Vending machines can be a real benefit to both employees and business owners. Companies can earn extra revenue by setting up contracts with vending machine companies for a portion of the profits generated from the machines, and employees can partake in delicious food and drink without having to leave the premises. The key here, however, is stocking machines with the right vending supplies–ones that employees actually want to purchase.

To find the best vending supply company, keep these things in mind:

1. Survey employees to find out what vending snacks and other food and beverage items they would like to see. If most don’t foresee ever purchasing a lunch item, for example, focus only on snacks, soda and coffee vending supplies. “If you supply it, they will come,” so to speak.

2. Explore your vending machine options. For example, do you want to contract one of the full service vending companies that will provide the machines, the maintenance on the machines, and the vending machine supplies? Or would you prefer to buy a vending machine outright and handle the stocking of vending machine supplies yourself?

3. Consider healthy or specialty items. Gourmet coffee vending supplies and health food alternatives can express to employees that you want to give them the best of the best.


Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If you can't find a local supplier that offers the vending supplies you need, check out national vending companies. Many will have local distributors to service the Chicagoland area.

The official source of Food and Beverage Vending Supplies is
the Food and Beverage Vending Supplies page at Business.com