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The number one question for new people entering the vending business space is what are the best vending machines to purchase? And by best they mean profitable vending machines. The second one - which we won't cover in this piece - is how to find vending machine locations. If you jump on the internet forums you will see a lot of specific opinions. We've gather a ton of data and compiled a list of the best machines.
That said, the most important thing to note is that, you will want to always test the vending machine before purchasing. Understand how each machine works, the card readers too - regardless if they're snack or healthy vending machines - and make sure you have a manual before buying.
If you're not looking for specialty vending machines, like large item vending machines, cigarette machines, u-turn machines, or gym vending machines - then these models are something you should take a close look at. Because, well - it's best to pick something that is already working for large number of people.
Top 3 Most Reliable Snack Vending Machines
With multiple choices for vending machines and manufacturers, its difficult to determine which machines are the best value for your budget, as well as require the least amount of upkeep and maintenance possible. We've assembled our top choices for new snack vending machines to purchase based upon reliability, ease of use, and availability of servicing & parts based upon our experience within the industry.
1. Seaga Envision ENV5S Snack Machine
The Seaga ENV5S is our most recommended machine, primarily because it is reasonably priced for a brand new snack machine in 2024, but also because it simply works. Coming from the well-known brand Seaga, there are plenty of spare parts available from various online stores if needed, as well as direct support from the manufacturer. If you want to avoid the potential problems that can arise from purchasing a used vending machine and instead want to place a new machine in a profitable location while worrying less about maintenance, this is your best option.
2. Automatic Products 113 Snack vending Machine
The Automatic Products 113 snack machine is a classic vending machine that has been operating in gas stations and retail locations across the country for decades. It is a tried-and-true design with a wide range of options for what and how you want to dispense it.
While these vending machines are highly flexible, acquiring an older model may require a deeper understanding of the internals to add additional functionality. This can be an advantage or disadvantage for a vending operator depending on what they want to do with their business, but overall, this is an excellent choice for any vending operator looking to expand their fleet and not have to worry about breakdowns as often.
3. AMS's Classic Snack Machine
First introduced by AMS in 1997, The Classic Snack Machine remains on our list of popular models due to its simplicity, dependability, and solid construction. Built with modern and robust manufacturing materials and an economical design, it offers exceptional durability and reliability as well as being a great machine for locations with modern design asthetics. This versatile and cost-effective merchandiser is an excellent choice for any vending location, providing a dependable solution for a variety of snack options.
Check out this article if you want to see what popular snacks make the best bucks for your vending machines.
Top 3 Most Reliable Drink Machines
When it comes to drink machines, there can be more headaches that come from operating them when compared to standard snack machines, primarily due to the size and weight of liquids when compared to traditional snack and candy items, as well as additional features such as crane dispensers & refrigeration units that are more prone to breakdowns than spiral dispensing machines.
Reliability is extremely important for operating these machines, both for your wallet as well as your peace of mind. We've compiled our top recommendations for drink machines based upon our experience within the industry.
1. Seaga Envision ENV5B Drink Machine
This professional grade 8-wide drink machine is part of Seaga's Envision line. We primarily recommend this machine based on feedback from vending operators and our own hands-on experience with these machines, as Seaga's machines simply work and continue to work. For purchasing a brand new drink machine, the ENV5B is a high-quality machine at a reasonable price that can be placed in any location.
2. Piranha G424 Drink Vending Machine
The Piranha G424 is a great choice for any vending operator looking for a reliable machine for a location where space needs to be maximized. These machines are very commonly seen across the US for a good reason, as they are simple to work with, have many modern features built in (So you don't need to break out the screw gun to install your card readers), and are built to last. For any vending operator looking to expand their fleet to a more compact location, this is a great choice.
3. AMS Beverage Machine
AMS has been a long running leader within the vending industry for multiple decades, and their machines are a testament to their reliability. The AMS Beverage Machine is a very popular and reliable machine for virtually any location or environment you want to place it in. These machines do come at a more hefty cost than other similar machines, but for experienced vending operators with a reliably profitable location secured, this would be a great choice.
Top 3 Most Reliable Combination Vending Machine
Combination vending machines are ideal for high-traffic locations where only one machine can be placed. These machines efficiently offer both snack and drink options, maximizing convenience for customers while occupying minimal space. Their versatility makes them suitable for nearly any vending location, from office buildings to gyms.
Here are our top recommendations for those looking to invest in a reliable combination vending machine.
1 Seaga SM2300 Snack & Drink Machine
The Seaga 2300 is our top recommendation for anyone looking to start a vending machine business, primarily because it comes at an affordable price, is extremely reliable, and can be easily customized for branding and various sized products. Its overall design makes it easy to distinguish items for customers, as well as having a large capacity, making it a great machine for any location.
The Seaga SM2300 Compact Combination Vending Machine, Seaga's top-selling model, offers premium features in a compact size. It includes two wide snack trays, a tray for smaller packaged candies, and a bottom section for cold beverages, with an optional kit for energy drinks. This machine's functionality and sleek design make it a reliable choice for any vending service.
2 DVS Duravend 5C Combo Vending Machine
The DVS Duravend 5C Combo Vending Machine is a five-wide, stylish combo machine offering 30 different drink selections and 20 different food selections, making it one of the most versatile options available. The machine offers customizable wraps to suit your needs, whether you want a healthy, traditional, or unique look. By adding your own graphics, you can tailor the machine's style to fit any environment.
3 Selectivend Combo Vending Machine
The Selectivend Combo Vending Machine is a great choice for newcomers in the vending industry because of its versatile and user-friendly design. It provides a variety of snack and drink trays, allowing for a diverse selection of products to meet the needs of different customers. While its features make it an appealing choice for those new to the vending business, the additional cost may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those on a tight budget.
Do Your Research & Be Consistent
When purchasing a vending machine - regardless if it's a candy vending machine or perhaps a pizza vending machine - it is important to conduct thorough research in order to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of the machine. Especially whether they accept credit cards or even EBT cards. This knowledge will allow you to effectively operate and maintain the vending machine business, as well as make informed decisions when getting free vending machines or purchasing additional cheap vending machines. Consistency is also key when buying multiple vending machines, as it allows for ease of management and a streamlined vending experience for customers. Familiarizing yourself with one type of vending machine before branching out to others can also be beneficial. In short, research and consistency are key when buying vending machines.
Why Is It Important to Go for Tried and True Vending Machine Models?
Vending machines are costly. When shopping for one, vending machine operators may face a dilemma. Do you buy a cheaper one from a less-known vending machine brand or fork out significantly more for a well-reviewed, popular brand that’s tried and tested? It is my opinion that there’s no question at all. You must buy proven models when it comes to expensive equipment such as vending machines. Below are the reasons why.
- Fewer breakdowns. The top-class vending machine models have reliable components and are generally sturdier. They break down less often, thus ensuring you spend less on repair and maintenance.
- Parts are a lot easier to find. The faster you can find parts when your vending machine breaks down, the less time your vending machine will spend out of service. Every hour you are out of service means lost sales, and it can add up to a lot of money over the lifetime of a vending machine.
- Customers like the familiar. Customers have likely encountered several dozens of the most popular vending machine brands. Because people like what’s familiar, they will gravitate towards popular vending machine brands because they recognize the design and know how to use them.
- They are functional and efficient. The best vending machine brands also happen to have the most advanced energy-saving features, smart features, vending slots, and general cost efficiency.
Buying equipment from brands that have built a reliability culture is one of the wisest choices you can make. They have the best operational and engineering practices and will generally build best-in-class vending machines.
What Vending Machine Brands are Best in Class?
The following are the best vending machine brands in the United States.
- Crane Merchandising Systems’ Merchant line of vending machines
- AMS vending machines
- U-Select-It’s Evoke and Mercato vending machine series
- Selectivend vending machines
- Seaga vending machines, especially the EnVision and Infinity series
- Necta’s Melodia vending machines
- Royal Vendors vending machines
Whichever vending machine brand you choose, ensure the vending machine has all the essential features needed to keep your vending machine business profitable in the digital era. You need remote management capability, cashless payment systems, and energy-saving components. More importantly, ensure the vending machine suits your prospective customers and vending location.
What Is the Best Vending Machine to Buy for Your Location?
Finding great locations is one of the highest-leverage things you can do for your vending machine business. Location plays an outsized role in the success of a vending machine business, and it is one of the factors mostly under your control. Also, it isn't enough to find a great location; you must match vending machines to the location. Consider the following factors When deciding which vending machine to put in a given location.
Where Will the Vending Machine Be Placed?
A vending machine business allows you to target consumers at a granular level based on location. For instance, if you sell healthy drinks and snacks with vending machines, you will do well to put your vending machine next to fitness studios and health clubs, as the people in those locations fit the profile of the demographic most likely to care about healthy products. Bulk vending machines on the other hand may do well placed close to kindergartens or schools.
The point is to imagine how people at your target location will use your vending machines. A vending machine company needs to find a machine that is fit for purpose in both product selection and mechanical design. Notably, if the vending machine will be outside, ensure it is sturdy enough to withstand weather elements and attempts of vandalism. This is where vending machine cage and built-in security cameras come in handy.
What Will the Foot Traffic Be for This Location?
You can evaluate how good a vending location is by its level of foot traffic per day. 25 to 50 per day is workable, but your vending machine business will do great if you have more than 75 per day. Naturally, the more sales you make, the more restocking runs you must do. It is, therefore, wise not to have a combo machine at a high-traffic location as it carries fewer drinks and snacks than separate snack and drink vending machines. For an even greater selection at a busy location, you can have two or more of each type of vending machine (two snacks and two drink vending machines).
What Type of Payments Are You Expecting for This Location?
You want your vending machine business to account for the payment method your target customers use frequently. Even so, you want your vending machines to accept cash and credit cards. If you buy an old vending machine without a card reader, consider installing one. A study by Parlevel revealed that simply installing a card reader can increase vending machine sales by as much as 42%. Further, digital wallets are growing in popularity, and you should consider tweaking your vending machines to accept Apple Pay, Cash App, and Google Pay.
Who Will Service and Fill the Vending Machines at This Location?
Servicing and filling costs are a function of the size of the vending machine, how far the location is from your warehouse/home, and the level of traffic at the said location. You can estimate this by determining:
- Average cost of gas per mile covered
- Total miles covered per restocking run
- Total estimated restocking trips per week
You can reduce the number of restocking runs to busy locations by getting bigger vending machines or multiple vending machines.
Closing Thoughts
Vending machines are a significant investment. You should get a reliable brand that guarantees nearly 100% uptime and makes it possible for you to recoup your investment without and run profitable vending machines. You likely also now recognize the importance of finding good locations for your vending business. If you need help finding locations, use our vending locator service to get a list of potential vending locations in your area.
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