Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Location
Before signing on, make sure you ask these key questions about volume, access, commissions, and terms.
Back to Vending Machine Locators Resources
Before signing on, make sure you ask these key questions about volume, access, commissions, and terms.
Back to Vending Machine Locators 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.
Identify foot traffic patterns to estimate earning potential
Understand access restrictions for easy service and restocking
Review contract terms and commissions before committing
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Before placing vending equipment at any new site, asking the right questions can protect your investment and maximize profits. While a location may sound promising, many issues aren't visible upfront. Understanding volume potential, physical access, commissions, and service expectations can mean the difference between a profitable site and a money drain.
Start with volume. Ask how many people use the space daily—residents, employees, students, or visitors. Check for existing machines and their usage. If available, try to get sales history or at least approximate foot traffic. A location with low volume may not justify restocking and service efforts.
Access is another key factor. Find out what hours you'll be able to service and restock machines. Are there loading restrictions, elevator limitations, or security procedures? Physical layout matters too. Machines placed in high-visibility, high-traffic areas perform better than hidden corners or behind locked doors.
Next, clarify commission arrangements and financial terms. Will the location require a percentage of sales? If so, is it a fixed rate or negotiable? Will they need reports or statements? Understanding the financial dynamics helps assess long-term profitability. Some locations expect high commissions that cut deep into margins.
Don’t overlook contract terms. Look for exclusivity clauses, termination rules, and liability. Who is responsible if a customer is injured using your machine? Is there a minimum machine uptime requirement? Understanding these details will prevent disputes later and help you make informed decisions about location value.
If you're new to the industry, you might also want to explore the tools needed to manage your routes efficiently. Our overview of vending business tools and software covers key resources that can optimize service and sales tracking. Also, understanding demand for niche products like healthy snacks can guide your product stocking decisions—see our guide on offering better-for-you vending options.
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Ask the property manager about the number of residents, employees, or students. Observe the location during peak hours to gauge activity levels.
Check if there are specific hours for restocking, loading dock access, or security protocols that might limit servicing.
In many cases, yes. It depends on the location’s expectations and alternatives. Some spaces may be flexible if they see vending as a perk.
Without a proper review, you might accept unfavorable terms, like paying for damages, high commissions, or early termination penalties.
Watch for indemnity, exclusivity, and termination clauses. Make sure the responsibilities for maintenance and liability are clearly outlined.
Compare it with industry norms. Typically, commission ranges between 5%–20% of gross sales, depending on volume and exclusivity rights.
Yes, you can propose a trial period to evaluate performance before committing to a full-term agreement.
Ask who owns them, how well they perform, if they’ll be removed, and why the previous vendor left—this can reveal key red flags.
Absolutely. Define machine location clearly in the agreement to avoid being moved to low-traffic areas later.
Clarify this in advance. Some locations accept responsibility for securing areas, while others hold vendors liable for damages.