Quick take
- The operator buys, installs, stocks, and repairs the equipment.
- The operator earns from product sales, not from fees to your company.
- Your part is floor space, a standard outlet, and enough people to support sales.
- Read any agreement for contract length, minimums, and removal terms.
Who pays for the equipment
With a full-service operator, the operator owns the coolers, shelving, kiosk, and machines. They pay to deliver and install them, keep them stocked, and fix them when something breaks. Your company doesn't buy or lease anything.
How the operator makes money
Employees buy products at retail-style prices, and the operator keeps the margin. That's the whole business. It's the same reason a vending company has always been able to place machines at no charge: the sales pay for the equipment over time.
What "qualifying" means
Because sales cover the costs, a location needs enough daily traffic to make a setup worthwhile. Larger headcounts support bigger markets. Smaller sites might be a better fit for a single smart cooler or vending machine. A good operator will tell you honestly what your site can support instead of overbuilding and pulling it later.
What you provide
- Floor space for the equipment.
- A standard three-prong outlet nearby.
- Reasonable access for restocking during the day.
- Feedback on what your team wants to see on the shelves.
What to watch for in an agreement
- Contract length: some providers ask for multi-year terms. We work month-to-month.
- Minimums or fees: ask whether there's any charge if sales come in low.
- Removal terms: understand how and when equipment would be removed.
- Subsidies are optional: some companies choose to discount prices or fund free items as a perk, but it isn't required.
Common questions
Will our company ever get a bill?
Not for the standard service. Optional extras like a subsidized "free coffee" program are something you would choose and agree to in advance.
Who handles refunds if a machine or kiosk has a problem?
We do. Employees can call or text us, and we handle refunds and repairs directly.