The Best Locations to Place a Vending Machine for Profit
The Best Locations to Place a Vending Machine for Profit
When I first got into the vending machine business, I thought the machine itself was the key to success. But I quickly learned something more important: location is everything. You can have the best machine stocked with the most popular snacks, but if it’s in the wrong spot, it won’t sell.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through the top 10 best places to put a vending machine for maximum profit, based on my own experience and what I’ve seen work for others. I’ll also link some of the top machines on Amazon that are perfect for each location.
Table of Contents
Why Location Matters
It’s simple. Foot traffic equals money. The more people walk by your machine—and actually stop to use it—the more revenue you generate. But not just any foot traffic. You want people who are either waiting, working long shifts, or in a space with limited access to food or drinks.
That’s why I always say: don’t chase cheap rent—chase high-demand spots.
Top 10 Profitable Locations for Vending Machines
1. Manufacturing and Warehouses
These workers don’t have time to leave the floor for snacks or energy drinks. That’s why vending machines here perform incredibly well.
✅ Try this: VEVOR Snack & Drink Combo Machine
2. Office Buildings
Mid-morning coffee, afternoon chips, late workdays—all perfect opportunities. Look for buildings with 50+ employees.
✅ Try this: Super Deal Mini Snack Machine
3. Apartment Complexes
Especially those with 100+ units and no nearby corner store. Place your machine in the lobby, laundry room, or mailroom.
✅ Try this: Seaga Combo Machine with Card Reader
4. Hospitals & Healthcare Centers
Hospitals run 24/7. Staff, visitors, and even patients need drinks and snacks all hours of the day and night.
✅ Try this: Selectivend CB500 Beverage Machine
5. Hotels and Motels
Guests often arrive late or wake up early. A vending machine in the lobby can be a lifesaver.
✅ Try this: Gumball & Snack Combo Vending Machine
6. Gyms and Fitness Centers
Protein bars, sports drinks, trail mix—this crowd is predictable and loyal. Just stock what they love.
✅ Try this: Healthy Combo Machine with Drink Cooler
7. Schools and Colleges
Perfect for soda and snack sales, especially near dorms or student lounges. These do best with lower-cost snacks and drinks.
✅ Try this: Mini Snack Vending Machine for Tight Spaces
8. Shopping Malls and Strip Centers
Foot traffic is guaranteed. Try placing your machine near waiting areas, salons, or kids’ play zones.
✅ Try this: Large Capacity Vending Machine with Touchscreen
9. Auto Repair Shops and Dealerships
People waiting on oil changes or paperwork love having a vending option instead of just coffee.
✅ Try this: Compact Combo Machine
10. Airports and Transit Hubs
Commuters, travelers, and drivers passing through appreciate convenience. These are top-tier spots if you can land one.
✅ Try this: Heavy-Duty Commercial Vending Unit
Final Thoughts
If I had to start over, I’d focus 90% of my effort on finding the right location, and only 10% on which machine to buy. Seriously—it’s that important. Once you place a machine where people actually want what you’re offering, you’ll see the profits follow.
Want to make the process even easier? I’ve already linked the best Amazon vending machines for each location above. These are machines I trust and recommend—they’ve helped me turn casual curiosity into a side hustle that earns 24/7.
Let me know if you want help negotiating placement contracts, creating flyers, or choosing what to stock—I’ve done it all, and I’m here to help.
One strategy I’ve found helpful is to bundle your vending machines across similar locations. For example, if you land one machine in a gym chain, ask to place one in their other branches. You’d be surprised how often one good location leads to three or four more once you build trust with the business owner.
It’s also worth mentioning that residential buildings in underserved areas—especially ones without nearby gas stations or convenience stores—can perform better than some commercial properties. Residents often grab snacks late at night or on weekends when other stores are closed, making vending machines super convenient.
When I approach a new location, I always come prepared with a simple one-page flyer explaining the benefits: no cost to the owner, revenue share if requested, regular restocking, and no hassle. Having a professional, confident pitch makes all the difference when talking to landlords or business managers.
For those just starting, I recommend using Amazon vending machines because they ship fast, often come pre-assembled, and have reviews that can help you choose confidently. You don’t need to overthink your first machine—just make sure it fits the location and demand.
It’s also important to think about payment methods. In most of my successful locations, 70% or more of my sales come from card and mobile payments. People rarely carry coins. If your machine only takes cash, you’re leaving money on the table. Look for machines that are compatible with Nayax or USA Technologies card readers.
If you’re unsure which machine to pick, match the machine to the location type. For example, gyms do well with combo machines that include sports drinks and healthy snacks. Apartment complexes perform best with snack-only models, while schools might need lower-cost, fast-moving products.
Finally, keep in mind that success comes from testing and tracking. I’ve placed machines in locations I thought would do well—but they flopped. On the other hand, some unexpected spots became top performers. Review your sales weekly, and don’t be afraid to move underperforming machines to new locations until you find your winners.
