Sizing Your Vending Machines to the Location 

When a vendor operator is awarded a location, the next thing he/she must do is to size the vending machines to the location.  This is a very critical aspect for the success of servicing the locations and the vendor operator's profitability.  Here are some guidelines to consider when placing vending machines on a location: 

• How many employees are at the location? This question will help you in your cash-flow analysis in what type of vending machine you should purchase.
1. How many shifts? This is important when sizing the location. Multiple shifts will have higher sales through a vending machine than the first shift of the day.
2. What is the ratio from male to female? Males consume more through vending machines than women.
3. What is the ratio from white collar to blue collar? White collar jobs will buy less from vending machines that blue collar. If the location is all white collar, ask the question on how many people have a 30 minute lunch verses an hour lunch. With time restraints of 30 minute lunches, vending machine sales could be better than the typical white collar volume.
4. Does the public have access to the vending machines? If more than just employees have access to the vending machine then sales will increase.

• What types of vending machines are currently in the location? When sizing the vending machines to the location it is important to review the current vending equipment at the location. 
1. Does the current vending machine have a bill acceptor?
2. Does the current vending machine operator have adequate product facing in the vending machine?
3. Can a different configuration of product selection increase sales based on the location dynamics?
4. What type of service does the location have for their coffee service?

·         What type of space does the location offer to place your vending machines? This is a very important key to a profitable vending location. 

1.      Location, location, location is the golden rule to success.  Place the vending machine in a high traffic area at that location. This will help insure access to the vending machines. 

2.      What are the door sizes to the location? This is also a limiting factor to some locations. You have to make sure the vending machines can fit through the door when delivered. 

3.      Also know your vending bank size. This is important to know the space requirements for the location. You may not have enough space for the vending machines, so bring a tape measure with you. 

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