FIVE QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE SELECTING‍ A VENDING SUPPLIER

A vending business offers a tremendous opportunity to make profits when using the right equipment. A vending machine that breaks down often or does not reliably dispense the products to customers leads to a frustrating experience for all. In the end, you could lose out on valuable income.

This is why choosing a vending machine supplier you can trust is important. In this article, we will discuss essential questions to ask before purchasing from a vending machine supplier. Asking these questions will help you choose a reliable supplier with a good reputation. Learn how to find a vending machine supplier below.

What type of vending machines do they offer?

Some of the options available in the market today include snack and soda vending machines, coffee vending machines, ice cream vending machines, and snack vending machines (and a lot more). You may also consider combo vending machines to sell ambient snacks and refrigerated drinks from one machine, like a two-in-one or one-stop shop.

Determining what type of machine(s) to purchase should be based on the desires and wants of your customers at your locations.  Remember, vending machines are a great way to offer your customers a wide variety of products, both food and non-food, and even hot, cold or frozen.

Does the vending machine supplier offer financing?

The best machines can be expensive but overall a good investment. Financing allows you to generate a cash flow without paying the full machine cost upfront. Financing is a great way for operators to get started without large amounts of capital. eVending offers financing packages to qualified customers that are as little as $2 a day.

What kind of warranty or guarantee do they provide?

It is essential to choose a vending machine supplier that offers a warranty. Look out for a warranty that is reasonable in context. Vending machine warranties and guarantees are offered as extended warranties and service contracts. Understand what your warranty covers and for how long it lasts. Does the supplier offer any other guarantees or assurances? How long will they replace important parts for? How long do their machines usually last? Do they have a parts department?

Have they been in business for a long time?

If a vending machine supplier has been in business for a long time, it is usually because they have delivered what their customers want. A professional organization would be careful not to damage its reputation by manufacturing a faulty machine and ruining relationships with customers.

 The time that a supplier has been in business is not the only thing you should consider. It would be best to look at a company’s track record. How long have curlease customers been with the supplier? Have any customers had any problems or issues with them? We recommend doing research, as any investment you make should bring you sizable returns. 

Do they have good reviews?

The review market has created a niche of its own, dictating the trends that determine the success or failure of a business. You can find reviews for most suppliers online to check if they are reliable, identify any common complaints that keep coming up and analyze their track record. 

Nothing can stop the power and accuracy of word of mouth. You can ask your friends, colleagues, and other business owners in the industry if they recommend a specific vending machine supplier. You might be able to find out if there is a preferred vending machine supplier that most people in your industry use. This can help you narrow your choices to pick a reliable vending machine supplier.

How much does it cost to lease or buy a vending machine?

A few factors that are significant indicators of profitability are: How much does leasing or buying a vending machine from the supplier cost? How much do you pay for installation? If a supplier charges you for installation, understand what the installation fee covers. Will they install the vending machine in one location or more than one location? And will they install the vending machine in a safe place and in an area that sells products? 

If you are leasing a vending machine, how much do you pay each month? You may need to know what the lease price covers. Does it only cover the cost of the vending machine, or does it also cover the cost of installation? 

The choice matters 

These questions are not a standard protocol for choosing a vending machine supplier but are important variables to consider.  If you have any other questions, our vending experts are available to assist you. Give us a call at 1-888-997-5152 and we’ll help you with it.