Frequently Asked Questions

Vending Machine Knowledge Base                          Easy Set Up!!

Researching vending machines for your company can be a challenging task. That’s why Vending Solutions is happy to provide this FAQ as a resource tool for people interested in vending machines, Coke machines, Pepsi machines, drink machines, soda machines, pop machines, juice machines, beverage machines, and snack machines.

Click on a question below to navigate to the answer

  1. How much do vending machines cost?
  2. How Does Full Service Vending Work?
  3. What are the requirements to place a soda machine?
  4. What are the requirements to place a snack machine?
  5. What types of vending machines are available?
  6. What do the vending machines look like?
  7. What sizes of vending machines are available?
  8. Where should you install or place your vending machine?
  9. What if I need vending machines for more than one location?
  10. How long does it take to install the vending machines and what is the process?
  11. What does a soda cost from the vending machine?
  12. What products do you have available in the vending machines?
  13. How many different selections can the vending machines hold?
  14. How do you deal with repair and refill issues?
  15. What if someone loses money in the vending machine?
  16. What if my vending machine is vandalized?
  17. What happens if I need to move my vending machine?
  18. How often should the vending machines be refilled?
  19. What are the electrical requirements for a soda machine?
  20. What products should go in the machine?
  21. What if I have a question that is not in the FAQ?

How much do vending machines cost? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Vending Solutions provides all vending machines and services for free. The machines are installed, stocked with products and serviced/maintained all at no cost. However, if you are looking to purchase a soda vending machine and stock in yourself, they generally start around $3,600 for a quality unit. Snack machines start at around $3,000. Check out our sales and leasing page for more information.

How does Full Service Vending work? << RETURN TO TOP>>
It is our goal to be the best customer service company in the vending business. We full service all of our vending machines. This means we manage every conceivable facet of your vending program. We take care of everything. Vending Solutions understands that your time is very important. Leave the vending to us.

What are the requirements to place a soda machine? << RETURN TO TOP>>
In order for a soda machine to work in a business Vending Solutions requires at least 40 employees or a high amount of customer traffic. Hotels/Motels generally need at least 20 rooms to support a soda machine and apartment buildings generally need 100 plus apartments at the facility.

What are the requirements to place a snack machine? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Unlike sodas, snacks have a much shorter shelf life. It is important that the snack machine does enough volume so the products do not spoil. The bigger the office the better when it comes to snack vending. Vending Solutions requires at least 75 employees before we will place a snack vending machine. Also, because the bulk of vending revenue is derived from the soda machine, it is often difficult to find a vending operator to place a snack machine without also handling the beverage vending onsite as well.

What types of vending machines are available? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Coke machines, Pepsi machines, drink machines, soda machines, pop machines, juice machines, water machines, beverage machines, and snack machines are all available through Vending Solutions, regardless of what you call them. As far as beverage machines are concerned, we have both bottle (20oz) and can (12oz) machines. We also have a variety of snack machines available.

What do the vending machines look like? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Vending Solutions offers vending machines in various sizes that fit most locations. All vending machines are attractive, newer, top-of-the-line-models.

What sizes of vending machines are available? << RETURN TO TOP>>
The most standard soda vending machine measures 72"H x 39"W x 33"D.  However, if the machine is going to be placed inside an enclosure it is best to allow for 80"H x 45"W x 40"D.  These dimensions take in consideration the space for the door opening as well as room in the back of the machine for the plug-in and the need for air movement for the compressor.

Where should you install or place your vending machine? << RETURN TO TOP>>
The specific locations may vary depending on the type of business you have, but the goal is always the same: place the beverage machines in locations that will receive the most foot traffic and in areas that will be the most profitable.

When you sign up for Vending Solutions free vending services we send out a representative to survey your business. Our vending service professional will determine the best locations and how many vending machines should be installed.

What if I need vending machines for more than one location? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Researching vending for more than one location that may be in more than one state is a hassle. How would you orchestrate such a program? In most cases you would have to work with more than one vending company. Each vending company would have their own accounting system and service department. How would you ever keep track of whom to call when you needed service and collection of commissions?

If you need service at more than one location, let Vending Solutions help you, visit our Benefits of a Managed Program section.

How long does it take to install the vending machines << RETURN TO TOP>>
and what is the process?

It takes about 15 business days to have your vending machine installed and filled. Vending Solutions process for vending machine installation is simple and seamless.

Step 1: Sign Up For Free using our online form or call us at 1-800-655-7564

Step 2: Vending Solutions will contact you to schedule an appointment for our representative to come meet with you.

Step 3: A representative will meet with you and determine the best location at your business to place a vending machine, verify that you have the correct electrical outlets and go over product selection with you.

Step 4: The vending machines will be delivered shortly after they are ordered.

What does a soda cost from the vending machine? << RETURN TO TOP>>
The cost of the product in the vending machines is different depending on your geographic location. Pricing for soda machines are based on what the Coke and Pepsi bottlers set for their national vend rates.

What products do you have available in the vending machines? << RETURN TO TOP>>
We have a variety of products available in the vending machines, Coke machines, Pepsi machines, drink machines, soda machines, pop machines, juice machines, beverage machines, and snack machines. The products include all the Coke and Pepsi product lines and much more.  Please look at our Products page for more information.

How many different selections can the vending machines hold? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Soda machines hold 7-9 selections at one time.

How do you deal with repair and refill issues? << RETURN TO TOP>>
A variety of things can go wrong with vending machines. Vending Solutions is always prepared for the worst-case scenario. We have a staff of vending service specialists on call to assist you and make sure your vending machines are always functioning properly. We take proactive preventative measures to ensure that your vending machines are working year round. Any time a vending machine is broken or runs empty money revenue is being lost. That’s why it is important to have a service department that is well managed, detail oriented and willing to do the follow up necessary to correct any problems that may come up.

Please contact us if you experience a problem with your vending machine. We are available on a 24/7 basis through our website. When you contact us, your service order is logged into our database and your vending machine is flagged in our VendTrak™ system. We can have your issue corrected within 2-3 business days and we will follow-up with you to make sure that your service order was corrected.

What if someone loses money in the vending machine? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Vending Solutions will reimburse any money that is lost in the vending machine.  Refunds are mailed out within 48 hours of receipt.

What if my vending machine is vandalized? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Vending machine vandalism can happen and is usually a temporary situation. Choosing the best location for the vending machines can prevent vandalism. Vending Solutions prefers indoor vending machine placements. Indoor locations are better monitored. There is a significantly less likelihood of a vending machine being vandalized at an indoor location. If your machine is vandalized, you will not be held responsible for any damaged equipment or lost money. Vending Solutions reserves the right to remove vending machines if vandalism continues to be an issue. Before we place a new vending machine at your property we would ask that you find a better location or take steps to correct the problem.

What happens if I need to move my vending machine? << RETURN TO TOP>>
In some cases, vending machines may need to be moved for building remodeling. Whatever the circumstance, we ask that you notify us of a vending machine move as soon as you can. Please contact us at least 20 days in advance of the date you need to have the vending machine moved. This is because we need to have the product removed before the vending machines can be moved.

How often should the vending machines be refilled? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Vending machines should always have sodas to vend. Anytime a vending machine runs empty, money is lost. Many vending companies place their vending machines on a generic refill schedule that is not adequate. The usage on every vending machine fluctuates throughout the seasons. The most important season in vending is the summer. If the vending machines are not on the correct refill schedule for the summer, much of the year’s revenue will be lost. At Vending Solutions we understand that no two locations are the same and that each vending machine deserves our individual attention. We cater the refill scheduling of each vending machine to meet the needs of your business.

What are the electrical requirements for a soda machine? << RETURN TO TOP>>
Most soda vending machines run on 115 volts at about 10.5 amps. Most commercial grade three prong outlets will be acceptable to power a vending machine. Power consumption tends to run about 3.1 - 4.4 kWh/day for the lighting and 3.5 - 4 kWh/day for the refrigeration. The power consumption can vary depending on if the machine is placed outside or other extreme environment.

What products should go in the machine? << RETURN TO TOP>>
It is very important that the correct vending machine products are placed in the machine. Vending Solutions will work with you to make sure that you have the product selection that suits your business the best.

What if I have a question that is not in the FAQ? << RETURN TO TOP>>
If you need more information call us toll free at 1-800-655-7564 or fill out the questions section on our Free Setup form and someone will contact you the next business day.