Smart vending machine sales have started slowing down
▲ 35 r/vending

Smart vending machine sales have started slowing down

Things have been going pretty well lately, but I've noticed sales starting to dip a bit. I'm wondering if it's time to switch up the product mix or if I should give it a little more time.
For those who've been in vending for a while, how do you decide when to replace slower-selling items? Do you try new flavors, switch to different brands, or focus more on what already sells consistently?

u/Funny_Air_6510 — 5 days ago
▲ 52 r/vendingmachines+1 crossposts

Week 3 update with my smart vending machine

Quick update — I’ve sold $775 worth of products so far.Good, bad, or average? I’m curious what you guys think.
I’m only in week three, so I know there’s still a lot to learn. I’m also still figuring out what products work best, so I’d love to hear what items have been selling well for everyone else.

u/Funny_Air_6510 — 25 days ago

After all the expenses are paid, how much profit are you guys actually making per machine each month?

I’m just getting started and honestly don’t have a great idea of what’s realistic or what I should be aiming for.What would you consider a good monthly profit for one machine?

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 1 month ago
▲ 171 r/vending

My first vending machine😊

Hi all! Just wanted to introduce myself. I’m pretty new to the vending machine business and wanted to share a photo of my first machine. It’s in an office with around 150 employees. So far I feel like it’s doing pretty decent. Still figuring things out as I go, but happy with how it’s been doing so far.

u/Funny_Air_6510 — 1 month ago

What would you charge at a 150-person office?

I just got my first location at an office with around 150 employees, and the machines will be accessible to everyone. I’m curious what you guys think I should charge.
I’ll have the usual smaller bags of chips, candy bars, Celsius, bottled water, and bottled sodas. What prices have worked well for you guys?

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 1 month ago
▲ 12 r/vendingmachines+1 crossposts

What do you guys use to move vending machines?

I’ve already bought an XMAI machine, and I’m curious what everyone uses to get machines in and out of locations, especially when there are stairs or tight doorways.Dolly, stair climber, lift gate, or something else?Thanks in advance!

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 1 month ago

Any good business ideas with a $4k-$6k budget?

I’ve been looking for something I could realistically start with that kind of money without taking on a ton of debt.
Vending is one thing I keep coming back to, but I’m curious what other businesses people have started in that range.
What would you do with $4k-$6k?

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 1 month ago

Any realistic ways to make money passively?

Been looking for something I can do on the side without having to constantly babysit it.What else is out there that’s actually worked for you guys?

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 1 month ago

How Reliable Is Product Recognition on Smart Vending Machines?

I’m pretty new to vending and looking into getting my first machine, so I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can before making a decision.One thing I’m really curious about is the product recognition side of smart vending.I came across XMAI through one of their promotions, but I haven’t actually used one myself. Their product recognition setup got me curious, especially since these machines aren’t tied to traditional fixed selections.
On paper, being able to switch products around without worrying as much about fixed slots sounds useful. But I’m wondering how well that actually works day to day.
Has anyone here actually used an AI-vision vending machine, and how does the recognition handle things like new packaging, similar-looking products, changing SKUs, or moving products around?
Curious whether recognition errors are something operators actually deal with regularly, or if it mostly just works once the machine is set up.

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

What are the basics everyone should know when it comes to figuring out what’s wrong with a vending machine?

I’m still pretty new to this and want to get better at troubleshooting before calling someone out for every little issue.What should I learn first?

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

I’m just getting started with vending and have a few questions about inventory and storage.

For transporting product, would you guys just use a pickup truck with a cover, or is a van worth getting? I’m a little worried about rain and winter weather.
I’ve also been looking at a Ford Transit. Would a smaller one be enough to start with, or is it worth going with a mid-size van from the beginning?
The other thing I’m trying to figure out is where to store everything. I have a garage, but it’s not heated, so I’m worried about drinks freezing in the winter.
Would love to hear what you guys did when you were first starting out.

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

How long does it usually take to get a vending contract signed after securing a location?

I got the location, sent the contract to the right person, and it’s been about two weeks with no word.
Is that pretty normal? Anything you guys have found that helps speed things up?

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

I recently came across XMAI’s $200 reward campaign, so I was curious if anyone here has actually claimed the bonus.

I’m currently looking into my first vending machine and comparing a few different options.Has anyone here actually used an XMAI machine? How’s the experience been so far? I’m mainly curious about reliability, payment systems, and customer service. Just trying to get some real feedback.

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

First machine going in next month — LLC or S Corp?

I’m just getting started in the vending business, and I’m planning to install my first machine next month.I’m not sure if I should start an LLC or Corp type S? I’m based in California

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago
▲ 15 r/vending

For everyone who works a 9-5 job and is doing this on the side

How and when are you managing restocking and any troubleshooting needs?

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

I’m pretty new to vending and probably overthinking my first machine😂

I already have an office location lined up. It’s a smaller office with around 150 people, mostly regular employees working during the day.
I’ve been looking at a few different manufacturers — AMS, Royal Vendors, Seaga, and some overseas brands like Haha, Qingo, and XMAI.
Still doing my homework and haven’t made up my mind yet.
For anyone who’s actually used these machines, what do you guys think? Anything you’d pay extra attention to when picking your first machine?
Just looking to hear some real-world opinions from other operators.

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

Getting my first vending machine for an office building,any advice?

Hey everyone, I’m getting ready to buy my first vending machine.
I already have a location lined up in an office building, so now I’m trying to figure out what I should actually look for in my first machine.
I’m thinking snacks + drinks, but I’m not sure what’s worth paying extra for.
For those who started with an office location, what would you do differently?
Any advice on machine size, product mix, or things I should check before buying would be really helpful.

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

Which vending to start?

Hi everyone! I’m looking for some advice.
I have a location that needs a refrigerated snack machine. My budget is around $3,000–$4,000.
I’m looking for something reliable and easy to maintain since this will be my first machine.
For those with experience, what refrigerated snack machines would you recommend for a beginner?
Any tips on what to look for (or avoid) would be really appreciated.

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago

Is a warranty worth paying extra for when you're just starting out?

I'm looking at a few machines on Marketplace and other private listings.
As someone just getting started, I'm wondering how much I should care about having a warranty.
The biggest advantage I see with buying from a reputable company is having warranty coverage and someone to call if something goes wrong. The downside, of course, is the higher price compared to buying used.
For those who've been doing this for a while, would you pay extra for the peace of mind, or is buying used the better move?
I'd love to hear what you would do if you were starting over.

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u/Funny_Air_6510 — 2 months ago