Hey Vending Hustlers!

Ethan and Jaime here, and we’re back with another issue of The Vending Vault to help you grow your vending business.

This week, we're tackling a question we get often: Should you pay for a locator service to find new locations for your vending machines?

We’ve been in your shoes, so let’s break it down 👇

🤔 What is a Vending Locator Service?

In simple terms, a vending locator service is a company that helps vending operators find the best locations for their machines.

They gather data, analyze traffic patterns, and pinpoint spots that are likely to bring in the most revenue.

They basically make the intro for a hot lead and you close the deal.

👍 The Pros of Using a Locator Service

Here are some major benefits to using a service like this:

⏳ Time-Saving: Finding locations on your own can be time-consuming. A locator service handles the research and legwork for you.

🛠️ Expert Knowledge: These services know the ins and outs of the industry and can help you avoid costly mistakes (the biggest one being finding a low traffic location).

💼 Better Deals: With established relationships, locators often get better terms on commissions and placement agreements.

Actionable Tip: Here’s a list of top-rated vending locator services that we trust. Check them out 👇

👎 The Cons of Using a Locator Service

It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

💸 Cost: Locator services often charge a fee, and these can vary depending on the service you choose. Make sure you weigh this against your potential earnings.

🎨 Lack of Personal Touch: Sometimes, locator services don’t fully understand your business model, which could lead to less-than-ideal location recommendations.

🚧 Limited Control: When you hire a locator, you're trusting someone else to do the legwork, which means you may not have as much control over the process.

Ultimately, it comes down to how much time and effort you’re willing to invest. If you’re short on time and want to skip the trial-and-error process, a vending locator service can save you a lot of headaches.

But if you're just starting and can dedicate time to researching locations, doing it yourself might be a better option.

🚀 Next Steps: How to Get Started

Start by visiting Vending Exchange (our favorite)!

💾 Download Our Free Guide: Want to do it yourself? Check out our step-by-step guide on finding great vending locations.

✍🏻 Wrap-Up

Building a successful vending business isn’t just about placing machines. It’s about smart placements, good deals, and constant learning.

Whether you go DIY or hire a pro, make sure you’re making choices that move your business forward.

Until next time,

— Jaime & Ethan

P.S. If you’re dreaming of building something bigger with your vending business, we’d love to help you get there. Vending Machine Launchpad is here to guide you every step of the way. If you’re ready to take that next step, book a call with our team today and let’s see how we can support your journey.