How to find the right location for your vending machine

Finding a location is one of the more demanding parts of the vending business.

It is not only about judging a site correctly — it is also about approaching potential partners and proposing a collaboration.

Both are part of the job. And both can be learned.

What to clarify in advance

Before you install a machine, you should check the key conditions properly:

Indoor or outdoor

• Do you need weather protection?

• How much footfall do you expect?

Installation

• Are there restrictions (e.g. listed buildings)?

• Is wall or floor mounting required?

Power supply

• Is power available, or does it have to be installed?

Transport & access

• Can the machine reach the spot without steps?

• Are additional measures required?

Compensation for the site owner

• Fixed rent

• Rent including electricity

• Revenue share

Trial period

• Is there a joint trial period to assess the location?

Liability

• Who is liable for damage or vandalism?

👉 Clear agreements prevent problems later on.

Typical locations for vending machines

The category is often secondary. What matters is footfall, demand and context.

Public outdoor areas

• Pedestrian zones

• Squares and parks

• Promenades

• City-centre locations

• Routes between residential and commercial areas

• Passageways (e.g. to car parks or stops)

Educational institutions

• Schools and vocational schools

• Universities

• Driving schools

• Language schools

• Training centres

Here it is mainly about catering during breaks and gaps between classes.

Companies & workplaces

• Offices and office complexes

• Production halls

• Workshops

• Logistics centres

• Warehouses

• Coworking spaces

Particularly interesting where people stay for long hours or work in shifts.

Housing & temporary accommodation

• Housing estates and apartment buildings

• Student halls of residence

• Hotels

• Campsites

• Workers' accommodation

What counts most here: availability outside normal opening hours.

Sport & leisure

• Gyms and sports halls

• Swimming pools

• Climbing centres

• Bowling alleys

• Amusement parks

• Clubhouses

Perfect for snacks, drinks or complementary products.

Health & care

• Hospitals

• Rehabilitation centres

• Care homes

• Medical centres

Especially relevant outside canteen hours.

Transport & mobility

• Railway stations

• Metro and bus stations

• Park-and-ride sites

• Airports

Here high footfall meets clear demand — often around the clock.

Retail & complementary spaces

• In front of existing shops

• 24/7 self-service areas

• Farm shops

• Bakeries or drinks retailers

Ideal for extending opening hours and range.

The reality: the location doesn't have to be perfect

👉 Perfect locations are rare.

What matters more is:

• How many people pass by regularly

• Whether there is real demand

• How well your machine fits into everyday routines

Many successful locations come about not through perfection — but through adaptation.

Conclusion

With a realistic outlook, clear communication and a willingness to optimise, you can turn even average locations into stable and profitable sources of income.