Where to Place a Vending Machine: The 25 Best Locations to Maximize Profit
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of automated retail, the success of a vending machine largely depends on where it is placed. You can have the most advanced vending machine with the best product selection, but if it’s located in an area with low foot traffic or an uninterested audience, results will be poor.
In this article, we’ll explore the 25 best locations to place a vending machine, analyzing the advantages, recommended product types, and earning potential. The goal is to help you identify high-traffic areas with a relevant target audience that can guarantee a steady and scalable income.
1. Train and Subway Stations
Stations are among the most profitable locations for vending machines. The constant flow of people—often in a hurry and looking for snacks, drinks, or emergency items—creates consistent demand.
Ideal products: Snacks, drinks, coffee, power banks, face masks, travel accessories
Advantages:
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Very high daily traffic
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Long usage hours
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Diverse audience
2. Hospitals and Clinics
Visitors and medical staff spend long hours in these facilities. Cafés are often closed in the evenings and weekends, making refreshment needs critical.
Ideal products: Healthy snacks, water, hot drinks, fresh food, hygiene products
Advantages:
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24/7 operation
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Stable, repeat customers
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High demand for quick, healthy products
3. Schools and Universities
Students, professors, and staff represent a significant base of regular consumers.
Ideal products: Snacks, drinks, energy products, stationery
Advantages:
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Recurring usage
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High daily consumption
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Suitable for classic and smart vending (digital payments, tech items)
4. Gyms and Sports Centers
Athletes frequently look for protein snacks, water, and supplements. They’re also willing to pay more for specialized products.
Ideal products: Protein bars, water, supplements, towels, sports gear
Advantages:
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High-spending target
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Predictable and targeted demand
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Low risk of unsold stock
5. Hotels and Hostels
With guests present 24/7 and limited food service at night, vending machines are ideal.
Ideal products: Snacks, drinks, toiletries, razors, chargers
Advantages:
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Steady clientele
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Higher perceived value
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High margins on emergency items
6. Shopping Malls
These are among the busiest places. Shoppers often need snacks or drinks during their visit.
Ideal products: Cold drinks, snacks, tech gadgets, beauty products
Advantages:
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High foot traffic
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Potential for themed vending (e.g., cosmetics or gourmet food)
7. Medium to Large Offices and Companies
Employees appreciate a quick break option. Vending machines can replace internal cafés.
Ideal products: Coffee, savory snacks, ready meals, water, energy drinks
Advantages:
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High customer loyalty
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Predictable consumption
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Ideal for hot meal vending
8. Service Areas and Gas Stations
Travelers stop to refuel and often want a bite to eat.
Ideal products: Hot food, soft drinks, snacks, travel items
Advantages:
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24/7 activity
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Suitable for touchscreen or self-checkout vending
9. Libraries and Cultural Centers
Usually lacking internal cafés but used for long hours.
Ideal products: Hot drinks, water, healthy snacks, stationery
Advantages:
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Regular users
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Often low rental costs
10. Universities with Residential Campuses
Student residents need snacks and quick meals even late at night.
Ideal products: Hot meals, coffee, snacks, household items
Advantages:
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High nighttime demand
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Young, tech-savvy audience
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Potential for subscription models (e.g., meal plans)
11. Airports
A constant flow of domestic and international passengers with long waiting times.
Ideal products: Power banks, snacks, water, travel beauty kits, hot food
Advantages:
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High purchasing power
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Multilingual vending options
12. Bus and Tram Stations
Similar to train stations but often lacking café services.
Ideal products: Drinks, snacks, emergency items
Advantages:
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Lower management costs
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“Grab and go” target ready to buy
13. Beaches and Seaside Resorts
In summer, these areas see massive crowds. Vending machines can be placed outdoors.
Ideal products: Water, ice cream, sunglasses, sunscreen, light snacks
Advantages:
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Impulse purchases
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Opportunity to sell non-food items
14. Public and Multi-Story Parking Lots
Often overlooked but with steady foot traffic.
Ideal products: Coffee, snacks, chargers, car accessories
Advantages:
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Low competition
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Good margin on emergency items
15. Outdoor Campus Areas
Weather-resistant machines near classrooms or relaxation zones.
Ideal products: Snacks, water, drinks, power banks
Advantages:
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High pedestrian traffic
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Suitable for solar-powered vending
16. Factories and Industrial Zones
Workers have fixed schedules and breaks. Ideal for food vending.
Ideal products: Ready meals, water, coffee, snacks
Advantages:
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Stable flow
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Potential for corporate contracts
17. Military Barracks and Facilities
Not open to the public but with steady internal use and routine consumption.
Ideal products: Ready-to-eat meals, hygiene items, energy drinks
Advantages:
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Frequent consumption
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Very low competition
18. Coworking Spaces
Modern, tech-driven environments perfect for smart vending integrated with apps.
Ideal products: Premium coffee, healthy snacks, tech products
Advantages:
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Young, digital audience
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Active even on evenings and weekends
19. Cinemas and Theaters
During waiting times or after shows, vending offers alternatives to bars.
Ideal products: Popcorn, candy, water, drinks
Advantages:
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Good profit margins
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Consumption tied to entertainment
20. Retirement Homes and Assisted Living
Staff and visitors need comfort items, snacks, and emergency supplies.
Ideal products: Soft food, water, wipes, hygiene products
Advantages:
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Low vandalism risk
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Consistent clientele
21. Public Parks and Playgrounds
Busy during warm months with families and children.
Ideal products: Ice cream, drinks, kids’ snacks, small toys
Advantages:
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Seasonal high traffic
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Solar-powered vending options
22. Stadiums and Arenas
During events, thousands of people look for quick refreshments.
Ideal products: Drinks, snacks, team merchandise
Advantages:
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High-volume sales in short timeframes
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Public willing to pay premium prices
23. Construction Sites
Often far from stores or cafés. Workers appreciate convenient lunch options.
Ideal products: Sandwiches, drinks, water, wipes
Advantages:
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Daily consumption
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Opportunity for direct company deals
24. Luxury Condos and Residences
Smart buildings now offer vending options for residents.
Ideal products: Premium snacks, gourmet food, household items
Advantages:
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Select clientele
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Secure private access
25. Trade Shows and Temporary Events
Perfect for market testing or promoting a new format.
Ideal products: Gadgets, snacks, branded merchandise
Advantages:
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High visibility
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Short-term concentrated demand
Conclusion: The Winning Strategy is Location + Product Selection
A strategic location is the first key to a successful vending machine—but it must be paired with:
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A product selection tailored to the target
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A clear and appealing layout
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Digital payment options
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Frequent restocking and maintenance
A well-placed vending machine can generate between €500 and €3,000 per month in net profit, depending on the location, fixed costs, and sales capacity. If you want to build a scalable business, start by mapping foot traffic in your area and test the best spots with small, progressive investments.
