How to Get Free Locations for Your Vending Machines
Looking for free vending machine locations? Here’s how I’ve landed profitable spots without paying commission or rent. Learn how to pitch your service, find businesses, and grow your vending route at zero cost.
When I first started in the vending business, I didn’t have a big budget. I needed to find locations but couldn’t afford to pay monthly rent or revenue share. So I figured out how to get free vending machine locations—and it completely changed the game for me.
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how I did it, and how you can get vending locations for free by offering value, solving problems, and using simple outreach strategies.
Table of Contents
Why Free Locations Matter
Paying for vending space cuts into your profit quickly. If you can lock in a few free vending locations, your ROI increases significantly, especially when you’re just getting started. No rent. No commission. Just pure profit.
1. Offer a Service, Not Just a Machine
When I approach a business, I never say, “Hey, can I put a vending machine here?” Instead, I say something like:
“Hi, I own a small vending business and I’d love to offer your staff/customers a free snack and drink station — no cost, no obligation. I take care of everything.”
That changes the conversation. You’re offering a service, not asking for space.
2. Target Small Businesses With Foot Traffic
Don’t go after Walmart or huge chains at first. I started by targeting:
- Auto repair shops
- Barbershops
- Hair salons
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Community centers
- Local offices and breakrooms
- Small warehouses
These types of places often don’t have vending machines and love the idea of free snacks or drinks for their employees or customers.
3. Always Bring a One-Page Proposal
I created a simple one-page flyer with:
- A photo of my vending machine
- A short bullet list of what I offer (restocking, maintenance, cashless payment)
- My contact info
That one sheet builds trust fast. It makes you look professional and serious—even if you’re just starting out.
4. Use Google Maps to Find Nearby Leads
Here’s what I still do today:
- Open Google Maps
- Type in keywords like “auto shops,” “gyms near me,” “salons”
- Create a list of 10–15 businesses nearby
- Walk in during slower hours with your flyer and talk to the owner or manager
This simple process has helped me find some of my most profitable vending locations, all completely free.
5. Focus on the Owner’s Benefit
Most business owners will say yes if they see a benefit. I explain that I:
- Install the machine for free
- Stock it with popular snacks or drinks
- Handle all maintenance
- Offer cashless payments and fast restocking
- Provide a cleaner alternative to store runs or snack baskets
When you position it as a convenience for them, it becomes an easy “yes.”
6. Mention Employee Retention and Morale
If you’re targeting an office or warehouse, emphasize this:
“A vending machine gives your employees easy access to snacks without needing to leave work. It boosts morale and productivity — and you don’t have to manage anything.”
Business owners appreciate that angle. It shows you’ve thought about how your machine will improve their environment.
7. Follow Up and Stay Respectful
Not everyone says yes right away. I always leave my flyer and follow up a week later. A few locations that originally said no eventually changed their mind. The key is polite persistence, not pressure.
8. Clean, Professional Machines Make the Difference
Nobody wants a rusty old machine sitting in their waiting room. Make sure your vending machines are:
- Clean
- Modern-looking
- Working with credit/debit readers
- Well-stocked with good snacks
Even a simple combo machine looks impressive if it’s maintained properly. A clean, good-looking machine is often the deciding factor in getting a yes.
Free Locations Are Everywhere
You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars renting space or paying commissions. Free vending machine locations are all around you—you just need to approach them with confidence and a professional pitch.
I started small, with a basic combo machine and no paid spots. Now I have a solid route of free locations that earn me consistent income. If I can do it, so can you.
One trick that worked for me early on was starting with places I already had a personal connection to. I asked a family-owned tire shop I used to visit if they wanted a free vending machine in their waiting area. Because they knew me, they gave me a chance. That small “in” gave me confidence and got the ball rolling for other locations.
Once you have a couple of machines placed, it becomes easier to land more. You can mention to new prospects that you already have vending machines in other local businesses. This helps build trust and positions you as an established vendor instead of someone just trying it out.
If you’re targeting break rooms or warehouses, consider offering custom snack options based on what employees want. When I asked workers what they liked—energy drinks, beef jerky, or protein bars—I was able to tailor my stock and boost sales instantly. This makes the owner look good and keeps the machine popular.
Something else that helps is offering to upgrade their break area. I’ve had success pitching my machine as part of an improvement effort—”Let me add a touch-free vending machine with modern payment options that makes your space look more professional.” It worked well with corporate offices trying to improve employee satisfaction.
Don’t forget nonprofits and community buildings. Places like churches, youth centers, and community outreach offices often want a snack machine but can’t pay for one. I’ve placed a few machines in these types of locations with no cost to them, and they’ve performed surprisingly well due to constant foot traffic.
If you’re placing drink machines, focus on hydration benefits. In hot areas or busy workspaces, I highlight that employees won’t need to leave the site for water or drinks. I stock flavored water, Gatorade, and energy drinks that keep people refreshed while working hard.