3 Things You Need to Know Before You Buy a Vending Machine.

If you’re thinking it’s time to buy a vending machine for your workplace, it’s likely because you want to enhance your team’s experience at work. Whether it’s providing convenient access to snacks, drinks or fresh food, the right vending solution can be a smart investment in employee wellbeing, satisfaction, and productivity. When thoughtfully selected and properly supported, vending machines don’t just fill a gap—they add real value to your business environment. To help you with your research we’ve have outlined the three most important considerations to buying a vending machine so you can buy your machine with confidence.

Vending machines come in all shapes and sizes, so the best place to start is with purpose. What do you want to offer your team—crisps and chocolate? Chilled drinks? Barista-style coffee? Fresh food? Maybe a mix of everything? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—just the right fit for your workplace. Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you’d like to provide, we can help you find the machine (or machines) that match your goals perfectly.

Snack & Confectionery Vending Machines: If you’re looking to buy a snack vending machine, the Crane Merchant and Evoca Swing are excellent options. Stock with staff-favourite crisps, chocolate, cereal bars, or any other long-life products. These are ideal for high traffic areas where food isn’t otherwise readily available, like the warehouse, so employees can grab a quick energy boost without leaving the floor.

Cold Drinks Vending Machines: If your main concern is keeping your team hydrated, the Crane Bevmax is a cold drink vending machine that uses a robotic arm to deliver your bottle or can, so you can open your carbonated beverage without the risk of a fizzy eruption.

Combination Vending Machines: A bag of salt and vinegar without a backup drink is a woeful tragedy that can be avoided with a combination vending machine. All our snack machines can be configured to stock both drinks and snacks, so even if space is limited, choice doesn’t have to be.

Fresh Food Vending Machines: The Evoca Festival is our go-to solution for workplaces that want to go beyond snacks. Think chilled sandwiches, fruit pots, wraps, salads—served safely, hygienically, and at just the right temperature. It’s the closest thing to a 24/7 canteen, perfect for shift-based operations or businesses focused on staff wellbeing.

If you’d like to offer a more comprehensive range, a smart fridge or micromarket is the solution for you. The future of vending is “unattended retail”, with self-service kiosks or smart fridges with weighted shelves that itemise your selection as you grab it. It has to be seen to be believed: check it out here.

When it comes to investing in a vending machine for your site, choosing the right payment option is just as important as choosing the right equipment. Many companies opt for leasing, as it allows the cost to be spread over a fixed term—usually between 12 and 72 months—helping to manage budgets more effectively while also offering tax advantages and the flexibility to upgrade when needed.

For a business with available capital, an outright purchase can offer the best long-term value, giving full ownership of the machine and avoiding ongoing rental fees, though it may come with higher maintenance costs over time.

Whatever route you take, it’s about finding the balance that works for your site, your budget, and your long-term operational goals.

Once you’ve decided what type of vending machine you need and how you’ll pay for it, the next step is choosing a supplier you can trust. It’s not just about getting the machine through the door—it’s about the ongoing service and support behind it.

Look for a supplier that offers high-quality equipment, flexible finance options, and a solid maintenance plan to keep everything running smoothly. At Connect Vending, we allocate our clients a dedicated account manager who understands the unique needs of each site. By monitoring consumer behaviour (to ensure your team’s favourites are always stocked) and liaising with facilities teams, it’s their job to make sure your vending solution performs optimally from day one.

(Sure, we’re biased, but we’re really proud of everything we do and we love to shout about it!)

You’ve selected your vending machine, decided how you will pay for it, and chosen a trusted supplier—now it’s time to consider how you’ll keep your machine running smoothly and fully stocked.

At Connect Vending, we offer fully managed maintenance and replenishment services designed to take the hassle out of day-to-day operations. Our experienced operators handle everything from restocking and cleaning to routine inspections, ensuring your machine remains in top condition and your staff always have access to their favourite snacks and drinks. Our tailored service schedules mean your machine gets the attention it needs, when it needs it. It’s a hands-off solution that keeps your vending service seamless and stress-free.

When you buy a vending machine UK side, you’re investing in more than just a snack station—it’s about enhancing your workplace experience, supporting your employees. At Connect Vending, we’re here to support you every step of the way. With our comprehensive service we ensure your vending machines are always stocked and in good shape, ready to meet your team’s needs. Let us help you make vending a seamless and valuable part of your workplace.​