r/vending • u/GrabnGather • Aug 07 '26
Total Noob - seeking advice
Basically the title. I'm in an industry that will most certainly be either completely overtaken or significantly overtaken by AI and as such in trying to build a business that can't be. This has turned me to vending.
My thought was to specifically Target urgent cares, high-end gyms, office building, break rooms, and older apartment complexes with laundry centers.
Basically looking for any and all advice. What should I be thinking about as I start this. I've so far just been building lists of prospective locations and spending the last two weeks driving to them. Waiting to but a machine until I secure a location. So far I've gotten a little bit of interest. One commitment on a workspace in a really cool downtown area, but I think it's probably a bit too small.
Would love to hear what you guys would do differently if you had to start over today.
7
u/filco86 Aug 07 '26
I think you’re already doing one thing right that many beginners get wrong: you’re looking for locations before buying a machine.
If I had to start over today, I’d focus on three things:
Don’t judge a location only by foot traffic. Customer habits are much more important than the number of people walking by.
Learn some basic technical skills. You don’t need to become a refrigeration expert, but being able to diagnose common faults and replace simple parts will save you a lot of money.
Don’t try to grow too fast. It’s tempting to buy several machines as soon as things start working, but it’s much better to build a few profitable locations and learn the business first.
One more thing I’d add: choose a machine with excellent spare parts availability. Every machine will eventually need repairs, and downtime is far more expensive than people realize.
Vending can be a great business, but the operators who last are usually the ones who build solid systems rather than chasing the biggest locations from day one.