The 5-axis scorecard
Every operator will tell you they're the best. The scorecard cuts through that. Score each operator 1–5 on the axes below, then compare totals — and dig into any 1s or 2s before signing. The point isn't a perfect number; it's forcing yourself to look at the boring axes (SLA, reporting) that decide whether you're happy in year two.
- •Coverage & route density in your postcode
- •Tech: cashless, telemetry, AI restock, reporting
- •SLA: response time, uptime %, restock frequency
- •Commercials: split, minimums, contract length, exit terms
- •ESG: healthy range, packaging, energy rating, reporting
Questions to ask before signing
The right questions surface the real operator behind the sales deck. Ask them all in writing, and require answers with numbers, not adjectives. Anyone who won't share fleet-average uptime or a sample sales report is telling you they don't have them.
- •What's your average uptime across similar sites?
- •How often do you restock and by what trigger (schedule vs telemetry)?
- •What happens on day-2 of a machine outage?
- •Show me a real monthly sales report from a comparable site.
- •What's the cashless failure rate on your fleet?
- •How many of your sites have your top account manager?
- •What's your average customer tenure?
Why we don't publish a ranked list
Best-of lists are almost always sponsored. Instead, use the scorecard above and compare 3 operators side-by-side using our compare tool — with real numbers from your postcode. Operator quality varies enormously within a single brand across regions; a global tier-1 with a stellar reputation in London may be indifferent in Manchester.
National vs regional operators
National operators (Selecta, Aramark Refreshments, Compass/Foodbuy, Canteen and equivalents in the EU) win on multi-site reporting consistency and central account management. Regional and specialist operators typically win on service responsiveness, ranging flexibility and account-manager attention. For a single site, pick regional. For a 10-site rollout, run a national tender with a regional shortlist as backup.
Red flags
Some signals should end the conversation early. Any operator who refuses to share telemetry-based reports, insists on contracts longer than 36 months without an exit right, deducts card fees from your share, or reserves unilateral price-change rights is telling you what year two will look like. Believe them.
How to run a fair tender
Give every operator the same brief, the same deadline and the same evaluation criteria. Require standardised proposals — commercial share, forecast turnover, SLA, service model, reporting, ESG. Score independently before reading anyone's cover letter, and only then take references. That structure alone eliminates 80% of buyers' remorse.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the biggest vending machine companies?+
Global tier-1: Selecta, Aramark Refreshments, Compass/Foodbuy, Canteen. Regional operators often beat them on service in specific postcodes.
Should I go with a national or regional operator?+
National for multi-site rollouts and reporting consistency. Regional for single sites — service is usually faster and the account team more responsive.
How do I compare vending operators fairly?+
Use a fixed scorecard (coverage, tech, SLA, commercials, ESG) and require every proposal to answer the same 5 questions.
Is a bigger operator always better?+
No. Bigger operators have deeper reporting and stronger balance sheets; smaller operators often have better service. Match to the site profile.
How long should the contract be?+
24–36 months is normal, with 90-day termination for non-performance. Anything longer without an exit right is a red flag.
What if the operator underperforms after go-live?+
The SLA and termination clause are your recourse. Insist on service credits for missed uptime and a clean exit path from month 4 onwards.
vending.markets matches your brief to operators, formats and finance — neutrally.