ABOUT US
Canada’s Trusted Vending Machine Supplier with 70 Years of Industry Experience
As a vending machine supplier, we offer the industry’s most comprehensive range of integrated, full-line vending equipment, services and technology. Family owned business with a strong tradition of helping vending pros and those just starting in the vending business. We’ve partnered with North American vending manufacturers that have over 90 years of vending machine manufacturing experience. QM Distribution has two distribution centres; Vancouver area and Toronto GTA, with shipping across Canada, We’d love to help you grow your vending business with some of the best equipment and service in Canada!
FAQ’s
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A vending machine business is a great first business for those interested in entrepreneurship.
You can start vending part-time and still do your regular job, which allows you to keep your paycheck while you get your vending machine side gig off the ground.
One vending machine likely won’t be enough to. give up your regular job. However, several strategically-placed vending machines with great products can provide a very healthy revenue stream
As you begin to place more machines in different locations, you can adjust your organizational plan to make this business opportunity more profitable over time.
Vending can be profitable if you choose high-traffic locations, offer in-demand products, and manage your operations efficiently. Research your target market, stay updated on trends, and provide excellent customer service to enhance your chances of success.
According to industry data, good vending locations make $100 or more a week and $400+ per month. Strong locations make $1,000 a month, and require significant traffic, people who will consume your products and machines easily accessible to the consumer.
High Traffic Location + Type of Products Offered + Great Service = Success.
Need more information? Call 416-833-2011
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The cost of vending machines in Canada can vary widely based on factors like size, features, and type of products they dispense.
Snack machines are the least expensive as they don’t have a compressor (refrigeration unit). Drink and combo (dual temperature machines) are more expensive. Fresh food and coffee vending machines are even more.
On average, prices can range from a few thousand (used machines) to several thousand dollars per machine. It's recommended to research types and models and suppliers to get accurate pricing based on your preferences and needs.
Need more information? Call 416-833-2011
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New Vending Machines: Buying a new vending machine offers reliability, the latest technology, and warranties of 2 to 3 years. Parts are readily available from the manufacturer.
Used vending machines may be more cost-effective initially. Only buy used if it is from a reputable dealer who offers a warranty. Even then the warranty is likely to be 30-90 days (vs 2-3 years for new). Parts may be harder to get or no longer available if the machine is older.
Evaluate your budget and long-term goals to make the best decision for your business. Financing may be an option as you can be earning money that will help pay off the monthly payments.
Need more information? Call 416-833-2011
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Snacks and drink machines make u the largest share of the U.S. (and Canada) vending machine industry. Here are some of the most popiular products in 2023 (USA data):
BEST SNACKS:
Chips and pretzels – Lay’s, Pringles, Ruffles, Cheetos
Candy and gum – Skittles, M&Ms, Starburst, Juicy Fruit
Chocolate bars – Snickers, Kit Kat, Milky Way, Hershey’s
Crackers and cookies – Ritz, Oreos, Cheez-Its, Nutter Butters
Energy and granola bars – Clif Bar, Nature Valley, Kind, Lara Bar
Nuts and seeds – Planters, Fritos, Sunflower seeds, almonds
Popcorn – Act II, Pop Secret, Orville Redenbacher, Smartfood
Pastries and doughnuts – Hostess, Little Debbie, Krispy Kreme, Dunkin’ Donuts
Fruit snacks and rolls – Fruit by the Foot, Fruit Roll-Ups, Welch’s, Haribo
Jerky and meat snacks -Slim Jim, Jack Link’s, Perky Jerky, Oberto
BEST DRINKS:
Carbonated soft drinks – Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, Mountain Dew
Juice and juice drinks -Tropicana, Minute Maid, Ocean Spray, Apple & Eve
Water – Dasani, Aquafina, Nestle, Poland Spring
Sports drinks – Gatorade, Powerade, Vitamin Water, Propel
Coffee – Folgers, Maxwell House, Dunkin’ Donuts, Starbucks
Tea – Lipton, Snapple, Arizona, Nestea
Milk – DairyPure, Horizon, Fairlife, Organic Valley
Energy drinks – Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar, Bang
*Best Selling Vending Machine Items in 2023
https://www.nayax.com/resource/best-selling-vending-machine-items/
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One of the MOST asked questions in vending. 3 common ways to find a location for your machines.
Pay a Locator:
They will want you to have a vending machine ready to place.
Costs or their services are about $1,000 and they may require you to pay up front before they commit to the process.
Buy an Existing Location with Machine(s)
Will involve you doing your homework on the seller, location and machine so you are not taken advantage of.
Get references, get proof of the vending sales and see the machines on site and confirm they are in sound condition.
Try to include training and a warranty on the vending machines. ensure that the card reader is transferred over to your name.
Find Your Own Location
This is the least expenive way to get a location, and easier than you think.
Create a list of the businesses, gyms, private schools, that are located close to where you live or your targeted area.
Contact each company and let them know you offer vending services in their area. Keep it simple and short - it is about you offering tasty and convenient snacks to their staff and customers.
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Starting a vending machine business involves several key steps:
Research and Planning:
• Identify your target market and the types of products you want to offer.
• Research the competition and determine potential locations for your machines.
Create a Business Plan:
• Outline your business goals, target market, budget, and revenue projections.
• Include details about the types of vending machines you plan to use.
Legal Requirements:
• Check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits or licenses.
• Choose a legal structure for your business if needed, (e.g., sole proprietorship, LLC). i
Financing:
• Determine your startup costs and explore financing options if needed. We offer low monthly payments on financing.
• Consider both the cost of the vending machines and initial inventory.
Select Vending Machines:
• Choose vending machines that suit your business model and target market.
• Consider factors like size, capacity, and payment options.
Find Locations:
• Secure agreements with businesses or property owners to place your vending machines.
• Ensure high foot traffic and compatibility with your product offerings.
Stocking and Maintenance:
• Establish a reliable supply chain for products to stock your machines.
• Set up a maintenance schedule to keep machines in working order.
Payment Systems:
• Set up payment systems, including cash and cashless options like credit card readers or mobile payments.
Marketing:
• Develop a marketing strategy to promote your vending machines.
• Consider promotions, discounts, or loyalty programs to attract customers.
Monitor and Adjust:
• Regularly monitor sales data and machine performance.
• Adjust your product selection and pricing based on customer preferences and trends.
Customer Service:
• Provide excellent customer service to build rapport and encourage repeat business.
• Address any issues promptly to maintain a positive reputation.
Remember, success in the vending machine business requires ongoing attention to customer preferences, machine maintenance, and market
Need more information? Call 416-833-2011
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The choice of vending machine depends on your target market, location, and the type of products you want to offer. Here are a few popular types to consider:
1. **Snack Vending Machines:**
- Ideal for locations with high foot traffic.
- Offer a variety of snacks, such as chips, candy, and healthier options.
Lower price than beverage & combo vending machines
**Beverage Vending Machines:**
- Dispense a range of beverages, including sodas, water, and energy drinks.
- Suitable for areas where people are likely to be thirsty, like offices or gyms.
3. **Combo Vending Machines:**
- Combine snacks and beverages in one machine.
- Save space and offer a diverse selection of products.
4. **Healthy Vending Machines:**
- Cater to the growing demand for healthier snack options.
- Include items like granola bars, nuts, and fruit snacks.
5. **Coffee Vending Machines:**
- Suitable for locations where people seek coffee on the go.
- Offer a variety of coffee types, hot chocolate, and tea.
6. **Micro-Market Kiosks:**
- Larger setups resembling a small convenience store.
- Allow customers to browse and select products in an open-market style.
Consider the preferences of your target audience and the environment where the vending machine will be placed. Additionally, choose a reputable manufacturer known for reliability and customer support. Always thoroughly research and analyze your specific market before making a final decision.
Need more information? Call 416-833-2011
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To find vending machine locations, consider approaching businesses directly, networking with local establishments, or using vending machine locating services.
Explore areas with high foot traffic and demographics matching your target audience.
Locations should have at least 50 people on site a day to provide adequate foot traffic. If they are open 7 days a week it is even better.
Possible locations: Schools - Gyms - Hotels Apartments - Arenas Airports & Train Stations Factories - Car Dealerships Recreation Centres - Retail Outlets - Office Buildings Laundromats - Shopping Centres
Need more information? Call 416-833-2011
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Shipping:
Your initial quote will have a shipping cost listed and that may be updated at time of invoicing depending on the time since the initial quote.
You will be invoiced for shipping with the most accurate shipping costs at time of ordering the vending equipment.
Our full-size vending machines are shipped on a pallet with one of our premier freight companies right to your location.
Inside delivery or "white glove" service is not included but could be provided for an extra fee if needed – call to get more information.
Once your order has been placed, it we will let you know when it will be shipped.
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Adding credit card readers to your vending machine will drive your revenue up 40% or more.
Learn how credit card readers work on vending machines!
Payment is presented
The first step to reading cards and accepting cashless payments is swiping, inserting, or tapping a card.
Information is transmitted.
Once the consumer swipes, inserts, or taps their card, their information will be transmitted out of the machine via a cellular modem. You’ll need a Wide Area Network (or WAN) connection to transmit encrypted card data from your machine. This type of connection works with a SIM card, similar to most cellular phones.
Data leaves the vending site
When the data is transmitted through the WAN connection, it reaches a payment gateway. The payment gateway includes a data processing center that receives encrypted data and sends it to a credit card processor so it can be approved.
Transaction is cleared
Once the credit card processor approves and clears the transaction, the payment gateway sends a signal back to the vending machine. This signal tells the device to accept or deny the transaction.
When the payment is complete, the sale appears on the consumer’s credit card statement, and the exact price will be charged to their card.
It’s important to note that, in some cases, an interim charge (that’s much larger than the vend transaction) may be posted to the consumer’s credit card statement. This higher charge acts as a placeholder until the final settlement occurs (usually within 24-48 hours).
Source: Michael Benson. January 5, 2024.
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