Do you actually qualify for a free vending machine?
Vending operators install and stock the machine at their cost when the site can support the route economics. The rough rule of thumb: 40+ people on site during working hours, or high-traffic public/industrial spaces (logistics hubs, hospitals, gyms, transport). Below 40 staff you can still get vending — but usually as a lease or purchase rather than free-on-loan.
- •40+ staff or 300+ daily visitors → typically free-to-install on revenue share
- •20–40 staff → hybrid (small monthly fee + share) or micro-fridge
- •Under 20 → self-service micro-fridge or subsidised model
The three commercial models — and which fits your site
The commercial model matters more than the machine itself. It decides who pays for stock, who takes the shrinkage, and how much upside your site captures.
- •Revenue share — operator funds & stocks; you get a % of net sales. Zero capex, zero admin.
- •Rental / lease — fixed monthly fee, you keep 100% of sales. Good for high-throughput sites.
- •Purchase — you own the machine and either self-stock or pay a route operator for restocking.
What to include in your brief
A tight brief is the difference between three curated offers in a week and six months of cold quotes. Include headcount, hours, sector, existing amenities, any dietary requirements, and how much space you have.
- •Headcount on site + shift pattern
- •Sector (office, logistics, healthcare, education, hospitality)
- •Preferred formats — snacks, drinks, coffee, fresh food, micro-market
- •Payment methods required (cashless-only is now standard)
- •ESG requirements — healthy range, recyclable packaging, energy rating
Timeline: brief → installed
For a standard vending install: 2–3 days to matched proposals, 3–5 days to compare and sign, 1–3 weeks to install and stock. Micro-markets add ~2 weeks for shelving, fridges and self-checkout setup.
How vending.markets speeds this up
You submit one structured brief. We match it to operators who actually serve your postcode with the formats you want — not a scattergun of cold sales calls. You compare offers side-by-side on commercials, tech, SLA and finance, and pick.
Frequently asked questions
Is a vending machine really free?+
Yes — for sites that meet the route economics (roughly 40+ staff or high public footfall), operators install and stock the machine at their cost in exchange for the location and a share of sales.
How long does installation take?+
Typically 2–4 weeks from accepting a proposal for standard vending. Micro-markets take 4–6 weeks.
Do we have to sign a long contract?+
Most revenue-share agreements run 24–36 months with 90-day termination for non-performance. Lease and purchase have different terms.
What happens if the machine breaks?+
Operator SLA — usually next-business-day fix, with cashless refunds handled remotely via telemetry.
vending.markets matches your brief to operators, formats and finance — neutrally.