Where to Buy Vending Machines Online: Amazon vs Other Sites

When I first started my vending machine business, one of the biggest decisions I had to make was simple… but important: where should I buy my vending machines? After hours of research and trying multiple platforms, I quickly realized that not all vending machine sellers are created equal.

So if you’re asking “Should I buy my vending machine from Amazon or go through a vending supplier?”—you’re in the right place. I’ve bought machines from Amazon, vending marketplaces, and direct manufacturers, and in this post, I’ll break down the real pros and cons of each.

Let me save you time, money, and mistakes I made in the beginning.

Why I Bought My First Vending Machine from Amazon

I chose Amazon for my first machine because of one big reason: convenience. I could scroll through real reviews, compare specs, and place the order with a few clicks. My KoolMore snack and drink combo vending machine arrived in under 10 days and came fully assembled.

Here’s why Amazon worked for me:

Fast delivery (many machines ship via Prime freight)
Verified reviews from real buyers
Clear product specs and images
Secure payment and easy return policy
Some machines come with card readers and inventory software pre-installed

Buy the KoolMore machine I started with here:
KoolMore Combo Vending Machine on Amazon

Pros of Buying Vending Machines on Amazon

After multiple orders, here’s what I now love about Amazon when it comes to vending machines:

Transparent pricing: No need to call for quotes or deal with reps.
Instant purchase: You can buy immediately without jumping through hoops.
Trusted platform: Amazon handles disputes, refunds, and shipping issues.
Amazon seller support: Some top sellers even include setup help or warranty coverage.
Easy tracking: You can follow your order and know exactly when it will arrive.

If you’re a beginner or someone who prefers simplicity, Amazon is the best starting point in my opinion.

The Downside of Amazon (What You Should Watch Out For)

Now, Amazon isn’t perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you buy:

Limited customization: You usually get a pre-configured machine with no custom wrap or branding.
Fewer large-scale options: For massive commercial operations, Amazon inventory can be limited.
Some listings lack detailed manuals or video tutorials—you might need to do some setup yourself.
Support varies by seller: Some machines come with great after-sale support, others don’t.

Always check the reviews and Q&A section before purchasing. I also message sellers directly with a quick question just to test their response time.

Buying from Vending Machine Supplier Websites

I’ve also bought machines from popular websites like Vending.com, Selectivend, and eVending. These are more traditional suppliers who offer wholesale pricing, leasing options, and bulk orders.

What they offer:

Custom branding (wraps with logos, healthy themes, etc.)
Financing or lease-to-own programs
In-person support and parts servicing
Machine training and onboarding options
Wider range of commercial machines

These platforms are great for scaling businesses, but the process can be slower and more expensive upfront.

The Downside of Vending Suppliers

Here’s what I didn’t love about supplier websites:

Longer lead times (some took 3–5 weeks for delivery)
More paperwork (quotes, financing approval, phone calls)
Pushy upselling from reps trying to get you into service contracts
Higher minimums or fees if you only want one machine

If you’re looking for speed, ease, and zero pressure, Amazon wins. But if you want advanced commercial features or a fleet of machines, going through a supplier makes more sense.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist: Worth It?

I’ve also seen vending machines listed on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. Some are great deals—others are a disaster waiting to happen.

My honest take:

Good for cheap starter machines
You can sometimes negotiate prices or get free delivery
Great for testing a machine before you commit

BUT…

No warranty or return policy
You have to trust the seller’s word
Many are older machines that need updates or repairs

For beginners, I suggest sticking with Amazon or verified suppliers before trying your luck on used marketplaces.

Final Verdict: Amazon vs Other Sites

If you’re new, want a fast and simple purchase, and care about convenience, then Amazon is your best bet. You can browse trusted brands, read reviews, and buy machines that come with credit card readers, LED lighting, and built-in support.

If you’re building a vending route, want custom wraps, training, or multi-unit orders, then go with a supplier like Vending.com or Selectivend. Just know the process will be more hands-on and slower.

Here are a few models I personally like and recommend for small business owners:

KoolMore Compact Combo Machine
Check it on Amazon
VEVOR Snack & Drink Vending Machine
View it here
Seaga INF5C Intelligent Combo Vending Machine
See price on Amazon

One major advantage I’ve noticed with Amazon is the ability to start fast. When I bought my first machine from Amazon, I didn’t have to wait for sales reps, contracts, or back-and-forth emails. I just clicked “Buy Now,” scheduled delivery, and it arrived ready to go. For new vending entrepreneurs who want to hit the ground running, that kind of speed makes a big difference.

I also appreciated how transparent the pricing is on Amazon. When browsing supplier websites, I often ran into listings that said “Call for pricing,” which felt like a red flag. I want to know what I’m spending upfront—no games, no pressure. On Amazon, the price is right there, with taxes, shipping, and sometimes even financing options available on the spot.

A lot of people assume that machines on Amazon are “basic,” but I’ve actually seen high-end models with smart features, like touchscreens, card readers, remote inventory tracking, and programmable controls. Many even ship with professional installation options if you need help setting things up.

I’ve had conversations with other vending operators who swear by direct-from-manufacturer purchases, and while that route definitely has its place, you’re usually paying for more than just the machine—you’re paying for customer support, a service network, and custom upgrades. That’s great for bigger operations but not always necessary when you’re just starting with one or two machines.

On the flip side, buying from supplier sites gave me more control over branding. For example, I was able to request a “Healthy You” graphic wrap, select specific shelf configurations, and even choose energy-efficient compressors. If your location demands a polished, custom-branded unit, those kinds of features are worth the wait.

Another benefit of vending suppliers is that they often include training and onboarding support. When I bought directly from Selectivend, they walked me through setup, product stocking tips, pricing strategy, and best practices for restocking. That’s a great asset if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about where to begin.

However, I’ve had situations where suppliers were less responsive after the sale. Once the machine was delivered and installed, getting tech support or help with parts took longer than expected. In contrast, my Amazon sellers responded quickly through Amazon’s messaging platform and even offered replacements or refunds if anything arrived damaged.

You also need to consider return policies and protection. With Amazon, I felt much safer knowing I had a clear return window and buyer protection. With some supplier websites, the return process can be slow, restrictive, or in some cases, unavailable entirely—especially for machines that have been unboxed or used.

Another key difference is shipping speed. Many Amazon vending machines are eligible for delivery within 7–10 days. Some suppliers, especially those offering customization or bulk orders, might need 3–6 weeks to fulfill and deliver your purchase. That’s fine if you’re planning ahead, but not ideal if you’re trying to go live quickly.

From a scaling perspective, I’ve found Amazon ideal for one or two machines at a time, while supplier websites are better suited for ordering five or more units at once. If you’re launching a vending route across several cities or want full service and logistics, going through a supplier gives you more leverage for discounts and delivery support.

I’ve also tested refurbished machines from third-party seller sites, and while some were fine, others ended up needing part replacements or card reader upgrades within weeks. In contrast, all the new machines I’ve bought from Amazon arrived fully functional and backed by warranties.

At the end of the day, the best place to buy your vending machine depends on your goals, budget, and timeframe. If you’re testing the waters, Amazon is the fastest and safest way to get started. But if you’re building a professional brand or launching a full-scale vending operation, a direct supplier might be worth the extra investment.

Where to Buy Vending Machines Online: Amazon vs Other Sites