Frequently Asked Questions about Vending Machines
Here are some frequently asked questions about vending machines all answered. If any questions remain, please contact Vendpro for assistance.
How much does a vending machine cost?
Pricing is very much dependent on the technology/ quality, type and size of the machine as well as the payment configuration selected. More importantly, Vendpro don’t sell just a vending machine; instead, Vendpro’s price and fees offer peace of mind in that technical support and spare parts for goods sold will be available for sufficient years to come. In other words, machine availability, operability and longevity are all maximised ensuring maximum sales and return on an investment. The old saying remains true: ‘You get what you pay for’. Contact Vendpro for a free quote.
How much does it cost to rent a vending machine?
Rental fees are determined by the type and size of the machine as well as the payment term and method selected. Contact Vendpro for a free quote.
What are the main differences between renting and leasing a vending machine?
In both instances, a monthly fee is payable for the use of the machine. Renting a machine is mostly cheaper than leasing a machine. The minimum rental contract period ranges from zero (i.e., no lock-in) to up to 24 months. Renting a machine requires entering a rental agreement with Vendpro. As the machine belongs to Vendpro, a rental agreement includes unlimited free technical support for fair wear and tear. When leasing (operating/hire or purchase) a machine, the machine belongs to either the customer or the third-party financing company. In this instance, the machine comes with a minimum 12-month limited time warranty and exclusive of free technical support. Please note there are different types of leases e.g. purchase lease or hire lease etc. When leasing, the minimum repayment period could range from 24 to 60 months. Some purchase lease options include lesser monthly fees with a balloon payment at the end. Please be aware that many suppliers only offer lease options disguised as a direct rent option. Contact Vendpro for more information.
Does Vendpro also operate vending machines i.e. provide a ‘free vending service’ and if so what does it mean?
Yes, Vendpro can arrange a free vending service at a customer site. Vendpro delivers the service without the customer/ end-user having to invest in a machine and/ or have to fill and operate or maintain the machine. The customer/ end-user benefits by buying readily available products from Vendpro’s machine. Vendpro then pays for the filling and the maintenance and spare parts of the machine. Read here for more on Vendpro’s free site service.
Does a ‘free vending service’ mean my maintenance and services are at no cost?
No, it has nothing to do with the maintenance of the machine. It refers to Vendpro (or one of its operators) providing products to a workplace/ site at no cost to the workplace staff or site visitors. Read here for more on our free site service.
What are the customer’s responsibilities when renting a machine?
Renting a machine means operating the machine too. As the operator and custodian of that machine, the customer is responsible for all operational and service delivery activities of that machine. The customer also takes responsibility for the fair care of such equipment. That includes making sure the general condition of the equipment is kept clean and in good working order e.g., that the coin mechanism and refrigeration unit is cleaned on a regular basis and the machine is sufficiently protected against vandalism etc.
What is involved in the cleaning of the machine, coin mechanism and refrigeration unit?
Keeping the machine clean is very easy and the customer/operator will be informed during induction on how cleaning is to be done. Basically, it involves wiping and cleaning with a wet cloth and vacuum cleaning similar to what one would do at home. The frequency of cleaning depends on the site conditions, but typically cleaning is required to be done once every few weeks.
Why would I consider buying a refurbished/second hand/pre-owned machine from Vendpro?
For many customers new to the vending industry, this is a more affordable option to test the market and see if this is the right business for them. Vendpro carries a range of reconditioned (i.e., refurbished, pre-owned or second hand) machines and vending accessories for sale (at discounted prices) or rental, all backed up by the same standard warranty and unlimited lifetime phone/video support that Vendpro offers on their new machines. Vendpro’s proven track record exceeds twenty-five years in the vending industry and Vendpro prides itself in providing a full back-up maintenance and spares service of the products it sells. All refurbished items sold are from Vendpro’s rental stock and have been fully serviced and tested. A range of reconditioned equipment is on display at our show room in Balcatta and customers are invited to come, see and enquire about the machines and accessories on offer.
Vending machines are advertised online or elsewhere for cheaper, what about those?
Yes, there are many cheap vending machines, potentially looking like a bargain, but most of these are either old technology or of questionable quality with little or no back-up support and/ or spare parts available. Keeping in mind that operators make money by selling more products over the duration of the lifetime of the machine and not by saving upfront on the purchase price, this may become a costly short-sighted decision. What could seem like a good few hundred dollars saving at the start, can very quickly turn into a great loss if one’s machine is down for a couple of days. The only way to maximise turnover and profit is to optimise operational availability and longevity of one’s machine. Likewise, impact of the average price of and standardisation on spare parts over one’s vending machine/ fleet’s life cycle is not to be underestimated or ignored. To achieve maximum long-term benefit, partner with a reputable vending supplier that provides good quality machines and effective and timely back-up support, maintenance and spares. Research both the vendor and the equipment before you purchase.
What if the machine stops working or if one needs spare parts or service?
First, ensure sourcing and operating reliable good quality machines from a reputable supplier. Vendpro is a reputable supplier, servicing the industry for more than twenty-five years and offering a variety of good quality machines. In addition, Vendpro offers a standard product warranty and unlimited lifetime phone/video support (during standard office hours) on all machines sold. Vendpro services and maintains its own rental fleet. If telephonic support does not resolve a customer’s issue in the field, then Vendpro can either assist with an on-site call or a service in our workshop. Vendpro only teams up with the best equipment manufacturers in the world ensuring the best technical backup and spares support is around for many years to come.
Vendpro is considered an exceptional maintenance service provider and carries a large range of spare parts to support any equipment they’ve sold. Vendpro prides itself in its unique service capability and because Vendpro services and maintains its own rental fleet, they are rated as the best in WA and one of the best in Australia by many in the market.
Which vending machine will best suit a particular set of requirements?
By asking a potential customer a few questions and the customer providing a few simple answers, Vendpro can assist in determining what brand, type, size and configuration of vending solution would best suit a customer’s specific needs.
What types of vending machines are available?
One can sell just about anything within reasonable shape and dimensions in vending machines. Such include ambient or non-refrigerated, refrigerated or frozen products e.g., stationary and office supplies, personal hygiene, mints, deodorant, flat dancing shoes, umbrellas, first aid and medical items, tools, car accessories, cleaning towels, fragrance trees, personal protective equipment (PPE), luggage locks, tags, travel goods – the list is endless. If a customer has a specific requirement or idea, they are welcome to visit Vendpro at its showroom in Balcatta with a product sample. We will then be able to provide appropriate advice or find a suitable solution.
What is the delivery time for a vending machine?
Since Vendpro endeavours to always have stock available, delivery time is primarily dependent on the customer providing Vendpro with the customer’s machine layout, product, pricing and payment system requirements. Once agreed, the machines can then be customised and supplied within a couple of days.
Where can one purchase vending accessories such as a coin mechanism, note reader or credit card payment system?
Vendpro supplies a range of both new and refurbished payment hardware.
What about delivery?
Delivery/freight to and from any customer site is not included in the selling/ rental price of the machine. Vendpro partners with trusted transport companies and can assist in arranging delivery at an additional cost. Fees depend on factors such as delivery distance, driving time, site access constraints etc. Customers can also arrange delivery themselves.
Where are the best places to buy vending products from?
Vendpro doesn’t supply vending products but can advise on potential product suppliers. Most drink and food snack items can be bought from wholesalers, discount retailers and supermarkets who often offer special deals. Other products, such as food, medical and hardware goods, might have to be bought from specialised vendors.
Would Vendpro help a customer find a site or sites?
Vendpro doesn’t pursue or seek new sites as a day-to-day business activity, however, Vendpro does get many requests from potential end-users that wish to have a free service offered at their workplace. Vendpro sometimes passes these leads on to operators on Vendpro’s customer database with great success. A customer is automatically included in Vendpro’s database once purchased or rented goods from Vendpro. Vendpro will also share with customers their proven site-finding tips as part of a (new) customer’s induction program. Since any customer’s ability to find its own locations will be key to its long-term success, Vendpro encourages customers to be proactive in taking ownership of their new business by finding their own sites.
Is the market saturated?
In view of WA’s continued predicted growth in population figures and consequential new business and residential developments, the future outlook presents operators with many new opportunities and potential new sites.
Technology and consumer trends are changing the face of vending. A key vending industry driver is offering a variety of options to meet consumers’ diverse needs. As consumers’ needs change and the trend of innovative vending technology follows, new markets and opportunities will open up. Although you see merchandising/ vending systems in many places, there are between two and three million new ones set up each year around the world. You, the customer can be the judge.
Should I use products with known brand names?
Vendpro recommends using name branded products. One will find buyers use machines more frequently when they notice products that they recognise and associate with.
How many vending machines can I operate?
It depends on how much money one wants to make and how much time one is willing to invest. Vendpro can help you determine what vending solutions would be necessary to achieve a set revenue goal.