Don't shoot your foot when looking for vending machine locations...

When finding locations for your vending machines, stay in control:

• Don't agree to every request just so you can get that "great" vending account. Things like cold food vending machines in a location of 20 employees or that request to import chocolate covered ants is not going to be filled by any vending operator that knows his / her business; so, don't feel like you will blow the deal if you say "no". However rather than just blowing them off, it is good to explain why it is not really feasible so that they realize other vendors will not be any more accomodating to their extreme requests.
• Don't agree to vended product commission requests without first evaluating their current vending room. If they want a commission, ask them what they are currently getting; see if the prices on products in their vending machines now coincide with this number. They will probably not demand a higher commission; if they can get a quality vending service, they may forget the commission all together. It also helps to explain that the commission will affect the price that their employees pay for snacks & drinks. Many companies consider low prices from the machines as another employee benefit that they can claim. Let them know about superior service, freshness guarantees, event service; other benefits you provide.
• Try to get all of the business even if they say a contract has them locked up for the soda machines. They often don't really know what the contract says; most allow for removal of the vendor in the event of poor service. Let them know that vendors usually will only provide snack vending machines if they also have the drink vendors. They have probably heard this before and may be ready to finally pull that contract from the back of the file drawer.

Remember, they NEED your service; you NEED to make a profit. If you come across very professional, they will usually agree with your recommendations by the end of the visit.