Choosing the Right Location: Why Revenue Per Site Matters

In vending, it's not about how many machines you own—it's about where they are placed. One A+ location can generate more income than five poorly placed machines. This module highlights why selecting high-performing sites is the real key to profitability and how to avoid the most common trap new operators fall into.

Quality Over Quantity

Core Principle:

It’s not the number of machines that matters—it’s the revenue per machine that defines a successful route.

Example Insight:

• A single machine at a premium location might do $2,000–$4,000/month.

• Five machines at poor locations might barely hit $500 combined.

Bottom Line:

Prioritize A+ locations like high-traffic residential buildings, hospitals, and employee break rooms—not low-footfall or low-engagement spots like auto shops or low-end gas stations.

Common Pitfall: Idle Machines

Many new vendors buy machines before securing quality locations.

Case Example:

A common response Mike hears:

"Well, one of my machines is sitting in my garage." This is not a strategy—it’s wasted capital and space.

The First Question You Must Ask

Before even asking about machine type, ask:

"What is the revenue per machine?"

This one question reveals whether you're operating a profitable business or just collecting metal boxes.

Key Takeaways

• Never buy machines until you've secured a revenue-worthy location.

• Focus on profit per machine, not machine count.

• Your first priority is placement—always find the right home before investing in the equipment.

• Avoid emotionally-driven decisions like rushing to buy a machine on sale if you don’t have a proven site to place it.

This mindset shift—focusing on revenue per location instead of inventory count—is what separates thriving vending entrepreneurs from hobbyists.