Applying the 3-V Framework to Scout High-Profit Locations

Real-World Example: Scottsdale, Arizona

Now that you know the three keys to evaluating a profitable vending location—Parking Lot Activity (Volume), Availability, and Visibility—the next step is applying this in the real world. Let’s break down how you can use this framework to strategically scout high-value sites using Google Maps and industry intuition.

Step-by-Step Example: Scouting Manufacturing Plants

Let’s say you live in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Here’s how you would begin:

1. Open Google Maps.

2. Search for "manufacturing plants in Scottsdale, AZ" or related terms like food processing, packaging plants, logistics warehouses, etc.

3. Focus on industrial areas with large buildings and expansive parking lots.

Why Manufacturing Plants Work So Well

Key Advantages:

• They aren’t flashy or obvious, so there’s less competition.

• These are blue-collar workforces with long shifts and limited break options.

• They often operate on multiple shifts, ensuring consistent traffic 24/7.

Shift Breakdown Example:

• 7am–7pm: Day shift workers grab drinks, snacks, and lunch.

• 12pm–12am: Midday crew needing energy drinks, burritos, and snacks.

• 7pm–7am: Night shift crowds looking for ice cream, chocolate, or breakfast items to take home.

This creates three waves of recurring vending demand, which significantly increases your daily revenue opportunities.

Putting It All Together: United Dairymen Case Study

Say you find a plant like United Dairymen in Scottsdale:

• You identify a large parking lot ( Volume).

• You confirm it operates around the clock with multiple shifts ( Availability).

• You call the front desk or check the website for HR or Facilities contact to get a meeting ( Visibility planning + Outreach).

Pro tip: Always speak with someone in the HR department or Facilities Management—they are usually the gatekeepers for vending service approvals.

Final Takeaway

By using tools like Google Maps and focusing on underrated, working-class locations such as manufacturing plants:

• You minimize competition

• You maximize recurring traffic

• And you target high-revenue-per-machine opportunities that most new vendors overlook

The lesson: Chase volume, availability, and visibility. That's where your real profit is hiding.