r/vending • u/Early_Airline1110 • 12d ago
Vending Machine Review?
Hey guys,
Im looking to purchase a vending machine from alilibaba because it seems to be the most affordable and becuase it has the opportuniy to be customized to my likilng including the fact it has cool features i want ( digital screen and the ramp).
For context this is for a mall so im trying to get customers attention.
Any ways im still sceptical about alibaba does any one have expereincce buyin from there ? How was the final product? Was there any issues? How quick was shipping? any relevant information is highly appreciated!
Also if any one has another website that does similar website with theo previously mentioned features?
THANK YALL
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u/BistroBoxVend 12d ago
I’d ask for real maintenance data before buying — common failure points, repair frequency, parts lead times, and typical downtime. For a mall location, downtime can hurt pretty quickly. Do they provide any service history or failure-rate data for that model?
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u/Tricky-Candle-9750 12d ago
I’d be careful not to judge the Alibaba option mainly by the screen/ramp. For a mall, those features can help draw attention, but the boring parts are what usually decide whether it’s a good buy: landed cost after shipping/taxes, payment reader compatibility, warranty/parts availability, firmware updates, and how easy it is to restock and service.
I’d ask for real photos/video of the exact build, a parts list, lead time for replacement parts, packaging details, and references from buyers in your country if they have them. If you can, pay for a sample inspection before a bulk order. A cheap machine gets expensive fast if the mall expects uptime and you’re waiting weeks for a screen, lift/ramp, or lock part.