How to Find Your First Vending Location
Get tips and strategies to land your first location—even if you’re starting from scratch.
Back to Vending Business Startup Resources
Get tips and strategies to land your first location—even if you’re starting from scratch.
Back to Vending Business Startup ResourcesStart your 30-day free trial and get instant SMS and email alerts whenever a local business needs vending service. These are real location leads to help you grow your route — you decide which ones to buy, no obligations or contracts.
High-traffic areas improve your vending sales from day one
Tailoring your pitch builds trust with location owners
Site agreements help protect your business and vending rights
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Securing your first vending location is a big milestone—and often the most intimidating step for new operators. To start, focus on locations with consistent foot traffic and limited snack or beverage options. Offices, apartment complexes, auto shops, and small schools or gyms often make ideal first-place targets for vending machines.
Approaching a business owner or manager professionally is key. Do your homework first—understand the business, its size, and visitor frequency—then communicate how vending adds value without any effort or expense on their part. Keep your pitch short, benefit-focused, and confident. Offer free installation and restocking, and emphasize contactless payments and healthy or trending product options if relevant. A well-prepared leave-behind flyer or brochure helps reinforce your offer after the conversation ends.
Expect some rejections—it's a numbers game at the beginning. You might need to approach five to ten places before getting a yes. Keep notes on your visits, stay polite, and always ask if they know of anyone else who might be interested. Referrals can often land better leads than cold visits alone.
Before installing your machines, confirm the arrangement in writing. Even a basic vending agreement outlining placement, access, and terms of service protects both parties and avoids misunderstandings. For a deeper understanding of agreements, visit our guide on vending location contracts and what to include.
If you're overwhelmed or short on time, you can also explore professional locator services. These services connect vending operators with pre-qualified business locations actively seeking vending. Learn how they work in our post on vending locator services.
Vending Exchange connects vending operators with real businesses actively looking for vending services—including traditional machines, AI coolers, and office coffee. Get instant SMS and email alerts when new opportunities are available in your area. No contracts or monthly fees—just buy the leads you want. Start your free 30-day trial today and grow your vending business on your terms.
Start with small offices, auto shops, apartment complexes, or gyms—they often lack snack and drink options yet have decent foot traffic.
Study the business ahead of time, present your offer politely, and focus on benefits like free installation, no work for them, and improved convenience for staff or visitors.
Rejection is common at first—track your visits and follow up. Persistence pays off, and each 'no' brings you closer to a 'yes.'
Check foot traffic, hours of operation, and current snack or drink availability. Busy spots with limited alternatives are ideal.
Yes, always use a basic vending agreement to protect your placement and define servicing terms clearly between you and the business.
Absolutely. Offering healthy options like low-sugar drinks, baked snacks, or protein bars can make your proposal more attractive—especially in gyms and corporate offices.
It varies, but expect to visit 5–10 locations to secure your first deal. The key is to stay prepared, polite, and confident.
Highlight the no-cost install, contactless payment features, popular brands, and reliability—keep it clean, visual, and easy to scan.
Both strategies work—buying leads saves time but may cost more, while finding locations solo is free but time-intensive.
They match you with businesses looking for vending, saving hours of outreach and giving you verified prospects who already want a machine.