How to Choose Locations That Maximize Revenue

Not all locations are created equal. Understanding what separates a high-performing vending site from a low-yield dud is critical to your success. In this lesson, we break it down into three simple, proven criteria you can use every time you evaluate a potential site.

Parking Lot Activity

Insight:

A full parking lot is one of the strongest signs of consistent, high foot traffic. Whether it's a medical center, urgent care, vet hospital, or office complex—a packed lot signals opportunity.

Rule of Thumb:

"If the lot is full, the location will likely do well."

Always scout a location during peak hours to get a real-world read on traffic volume.

Availability of People

Insight:

Are the people who use the building actually there during the day?

Many offices have hybrid work schedules. Even if a building looks promising from the outside, it may be half-empty most of the week if people work from home.

Ask these questions before saying yes:

• Are people on-site consistently?

• Do they use the break room or shared space?

• Are there dead zones (e.g., Mondays, Fridays)?

If people aren't around, your machine won’t sell.

Visibility of the Machine

Insight:

A machine nobody sees is a machine that doesn't sell.

Even in a high-traffic location, if your vending unit is tucked away in a hidden corner or inconvenient part of the building, it won’t be profitable.

Real-World Example:

An apartment complex with a centralized clubhouse might seem perfect. But if residents never use the clubhouse, and instead enter their own buildings directly, then your machine has no visibility and low chance of being seen or used.

Final Takeaway

When evaluating locations, always score them on these 3 V’s:

1. Volume (Parking lot full?)

2. Availability (Are people present throughout the week?)

3. Visibility (Will they see your machine easily?)

Only invest in locations that pass all three tests. That’s how you build a route filled with A+ performers, not dead weight.