Rent, buy or lease a snack vending machine?
There are four ways to get a snack vending machine: buy, finance, lease or have an operator install one. What sets them apart, who keeps the revenue in the end, and why we do not rent out vending machines ourselves.
The four options compared
| Buy | Finance | Lease | Operator-placed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Yours, from delivery | Yours | Leasing company | Operator |
| Revenue | entirely yours | entirely yours | entirely yours | with the operator; at most you receive a commission |
| Capital at the start | Purchase price | 50% down payment | depending on the contract | none |
| Running costs | Electricity, goods, restocking | Instalment, electricity, goods, restocking | Lease payment, electricity, goods, restocking | usually none |
| Range and prices | set by you | set by you | set by you | set by the operator |
| Design and equipment | your choice | your choice | your choice | Standard unit |
How buying, financing or leasing affects your taxes depends on your business. Clarify this with your tax adviser before you decide.
Renting usually means: operator-placed
Anyone searching for “snack vending machine rental” usually ends up with vending operators. The operator installs its machine on your premises, restocks and maintains it and keeps the revenue. You provide the space and electricity and, at best, receive a small commission. For a quiet break room, that may be enough.
As soon as the location does well, the numbers turn. Every snack bar sold earns money for the operator, not for you. The operator sets the range, prices and restocking schedule, and if the machine does not earn enough, it is taken away again.
Buy, finance or lease
With all three options, the vending machine works for you. The only difference is how you pay for it.
Directly in the shop
You pay the purchase price, and we start production once payment has been received. On request, we agree a 50% down payment and 50% before delivery. Delivery throughout Europe in 8 weeks, plus €300 shipping.
Financing
You pay half up front and the rest in instalments. The vending machine and its revenue belong to you from the start. We discuss the term and instalment with you.
Leasing
On request through our partner leasing companies. Whether a contract is concluded, and on what terms, is decided by the leasing company after reviewing your business.
Why we do not rent out
Every VendSpot vending machine is built for one customer, with that customer’s design, compartments and payment methods. Taking such a machine back after two years and installing it for the next customer does not fit with that.
That is why we sell, and remain your point of contact afterwards. We fix faults remotely via TeamViewer, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If that is not possible, we arrange an on-site appointment straight away. On request, we take care of restocking, with no obligation to buy goods from us.
Operator placement suits you if
- the vending machine is only meant as a perk for employees
- you do not want any work with goods and restocking
- range and prices do not matter to you
Your own vending machine suits you if
- the vending machine is meant to generate revenue
- you want to decide on the range, prices and design yourself
- the location has passing trade or is accessible around the clock
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a snack vending machine?
That depends on the provider. With most operator-placed models you pay nothing, but the operator keeps the revenue. With genuine rental, the monthly rate usually comes with a minimum term. We do not rent out machines. The purchase prices of our models are shown directly in the shop.
How much does your own snack vending machine earn?
That is decided by the location: how many people pass by every day, whether there are alternatives nearby and how long the vending machine is accessible. Our calculator shows how many sales per day it takes for a vending machine to pay for itself, with all costs from goods to depreciation.
Do I need a permit for a snack vending machine?
In Germany, anyone who sells goods usually needs a registered trade. Anyone who sells food must also register with the responsible food inspection authority. On someone else’s property you need the owner’s consent, and in public spaces also a permit from the municipality. It is best to clarify the details directly with your municipality. In other countries, the respective national rules apply.
Can I convert a purchased vending machine later?
Yes. Depending on the model, payment systems and accessories can be retrofitted. You can reorder spare parts and accessories in your customer account.
What happens if the vending machine breaks down?
You report the fault in your customer account or by phone. We connect to the vending machine via TeamViewer, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If the fault cannot be fixed remotely, we arrange an on-site appointment straight away. On top of that, you have a 1-year statutory warranty and a 1-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Discuss purchase, financing or leasing
The VendSpot team, Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm.