e.g., protein drinks in gyms, premium snacks in offices) significantly increases sales and customer satisfaction. 
  • Long-term vending success requires professional pitching to property owners, formal agreements, modern payment technology, consistent servicing, and ongoing sales data optimization. 

Location is the single most important factor in the success of any vending operation. Even the most advanced machine stocked with premium products will fail to generate revenue if it is tucked away in a low-traffic corner. A strategic placement ensures that your inventory moves quickly, your machines remain secure, and your profit margins stay healthy. 

To thrive in the modern market, operators must look beyond simple foot traffic and consider the psychology of the consumer. Successful vending is about being in the right place at the exact moment a person realizes they are hungry, thirsty, or in need of a quick energy boost. Identifying these “high-intent” zones requires a combination of demographic research, physical scouting, and competitive analysis. 

This guide will help you better understand how to choose the best places and locations for your vending machines, from analyzing captive audiences to pitching property owners and selecting the right equipment for every environment. 

Greenlite Vending Machine Card Reader Blog
Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Vending Machine Analytics: Unlocking Profits with Greenlite Cashless Data

Vending Machine Analytics: Unlocking Profits with Greenlite Cashless Data

Today’s vending machines are more than just automated retailers—they’re intelligent business tools that provide valuable insights into your operations. With Greenlite Cashless, you’ll capture every sale through card and mobile payments while gaining access to powerful analytics and remote management features. Let’s explore how Greenlight Cashless can improve your vending machine business’s efficiency and profitability. 

What is Greenlite Cashless? 

Greenlite Cashless is a cloud-based card and mobile payment acceptance solution that provides powerful cost-saving business insights, reporting, and remote management. With comprehensive vending machine sales tracking, you gain real-time visibility into your sales performance to empower you to make informed, data-driven decisions to improve operations and increase revenue.

Optimize Inventory Management with Data-Driven Insights

Greenlite’s robust sales data enables you to take control of your inventory and product mix like never before. By analyzing sales trends, product performance, and customer behavior, you can make informed decisions to enhance efficiency and profitability. With Greenlite, you can:

  • Reduce stockouts and overstocking: Identify fast-moving items and adjust inventory levels accordingly, ensuring products are always available without excess stock.
  • Smarter Restocking: With the sales reports, operators can ensure their vending machines are always stocked with in-demand products that maximize revenue.
  • Identify slow-moving items: Analyze product sales to identify underperforming items and make data-driven decisions about removal or replacement.
  • Maximize Product Mix: Discover top-selling products and ensure their availability while identifying hidden sales opportunities, like complementary products, to boost sales.
  • Stay Ahead of Trends: Analyze seasonal sales trends and adjust your product mix to capture revenue opportunities throughout the year.

By leveraging data-driven insights, you can create a product mix that perfectly aligns with customer preferences and drives increased revenue.

Enhanced Revenue Forecasting

Greenlite’s data-driven insights enable you to predict future sales with greater accuracy. By analyzing historical sales trends and identifying patterns, you can:

  • Forecast future sales: Make informed projections about revenue and product demand.
  • Improve budgeting: Create accurate budgets based on predicted sales figures.
  • Optimize financial planning: Make data-driven decisions about investments and resource allocation.

With Greenlite, you can transform your vending business from reactive to proactive, maximizing profitability.

Improved Marketing and Pricing Strategies

Greenlite’s data-driven insights empower you to refine your marketing and pricing strategies for maximum impact. By understanding your customer’s buying behavior, you can:

  • Target promotions effectively: Identify customer segments and tailor promotions to their preferences.
  • Create personalized product offers: Develop targeted product bundles and promotions based on customer data.
  • Optimize pricing: Implement dynamic pricing strategies to maximize revenue based on demand.

With Greenlite, you can create highly effective marketing campaigns that resonate with your customers and drive sales.

Operational Efficiency

Greenlite’s vending machine analytics enable you to optimize your vending operations for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By analyzing sales patterns and machine performance, you can:

  • Optimize restocking schedules: Reduce stockouts and overstocking by scheduling restocks based on sales data.
  • Minimize service visits: Identify machines requiring maintenance proactively, reducing downtime and service costs.
  • Improve route planning: Optimize delivery routes based on machine locations and service needs.

Greenlite Cashless empowers vending operators to transform their businesses. By harnessing the power of vending machine analytics, you can optimize inventory, make informed product decisions, enhance revenue, and streamline operations. Don’t let valuable insights go to waste. Click here to learn more about how Greenlite Cashless can revolutionize your vending business and drive significant growth.

Posted on | by Phil Masters | Leave a Comment on Extend Life of Your Vending Machine – Tips for better Vending Maintenance

Extend Life of Your Vending Machine – Tips for better Vending Maintenance

In the United States, more than 4.5 million vending machines generate over $30 billion in annual sales. (Source: GrandViewResearch) At the same time, industry service data indicate that inadequate vending machine maintenance can reduce a machine’s profitable life by 30-40%.

This blog covers:

  • Vending Machine Maintenance & Profitability
  • Tips That Prevent Failures | Weekly Recommendations
  • Result-oriented Preventive Maintenance Schedules
  • Conclusion: Maintenance Is the Key to Long-Term ROI
  • Ready to Protect Your Vending Investment?

Why Vending Machine Maintenance Directly Impacts Profitability

Many new operators think of maintenance as an expense, but it’s actually one of the most reliable ways to protect profit. Consistent vending machine maintenance helps prevent revenue‑killing downtime, reduce emergency service calls by up to 50%, and protect high‑value components like compressors and control boards. It also improves customer trust and repeat usage by keeping machines clean, stocked, and reliable. And because reactive repairs cost an estimated 3–5 times more than preventive care, routine upkeep becomes one of the smartest ways to extend equipment life and keep machines earning for 10–15 years.

 

Tips That Prevent Failures | Weekly Recommendations

Most vending machine problems start small. Ignoring them turns minor issues into major repairs.

Frequency Check / Action Purpose
Check During Refill Inspect coin mechanisms and bill validators for dust or jams Ensure smooth payment processing
Check During Refill Ensure products are properly aligned and spirals are not strained Prevent product jams and motor strain
Check During Refill Check displays and screens for error codes Early detection of faults
Check During Refill Wipe customer touchpoints Maintain hygiene and customer confidence
Weekly Clean delivery bins and keypads Prevent dirt buildup and improve hygiene
Weekly Inspect door seals for air leaks Maintain cooling efficiency
Weekly Verify refrigeration temperature consistency Avoid product spoilage and compressor damage

 

Getting to know your Vending Machine Parts & Service Requirements

Understanding your vending machine’s core systems will help you spot trouble early and fix issues as they arise.

Critical components to monitor:

  • Motors and spirals
  • Refrigeration systems
  • Control boards
  • Coin mechs and cashless readers
  • Door switches and sensors

Using certified vending machine parts and service is essential. Established suppliers such as Vending.com provide access to compatible machines, parts guidance, and long-term service support, critical for U.S. operators managing multiple locations.

Result-oriented Preventive Maintenance Schedules

Successful vending operators follow a schedule, not just guesswork.

Check / Action Frequency
Inspect wiring and connectors Quarterly
Test vend motors and delivery sensors Quarterly
Check for software or firmware updates Quarterly
Deep clean refrigeration systems Bi-Annual
Inspect insulation and door gaskets Bi-Annual
Replace worn belts or seals Bi-Annual
Full diagnostic inspection Annual
Firmware updates and calibration Annual
Review machine placement and airflow Annual

 

This structured approach reduces surprise breakdowns and helps extend life well beyond industry averages.

The most expensive breakdowns are the ones customers see.

Ensure these don’t happen | Early Warning Signs

  • Products hanging or double dropping
  • Inconsistent cooling
  • Rejected bills or failed card transactions
  • Unusual vibrations or grinding sounds

Vending.com’s modern vending machines include built‑in diagnostic tools that operators can easily access. Running these diagnostics regularly helps identify issues early, allowing operators to fix vending machine problems before they affect reliability, customer experience, or revenue.

 

Location and Environment: A Major Factor in Machine Longevity

Even the best-maintained machine can fail early if placed incorrectly.

Environmental risks include:

  • Direct sunlight exposure
  • Poor ventilation
  • High humidity
  • Dust-heavy industrial areas

For semi-outdoor locations, use weather-rated machines. Established providers like Vending.com can help with selecting specific U.S. environments.

Operator Training: The Hidden Maintenance Advantage

A well‑informed operator is one of the best tools for maintaining vending equipment. Completing basic training ensures operators understand the essential practices that support reliable, consistent machine performance.

Effective training often includes:

  • Proper product loading techniques
  • Safe, routine cleaning methods
  • Recognizing early signs of potential issues
  • Understanding when professional service is the best next step

Even a minimal investment in training can significantly reduce avoidable issues and support long‑term machine performance.

Conclusion: Maintenance Is the Key to Long-Term ROI

A vending machine is one of the few businesses that can operate 24/7 without staff, but only when supported by disciplined vending machine maintenance.

By following:

Proven vending machine care tips, reliable machine parts & service, and acting early, operators can extend life by years.

Trusted industry platforms like Vending.com don’t just supply machines; they support operators with the knowledge, equipment, and service standards required to run a profitable vending business in the U.S. market.

Ready to Protect Your Vending Investment?

If you’re looking for vending machines that are easy to operate, simple to maintain, and built for long‑term reliability, Vending.com is here to help. Our team provides dependable equipment, expert guidance, and ongoing support to keep your operations running smoothly.

Call us at 855-929-1042 to speak with a specialist and find the right vending solutions for your business.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Intel Shows Off New Machines at National Retail Federation Exhibit

Vending.com
Vending.com

The Intel Corporation took to the National Retail Federation trade show in New York City to show off a few of the exciting plans the vending machine business has made for 2013. As reported by the Vending Times, the machines on display ranged from new-age concepts to high-tech versions of classic drink and snack machines.

A new coffee vending machine from Costa Coffee turned many heads at the event, as the product serves a coffee shop-sized assortment of hot drinks and uses facial recognition technology to “guess” what an incoming customer might like. The UK-based Costa Coffee company currently has 2,500 machines of this kind in operation. A mainstay in the vending world since the beginning, PepsiCo was also on hand to show off their latest and greatest. Pepsi’s interactive, social-media compatible drink machine was on display at the event, grabbing attention with its unique wireless purchasing options. Pepsi machine users can “gift” their friends a drink simply by texting a special gift code, which can be redeemed at any Pepsi machine that supports the technology. Patrons can also view nutritional information on the machine and play a random-chance game that can win them a free 20 oz. soft drink.

Here at Vending.com, we are constantly inspired by vending innovations such as the ones on display in New York City. If you feel the same, our affordable vending machines for sale are a great way to enter this exciting industry!

Posted on | by Phil Masters

NAMA OneShow Enjoys Unprecedented Attendance

Vending.comThe NAMA OneShow just wrapped up a few weeks ago in Las Vegas, giving all members of the vending machine industry a glimpse of what the future of the business is looking like. The annual big event was bigger than ever this year, as NAMA revealed that this year’s convention set a new record for show attendance.

According to Vending MarketWatch, this year’s OneShow broke records in both crowd attendance and exhibitor numbers.

“Our industry is on such an important growth trajectory and the NAMA OneShow certainly is reflective of that,” said OneShow Executive Director LyNae Schleyer in a statement. The show was met with tremendously positive feedback from new exhibitors and industry veterans alike, as the event allows both big and small brands to grow their businesses.

The NAMA OneShow is an annual celebration of all things vending and includes everything from speeches to product demonstrations from people all over the vending industry. This year’s event was headlined by keynote speeches from Newt Gingrich and Magic Johnson and had high-profile sponsors such as Kraft and Hershey’s.

We’re thrilled to know that the OneShow was a huge success, and we certainly are looking forward to next year’s event. If this year’s OneShow has you inspired to enter the business, our snack vending machines make a great place to start!

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Break Room Vending Machines

When you have worked in an office for any amount of time that has a break room, it is easy to notice how odd and often gross, they can be. The reason for these oddities is often food brought in by coworkers.

Storing perishable food can often become a challenge as expiration dates become lost in the well-lit abyss that is the back of the communal refrigerator. Once good ideas for lunch may sit, left and forgotten, on tables or in communal microwaves for days on end and pots of coffee made with the best intentions can become caffeinated science projects gone wrong.

An easy way to avoid these break room horrors is with vending machines! Vending.com has a wide variety of vending machines specifically for office break rooms that include, food, snack, drink, coffee, water and more. Break room vending machines are not just for grabbing a candy bar or can of soda anymore; many of our machines can vend enough fresh food to keep employees happy and well-fed every day.

Depending on how your office decides to operate the vending machines at work, profits from them can be donated to charity, reinvested back into the office or a variety of other options that will help out more than your break room’s hygiene!

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Stocking Your Vending Machines

Snack vending machines are often the subject of jokes, with disgruntled customers pounding on the machine in hopes that their purchased snack will fall. Yet if that vending machine is yours, the way in which you stock the snacks is crucial to your profits.

When people don’t get the snack they paid for, they will get upset, and may not use the vending machine again, in spite of any vend guarantee you provide. The next customer may get more than one item with just one purchase due to snacks stuck in the machine. This cuts into your profits. As a result, you need to ensure that you are stocking your vending machine correctly to avoid this problem.

As you do when stocking a drink vending machine, when stocking candy vending machines, take your time, and make sure all packages are facing forward. Tuck them into their respective slots, working from back to front, and ensure that every space is filled. Make sure the snacks you purchase are the right size for your snack machine to avoid stuck products. When you are finished stocking, test the vending machine to ensure it is properly dispensing each snack. This will put more money into your pocket and eliminate problems from unsatisfied customers.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Metro Adds Bus-Ticket Vending Machine in Seattle

orca_tap1King County Metro Transit is taking a bold step into the 21st century – at least as far as passengers are concerned. To help ease some of the stress on existing infrastructure, KCMT is putting a bus ticket dispensing vending machine on Third Avenue located conveniently between Stewart and Pine street in Seattle, WA. The hope is that instead of pushing money into the farebox as traditionally accomplished, users will instead use the vending machine to accomplish the same thing.

By pairing with a vending machine manufacturer for this transit vending machine, King County Metro Transit hopes to accomplish a few different goals at the same time. For starters, it adds a supplementary source of bus tickets that will hopefully relieve some stress during already crowded transit times. Additionally, the farebox has long been seen as a major source of delays for travelers in a number of different situations. Fumbling to cram cash into the front slot of the farebox can add several seconds to the D Line or E Line, for example. When you multiply “several seconds” by the thousands of passengers that pass through those areas on a regular basis, serious delays can occur as a result.

Metro indicates that there are currently around one tenth of the total number of passengers that go through the stop that pay with cash. To put that into perspective, more than 42,000 passengers use that stop to take 2,500 bus trips each weekday. Even if the transit ticket vending machine is only accommodating one tenth of those customers, you’re still talking about 4,200 people every day.

A concern about the practice, however, has to do with whether or not the vending machine will undercut the sale of regional ORCA cards. These fare cards are designed to be purchased in advance and used in much the same way E-ZPass is for drivers. You pay in advance to “fill” the card, swipe the card when you arrive and go about your way. If the vending machine manufacturer’s solution is just as easy, it may harm that particular program.

The Metro program puts a twist on the traditional “vending machine for sale” process. Instead of purchasing the machines outright, the machine is being loaned for use completely free of charge. Additionally, the county will pay a $10,000 regular fee to cover maintenance and general operational costs directly to the vending machine manufacturer. Much of that cost will be taken care of by a federal grant, however.

Vending machines certainly aren’t just for potato chips anymore. With examples like recycling vending machines, super market vending machines, and the way that metro is putting bus ticket vending machines to excellent use on Third Avenue, it’s easy to see why more and more industries are embracing the technology on a large scale.

Posted on | by Phil Masters

Investing in Used Vending Machines

When people think about used equipment, normally the images that immediately come to mind are negative ones. After all, who among us hasn’t purchased a used computer or television set or some other item over the years only to run into irritating (and costly) issues down the road? Certain companies are proving, however, that you need to throw these preconceived notions out the window – at least as far as vending machines are concerned. Investing in used vending machine equipment is a decision that brings with it a host of different benefits that can’t be ignored.

green check markBuying with Confidence

Companies like Vending.com take guesswork out of the equation by only selling used vending machines that have been factory remanufactured by trained professionals. Every snack machine, drink machine or other piece of used vending equipment is certified to meet industry high standards. Not only does this allow the machine to perform at peak efficiency at all times, but it also gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve got a machine that you can rely on.

green check markWarranties

Another one of the reasons why it makes sense to invest in used vending machines has to do with the types of warranties that these items normally come with. Vending.com, for example, offers a one year warranty on all machines and a 90 day parts warranty on control boards, coin acceptors, bill acceptors and other important components.

green check markCost Effective and Environmentally Friendly

Perhaps the most important reason to invest in a used vending equipment has to do with the cost effectiveness of your decision. 100% vending machine financing is often available on these items and you’re usually getting a machine that is just as good as a brand new option at a drastically reduced price. Oftentimes it only requires as little as five sales a day to run into profits on these machines.

More than that, investing in used machines means that you’re also making the decision to recycle. These used machines go back out into the population where they can be of good use and they won’t sit in a factor (or a landfill) without a purpose.

These are just a few of the many reasons why investing in a used vending machine may be the right choice for your business. Not only do you get a high quality, factory remanufactured and certified piece of equipment, but you also get to add a well-stocked and properly executed vending machine to your business in the most cost effective way possible.