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Sources for Vending Machines & Which is Best

Where you get your vending machines will determine how much you pay and what kind of service and support you'll get after the sale.

Usually the lowest prices come with little or no support on the backend, and the warranty and servicing support you'll get will be neglible. However, there are good middle-ground choices that will get you a good price for a great machine, and someone to talk to if things go wrong.

Business Opportunity Promoters
The worst place to get a vending machine. Up to 400% markup, and very little real experience in the business. Warranties and service contracts will disappoint even if they sound good upfront.

Factory or Manufacturer
Good machine warranties, and good prices, but the service is going to be lacking. Also, very few manufacturers sell direct, so you'll be severely limited in the kinds of vending machines you can buy. Still, you could find some good options here.

Factory Direct Discount Distributors
Possibly the best solution, though it depends on if you get really lucky and find a great deal elsewhere. These sellers will ship your vending machine direct from the manufacturer, but you'll pay less than if you bought from a distributor that has to maintain inventory on their premises.

Factory Direct Distributors also offer good warranty and service contracts. You should still do all your due-diligence homework, but these sources are usually the best place to start to buy a vending machine.

Traditional Vending Machine Distributors
These companies are pretty much the same as the factory-direct folks, but they hold inventory, which is expensive. Still, if you're looking for a vending machine and the factory is unavailable, these kinds of companies should be the people you call next. They may have the machine you want when no one else can get one. And you'll get it for a good price with a good warranty and service contract.

Discount Clubs, Ebay & Other Outlets
Yes - you may be able to buy a vending machine at Sam's Club. And you can buy a lot of them on Ebay.

Ebay has the benefit that you can read other people's feedback about their purchase. The problem is that Ebay only lets you leave feedback within 90 days of the purchase. So people could be having a lovely front-end sales experience, but terrible problems with warranties, parts and servicing. Maybe not, but don't turn your problem alert skills off just because a vendor has great Ebay feedback. Check if they have a retail location in addition to their Ebay storefront, and get the contact information of other business owners who have bought from them. Then follow through and call them.