Benefits of Getting A Free Vending Machine VS Buying One

Vending machines have become a real part of the furniture in the modern day office, and any office without one is sure to have some hungry employees! The big question is however, should you buy a vending machine for the office (and keep the profits), or get a free one who someone else looks after?

Whilst there are some clear benefits to owning a vending machine in the office, such as generating a profit, etc, the downside is often greater than that of just getting a free one from a vendor.

No Purchase Costs

Getting a free vending machine from a vendor means that you have zero purchase costs. Most combination vendors go for about $5000 upwards, which is quite a large amount of money for a midday treat…. Oftentimes that sort of money could be better spent elsewhere in the business (debt repayments, leases, staff, etc)

No Maintenance Costs

This is a big one – what happens when the machine breaks or needs to be repaired and you're the one that owns it? Quite simple really – you need to pay. Since vending machines are very mechanical, repairs and maintenance can be very costly. Getting a free vending machine from a vendor eliminates this responsibility and cost.

No Need To Stock

This is the greatest challenge for any company who own their own vending machine – stocking it. The average vending machine will need to be stocked 1-2 times per week with fresh stock, which also needs to be purchased from a viably priced distributor. In addition, a staff member needs to be designated for the task and a register needs to be kept to ensure that the numbers add up. This in itself is a lot of work, and can become a waste of time for a busy company.

As you can see, owning your own vending machine can be quite a bit of work. Whilst it may be suitable for some companies, it is to a large degree not the best idea for a small business or enterprises with more important tasks at hand. Weigh up the odds before diving in and make sure that your make the right choice!

If you're looking for a free vending machine for your office, have a look at www.FreeVendingMachines.co.za - connecting offices with vendors.