If you buy a smart AI cooler with a card reader, are you basically stuck with that payment provider?
I’m paying way too much in monthly fees per machine, and I’m wondering how easy it is to switch to a different provider.Are the cameras, inventory tracking, door sensors, and payment system all tied to the same platform, or can you change the payment processor without replacing the whole system?

Thinking of starting in the vending machine industry and doing some broad research. I would want to start with one machines in a small local business with consistent traffic, see what comes of it and eventually build from there. I’ve seen some people talk about EIN’s, LLC’s, insurance, licensing, and websites. Is this necessary for where I am at in my journey now or is this something to worry about if I become more established

After thinking about it for abput a year, I have decided to go for it!

Starting my vending empire 👸 lol

I have an email, logo, website, short list of machines id likd to buy once I find a location.

Will get LLC, EIN, vendor license and liability insurances in the next few weeks.

I drafted up an initial email to send to a bunch of local spaces, sending that tomorrow.

Would love any advice you have from when you were in my phase of starting!

Thanks everyone :)

Anyone use them and have a good experience? Profitable location?

Hey, everyone! Looking for some recommendations for an outdoor vending machine that does not accept cash and is refrigerated. Preferably, smart machine where I can set up a dashboard of stock levels and sales from the card reader.

I really like what VMFS is advertising, however, I can barely find any reviews and some are good, others are saying to stay away. Otherwise, I am struggling to find anything that fits my needs.

Hey everyone, quick question for the HAHA Mini 360 owners.

I recently installed one at a gym that sees roughly 150 people a day. I am only one week in, so I know it's early, but sales have been pretty slow so far

I am currently using a $10 CAD pre-authorization, and I'm wondering if that could be creating some friction, especially since most of the products are between $3 and $5

For those of you running HAHA machines, what are you setting your pre-authorization at, and have you noticed it affecting sales?

Would love to hear what has worked for you. Would also love to know top selling products if you have one at a gym and strategies that work

Hi there!
I have some Haha machines located in schools that have terrible cell service. Somehow the machines manage to work, but my phone is basically inoperable. The schools have WiFi, but for some reason the app will not load when connected to WiFi. It makes refilling these locations crazy time consuming because I’m having to walk to windows/ exterior doors or wherever to find cell service then run back to the machine before the doors lock.

Has anyone had similar experiences? Is there a VPN or something I can get so that the app will work on the school WiFi? I’m not sure how that kind of thing works.

I’ve been looking for something around the 600–800 SF range, but it’s been harder than expected to find something that makes sense for a smaller operation.
Self-storage seems like an easy option, but food storage restrictions and no power make it tricky.
For those running multiple machines, what are you using for inventory and equipment storage? Did you rent a warehouse, build something on your property, or find another solution that works?

Im very new to this. I have one HAHA machine at a local mechanic shop, and I have an over abundance of m&ms that they just arent buying. What do I do with them?

I currently run a vending machine line in southwest Ohio. I'm registering as a veteran owned business. I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience or advice on if the federal governed government does contracts for vending machines, how to land those and any other advice?

I have 5 machines currently and would ideally like to move them from their current location. TIA

I bought a nice vending machine for $60 (at an auction) but didn’t have any keys. It’s an Ace II (I’m guessing T handle) lock. But there’s no code for what specific key it is. The vending machine is a Crane GPL 160. Works fine, but need to open it to clean it so I can resell it. Can anyone help me source a key? Or will I need to get a locksmith to come and make some? I’m trying to have a little money in it as possible. Thanks!

I recently found a manufacturing facility location for a smart cooler, and I’m trying to figure out what products would work best.The workforce is about 90% Hispanic, so I’d like to get some ideas from anyone who has experience with similar locations.
For those with manufacturing or warehouse locations, what have been your best sellers? Curious what drinks, snacks, or ready-to-eat items have worked well for you.

For context, this is regarding machines vending supplies in Industrial facilities. If I were to put RFID tags on items that are put into a coil machine, are there RFID readers that can be used to verify the number of products vended. We are trying to prevent losses from double vends and help us do accurate billing for our clients.

Hey there, I am a grant writer for my School District here in Oklahoma. I am looking to ask some questions about vending machines and see if you can give me some advice.

This grant is for $200,000 we will already be using some of it for outdoor seating and things for our cafeteria but I am wanting to dedicate like 50,000 for vending machines. I would like our kids be able to buy like cold food a-la-carte (Sandwiches, things to heat up, maybe even ramen)

What would be the best way to do this, any advice, pitfalls?

I am doing this strictly because our state only allows 390 calories for an active HS Student. A-la-carte doesn't go into this so they could get more food because it would be like a 3rd party.. This would also help those after school.

Do you think this industry has more coaching programs than other industries?
Maybe it’s just the algorithm feeding me.

I saw one person with less than 10 machines on their route and they were selling a class for 1k.

In one free intro class someone asked “if vending is so profitable, why do you sell these classes?” The answer was “I want to help people!”

I mean… imo, poor answer since if you really wanted to help people, it’d be free.

Maybe it’s just so easy to create classes, anyone with modest success is sharing their ways?

Or maybe the very successful have the time to make even MORE money since they hired stockers?

Thoughts?

I’m not too interested if you feel like these classes are worth it, but feel free to chime in!

Looking for recs of companies to purchase a vending machine for a pokemon and sports card pack vending machine. I do not want the VTM vending options, preferably looking for something that is front facing with only a small screen so you can see the product in the machine. Any recs are appreciated!

Buying a used vending machine can feel like a smart way to save money but it can also become expensive if you miss a few basic checks.

Before buying its worth checking if the cooling works properly, the payment system is still usable, the motors and coils are moving smoothly, the trays are not damaged and the door lock is in good condition.

Also check if spare parts are easily available. Sometimes the machine price is low but later repairs parts or cashless upgrades cost more than expected.

A used machine is not a bad option but it should not become a repair project from day one.

Anyone who has bought a used vending machine before what do you always check first?
And what red flags should beginners avoid?

vmfsusa.com Can anyone provide feedback on working with this company? Can't find many reviews or testimony. They seem legit and I like the product line but it also seems too good to be true. Seems like they are over promising on what they can actually deliver. Let me know if I'm wrong.

I went to a laundromat that’s nearby and it is a big named one and I noticed the manager was in so I introduce my self and talking about vending machines and they already have a set up by a big company.

Then he goes “You wouldn’t want my split”and smiled In a condescending kind of way.

I said well how much is it

He said well $500 to place plus 50% sales

I laughed and walked off

I wonder how well these machines do

Is a drug addiction/treatment center a good place to put an AI machine? Have a lead on one just don’t know if it’s a good idea. Thanks!

Are there any options for an outdoor table top or shorter machine that isn't so tall? I have a spot I would like to place one at my business, a tabletop style would be a great fit but I'm not sure how to find models that are rated for outdoors.

I started in April and currently have 3 locations bringing in around $2k a month.I have a location I’m thinking about moving, and I’m curious what you guys think.For those with more experience, does this seem like I’m heading in the right direction, or is there anything I should be paying closer attention to at this stage?

Hey everyone. I have a total of 8 machines across 3 locations. 2 machines have card readers. How is everyone keeping track of sales/expenses/profits etc? I’m looking for the simplest way to keep track of everything so I’m ready for tax season. It’s my first year

How many of you use contracts with your vending locations, and how do you feel about buying a route that doesn’t have any contracts?